A group organiser explains how a meeting at the Group Leisure & Travel Show in Milton Keynes sparked a memorable day trip to St Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern for 47 U3A members, highlighting the ease of accessibility and the spectacular Millennium Bridge walk between venues.
Sue Abdullah explains how the Potters Bar U3A group trip came about and the highlights…
When I went to the Group Leisure & Travel Show in October, I spoke to the lady on the St Paul’s Cathedral stand. She explained what was included in the admission price and the ease of accessibility as we have a number of members with mobility issues.
She then sent us full details by email upon our return, quoting prices. We decided to pair St Paul’s with a visit to the Tate Modern which worked well. We took 47 people on the coach trip.
The highlight for me at the Tate Modern was the exhibition of Nigerian Modernism. The textiles were extremely colourful and brilliantly displayed.
Lunch recommendation and spectacular views
People were given free rein to choose where to eat, but I would definitely recommend the Café 101 in The Salvation Army Headquarters building, which is where some of us ate. The building is situated just off the end of the Millennium Bridge and offers home-cooked food at very reasonable prices.
After spending a couple of hours exploring the Tate Modern, we approached St Paul’s by walking across the Millennium Bridge, which gave us a magnificent view of the cathedral.
I would definitely recommend a walk across the Millennium Bridge between the two venues as it has brilliant views of London from an unusual perspective.
Exploring the history of St Paul’s
We entered St Paul’s Cathedral via the North Transept. Audio guides were available for those who wanted them and members of the group were left to explore at their own pace.
Some intrepid people climbed the many steps to the Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery and the Golden Gallery.
Downstairs in the Crypt were memorials and tombs to many famous people, from Florence Nightingale to William Blake and from Christopher Wren to Wellington.
All in all, it was a very interesting day out.
For more information on group visits to St Paul’s Cathedral, go to www.stpauls.co.uk and to the Tate Modern it’s www.tate.org.uk
What is the GLT Show?
Sue found this idea by talking to St Paul’s Cathedral direct, face-to-face at the Group Leisure & Travel Show.
It’s 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.
This year’s exhibition takes place on Thursday 8th October 2026 at Arena MK, Milton Keynes.
For more visitor and exhibitor information click to grouptravelshow.com.
