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Take a trip on The West Somerset Railway......

England’s longest “heritage” railway is the West Somerset which runs for 20 miles between Bishops Lydeard (four miles from Taunton and 6 from Junction 25 on the M5) and Minehead. For half the journey trains pass through the Quantock Hills, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and then between Exmoor and the Bristol Channel coast. There are 10 stations along the route offering a variety of destinations to combine with the train journey including the ancient harbour town of Watchet, Cleeve Abbey and Torre Cider Farm at Washford, medieval Dunster with its Castle and of course the seaside at Minehead. For those staying in Minehead, West Somerset or Greater Exmoor the trip to Bishops Lydeard can be followed by Taunton itself or the splendidly restored formal gardens at Hestercombe House.

The WSR carries some 200,000 passengers per year and Group Travel is an important part of its business. The Railway’s Commercial Department has been attending Excursions for a number of years and has found it an invaluable meeting place for contacts both new and established. The Railway also seeks to promote short break and other stays in the area around it and carries appropriate information to that end. Train services operate on selected dates during most of the year, on 5 days a week during April, May and October, and daily from mid-May to the start of October. There are regular special events held throughout the year for both the railway enthusiast and the wider public. The latter goes from children’s “”Meet and Greets” with popular characters to the Annual Real Ale Festival.

The official Company website can be viewed at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk and carries general information about the Railway, including Group Travel arrangements, plus regularly updated news about events. For those who prefer the general telephone number of the Railway is 01643 704996 whilst the Tours Office is open Mondays to Fridays via 01643 700384. 

Article Supplied by West Somerset Railway.

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Magical Christmas at The Rare Breeds Centre.....

7^th and 8^th 14^th and 15^th and 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd December

Traditional Christmas festivities begin on the farm this year with the well-known Ashford Sings Choir returning to perform their lively repertoire for all our visitors on Saturday 7^th December from 1pm. This sing-a-long takes place in the Children’s Barn with the animals, Christmas tree and nativity scene and is not to be missed…mulled wine (non-alcoholic for those driving) and mince pies will be served to keep you warm!

Santa will be in his enchanted grotto along with his friends and animals to meet and entertain the children, with songs and stories and a few surprises in this magical atmosphere.  Sessions are for 35 minutes with up to 30 children and their families in each time slot. Each child will meet Santa individually to chat to the great man and receive their quality present, whilst you take that very special photo!

Yes……Mr Wong the ‘one man panto’ is back with more wondrous adventures for all the family to join in with…….’it’s behind you’! This is a show that our regulars love and they have travelled Mr Wong’s imaginary world with him….don’t miss the show…it’s such a treat! Performances are at 12 noon, 1 pm and 2 pm. In addition we have a craft room where the children can make a little festive present to take home and there will be a festive quiz trail too with sweetie rewards for collection in the shop.

The Granary restaurant will be open with scrummy food and drinks to warm your cockles ….all at very reasonable prices and don’t forget we make our own Christmas wreaths and table decorations here at the farm. The shop may also have that Christmas present you were looking for too! Our Santa sessions get booked up very, very  quickly so book early so you are not  disappointed…visit www.rarebreeds.org.uk  to book online and see prices and times or call 01233 861508 for more information and book over the phone!

If you don’t want to see Santa, normal prices apply and we are open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm

Salter's Steamers with over 150 years experience.....

Salter's Steamers are a family firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the Royal River Thames for over 150 years (est. 1858).

As one of the longest established firms on the Thames we own one of the largest and most exclusive fleets operating on the river. Our cruises combine traditional style, contemporary comforts and the highest modern standards.

We offer a variety of hugely popular boat trips through some of the most beautiful scenery in England. During the summer our scheduled trips operate from every major location on the Upper-Thames between the university city of Oxford and the London boundary city of Staines (including such famous places as Reading, Henley, Marlow and Windsor). To book your group in for one of our trips please contact TEL: 01865 243421 or visit www.salterssteamers.co.uk

Take your group to the home of Wedgwood.....

The Home of Wedgwood......

Set in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, Wedgwood Visitor Centre and Museum combine to offer ‘something for everyone’, and is the ideal venue for a quick shop and coffee break or a full day excursion.

Factory Tours provide a genuine glimpse into the wonderful world of Wedgwood ceramics.  It’s here where visitors can watch the master craftsmen as they create iconic Jasper pieces, fine bone china tableware and many products from the prestige catalogue. The Master Ceramic Experience, meanwhile, provides a great hands-on opportunity for visitors of all ages - making, decorating and even throwing their very own piece of pottery.  Visitors are positively encouraged to roll up their shirt-sleeves and “have a go” at mastering the skill and craft of ceramic making for themselves!

The award-winning Wedgwood Museum captures the story of more than 250 years of Josiah Wedgwood and his unique Company.  The self-guided, interactive tour takes a journey of discovery through the eye-catching artefacts and exhibits that have shaped the English ceramic industry, for centuries.The day-out continues at The Wedgwood Restaurant, which is renowned for its range of speciality main courses, light lunches and snacks, and naturally everything is served up on Wedgwood’s finest bone china!

And of course, no visit would be complete without spending some time (and some cash!) in the Retail Store and Factory Outlet Shop. Together, these boast the largest selection of tabletop, crystal and gift products by all our brands including Wedgwood, Waterford Crystal, Royal Albert and Royal Doulton - with permanent discounts of up to 75%, and seasonal sales. Open seven days a week with free coach parking, Wedgwood is just 10 minutes from Junction 15 of the M6.  Don’t forget to take advantage of driver and organiser incentives.

Visit www.wedgwoodvisitorcentre.com for further details.

Article Supplied by Wedgwood

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Chiswick House Camellia Festival, London   

1 - 30 March 2014

Chiswick House Camellia Festival takes place annually in the spectacular setting of the 19^th Century Chiswick House Conservatory. The Camellias of Chiswick House are widely regarded as one of the finest Collections in the country and certainly the oldest Camellia Collection under glass in the west. It includes rare and historically important examples of these beautiful plants, with a fabulous array of blooms; pink, red, white and striped. It’s a fascinating day out for gardening and heritage enthusiasts, who will see rare and historically important examples of these beautiful plants in the glorious setting of the historic Chiswick House Conservatory.

The Conservatory at Chiswick House Gardens was designed by Samuel Ware for the sixth Duke of Devonshire and completed in 1813. Ninety-six metres long, with a glazed dome at its centre and glass pavilions at either end, it was a forerunner of those designed by Decimus Burton at Kew and Sir Joseph Paxton at Chatsworth. ''The Camellias of Chiswick House are a living legacy - and a welcome splash of colour in the urban winter landscape.  It is a day out that will reveal far more than a March shot of colour '' The Observer Magazine 

Information and Booking

Festival opening hours: 10:30 am –4:00pm everyday except Monday

Priority Early Booking for Groups

Group Admission Discounts

Groups 10 - 24 (10% discount)

Groups 25 + (20% discount)

Individual Admission Fees

Adult   £8.00             

Concessions £7.00  (Disabled visitors and carers, over 60’s, Students)   

Special member discounts £5:00*

*English Heritage, Chiswick House Friends and National Art Pass

Chiswick House: exclusive ‘Festival’ weekend only openings 10:00am – 5:00pm

Chiswick House re-opens 1st April 2014.  Normal entry fees apply (free for English Heritage members). 

                                                         Great Ideas for Groups

Pre-booked private tours include a visit behind the scenes to the Chiswick House Conservatory Potting sheds and the restored Italian Garden (Guide £50 per Group – max 25 per guide). Due to its location, it is easy to combine your visit to other local west London attractions including Hogarth's House, Kew Gardens and the Kew Orchid Festival (on until 9th March 2014).

Eating & Drinking

Enjoy delicious snacks, drinks, lunch or afternoon tea in the bright and airy Café (voted the best new building in London 2011 RIBA).

Shopping

The Camellia shop will sell a range of modern plants, an exclusive limited edition Peter Blake camellia print, postcards and a Camellia bag designed by the acclaimed designer, Marthe Armitage.  All funds are in aid of the continued preservation of Chiswick House Gardens.

For more information visit chgt.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 8742 3905.

Article supplied by Chiswick House

Visit Drayton Manor this Christmas......

Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire is extending some festive cheer this winter and inviting groups of youngsters and adults to experience its very own magical Christmas at Thomas Land. As part of this year's Drayton's Magical Christmas, Europe's only Thomas Land"' attraction will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with spectacular decorations, festive music and snow thanks to the special machines that will ensure a flurry least three times a day. Thomas Land has 21 rides and attractions, based on the ever-popular Thomas & Friends"` TV series, including Cranky's Drop Tower and the brand new Winstons Whistle- Stop Tour. Christmas is also coming to the sensational 4D cinema, inviting you to climb aboard The Polar Express for a stunning 15-minute movie experience, featuring special simulations that go along with the 3D film to create an interactive experience for all - sure to make anyone believe in the magic of Christmas. And not forgetting Ben 10: Ultimate Mission roller coaster and the 15 acre zoo which will all be open too.

A visit to Drayton's Magical Christmas wouldn't be complete without visiting the enchanted Castle of Dreams where children will be met by playful elves and taken to meet Father Christmas himself in his lodge in Santa's Grotto! For an extra special getaway, the four-star Drayton Manor Hotel, set on the grounds of the park, is a perfect way to extend a visit With 15 special Thomas & Friends` themed rooms, sure to appease any Thomas fan, each of these rooms has themed bunk beds, with fitted DVD player, as well as unique hand-painted scenes on the walls and ceilings depicting a different character from the Thomas & Friends series. The hotel offers competitive prices including stay and play packages, which includes a night at the hotel and Magical Christmas tickets, all from just £ll0.40*.

Group bookings include:

Free entry 1 organiser per coach/ minibus

Free parking for coaches and minibus'

Free entry for the registered PSV licensed driver, along with a free meal voucher (Only one per vehicle).

Free familiarisation visit (max 2 per year) for organisers.

Drayton's Magical Christmas will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from Friday 15th November to Monday 16th December, then every day from Thursday 19th December - Monday 23rd December and Friday 27th December to Sunday 5th January 2014. *Price quoted is for a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 children based on a Sunday night. Prices may vary *

For more information visit:- www.draytonmanor.co.uk

Visit Cromer Pier this year......

Plan a visit to Cromer in North Norfolk and your group will be delighted by a traditional seaside resort with excellent services and entertainment. Many of the landmarks familiar to Victorian visitors are still part of the attraction that the town holds for modem day tourists. Cromer Pier is home to the UK's only remaining traditional end of the pier show and dates back to 1901. Ensure you sample a Cromer Crab classic tea at The Cliftonville Hotel before enjoying the famous Seaside Special at the nearby.Pavilion Theatre. 

The Seaside Special is Norfolk's world famous Summer and Christmas variety show and a must see show for groups of all ages. Matinee and Evening performances allow for flexible travel arrangements and help to turn a trip to the theatre into a wonderful day at the seaside. The great group rate includes free tickets for group organisers and coach drivers and will help to keep your costs down and create an attractive package to sell to groups and clubs. 

Telephone 01263 512495

Afternoon Tea and Christmas Opening.....

The introduction this summer of 'Afternoon Tea in the Pugin Room as an add-on to guided tours of the Houses of Parliament has been extremely popular with visitors. The afternoon tea option is now available to book as an add-on to selected guided tours on Saturday afternoons through until 21 December.

Parliament's chefs have created a tempting array of savouries such as citrus marinated Scottish salmon with cream cheese, lemon curd and chive on a mini bagel, and free range egg mayonnaise with watercress on wholemeal bread. Sweet courses include sultana scones with strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream, and chocolate delice. Vegetarian and gluten-free diets can be accommodated if requested when booking. Afternoon tea sittings are at 2pm, 3.45pm and 5.15pm and tickets are £25.00 (in addition to the tour ticket). Discounted rates for the guided tours are offered to groups of 10 or more. Prices range between £9.00 and £1300 per person depending on the start time.

Looking ahead to Christmas, the Houses of Parliament will open for tours throughout the holiday period for the first time. Tours are available from 9.15am to 430pm, Monday to Saturday, between 21 December and 4 January (excluding public holidays).

Phone 0844 847 2498 or visit:- wwwparliamentuk/vlsiting