Blackpool, Superb Entertainment !! .....

Audiences in Blackpool will be entertained this summer as leading West End theatre producer Bill Kenwright brings four shows to the resort. Following the successful run of Starlight Express at The Opera House, Winter Gardens last October and November, Bill Kenwright is bringing four major productions to Blackpool in 2013. Save The Last Dance For Me, Soul Sister, Joseph and Blood Brothers will each be at the theatre for a week in the Summer and Autumn adding to the venue’s already impressive list of one night concerts and events.
Tickets now available from the Winter Gardens Box Office, by telephone to 0844 856 1111 or on-line via www.blackpoollive.com.

A New Season at Theatre By The Lake…….

The Theatre by the Lake has now opened public booking for the Summer Season and Christmas 2013, as well as all visiting events from May 2013 to January 2014.The theatre’s Summer Season, where a company of 14 actors perform six plays in repertory from May to November, returns once again with another eclectic selection to intrigue audiences.

With romance, heartbreak, and laughs, the season ranges from a bright, family-friendly farce in the Main House to an intimate tragedy in the Studio. The season begins in the Main House with See How They Run by Philip King. In wartime 1944, ex-actress Penelope struggles when her handsome former co-star, an escaped German POW, a bishop and several vicars descend on her house in one night of complete chaos. This is followed by J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller An Inspector Calls. A lavish dinner party at the Birling home is interrupted by the arrival of an inspector investigating the death of a young girl. The family gradually unearth the terrible secrets surrounding the mystery, but it’s only after the inspector leaves that they uncover the final twist in the tale. The show is directed by Mary Papadima, whose version of A Doll’s House was a hot ticket in the Studio last year. The final Main House production is Oliver Goldsmith’s classic eighteenth century comedy She Stoops to Conquer. Young Charles Marlow loves the company of barmaids, but becomes nervous and tongue-tied when faced with ladies of education. A visit to the woman his father hopes he will marry results in a spiralling confusion of misunderstandings, mischief and mayhem. There are three equally diverse plays in the Studio. Vincent in Brixton by Nicholas Wright explores the hidden history of Vincent van Gogh’s early years in London, spent lodging in the house of Ursula Loyer and her daughter Eugenie. See ‘Vincent’ before he became the artist ‘van Gogh’, whilst he struggles with love, depression, politics and art. Jacobean tragedy comes to Theatre by the Lake for the first time with ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore, John Ford’s tale of Giovanni and Annabella – siblings who defy the church and society as they pursue their forbidden passion. Their web of lies, deception and revenge culminates in inevitable violence and bloodshed.

To complete the Summer Season, Jez Pike directs The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute. Adam is shy and unassuming, but when he drifts into a relationship with the beautiful Evelyn the shape of his life starts to change for good. But Evelyn has an agenda of her own that will deceive and shock everyone. This year, audiences can see all six Summer Season shows for only £64. Special offers with great savings are also available for people wanting to see four, three or two shows. Terms and conditions apply – ask Box Office for details. The theatre continues to encourage young people to come along and experience the Summer Season. Under 26s can book for any of the six shows on Friday nights and pay just £5 for their ticket (subject to availability).
To round off the year, Theatre by the Lake continues its tradition of Christmas shows for all the family with Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, based on the classic children’s book set on Coniston Water. Audiences are invited to come aboard The Swallow to do battle with the savage Amazons and even solve a real-life crime. This new adaptation by Helen Edmundson includes original songs by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy.

For the first time this Christmas the theatre is also offering a show in the Studio aimed at children under five and their families. Luna is bored up in the sky by herself, so when she spots a boy hiding from scary shadows on his bedroom wall she decides to make friends with him. Created by Theatre Hullabaloo and Welsh company Theatr Iolo, Luna features songs, music and a pinch of festive magic. As well as Theatre by the Lake’s own shows, May 2013 to January 2014 promises a huge range of drama, music, comedy and dance from visiting companies and artists. Favourites such as the Lake District Summer Music Festival and Keswick Music Society events return, joined by others ranging from comedian Jenny Eclair to a musical tribute to Julie Andrews, Julie Madly Deeply, and folk artists such as Karine Polwart to a version of Tom Thumb performed entirely on a kitchen table.
The Summer Season runs from Sat 25 May – Sat 9 November 2013. Swallows and Amazons runs from Sat 30 November 2013 – Sat 11 January 2014. Public booking opens for all events from May 2013 to January 2014 on Tue 2 April. Tickets can be booked online at www.theatrebythelake.com or by calling the Box Office on 01768 774411

Guides ‘on track’ for the summer season at Chester Zoo……..

Preparations for the summer season at Chester Zoo got underway recently when six Blue Badge Guides spent the day going behind the scenes. The group caught up with all of the latest news in advance of a visit from passengers of The Northern Belle (Orient Express) in May, The Northern Belle’s first visit to Chester Zoo. The guides were treated to a whole day of talks from the Chester Zoo keepers, learning more about the animal collection. They were also given the opportunity to meet all of the animals born at Chester Zoo this year. One of the guides taking part, Mary Ann Cameron said “Thanks for all the keepers who gave up their time to talk to us - I was so impressed by their enthusiasm and knowledge. I could have listened to them for ages!” Julie Griffin from Chester Zoo commented: “We are looking forward to welcoming lots of groups to Chester Zoo this year. Our groups continue to receive a discount of 30% this year and the expertise of both our own team and the Blue Badge Guides with us today, can really add value to a visit here. We love the opportunity to share our passion for the animals and to help people to learn more about our work at the zoo and our conservation projects in the wild.” 90 minute tours of Chester Zoo start at just £55* for groups. Visit www.chesterzoo.org for more information.
*Tours are for a maximum of 20 people per tour guide. Group visit admission sold separately

Delight Your Groups at Ness.....

Ness Botanic Gardens in Wirral is a place of truly rare delights. Not only is it a world-class botanic garden, with collections which include extraordinarily rare specimens, it is a place with an atmosphere uniquely its own.Ness was created over 100 years ago by a philanthropic plant hunter who shared his garden freely with whoever arrived at his gate. Today, that generous sense of sharing is still so evident that it only takes one visit in order to fall in love with Ness for ever. Its 64 acres offer so many things - plant trails, bird watching, a water garden, rock garden, a picture-perfect potager, woodland, wildflower meadow, stunning views across the Dee estuary to Snowdonia... and a fascinating history. And nowhere will you find ropes to keep you at bay, signs to warn children off the grass or a wish generally to keep visitors in their place.At Ness, you can wander freely or enjoy an expert’s guided tour. There are places to picnic, an excellent cafe, a newly-opened shop (packed with original stock), rare seed on sale, an amazing events calendar, wheelchair-friendly routes, organic produce on sale - and the nicest, most helpful staff. Last year, for the first time, Ness played host to the prestigious BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time Summer Garden Party. The team were so captivated by the place that they asked to come back again this year - a quite unprecedented accolade from this sought-after national BBC radio show.So the Ness cat is well and truly out of the bag, as far as the garden-visiting cognoscenti goes... We can be sure the rest won’t be far behind!
Check the website for all event details - and don’t miss the chance to join GQT at Ness in September...
www.nessgardens.org.uk

Well worth a visit Denby Visitor Centre........

The home of the historic Pottery in the heart of Derbyshire.

Denby has been making its famous stoneware in England for over 200 years – a tradition which continues today at the home of Denby just off the A38 north of Derby, close to Ripley. The Visitor Centre is next to the historic pottery in a cobbled courtyard surrounded by a selection of shops including the unique and extensive Denby Factory Shop with savings of up to 60% off rrp, and Bourne’s Restaurant serving delicious homemade cakes, snacks and meals. The restaurant has plenty of seating on two floors and an outdoor terrace.

Centre entry and parking are free and as Denby is open daily all year, it makes a good choice for coffee break stops, as well as for pre-booked day visits. Activities at the centre include: daily Full Guided Pottery Tours with ‘hands on’ activities, daily cookery demonstrations at 12.30 and 2.30pm free of charge, a small museum and a selection of shops including cookery, garden, glass and gift shops.
The centre runs events throughout the year, the most popular being the Christmas Fayre (6th – 8th December 2013) to which pre-booked coaches are welcome.Pre-booked group visits receive shopping vouchers, Tour discounts and restaurant meal deals. There are also incentives and rewards for organisers and coach drivers. For further information and a booking pack, call Tel:-01773 740 799 or Email:-  visitor.centre@denby.co.uk or see www.denbyvisitorcentre.co.uk

Educational Visits at Historic Duxford.....

Historic Duxford is a brand new exhibition and historic site trail which explores Duxford’s time as an RAF airfield from 1918 to 1961, this is their first new permanent exhibition since the opening of AirSpace in 2007. This exciting new exhibition has been under development for almost two decades, with the creation and delivery taking three years to complete. This new exhibition and Duxford’s impressive collection of over two hundred aircraft, as well as tanks, military vehicles and maritime craft are all part of your exciting and educational visit to IWM Duxford…allow several hours and bring suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes. For adult groups introductory tours are available along with talks and workshops. TEL:-01223 499 341.

For school and college groups a visit to IWM Duxford can support Literacy, History, STEM, Art, Design, Architecture, RE, PSHE, Citizenship and cross-curricular requirements at Key Stages and for whole year groups. Explore the Museum on self-directed visit or you could add a learning session with museum staff as part of the day’s programme.Thanks to the generous support of the Clore Duffield Foundation, groups are able to take advantage of the dedicated learning facilities in the Clore Learning Centre in Airspace.

Historic Duxford is housed in the original 1930s Watch Office building. In the exhibition, they explore Duxford’s fascinating history. As a typical RAF fighter base, Duxford experienced significant historic events, military developments and social change during the first half of the twentieth century.
RAF Duxford was created during the latter stages of the First World War to train pilots for war.
Between the wars, it was part of ‘the best flying club in the world’ and an important arena for showcasing the RAF’s capabilities to royalty, the press and the public. RAF Duxford’s Second World War history is perhaps the best known, with the dogfights of the Battle of Britain, and, later, the arrival of the American forces. With many things to watch, listen to, have a go at, wear and even smell, Historic Duxford paints a vivid picture of daily life at RAF Duxford. Hear and see fascinating personal stories told by the men and women who worked and lived at RAF Duxford, in sound and film. They look at their jobs, living conditions and how they spent their leisure time. Interactives will immerse you in the lives of RAF Duxford’s service men and women, as you learn how they spent their working day and the skills they needed to do their jobs to exacting RAF standards. Personal objects tell the stories of some of the remarkable individuals who served at RAF Duxford. For the first time in almost a decade, items owned by Douglas Bader will be on display alongside scenes from a rare 1930s home film which shows Bader, alongside his RAF friends and colleagues, having fun off-duty.

See the Watch Office, the forerunner to the Control Tower, as it might have been during the late 1930s. Period details and interactive elements give the impression that the Duty Pilot has only just left the room. Complementing the Historic Duxford exhibition is a heritage trail around the historic site with eight interactive posts. Each post features audio memories from veterans who worked at RAF Duxford. Pick up a family activity sheet from the exhibition to complete as you follow the trail.
Discover Duxford’s own story – its eventful past and fascinating people.
Visit www.iwm.org.uk for details of events and activities.

Thinking of visiting Duxford having read this article, please let them know you heard about Duxford having read Coach Tours UK’s official Blog.

Visit Paradise.....

Paradise Wildlife Park offers a superb day out for groups of all ages. This most interactive Zoo is located at Broxbourne and is open all year round. Your group will meet some amazing animals face
to face including the best collection of big cats in Britain, as well as penguins, meerkats, monkeys,
gibbons, lemurs, zebras, tapirs, wolves, wallabies and reptiles...the list goes on and on.
Have fun in the adventure playgrounds, touch and feed many animals in the Animal Park, enjoy a daily show and meet the keeper in the keeper
sessions. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax in the beautiful gardens, enjoy a coffee and snack or "monkey around" in the Tumble Jungle. Visit www.pwpark.com or TEL: 01992 470490

Great Country Pubs Make a Great Coach Stop…

Coach tour itineraries require careful planning, making sure good-quality pit stops are on hand. Whether it’s a drink, snack, meal or overnight stop, Great Country Pubs has the solution. And adding a rural pub to your itinerary has just got a lot easier with Great Country Pubs’ newly launched online resource for group travel organisers. Great Country Pubs is a DEFRA funded initiative backed by Tourism South East in partnership with PITH (Pub is The Hub). All over the Kent and Sussex countryside you are sure to discover one of these charming pubs that will require only a short detour from the main road.

Pubs like the White Hart at Newenden in Kent, which has origins dating back to the 1550s. Original features remain but there is also a modern dining area ideal for large groups, plus the garden provides plenty of additional seating on warm days. Cooking is lovely, fresh, simple and tasty using locally sourced ingredients, and they take local beer seriously here.

On the Kent/East Sussex border, the Grove Ferry Pantry Pub & Inn at Upstreet makes the most of its views; a decked area is the ideal spot to enjoy alfresco dining while observing craft floating pass on the River Stour – a perfect blend of traditional real ales, innovative and responsibly sourced food and comfortable lodgings. For further information visit www.greatcountrypubs.com and search under ‘Group Friendly’ to find more pubs like these with coach parking facilities on site (or nearby), or with a drop-off area at the door. Note: some pubs offer coach-operator incentives and group rates; bookings are usually required for large parties. Further information from www.greatcountypubs.com

Beautiful Breaks in Buxton

Whatever the weather and the time of year, there is always plenty to see, do and enjoy in lovely Buxton, Derbyshire. From the Pavilion Gardens and Opera House, the Dome and Poole’s Cavern and the country park, to great shopping opportunities in four different shopping areas… there really is something for everyone.
Each year the splendid Buxton Opera House plays host to a series of great festivals including the internationally acclaimed Buxton Festival and the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. There is also a varied programme of drama, comedy and music throughout the year.
Buxton is also rightly proud of its architecture, from the Georgian splendour of The Crescent and former stable block to the Victorian magnificence of the Palace Hotel. The History Trail leaflet, available from the Tourist Information Centre, will give you all the information you will need. Venture down into Poole’s Cavern and discover some of Buxton’s darker secrets. Promenade along the Board Walk and browse around the delightful Pavilion Gardens and Serpentine Walk before enjoying afternoon tea in the Pavilion. Learn a little more about the town in the fascinating Buxton Museum and Art Gallery before visiting the stunning Devonshire Dome. For a special treat relax and be pampered at the Devonshire Spa. Above all allow plenty of time to browse, shop and relax in this lovely, welcoming town. Visit www.visitbuxton.co.uk Stay Overnight…

Your group will be made especially welcome in the centrally located Old Hall Hotel. This lovely historic hotel offers superb accommodation for group visitors. There are 38 very comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, radio and hairdryer, direct dial telephones and hospitality tray. There is also a lift to all floors.
The Theatre Bar is warm and welcoming, the atmosphere relaxed and informal. The Old Hall Hotel offers the best in traditional and contemporary cuisine with a wide choice of group menus available. Private dining can also be arranged for your group when booked in advance. Pre and post theatre dinner, morning coffee and afternoon tea can all be organized. Christmas at the Old Hall is very special with a traditional atmosphere, stunning surroundings and excellent cuisine.
There is so much to enjoy in and around Buxton, so stay awhile and visit beautiful homes and castles at Chatsworth Estate and Haddon Hall, the amazing Blue John and Speedwell Caverns at Castleton and Pooles Cavern just five minutes away. Also nearby is the brilliant National Tramway Museum at Crich and the stunning Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath… and of course, the exciting cities of Manchester, Chesterfield and Sheffield are within an easy driving distance.
☎01298 22841 for more information
www.oldhallhotelbuxton.co.uk

CPT & TfL launch 2013 London Coach Parking Map

CPT, the trade association representing the UK’s bus, coach and light rail industries, and Transport for London (TfL) have launched the 2013 version of the London Coach Parking Map.
The map, now in its tenth year, has been produced jointly by CPT and TfL, and details information on the location, availability, cost and booking requirements of coach facilities in central London (also Docklands, Greenwich and Woolwich). It also features the locations of the parking facilities near London’s main tourist attractions.
Speaking at the launch, which took place in the Churchill War Rooms, Westminster on Thursday 21 March, CPT President Malcolm Robson said:
“I am delighted to launch, with our partners TfL, the tenth edition of the London Coach Parking Map. The map provides coach operators and drivers - both UK and foreign - with a wealth of coach parking and drop-off and set-down information.
“It is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations
work in partnership, and I firmly believe that by working together towards joint aims and goals real success can be achieved. I see this map as a must-have for all involved with the coach industry.”
Peter Bradley, Chair of the London Coach Forum added:
“The London Coach Parking Map continues to help operators and drivers gain a better understanding of how to use and access the many coach parking and driver facilities in the capital.
“The UK’s coach industry opens up London’s rich cultural offerings to over 3000 coach movements a day and contributes over £300 million into London’s economy each year. It is vitally important that we do our utmost to ensure safe, easy and efficient operations whilst providing a tool to help drivers better plan and execute their journeys.”
An interactive version of the map, which includes real time information on planned roadworks, details of public events, traffic updates, CCTV images and images/ accidents, can be accessed online at www.tfl.gov.uk, with hard copies available from CPT.

Treefest is great for groups Westonbirt, The National Arboretum 24 - 26 August

2013 Great group rates are now available for Treefest (24 - 26 August 2013) at the Forestry Commission’s National Arboretum at Westonbirt, Gloucestershire.
Treefest, Westonbirt’s signature summer event, celebrates nature, trees, woodcraft and family fun with activities and exhibitors showcased across the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Groups purchasing pre-paid tickets can visit Treefest for just £8 per adult and £7 per concession. Members of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and children go free.
The hugely popular big carving demonstrations will return for 2013, with this year’s sculptors creating pieces inspired by fairytales.
Alongside over 100 craft exhibitors and a Food Hall filled with delicious produce, woodworking will be further celebrated with a larger Working Woodlands exhibitor area and opportunities for visitors to try traditional woodcraft skills for themselves.
Families can follow a trail of wooden wonders around the festival, enjoy storytellers and puppet theatre, watch falconry and - new to this year’s event - see axe carving and racing from The Welsh Axemen.
And for those with a like of folk and country melodies, local live music performed by bands from across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bristol and the south west will take place until 8pm on Saturday and Sunday and 5pm on Monday.
More event details are available from www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-treefest

Christchurch Welcomes Coaches…

The perfect destination for a great day out, Christchurch has the magnificent 11th century Priory Church, Highcliffe Castle, Red House Museum and Place Mill. There is plenty for your group to enjoy including river cruises, lovely gardens, riverside walks, delightful tearooms, Christchurch Quay and Stewarts Garden Centre. Book guided walk and tour, to suit your particular group. (01425 278807)
Coach into Christchurch and enjoy a warm welcome and free coach parking in the dedicated coach parking areas – Leisure Centre East (BH23 1HW), Mayor’s Mead Car Park (BH23 1HU), Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park(BH23 5JE). The meet and greet service includes a five minute background talk on the Castle, plus vouchers for every passenger for discounted entry to the Castle and some concessions into the tearooms. 01425 278807.
enquiries@ highcliffecastle.co.uk
There are also a number of dedicated coach drop off, pick up points.
Special events include the Christchurch Food Festival Market in May, Living Craft Exhibition in June, Stomping in the Quomps in August and Jazz and Swing concert in September