GTO Joyce Cook describes her successful visit to The Royal Mint Experience in south Wales with 100 U3A members, following a meeting with the attraction’s team at the Group Leisure & Travel Show.
Joyce runs trips for Basingstoke & Old Basing U3A and said that The Royal Mint “was a brilliant place to go” and made for an “extremely interesting” visit.
She first met the team at the annual GLT Show in Milton Keynes and spoke to them about potentially bringing a group to the attraction which is located just 20 minutes from Cardiff. Joyce told us: “I was already beginning to think about going there and when I spoke to Paul Brandwood there, he was very helpful and gave me a few suggestions.
“Meeting him convinced me to go ahead with a trip - he gave me his card and then we planned it all.”
Joyce, who won the GTO of the Year Award® in 2024 took two coaches, a total of 100 people, to the attraction in Llantrisant, south Wales on separate days over a week.
“In 2025 alone, the [GLT] Show proved its value once again, generating over £10,000 worth of business on the day, a clear reflection of the quality audience and the importance of maintaining a presence at this key industry event.”
Paul Brandwood, The Royal Mint Experience
They were given a cream tea on arrival and then had a tour, with plenty of time to look around and do some shopping. Members of Joyce’s group were also able to buy a coin that they could then press themselves.
She said: “It was so easy to get around and the guides were brilliant. They made it extremely interesting; the way they spoke about it, you’d think we were the first group they had shown around.”
Upon advice from the team at The Royal Mint, Joyce combined the visit with a trip to the nearby St Fagans National Museum of History, which she said was “very good with so much to see and do.”
The Royal Mint team are regular exhibitors at the Group Leisure & Travel Show which in 2026 takes place at Arena MK in Milton Keynes on Thursday 8th October this year.
Paul Brandwood, the attraction’s business development manager, said: “Exhibiting at the Group Leisure Travel Show continues to be an important part of our strategy for connecting with group travel organisers and showcasing what we offer.
“Over the years, we’ve seen engagement grow significantly, with more visitors stopping by our stand and stronger conversations turning into real opportunities.
“In 2025 alone, the show proved its value once again, generating over £10,000 worth of business on the day, a clear reflection of the quality audience and the importance of maintaining a presence at this key industry event.”
What is the GLT Show?
The Group Leisure & Travel Show is a day when attractions, hotels, tour operators, tourist boards, cruise lines and experiences showcase 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 information on group visits to The Royal Mint Experience, go to www.royalmint.com.
To register to visit the Group Leisure & Travel Show click here.
For details of exhibiting opportunities and sponsorships at the GLT Show call Lisa Milton on 01908 613323 or email lisa.m@yandellmedia.com.
You can also find out lots of information about the event at grouptravelshow.com.
