Never-before-seen Hidden London underground tours available online
London Transport Museum is offering groups exclusive London underground online tours to disused stations, with two sites available that are never open to the public.
New things to look forward to in Greater Manchester this year and beyond
From a major new garden project to museum improvements, a poetry library and something for the adrenaline junkies, there is plenty to look out for in Greater Manchester throughout 2021 and into next year.
10 of the best openings, shows and celebrations in England this year
Make up for lost time in 2021 with this list of new openings, theatre shows and celebrations.
Bowes Museum to host exhibition dedicated to the region’s quilts
The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle in County Durham will host an exhibition showcasing some of the remarkable North Country quilts it has added to its collection over the last 20 years.
World’s largest touring exhibition of Banksy artworks coming to London’s Covent Garden
Group tickets are now available for what will be the UK’s first chance to see the world’s largest touring collection by notorious artist Banksy, showcasing works rarely seen by the general public. It opens in March 2021 and runs until September.
Exclusive online talks and future group visits at the Florence Nightingale Museum
The Florence Nightingale Museum in London is offering groups exclusive online talks, as well as future tours which all help bring the story of ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ to life.
6 of the best museums for families
From finding out about the toilet habits of astronauts to a journey through Britain’s fascinating car heritage, there’s a museum to suit family groups, whatever your age range and interests.
Group organiser Gwen Wright reflects on an “amazing” day trip to Southampton
How a series of lectures on Zoom during lockdown led to a fascinating day out in Southampton for Gwen Wright and her Cranleigh Arts Society group.
John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ piano goes on display at Liverpool’s Strawberry Field attraction
John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird has welcomed the arrival of her brother’s piano, used to compose and record Imagine, to Liverpool’s Strawberry Field attraction.
Annual survey reveals England’s most popular attractions during 2019
The annual attractions survey by VisitEngland has revealed the most popular free and paid-for attractions visited during 2019.
New museum and cultural attraction 'The Box' opens in Plymouth
The Box in Plymouth has opened its doors for the first time - the largest arts and heritage museum space to open in the UK this year.
RAF Museum’s new displays commemorate Battle of Britain 80
The Royal Air Force Museum has opened new exhibitions at its London and Cosford sites to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Bodmin Jail to reopen following £8.5 million redevelopment
Cornwall’s Bodmin Jail is set to reopen on 1st October after undergoing a major £8.5 million redevelopment, bringing new features to the historic prison.
Groups return to World of James Herriot as new series of All Creatures Great and Small starts
The first coach group has visited the World of James Herriot since before lockdown, ahead of the return of All Creatures Great and Small to our television screens.
8 of the most beautiful places in… Wiltshire
In this instalment, we shine a spotlight on Wiltshire, where green landscapes, atmospheric ruins and even a former Prime Minister’s house awaits…
Code-breaking puzzles and family fun at Bletchley Park this summer
Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes, home of the World War Two code-breakers, has revealed a host of activities to welcome back families with discounts available.
Gardens, museums & country houses were among most popular visitor attractions last year
The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) has released its 2019 visitor numbers with gardens, museums and historic properties seeing an especially successful year.
Great days out for groups: readers tell us where they love to go
We asked more readers to share some of their best group days out - and they did not disappoint. Have a look at these…
Aerospace Bristol celebrates the remarkable heritage of Concorde
We speak to visitor services manager Rachel Chivers about the exciting developments happening at Aerospace Bristol.
One year on: the success and challenges of creating group experiences at the Painted Hall
Sasha Greig, head of visitor experience and retail at the Old Royal Naval College reflects on the successes and challenges of the last year.
Visitor attractions still marking VE Day with special experiences
From a virtual festival to ringing bells for the local community, there’s plenty being organised for the day and beyond. Share these with your group so you can all enjoy them as we continue to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Group trip reflections: Geoff Allen on a visit to Aerospace Bristol
Geoff Allen, who organises trips for Travallen Travel & Events, reports back on a recent stellar visit to Aerospace Bristol.
Arrange a virtual group visit to some of Europe’s best museums
These online virtual tours bring the beauty and wonder of the continent to you and your group - think of it as a fam trip for next year’s outings.
RAF Museum to remember the Blitz in latest exhibition
More than 60 works of art will go on display at London’s RAF Museum to shine a spotlight on different artist’s responses to the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
Arctic life and South Asian history at the British Museum this year
The free London museum has been busy sharing details about its 2020 programme – and there’s some unique events going on.
Group rates for myths and legends display at The Bowes Museum
Fantasy and fairy tales are brought to life at the Barnard Castle-based museum’s spring exhibition.
From steam trains to street marches: this year’s group events at Beamish
Beamish has announced a full programme of events for the year ahead inspired by national and local heritage.
More time to see striking Van Gogh immersive experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience has seen more than 50,000 visitors through its doors since opening last summer in York, sparking a further extension and plans to open the attraction in Leicester.
Extraordinary story brought to life at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the remarkable homecoming journey of the world’s first great ocean liner.
Some of the places the GLT team have visited in 2019
The Group Leisure & Travel team have been here, there and everywhere in 2019. We’ve picked out a handful of our favourite visits to help inspire your next group trip.
A familiarisation trip to Wiltshire exploring parts of the Great West Way
Applications have now closed for this Reader Club trip which includes some of Wiltshire’s top attractions.
Extraordinary experiences of home brought to life in revamped museum
The Museum of the Home in London will reopen next summer after an £18.1 million development, doubling in size.
London’s Science Museum opens fascinating medical display
The Science Museum in South Kensington has opened one of the most significant medical collections in the world, featuring 3,000 different and interesting objects.
Top 5 must-do experiences at Ironbridge Gorge Museums
The World Heritage Site in Shropshire has plenty for groups to discover, from remarkable landscapes to fascinating stories.
Royal Collection reveals group events and tours for 2020
Groups can now book events and exhibitions at the royal residences next year, including exclusive private tours.
Review: The ambitious and intriguing Tutankhamun exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery
GLT’s deputy editor Katherine Payne got an early look at the rare relics from Tutankhamun’s tomb in all of their remarkable detail.
Record-breaking Tutankhamun exhibition opens in London this weekend
Here’s all you need to know ahead of Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh opening this weekend at the Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea.
The Royal Collection Trust’s 2020 exhibitions to look out for
Get planning for next year with our round-up of the art and photography displays at the Royal Collection Trust (RCT)’s attractions.
Transport Museum’s Hidden London tours now available for groups
The London Transport Museum has launched Hidden London tours for groups for the very first time, taking visitors down into some of the capital’s disused tube stations and secret spaces at a discounted rate.
Liverpool’s World Museum to host first ever exhibition of Taki Katei’s work outside Japan
This autumn, the city’s World Museum will display the first ever exhibition of Taki Katei’s work outside Japan as part of the UK-Japan Season of Culture.
Nottinghamshire’s Portland Collection reopens to the public
The historic Welbeck estate has reopened its Portland Collection gallery following an extended closure after the theft of its Portland Tiara last November.
Annual VisitBritain survey reveals England’s most popular attractions
VisitBritain’s annual study on the number of visits to different attractions has been released, with two London sites taking first place in the top ten paid and free places to go.
New Buckinghamshire itineraries to bring TV and literary fans to the county
Visit Buckinghamshire & The Chilterns has created new itineraries, suitable for groups, linking to various films, TV series and authors.
George IV’s art collection on display in new exhibition at Buckingham Palace
The Royal Collection Trust’s display George IV: Art & Spectacle will open at The Queen’s Gallery this November.
6 of the most unusual group days out in the UK
Our pick of some of the most unique places to take your members for a group trip with a difference.
Bringing the 1950s to life with opening of new ‘welfare hall’ at Beamish
The first building in a new 1950s Town being created at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, has opened to the public.
RAF museums to host Summer of Spitfire season
The RAF museums, located in London and Cosford, have revealed their programme of events which will pay homage to the iconic World War Two plane.
London’s Science museum opens new futuristic exhibition
The Science Museum has opened a new exhibition named Driverless: Who is in control?, exploring ‘how close we are to living in a world driven by thinking machines.’
UK premiere for Van Gogh immersive experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will make its UK debut this summer in York city centre, allowing visitors to literally step inside his paintings.
British Motor Museum's new exhibition explores the future of the car
The display, which opens this July and runs into 2020, will look at the latest car technology allowing visitors to design their own ‘car of the future’.
Body mapping service added to BODY WORLDS London attractions
As well as learning about the human body through Dr Gunther von Hagens’ amazing plastination process, you can now get a free body-mapping service as part of a visit to BODY WORLDS London in a new interactive area of the museum.
Once in a lifetime Leonardo da Vinci exhibition opens at Buckingham Palace
The largest display of the artist’s work, in more than 65 years, is now open to the public at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
Shepherdess Alison O'Neill exhibition to open in Yorkshire
The shepherdess Alison O’Neill will have an exhibition about her life and work on display at the Dales Countryside Museum in Yorkshire from 22nd May.
Rare self-portrait on display at Tate Britain's new William Blake exhibition
A self-portrait of William Blake will be on display for the first time in the UK as part of a new exhibition showcasing more than 300 original artworks.
Naze Tower to host bumper 2019 season as it reopens its doors
The Naze Tower in Essex has opened to the public for its 15th year, and will remain accessible for visitors until 3rd November, with a range of exhibitions, events and activities lined up.
Follow in the footsteps of…Queen Victoria
With 2019 marking the 200th anniversary Queen Victoria’s birth, here are some of the places you can go to learn more about the second-longest reigning monarch, this year and next.
Coldharbour Mill launches new group travel offer
Coldharbour Mill Museum in Devon has revealed details of its latest group package, encouraging more people to visit the working Victorian factory and museum.
The Queen unveils upcoming secret service exhibition at Science Museum
Her Majesty The Queen has revealed London Science Museum’s newest exhibition which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the UK’s Intelligence, Security and Cyber agency.
Tate Modern takes the top spot for UK visitors
The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) has revealed its latest 2018 visitor numbers with the Tate Modern taking the top spot as the most popular choice.
York Castle Museum's latest display explores broken relationships
The exhibition, known around the world as one of the most innovative and daring, will feature a variety of quirky items and stories.
RAF Museum launches new Dambusters VR experience
The Royal Air Force Museum in London has unveiled its latest experience - a virtual reality attraction transporting visitors to a pivotal moment in history.
Biggest ever Tutankhamun exhibition is coming to London
A exhibition focusing on the young pharoah Tutankhamun and his tomb artefacts will go on display in London later this year.
The future of driving explored in new Science Museum exhibition
The Science Museum in London will be opening a new exhibition this June which focuses on the future of driving technology.
Glorious gowns at the V&A
Jeannine Williamson went to the new Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition, now on at London’s V&A.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to return to Beverley Art Gallery
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, will return to the Beverley Art Gallery this summer.
Abbot Hall Art Gallery to host major show on Turner and Ruskin
Lakeland Arts has revealed that it will be exhibiting more than 450 years of art history as part of its 2019 programme of exhibitions, which will include a huge summer show on artists Ruskin and Turner.
Shakespeare's Globe and The View from The Shard: In the eye of the beholder
Laura Sexton reports back from an exciting Reader Club Trip to Shakespeare’s Globe and The View from the Shard.
Windermere Jetty Museum to open in spring
The Lake District’s new Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories will open its doors on 23rd March this year.
Cool and quirky museums to visit with your group
A study carried out by Art Fund has found that 63% of UK adults visit a museum or gallery to destress, but with so many to pick from in the UK we’ve rounded up some of the more unusual ones.
National Portrait Gallery to stage exhibition on the women of Pre-Raphaelite art
This autumn the National Portrait Gallery in London will host a new exhibition focused on the untold story of the women of Pre-Raphaelite art.
Biggin Hill Memorial Museum to open its doors for the first time
The new museum is set to open to the public for the first time on the 2nd February 2019.
Jane Austen’s House Museum to celebrate 70th anniversary
Jane Austen’s House Museum is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a programme of displays and events this year.
Russell-Cotes Museum receives major funding for reinterpretation project
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth has received funding to improve three rooms in the historic house.
Tim Peake’s spacesuit to go on display in Leicester
Following its UK tour, Tim Peake’s spacesuit will go on display at the National Space Centre in Leicester this summer.
British Museum announces 2019 exhibition calendar
The British Museum in London has released details on its forthcoming exhibitions for 2019.
New exhibitions arrive at National Army Museum
Two new exhibitions focusing on equine artist Sir Alfred Munnings and the British hussars have opened at the National Army Museum.
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New exhibition and lots of events at British Motor Museum in 2019
The British Motor Museum, in Warwickshire, has announced a schedule of more than 16 motoring shows for 2019, as well as a new exhibition.
The exhibitions your group won’t want to miss
From exploring the body, to the arts, here are some of the exhibitions your group can enjoy during 2019.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exhibition arrives at Beaulieu
The exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the much-loved musical film and features cars, costumes and original film concept art.
Major new gallery to open in Milton Keynes
The new MK Gallery in Milton Keynes will open on 16th March 2019 and will feature five galleries showcasing the town’s development.
New and rarely seen works of art arrive at Somerset House
The first major solo art exhibition featuring work from internationally renowned South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga will run until January 2019 at the London venue.
7 places to visit and commemorate the Great War
We look at the museums, exhibitions and attractions with links to the First World War you can visit with your group.
The National Stud receives Coach Friendly Status
The National Stud in Newmarket has been awarded with Coach Friendly Status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK.
Touring Roald Dahl exhibition opens in York
A touring exhibition from House of Illustration, curated by Quentin Blake, has now opened at York Art Gallery featuring imagery from The BFG.
Galleries at St Fagans museum look at generations of human life
St Fagans National Museum of History in Wales has undergone a £30 million restoration.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum announces new autumn exhibition
The new exhibition, opening at the Bournemouth based museum on 2nd November will feature photographs of China in the 1860/70s.
New BODY WORLDS museum brings death to life
GLT attended the opening of the incredible new museum experience in London, BODY WORLDS.
London’s newest museum experience about the human body
The new flagship exhibition, BODY WORLDS will provide an interactive and fun insight into the human body.
Game of Thrones’ Northern Ireland locations to open to public
Fans of the HBO show will soon be able to explore the iconic filming locations as they open to the public.
New women’s art exhibition to be held at Mining Art Gallery
The display, at the Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland, will present artwork depicting women from the 19th century mining communities.
Further details of 2019 Yorkshire Sculpture International announced
Additional information on first Yorkshire Sculpture International event has been released.
Group visits to Woburn Abbey & Gardens’ Garden Show
The Garden Show at Woburn Abbey & Gardens in Bedfordshire will welcome more groups when it returns next June.
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Relive the Royal Wedding in public display at Royal Collection attractions
The wedding outfits worn by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be on display..
Festive afternoon teas for groups at Raby Castle
Christmas celebrations at County Durham’s Raby Castle will include afternoon teas, real reindeer and a festive market.
Haunting Crimea images by ‘father’ of war photography on display at Buckingham Palace
A new exhibition of pictures by the man dubbed the ‘father or war photography’ will go on display at Buckingham Palace.
5 free things to do in Yorkshire
Yorkshire has seen the biggest rise in visitor interest, according to an annual report by VisitEngland, so we round up five of the best free attractions that groups will love.
Most visited attractions revealed amid historic properties boom
England’s ‘world class’ historic properties are enjoying a purple patch as enthusiasts flock to them in their droves.
Free tours at Hever Castle & Gardens
A dazzling display of daffodils is just one of the horticultural treats on offer at Historic Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent next year.
More illuminations for Dunham Massey festive light trail
Christmas at Dunham Massey will return to the historic National Trust property in Cheshire from 30th November until 30th December, featuring more illuminations and festive displays.
Horrors of Spanish Flu on display at Florence Nightingale Museum
The horrors of the Spanish Flu 100 years ago is brought to life in an exhibition at the Florence Nightingale Museum.
Emmerdale Studio Experience introduces new feature to tour
The Emmerdale Studio Experience in Leeds has opened a brand-new set; an exact replica of the soap’s Café Main Street.
Remaking Beamish project opens first new attraction
The ‘Remaking Beamish’ project has seen the opening of its first attraction as Joe the Quilter’s cottage is added to the reasons to visit at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North in County Durham.
Blenheim to host Cinderella-themed experience this Christmas
This Christmas, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire will be transformed, both inside and out, to showcase what is expected to be its biggest Christmas yet, with a new indoor experience.
New Museum of London display celebrates 500-year history of Christ’s Hospital
A new exhibition celebrating the impact of London’s first orphanage and school over the past 500 years has opened.
Undress the Tudors and Stuarts at Royal Museums Greenwich
Groups visiting the Queen’s House at Royal Museums Greenwich will soon be able to get a unique insight into the clothes worn by the Tudors and Stuarts with a new costume demonstration.
V&A announces UK’s largest Dior exhibition
A new exhibition for the Victoria & Albert Museum in London will open in February 2019, showcasing the life and works of Christian Dior.
New World Gallery now open at Horniman Museum
Over 3,000 objects from around the world have gone on display as the Horniman Museum’s World Gallery is now open.
New wildlife centre set to open in Wales
The plans for a new wildlife centre in Wales have been accepted in Montgomeryshire, with the hopes of attracting up to 60,000 visitors a year.
Bowes Museum to host summer exhibition on fashion photography
The countdown is on to the Bowes Museum’s catwalking summer exhibition which opens on 7th July.
Bletchley Park to open new D-Day visitor experience in 2019
Buckinghamshire-based Bletchley Park has announced it will open a major new exhibition featuring film and displays in spring 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
New visitor centre to explore Kent’s mining heritage
The Kent Mining Heritage Foundation has received funding towards the development and support of the Betteshanger Project, which aims to expand the heritage offering in the area.
5 free things to do in London
To celebrate London History Day, we round up five itinerary fillers for a day out in London that are dedicated to the capital’s past, and won’t cost you a penny to enjoy.
Light and sound displays announced for Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens, in London, will be transformed by a host of newly commissioned artworks of light and sound this festive season.
RHS to present Floral Fantasia alongside plant experts
The Royal Horticultural Society has teamed up with seed and plant experts Thompson & Morgan to create an inspirational garden experience for visitors this summer.
Improved access at Manchester Museum with new gallery spaces
Manchester Museum has received a confirmed grant for a major project which will see new spaces created for exhibitions.
The Bishop’s Palace reveals new sculpture trail
The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be hosting a new sculpture trail from this September within its gardens and Medieval buildings.
Science Museum to host major exhibition about the sun
London’s Science Museum will host The Sun: Living With Our Star, an exhibition exploring the earth’s relationship with the sun.
Exhibitions, libraries and retail at new Japan House London
An Art Deco building on Kensington High Street will become Japan House London: a visitor experience and creative crossroads for Japan and the UK.
New Coronation Street packages as attraction opens to public
Groups can enjoy an exclusive look behind the scenes of British soap opera, Coronation Street, with some new tour packages.
National Marine Aquarium celebrates 20 years with events programme
The National Marine Aquarium (NMA) in Plymouth will be celebrating its 20th birthday this year with a programme of events to commemorate its work and inspire new audiences about oceans and their importance for a healthy planet.
Dine with Dippy packages available alongside tour
The Natural History Museum’s famous diplodocus skeleton is currently on a tour of the UK and is heading to Birmingham where groups can arrange dining packages at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
Pigeon displays and sound installations at festival in Greenwich
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), London’s festival of outdoor theatre and performing arts, will run from 21st June to 7th July in locations across Royal Greenwich, Royal Docks and Tower Hamlets.
London Nights exhibition to reveal hidden side of the capital
There are only a few days to go until a new major photography exhibition opens at the Museum of London.
Sculptures, artworks and zoetrope go on display at Castle Howard
Castle Howard, in Yorkshire, has just opened a new Mat Collishaw art exhibition.
Museum of Memories to open at Weston-super-Mare pier
Due to open on 26th May at the Grand Pier, the new museum experience will take visitors down memory lane through nostalgic artefacts.