This page was created, and updated, as lockdown restrictions eased to inform group travel organisers of which attractions were taking bookings and welcoming group visits again.
The list below was by no means exhaustive, it’s simply the places that we were made aware of.
Aerospace Bristol: the museum is asking group organisers to contact them in advance to discuss what might be possible and to help plan an itinerary for your visit.
Aston Hall, Birmingham: group bookings are available for 10-50 guests from 7th July, Wednesday to Sunday.
Babbacombe Model Village, Devon: group rates on offer for 20 or more people.
The Beatles Story, Liverpool: benefits include discounts for groups of 10 or more and free multimedia guides.
Birdland, Gloucestershire: although some features will not be running to start with, such as talks and feeds, the attraction is welcoming group bookings.
The Bishop’s Palace, Somerset: group organisers go free with bookings of 20 or more people.
Blakesley Hall, Birmingham: the hall demonstrates how it was an attractive and comfortable tudor home with impressive features such as the uneven Long Gallery and fine painted cloths.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire: if you are visiting as part of a group of 15 or more please contact the groups team directly.
Bodmin Jail, Cornwall: coach groups of ten or more can pre-book tickets.
Bolton Castle near Leyburn, North Yorkshire: the castle will be accepting group bookings from 19th July.
Borde Hill Garden, West Sussex: groups can enjoy pre-booked tours of the garden.
British Motor Museum, Warwickshire: small groups can purchase tickets for the museum, with a new E-type Evolution exhibition from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) which commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the Jaguar E-type.
British Music Experience, Liverpool: group rates available for ten or more people and free audio guides available.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol: GTOs can register their interest for a visit by filling out an online enquiry form.
Canterbury Cathedral, Kent: a place of worship for over 1,400 years, and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral is welcoming back groups. Pre-booking is essential.
Castle Howard, Yorkshire: groups will have timed access to the stately home, plus unlimited access to the gardens and courtyard. Admission also includes use of new digital guides.
Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent: accepting group visits in line with the Government’s roadmap.
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire: all groups in 2021 must pre-book with timed entry and pre-pay.
Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol: currently offering a scaled-down programme of digital and socially distanced activities alongside date reservations for tours in 2021. All groups must enquire about their booking so the team can plan the visit.
Crich Tramway Village, Derbyshire: the team has reported an increase in group bookings but has said it is happy to welcome more.
The Criterion Blue Town, Kent: group rates are available, contact the team to find out more about its shows, tea room and Heritage Centre.
Dartington Cystal, Devon: groups must pre-book their visit and free coach parking is available
Foxfield Steam Railway, Staffordshire, will be welcoming groups from July onwards.
Harewood House, Yorkshire: the team is offering self-guided visits and bookings for the festive period are also open.
Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire: the team will be accepting groups of up to 30 from 18th May and larger groups when the Government’s guidelines allow.
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, West Sussex: pre-booked groups receive a 10% discount.
London Transport Museum: the museum in Covent Garden has new objects and stories on display for the first time. Pre-booking is essential.
Dunwood Travel: The groups team has more than 75 years’ travel industry experience and are keen to welcome group bookings.
Harry Shaw Group Travel: The tour operator has said it is delighted to be welcoming back groups, both existing or new.
Manx National Heritage, multiple locations, Isle of Man: with sites including the House of Manannan and Castle Rushden, groups can book their tickets to some the Manx National Heritage Sites from June until November 2021. The team has also said that they are making strong advance bookings for the 2022 season too.
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, Bath: Small groups of up to ten people can now book their tickets for the city’s newest attraction which will open in 30th June.
Merlin attractions, multiple locations: the company has confirmed that all London indoor attractions such as Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon are still only available to groups of six however, up to 30 people can now book all Merlin outdoor attractions such as Thorpe Park and Alton Towers.
Mersey Ferries, Liverpool: groups can now book tickets for a sailing in the city.
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Dorset: home to more than 200 animals across 65 acres, the attraction is accepting group bookings.
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham: welcoming pre-booked groups to the attraction, built around a perfectly preserved workshop.
The National Stud, Suffolk: groups of all sizes can book their visits to find out more about the history of horse breeding at the attraction.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway: group visits are permitted with limited numbers.
Old Royal Naval College Greenwich: group rates available for ten or more. Private tours (tour group sizes are currently limited) and a range of catering options, including afternoon tea, are also available.
Oxford Official Walking Tours: accepting small groups for its city walking tours.
Painshill, Surrey: is inviting groups to ‘walk the work of art’.
Royal Collection Trust, multiple locations: the trust is now taking bookings to the official residences of The Queen, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Sarehole Mill, Birmingham: the mill dates from the mid-18th Century and is set in a peaceful location on the River Cole.
Silverstone Interactive Museum, Northamptonshire: groups of more than ten can receive discounted admission to the attraction.
Snowdon Mountain Railway, Wales: the team are accepting group bookings and they can be made by calling 01286 870 223 or emailing bookings@snowdonrailway.co.uk
Soho House, Birmingham: a restored house which reflects the fashions and tastes of the late Georgian period.
South Devon Railway: groups can now book their spot to have a vintage journey which travels through some of the county’s most beautiful spaces.
Stratford Butterfly Farm, Warwickshire: only small group bookings permitted at this time, but the team is hoping to accept large group bookings when restrictions are eased.
Thinktank, Birmingham: the city’s science museum has four floors of hands-on exhibits and historical collections to inspire groups.
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire: the team is accepting group bookings, pre-booking essential.
Not all of these attractions may have been awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good to Go’ certificate - we’d urge that you look out for this symbol.
You’ll find more information about the certificate here.
As always, we recommend you check the latest government guidance and local restrictions before you travel.
We are no longer updating this page (as of July 2021) as restrictions continue to be lifted.
A new video outlines what the ATOL scheme is for British holidaymakers when they book a package trip that includes a flight.
ATOL financially protects millions of passengers every year, ensuring travellers aren’t stranded abroad or lose money for holidays or flights.
As part of the 2023 Organising Group Trips & Holidays survey, participants were asked about their media habits and what magazines, websites and other sources they use to find ideas, advice and contacts.
The award-winning musical by Jethro Compton and Darren Clark will transfer to the West End following a sold-out run at Southwark Playhouse.
2 Readers' comments