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?
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.
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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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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.
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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.
Blenheim Palace unveils major exhibition for 2026
Opening in February, Blueprints of Power will mark the 300th anniversary of Blenheim Palace architect Sir John Vanbrugh.
Sir David Attenborough-led exhibition extends in London
Our Story with David Attenborough at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington has been extended until August 2026 due to popular demand.
Kew’s Orchid Festival celebrates China’s biodiversity
The 30th annual Kew Orchid Festival, which runs in February and March, will feature horticultural displays inspired by China’s biodiversity.
Ramble Worldwide launches cruise & walk itineraries
The walking holiday specialist has teamed up with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, combining small cruise experiences and guided walking itineraries.
Visit the world’s largest immersive Pixar exhibition
Pixar lovers will be able to experience their favourite films from the brand when the Mundo Pixar Experience opens in Wembley Park in February 2026.
Dance thriller The Car Man touring UK theatres
Groups can experience Matthew Bourne’s dance thriller 25 years on from its first performance when it begins touring UK theatres in June 2026, visiting 16 venues over 22 weeks.
Visitor and exhibitor surveys show GLT Show satisfaction is sky high
The feedback from the 2025 exhibition reveals that visitors and exhibitors met the right people, did good business and loved the venue.
Last Princesses of Punjab exhibition at Kensington Palace
A new exhibition at Kensington Palace will tell the remarkable story of Queen Victoria’s goddaughter and five other royal women who became powerful changemakers.
Westminster Abbey launches group booking portal
Travel operators and Blue Badge Tourist Guides will be able to pre-book discounted group tickets with timed entry to the historic London landmark.
Avenue Q musical returns to London’s West End in 2026
The irreverent puppet musical is set to return to London’s West End in March 2026, with the original Broadway director Jason Moore at the helm of this highly anticipated revival.
Oh What a Night! Jersey Boys returning for 20th anniversary tour
The production telling the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons will head out on tour from June 2026, booking through 2027.
Group rates for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats musical
A new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Cats is visiting UK theatres in 2026, opening in Plymouth in October.
Grand Egyptian Museum opens with complete Tutankhamun collection
The world’s largest museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilisation has opened near the Pyramids of Giza, featuring the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time since 1922.
Kynren returns in 2026 with UK’s ‘first historical theme park’
Kynren’s 2026 season will begin in July and will also see the opening of Kynren – The Storied Lands, a new immersive theme park.
Buckingham Palace summer opening among 2026 highlights
Royal Collection Trust has announced its programme of group visits and private tours at the official residences of His Majesty The King for the coming year.
The Hunger Games: On Stage booking until October
Following demand, the first ever stage adaptation of the acclaimed book and blockbuster film has already extended its stay at the purpose-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre.
Wicked becomes ninth longest-running West End show in history
Hit musical Wicked has achieved a major milestone, becoming the ninth longest-running production in West End history and the longest-running show ever at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
Beaulieu announces varied and packed 2026 events calendar
Highlights at the New Forest attraction include the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, historical re-enactments and outdoor theatre performances.
Paddington finally revealed as the famous bear takes to the stage
Fans of the beloved bear from Peru can now see what the character looks like as previews begin at the Savoy Theatre and bookings extend to October 2026.