News & Views... finding out what's new
New openings and the latest ideas to help you organise great group trips and holidays.
What's New?
Daish’s Holidays invests £1m in major refurbishments
The UK coach holiday provider is investing £1 million in a winter refurbishment programme across ten of its hotels.
Faye Tozer joining Mean Girls The Musical tour
The full cast has been announced for the UK tour which is set to open at Manchester Opera House in February 2026.
Sail on the Solent with Steamship Shieldhall
Steamship Shieldhall in Southampton have released details of the ship’s 2026 sailing progamme, with groups able to take advantage of discounts.
Blenheim Palace announces packed schedule for coming year
The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire has plenty coming up for groups, including exhibitions, events and its annual jousting tournament.
Climb the UK’s highest roof walk at Ally Pally
Launching in February, Summit will take groups up to 130 metres above sea level on the roof of the iconic Alexandra Palace in London.
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Latest Issue
Your Dec edition includes: Summer Planning, Immersive Experiences, Simon Calder on great overseas ideas, what's new in Wales, and much more.
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Faulty Towers The Dining Experience taking over Scotland
The immersive dining experience, based on the beloved BBC sitcom, will return to Scotland in spring for a full tour.
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Entry/Exit delays, the Barbican and noctourism anyone?
Our resident Grumpy Group Organiser bites into concerns about Entry/Exit System delays, the planned renewal of the Barbican and more seemingly endless words for tourism.
Sleep tourism, travel insurance and using AI to plan holidays
The rise of ‘sleep tourism’, travel insurance fibs and why we should be cautious of using bots to plan group trips are all up for discussion for our opinionated organiser.
Bowes Museum hosting Vivienne Westwood’s style and impressionist art
The museum has announced its 2026 exhibition programme, including a focus on the career of one of Britain’s most famous designers and never-before-seen impressionist masterpieces.
Thousands of group trip ideas in 2026 Who’s Who directory
The latest edition of the trusted Who’s Who in Group Leisure directory is now available, featuring comprehensive listings of attractions, suppliers and contacts.
Contenders ready! Gladiators Experience coming to Birmingham
Visitors will be able to test themselves in some of the most famous challenges from the hit BBC show, including Duel, Hang Tough and The Wall.
Paddington takes to the stage as production extends to February 2027
Fans of the beloved bear from Peru can now see the production for longer, after it was announced that Paddington, the Brown family and co extended their stay at the Savoy Theatre.
Chiswick House & Gardens unveils seasonal highlights
Groups can explore more than 65 acres of historic gardens in the heart of West London, with a range of seasonal highlights to look forward to throughout the year.
Capital Theatre to open in autumn 2026 with Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage will be the first production at the new theatre in Shepherd’s Bush, which opens in October 2026.
Club La Santa offers ultimate group destination in Lanzarote
Club La Santa in Lanzarote combines adventure, wellness and unforgettable experiences for sports clubs, corporate teams and active leisure groups.
Railway 200 exhibition train prepares for 2026 journey around the UK
Groups still have the chance to go onboard Inspiration, a special exhibition train which is touring the UK to mark 200 years of the modern railway.
Harewood House’s 2026 season opener is first-of-its-kind display
Running from 23rd January to 7th June, the display will be the first time artist Charlotte Verity has exhibited inside a historic country house and the first time her work has been extensively showcased in the north of England.
Disney’s The Lion King & Hercules extend West End stays
The hit productions will now run until May 2027 and October 2026 respectively, giving more time for Disney fans to enjoy the shows in London.
Contemporary dance and ‘ballet with attitude’ at Sadler’s Wells
The new season will feature a wide range of dance styles, work by some of dance’s most renowned female choreographers and interpretations of some of Shakespeare’s works.
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap set for 75th anniversary tour
The world’s longest running play will embark on a major UK tour from September 2026, running through to 2027 as part of the production’s 75th anniversary year.
The BFG opens Chichester Festival Theatre’s 2026 season
Group tickets are now available for Chichester Festival Theatre’s spectacular new production of Roald Dahl’s The BFG, opening in March.
Travel sector reacts to proposed UK tourist tax
UK mayors could soon have the power to introduce tourist taxes on overnight stays but the move has sparked mixed reactions from the travel industry.
RHS Malvern Spring Festival returning with new theme
The first RHS flower show of the season will return to the Three Counties Showground in May 2026, showcasing new horticultural trends and innovations.
Opening date for World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris
The World of Frozen will open at Disney Adventure World on 29th March, 2026 with highlights including Elsa’s Ice Palace atop a 118-foot towering North Mountain.
Young V&A to host major Wallace & Gromit exhibition in 2026
The display celebrating 50 years of Aardman Animations will open at Young V&A in February, featuring over 150 objects including never-before-seen models.
RSC’s The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind to transfer to West End
Following a six-week run in Stratford-upon-Avon, the production will transfer to @sohoplace, London for a further 12-weeks.
Renovated barn space explores Henry Moore’s life and work
Sheep Field Barn at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens will re-open on 1st April 2026 and feature a presentation on the sculptor and a changing exhibition programme.