Plan your group stay at The Camelot Castle Hotel.....

Looking for accomodation for your group, look no further that The Camelot Castle Hotel, Tintagel, the diamond jewel of Cornwall and the birthplace of King Arthur.

Here at Camelot Castle we offer an unmistakable setting over the Cornish coastline steeped in history and beauty. We are a perfect location for a romantic break as well as being a dog and pet friendly hotel too. A place of natural beauty and relaxation that is sure to bring that added extra to any vacation.

Surrounded by unsurpassed scenery, hugging the Atlantic coast, Camelot Castle is the perfect location to relax at the nearby beach, or go exploring the local area whether it be through rambling or simply soaking up the magic that Tintagel holds with a meandering stroll through the village. No matter if it’s the East Tower Junior Suite or one of the Classic Moor View rooms we promise a first class vacation! For further information:-TEL: 01840 770202 or visit www.camelotcastle.com

Article Supplied by: Camelot Castle Hotel

Steve Reed Tourism visits Southport....

Article by: Matthew Inglis (Advertisement Manager, Coach Tours UK)

Steve Reed Tourism recently held their latest familiarisation trip, alongside Southport Tourism (TEL: 01704 395510), with a three day visit to the seaside resort of Southport, a superb coach friendly destination with plenty to offer, and ideally situated for your group to take in other major attractions in nearby Liverpool and Preston.

The Group stayed over the course of the weekend at the Ramada Plaza Hotel Southport (TEL 01704 516220) a 4 star Hotel, offering 133 luxury bedrooms, with some providing beautiful views across the Marine Lake. Steve Reed had again put on a superb three day visit to the area to showcase what Southport can offer groups. The trip started on Saturday 17^th August, with around 25 people arriving at the Hotel before having the opportunity to visit Genting Casino in the afternoon, and the chance to win big and start the weekend off on a high!

Following on from the afternoon, the group visited The Best Western Royal Clifton Hotel (TEL 01704 533771) for an evening meal. The Royal Clifton Hotel is ideally situated if taking your group to Southport. Based on the Promenade, the Hotel is a stone’s throw away from Lord Street, the main shopping area of Southport, which itself is steeped in history. The Hotel has superb accommodation options and can suit almost any requirements.

Sunday was a busy day for the Group as they headed off for a look around the Britannia Prince of Wales Hotel, another coach friendly Hotel for your group to consider. Situated on Lord Street, the Hotel has an incredible 154 en suite rooms, and is ideal for a quiet stay by the sea (TEL 0871 222 0039) The group then went onto the superb annual Southport Flower Show, held at Victoria Park. The Show offers an enjoyable and excellent day out, with superb colourful displays, Show Garden Results, Competitions, as well as the opportunity to see Chef Demo’s, Book Signings, meet celebrity guests, and purchase a massive range of plants, flowers, and locally grown fruit and vegetables. The show usually runs over several days, for more information visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk

I joined up with the group for the final day of the trip, leaving the Ramada Plaza early on Monday morning and boarding the waiting coach for a trip around Southport, with transport provided by Belle Vue Coaches, and Julia Fahey from Southport Tourism on Board. Our coach drive around Southport gave a real insight as to what the resort has to offer, including learning the history of the town which was founded back in 1792. Southport is booming in the current climate, with new developments opening, and many shopping opportunities. The town has two main coach drop off points, Neville Street, and one in the Promenade, making it easy for your coach group to be dropped off in two of the main areas. A meet and greet service can also be offered at Neville Street three days a week. 

Southport has plenty to keep your group entertained, with Splashworld Water Park (TEL 01704 537160) and the Southport Pleasureland giving the traditional attractions you would expect from a British Seaside Resort. Upon completion of our trip on the coach, we headed off to our first visit of the day to look around The Atkinson, a cultural centre offering theatre, dance, ballet and cinema. The Atkinson’s main Theatre offers a wide range of performances throughout the year with seating for 440 people, and full disabled access. The building also has an excellent new art gallery opening in September this year, as well as hosting the towns Library, Tourist information centre, and on level 3 of the Grade II listed building, a museum which will be open to the public in June 2014. For more information on The Atkinson and what they can offer you group (TEL: 01704 533 333)

Southport Pier is well worth a visit. The 2^nd longest pier runs at ¾ mile long, and for those not keen to take the walk, a tram service runs along the pier all year, and a road train throughout the main season.

Our group then headed onto Frankie & Benny’s for lunch. The New York Italian Restaurant and Bar offers a wide menu with all tastes catered for, ranging from wraps and pizza’s, to the more traditional fish and chip lunch. Your group can take in a full three course lunch, or simply opt for the Lunch menu and a lighter snack. The Restaurant is bright, with some great music playing, and your group can be sure of a warm welcome from the team. Coach parking is provided close to the Restaurant entrance. Further details (TEL: 01704 547152)

The group then headed back onto the coach, visiting the wonderful and tranquil Churtown Botanical Gardens, situated just outside of Southport. Churtown is pretty village, with some wonderful old shops, and traditional pubs, and the Botanic Gardens are set in stunning grounds with colourful flower beds, an aviary housing over 200 birds, a Museum and Café, Crazy Golf, and, if visiting during the summer months, be sure to visit the Gardens on a Sunday when you can relax with a picnic and listen to the Brass Bands playing in the grounds. Entry to the Garden’s is free, for further details (TEL: 01704 214164)

Our final visit of the day was to visit the Courtyard at Tarleton, originally Webster’s of Tarleton. The Courtyard hosts Whittles Farm Restaurant and coffee shop which serves an excellent selection of homemade food, whilst the retail side of the Yard is looked after by two gentlemen who also run the nearby Ena Mill. The shopping side of the Courtyard is currently being refurbished, and will be open to the public late September. Further information on the Courtyard can be obtained by calling TEL: 01772 812249

Visit Monkeyworld for a great day out.....

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating group day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset !!!  

The 65-acre park is home to the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and ‘Monkey Business’, and provides sanctuary for rescued and endangered primates from around the world. Some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species, including Europe’s official orang-utan crèche.

Daily keepers’ talks provide a captivating insight into life at the park and its inhabitants - staff are so enthusiastic about what they do, giving a real feel-good factor. Pre-bookable guided tours are also available and offer the chance to learn more about the often-harrowing pasts of the primates and how their lives have been transformed since arriving at the safe haven of Monkey World. The park offers group discounts when you pre-book. Coach drivers in uniform are also offered free entry and a free drink!

The park is well laid out and spacious for both humans and primates alike. While away the hours watching the monkeys and apes interact, then let the kids use up all their energy in the huge Great Ape Adventure Play Area. Café’s serve good value hot and cold food or there are numerous picnic areas to be enjoyed throughout the park. Open every day (except Christmas Day) visitors are welcome throughout the year.  Opening times are 10am to 5pm (10am to 6pm during July and August).

Offering great value for money and a fun yet educational day out, Monkey World is a firm favourite for groups all year round. Make it your top destination this year! (Images © Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre) For more information contact the free information line on TEL: 0800 456600

Copyright notice: Please note that monkey World retains the copyright to all images of the park and primates. Do not use or distribute the attached for any other purpose without our express written consent. Do not archive. Credit copyright to Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.

Visit Renishaw Hall in 2014.....

Renishaw Recollections

As part of Renishaw Hall & Garden’s 2014 season, which opens on March 29^th, Christine Beevers, Renishaw Hall’s archivist, is asking people with personal and family links to the hall and estate to come forward and get in touch. Named ‘Renishaw Recollections’, Christine’s project hopes to use the memories told to help shape the history of Renishaw Hall, and give more insight in to the way the estate functioned, through the experiences of the people working for the family.

Visitors can tell their Renishaw family stories to Christine by contacting her via enquiries@renishaw-hall.co.uk or visiting the Estate Office during opening hours from March 29^th to September  28^th2014. Renishaw Hall & Gardens will be also hosting a World War I talk, given by Christine, as she explores the archive to find the Sitwell family’s many links to First World War on the centenary of the year of its outbreak. Important artefacts – not normally on view to the public – will be brought out of the house archives and displayed and explained during the talk. Dates TBC, during the summer months 2014. Check www.renishaw-hall.co.uk for updates. 

Orwell River Cruises.... Explore the River

Orwell River Cruises Limited was specifically formed in 2001 to bring back the pleasure of river cruising to the River Orwell after an absence of such a facility for several decades. A Suffolk businessman, with strong links with the maritime scene, is the driving force behind the family owned Orwell River Cruises. It had long been an ambition to provide a traditional professionally run river cruise service locally so that more people could experience the wonders of the River Orwell and Stour estuary, including the very impressive Port of Felixstowe.

The River Orwell is one of the most scenic and historic rivers in the country, and has been officially voted by the Royal Yachting Association the second most beautiful river in England.Orwell Lady public cruises sail from Ipswich Wet Dock (Orwell Quay) to Pin Mill or Harwich Harbour from Easter weekend through to September. There is a programme of music evenings, sunset cruises, wine tasting and afternoon tea cruises throughout the season and the vessel is a popular venue for private charters.

Tickets for all public cruises and theme nights are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Ipswich by calling 01473 258070. For further information please visit the website www.orwellrivercruises.com, contact via info@orwellrivercruises.com or telephone 07734 875887.

Classic Lodges Hotels......

Classic Lodges Hotels has something for you offering flexible group rates from £35.00 per person and meal stops including afternoon tea from £6.50 per person.

Classic Lodges Hotels are a carefully picked selection of 16 properties, each with a unique character and history, and all in fabulous locations from the Borders to the Sussex Downs, some are perfect country house hideaways in acres of landscaped grounds - others are set in the heart of town for your convenience. All properties share the Classic Lodges' signature warm welcome, and the very highest standards of comfort and hospitality. Whichever you chose, you can be sure of wonderful food, luxuriously comfortable bedrooms and an atmosphere that will make you want to relax and unwind

Accommodation Rates & Meal Stops Prices

n Groups rates from £35.OODBB per person, based on 2 people sharing

n Cream tea (teas with scones and cream) £6.50 per person

n Afternoon tea (as above with cakes and sandwiches) £13.50 per person

n Soup and sandwich £8.95 per person

n Three course set lunch £14.95 per person

n 2 course was £10.95 per person

n Coffee/tea with stops £1.90 per person

Hotels and Locations

n Bagden Hall, Denby Dale, nr Wakefield, West Yorkshire

n Charingworth Manor, Cotswolds

n Fasington Lodge, Preston Grinkle Park, Easington, North Yorkshire

n Grovefield House, Nr Windsor The Hickstead, Burgess Hill, Sussex

n The Old Swan, Harrogate

n The White Swan, Alnwick

n Marshall Meadows Hotel, Berwick

n The Plough and Harrow, Birmingham

n Queens Head Inn, nr Peterborough

n Roundthom Country House, Penrith

n Abbey Hotel Bath

Castle House Hereford

n Ramsey Park Hotel, Ramsey, Lsle of Man

n Woodbury Park Golf Club, Exeter

This is a carefully chosen selection of 16 properties located across the UK. Your group will enjoy personal service from the flexible and experienced staff. There is free onsite parking at all hotels as well as a central groups requests desk.

Each month Classic Lodges Hotels releases new ideas and packages. To ensure you receive the latest deals simply register with nphillips@classiclodges.co.uk Visit - http://www.classiclodges.co.uk

ALL RATES QUOTED ABOVE ARE APPLICABLE FOR GROUPS, PLEASE CHECK WITH CLASSIC LODGES FOR PRICES IF YOU ARE NOT A COACH OPERATOR

Stay at the Langstone Cliff Hotel......

The Langstone Cliff Hotel is set in 19 acres of woodland on the beautiful Devon coast at Dawlish Warren with expansive lawns and gardens and magnificent sea views overlooking the golden sandy beaches and internationally famous nature reserve at Dawlish Warren There are 64 comfortable en-suite bedrooms in the hotel on just 2 floors ground and first reached by a lift and four staircases.

The Hotel has a wealth of leisure facilities including 2 swimming pools, a tennis court, table tennis, snooker, a fitness room and we have beauty and holistic therapists as well as a hairdresser. There is FREE wi-fi throughout the building and extensive lounges. There is a 200 seat restaurant located on the ground floor as well as a purpose built banqueting suite with a magnificent 60 feet x 60 feet sprung strip maple dance floor which can accommodate up to 400 guests. The well-stocked bars offer a wide range of beers lagers, ciders and stout as well as wines spirits and minerals. Teas, coffees and a comprehensive range of snacks and light meals are also available all day until 9.00pm.

The beach at Dawlish Warren is a short walk from the hotel via public footpath. Public transport is available right outside the hotel gates and mainline trains stop at Dawlish Warren station just a few hundred metre’s from the hotel. There is ample parking within the hotel grounds for cars and coaches. www.langstone-hotel.co.uk

Exhibition Marks first phase of £50,000 investment in Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre.....

Royal Crown Derby has unveiled the first phase of a £50,000 investment in its visitor Centre, with the launch of a new exhibition entitled 'The Finest of Dining - from 1750 to 2013 and beyond.' The prestigious new exhibition at the Osmaston Road factory site features some of the world's most exclusive ranges of fine bone china made for Royalty and aristocracy throughout the world - all of which were created by Royal Crown Derby's artisans. The exhibition was launched to invited dignitaries and guests by Royal Crown Derby's Chief Executive Kevin Oakes and Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant Mr. William Tucker.

The exhibition will be open to visitors until the end of the year along with the site's award winning museum and factory tours where people can see the

World-famous ware being made and decorated. Displays include exhibits of ware commissioned by Royalty through the ages, including Queen Victoria and George Ill, items created for Tiffany and designs by Salvador Dali; coming right up to date with exquisite services featured in worldwide hit TV series' Downton Abbey and Mr. Selfridge. The exhibition marks a major investment in the award-winning Visitor Centre which will also see new activities and facilities launching throughout the summer and autumn to create a truly five-star attraction.

Plans include:

·    a new decorating studio for families,

·    upgraded factory tour experience,

·    programme of free activities

Throughout the summer for children:-

• Fantastic new retail outlet 

• new museum experience,

• Relaxed new coffee lounge with children's corner and free Wi-Fi,

·  exclusive afternoon tea venue

·  A series of exciting new events.

Royal Crown Derby Chief Executive Kevin Oakes said: "Royal Crown Derby is entering an exciting new phase in its illustrious history. We are investing in the company, its people and this historic site and our aim is to create a thriving Centre of excellence which the city can be truly proud of.

‘Already the investment is leading to new jobs with three young apprentices in place and a fourth apprentice on the cards. An events manager is about to be recruited and we anticipate three positions will be created in the new cafe and afternoon tea experience. We hope local families and visitors to Derby alike will support us and come and see what a vibrant and exciting place Royal Crown Derby has become." Admission to the exhibition (including free entry to the museum) is £2 per person and £1 for children and concessions. Throughout the summer, admission to the exhibition will also be free for visitors taking a tour of the factory. For opening times and full details visit www.royalcrownderby.co.uk