An Oxfordshire based group travel organiser has praised the Living Crafts festival at Hatfield Park after discovering the event at the Group Leisure & Travel Show, with members enjoying hands-on demonstrations.
GTO Pat Lake who runs Chippy Active Trips took a coach of 34 members to the event which took place in Hertfordshire in May.
He said: “It’s a very good event and all of our members enjoyed it and took part in some of the demonstrations. It’s the second time we have been. The layout and organisation worked really well and there seemed to be more to look at and take part in this year.
“The gardens and restaurant are open as well which is great. They were doing tours of the garden which groups can look at doing.
“It’s an unusual and very good day out for us. It’s a bit different to the other things that we do.”
Pat first found out about the Living Crafts festival when he met some of the team who had a stand at the Group Leisure & Travel Show in Milton Keynes. He spoke to them to find out more and then arranged to take his group for the first time last year. Pat has also arranged two other visits off the back of the GLT Show in October - Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire and the RHS Badminton Flower Show.
About the Living Crafts festival
Living Crafts, which first started in 1974, is all about celebrating the best of British craft and design. Entry tickets included access to Hatfield House’s parkland, woodland walks as well as the Elizabeth Oak. The four-day event features more than 200 of the UK’s leading creatives, artists and designer-makers alongside shopping, demonstrations and have-a-go workshops and activities. There is also live musical entertainment along with free entry and guided tours of the gardens and Old Palace.
There are discounts for groups of 15 or more. Dates for 2027 will be released in due course.
Pick up your own inspiration at the GLT Show
This year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show takes place on Thursday 8th October 2026 at Arena MK, Milton Keynes.
Attractions, hotels, tour operators, tourist boards, cruise lines and experiences will be showcasing what they can offer groups.
Visitors are also able to enjoy a range of talks from celebrity experts. GTOs and coach tour operators are offered free entry, free parking and complimentary breakfast and lunch.
For more visitor and exhibitor information click to grouptravelshow.com.
