Visit Winchester.......

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The ancient capital of England, Winchester is a beautiful and unspoiled cathedral city on the edge of the rolling South Downs. Home of good food and excellent farmers markets this lovely city combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside. Birthplace of the modern game of cricket, resting place of author Jane Austen and inspiration to the many craft-makers and artists who live here, Winchester is a fascinating destination at any time of the year.

Popular for bustling shopping streets Winchester summer season is brimming with colour and quirky entertainment. The 11th century Cathedral and the Great Hall are well worth a visit. The College is the oldest continuously running school in the country and the Hospital of St Cross, a medieval almshouse still offers the Wayfarer’s Dole to travelers as it has done for more than eight centuries. Winchester’s many bars, traditional pubs and restaurants make eating out a pleasure and the pretty riverside walks are a delight. Just outside the city is the INTECH science centre with its 100 hands-on indestructible activities. Also nearby is Hampshire’s largest animal attraction, Marwell Wildlife. Your group will be greeted and given a personal, free of charge welcome. Book this ahead and ensure a useful introduction to the city, its hidden gems and highlights. Guided tours also available. www.visit-hampshire.co.uk

Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, Expect More Than A Zoo!.....

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all ages at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset! Open every day (except Christmas Day), groups are welcome throughout the year. With ample free parking, and discounts available to pre-booked groups, Monkey World also offers free entry and a drink to uniformed coach drivers. 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.

The park is well laid out and spacious for both humans and primates alike. Visitors 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.The Café serves good value hot and cold food or there are numerous picnic areas to be enjoyed throughout the park. Monkey World also has excellent facilities for the disabled, including electric scooters, wheelchairs, sensory statues and wheelchair swings. For more information visit www.monkeyworld.org or Tel: 01929 462537. Offering great value for money and a fun yet educational day out – make Monkey World your top destination this year!

Amazon adventures at the Living Rainforest......

Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the Amazon at The Living Rainforest, near Newbury in Berkshire. With over 700 species of plants and animals, there’s plenty to discover! On your visit to our tropical world, see & feel the lush vegetation that gives a real jungle experience. Immerse your senses and wonder at the plants that have changed the way we live today.
Children will love our free roaming butterflies, birds and lizards and they can learn about the environment through fun-packed activities such as meet the animal sessions, art workshops and treasure trails. Afterwards, you can relax in the café with a fair-trade cappuccino and a handmade baguette from the selection of organic produce on offer, while they go wild in the outdoor play area. The Living Rainforest is an all weather attraction open all year from 10am- 5pm. With a shop and outdoor play area, as well as regular special events for children and families alike, it’s a fantastic day out. The annual ticket also provides great value all year long. Visit www.livingrainforest.org for more information.

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