The gardening expert and Antiques Roadshow favourite share what visitors to the Group Leisure & Travel Show can expect and what they are looking forward to at the exhibition in Milton Keynes.
Both Adam Frost and Mark Smith will be talking at this year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show, alongside travel journalist Simon Calder, and they have spoken about what they are looking forward to
The GLT Show 2025 takes place on Thursday 2nd October at Arena MK, Milton Keynes and as usual, the Seminar Theatre is free and open to all visitors.
Gardeners’ World presenter, Adam Frost: what to expect from his talk
Adam Frost will be talking about some of his favourite gardens to visit in the UK and sharing some stories from his incredible 40-year career. He said: “I love the stories of gardens, the history behind them. Gardens are everywhere in the UK, they are wrapped around us all and we just have to go and look and uncover these stories.”
The GLT Show is free to attend and brings together group travel organisers with attractions, theatres, coach companies, tour operators and more.
Adam told us: “Gardens bring people together which is the magical bit for me, the sense of community. People bond and a garden visit is more of an experience because it tends to involve perhaps a stay at a hotel, a meal and different conversations.
“Ultimately I am looking forward to coming along to talk to people about gardens.
“I absolutely love speaking to people about gardens and the fact that people are wanting to visit the show to find out more is brilliant. We’ll have a few laughs and I’ll share some stories too.
“Gardens are a huge part of our tourism in the UK and I don’t think we really shout about it enough.
“There is so much power in being with a group of people visiting a garden and spending a day away from everyday life.”
Win a valuation from Mark Smith and book signing from Adam Frost
You can enter two special prize draws (deadline 28th September) with great prizes for those visiting the GLT Show; you can win a private valuation with Antiques Roadshow expert Mark Smith and a personally signed book from Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost.
The first is the chance to meet Antiques Roadshow expert, Mark Smith, get a photo and have a personal valuation of one of your own antiques (must be connected to military history or medals).
Those planning to visit the GLT Show can also enter a prize draw to meet Gardeners’ World presenter and author, Adam Frost, who is a first-time speaker in the Seminar Theatre. Adam will pose for photos and personally sign a copy of his latest book, For The Love of Plants.
The prize draws are only open to people who attend the show. Terms and conditions apply and entries must be received by 28th September.
Battlefields and history with Antiques Roadshow expert, Mark Smith
Mark Smith, recognised as one of the Antiques Roadshow’s most popular experts, is sharing his experiences of battlefield tours and visits to historic venues, at the show in Milton Keynes.
Renowned for his expertise in medals and militaria, Mark told us he was excited to share some insights from his battlefield tours with visitors at the Group Leisure & Travel Show.
He said: “I’m looking forward to talking to visitors about battlefields touring, which I love the most and which has kept me going back for 40 years.”
“There’s something special about a group of people experiencing a battlefields tour; as you see people gel together over the course of the trip, they are talking about the battle, they are immersed in it. Then by the last evening, they’re asking some of the most amazing questions.”
Asked why it’s so important for the stories of the battlefields to still be told, Mark told us: “You can’t forget what these people did. The moment we start forgetting, we’ll start doing the same thing.”
Seminar timings
11.30am: Simon Calder - Taking Groups Overseas
1pm: Mark Smith - Visits to Historic Venues & Battlefields
2.20pm: Adam Frost - Great Gardens to Visit
There’s still time to register to attend the show for free. Visit here to register.
See full details of the Seminar Theatre programme by clicking here.
And for more information about the event, including getting there, exhibitors and other essential details, go to www.grouptravelshow.com
