News & Views... finding out what's new
New openings and the latest ideas to help you organise great group trips and holidays.
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Free group visits available to see Marble Hill’s restored villa and gardens
Groups are being welcomed back to Marble Hill in West London with free visits from 21st June to explore its opulent rooms and pleasure garden.
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A surge in travel demand, tight shorts and partying too hard
More people are booking holidays, which is great news, although you may want to avoid some French swimming pools. Plus, groups that like to stick one too many away may be in for a shock.
Shocking staff changes, no more BBC tours and painfully slow table service
Grumpy Group Organiser has his say on the controversial sacking of P&O Ferries employees, the sad reality of Covid cancelling BBC tours and his love-hate relationship with table service apps.
Coach packages launched to see classical music star André Rieu in concert
Tickets for André Rieu’s 2023 UK tour have gone on sale, with group organisers able to book coach breaks to see the Dutch violinist and his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra next spring.
Jodrell Bank’s striking First Light Pavilion opens to visitors for the first time
Jodrell Bank’s newest attraction, the First Light Pavilion, created to bring the UNESCO World Heritage site’s story to life, has opened its doors to visitors for the first time.
Travelodge unveils more group-friendly accommodation as part of development schedule
The UK’s second largest hotel chain, Travelodge, has revealed its development schedule for 2022 and 2023, which includes six new hotels, offering affordable group options in top locations.
Jennie Bond to add a touch of Royalty to GLT Show
Broadcaster, journalist and former BBC Royal Correspondent, Jennie Bond has been added to the speaker line-up for the 2022 Group Leisure & Travel Show which takes place at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes on 6th October.
Group bookings for West End’s Cabaret extended until 2023
Groups can now book tickets for the production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London until April next year.
Step back in time with these cruise holidays along the Rhine and Danube
Arena Travel has launched a programme of river cruises aboard its own MS Arena for 2023, including a journey from the Rhine Valley to the upper reaches of the Danube, ideal for history lovers.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe roars into the West End
C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which has been on the road throughout the UK and Ireland, will make its West End premiere this summer at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, Drury Lane, London.
Lin-Manual Miranda’s Hamilton welcomes new cast to its London stage
Producers of the West End production of Hamilton have revealed new casting for the show who will take their place on the stage at the Victoria Palace Theatre for the first time this summer.
GLT competition winner enjoyed “thought-provoking” flower displays at Salisbury Cathedral
Elizabeth Clift, who won GLT’s competition to visit Salisbury Cathedral’s Celebration: A Festival of Flowers preview event, says she had a fantastic time and was delighted to win the competition.
See ‘world’s oldest stained glass’ on Canterbury Cathedral tour
The 60-minute guided tour from the team at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent will have groups uncovering every intricate detail of its stained glass windows, believed to be among the oldest in the world.
Star Clippers resumes full sailing programme for the first time in over two years
Cruise operator Star Clippers now has all three of its tall-ships back in service, kick starting its Mediterranean itineraries following a halt in operations due to the pandemic.
GLT Show 2022: visitor registration and free coach travel bookings now open
The Group Leisure & Travel Show is back at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes on Thursday 6th October. Visitors can now register online to attend the event for free, with complimentary coach transfer information now also available.
Christmas light trail returns to Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
The one-mile winter trail in Kent is said to be a place where fairy tale meets fantasy, with towering trees and flora providing plenty of festive moments from 18th November until 2nd January.
German castles and immersive experiences among Scenic’s European highlights
Luxury operator, Scenic has unveiled its cruise collection on Europe’s rivers for 2023, with a range of new itineraries and experiences available.
The ball is over for Cinderella as Lloyd Webber musical closes early
Cinderella, the musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber is to cut its West End run short with its last performance at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 12th June.
More Wonka fun promised as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical returns for 2023 tour
A new production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical is embarking on a UK and Ireland tour from February 2023 with a host of venues already confirmed.
Mini cruise packages with extra perks for groups heading to Amsterdam
DFDS is offering groups mini cruise packages on its reinstated route from Newcastle to Amsterdam which includes fine dining, duty-free shopping and exclusive group extras.
LEGOLAND® adds Magical Forest to MYTHICA attraction
The self-guided walk-through experience is said to further enhance LEGO® MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures, a themed land at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.
Celebrity Cruises adds more luxury and innovation as fleet expands
Celebrity Beyond features innovative design from leading architects and interior designers, fine dining experiences from Michelin starred chefs, fine art, cutting-edge entertainment and luxury brand retailers.