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

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 Leeds Kirkgate Market......

Leeds Kirkgate Market this Christmas

This Christmas come and discover a treasure trove of unique gifts at Leeds Kirkgate Market from fresh chestnuts and cranberries for your Christmas day to smoked salmon for that extra special Boxing Day brunch. Kirkgate Market is open seven days a week from the start of December until Christmas Eve, offering the best in quality, variety and value for money. Leeds Markets will be a hub of festive spirit with a whole host of exciting activities alongside brilliant Christmas shopping!

Come and visit the M&S Market Stall, the birthplace of Marks & Spencer and follow the award winning M&S Leeds Heritage Trail. Winner of the Group Travel Award for innovation in Tourism 2013. Travelling from past to present, the trail takes you on a journey through the rich heritage of Leeds, and the Victorian Gardens open Christmas Market. The trail finishes at the Marks in Time Exhibition at the M&S Company archive, White Rose award finalist for small visitor attraction 2013. Whether you take the trail as a self-guided walk, or book an expert tour guide you’ll be finding out more about the fascinating story of British high-street favourite that began life at Leeds Kirkgate Market.

There’s a whole lot more going on!!

Every Saturday in December we’ll have adorable live reindeer on the outdoor market to set the Christmassy scene alongside our giant Christmas tree. They’ll be brass bands playing traditional carols and the market will be decked out with delightful decorations including the M&S Christmas Clock Tree. Don’t forget our free Shop & Drop service which allows you to do all your festive shopping then leave it in our “chiller” room until a more convenient time of day (perhaps whilst you’re having a cup of tea!) For coach bookings over 30 customers we will provide free mince pies and hot punch in our hospitality suite which overlooks the spectacular 1904 market hall when booked in advance.

It’s the only place to be this Christmas.

To enjoy the experience of Christmas at Europe’s biggest indoor market, please contact the market’s information centre on 0113 3781950 or email markets@leeds.gov.uk, or to book a guided M&S trail please contact 0208 7182800 or e-mail companyarchive@marksandspencer.com

The latest from Tatton Park....

Polhill Garden Centre, well worth a visit.....

Festive Breaks with Warner Leisure Hotels.....

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Warner Leisure Hotels have 13 stunning hotels and villages across the UK, offering short breaks for adults. From the picturesque Yorkshire Dales to the glistening Solent shores of the Isle of Wight; each hotel offers fine dining, lovely rooms, live entertainment and plenty of areas to just relax and soak up the scenery. Now, with the festive season fast approaching, Warner Leisure Hotels offer fantastic breaks, providing the perfect setting to start the party season. Their Turkey and Tinsel breaks are the best fun you can have in one place! Christmas Day on one day, New Year on another, you even get a visit from Santa! Or perhaps a festive party weekend would appeal to your group more?

With so many breaks to choose from, there isn’t a better place for your guests to get away to!Every break is half board and includes a host of daytime activities and live entertainment every night of your stay, so you can have great nights out without leaving the hotel! Whatever you fancy, there’ll be something for everyone in your group – and it’s all included in the price of a break! Benefits for coach operators: Free driver place if 15 people book onto the coach. An extra free place if 35 people book onto the coach. Marketing support. Free drink, lunch and newspaper vouchers for your driver. Dedicated sales support team. An allocation of single rooms without supplements, Coach parking and educational visits. For more information www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk

Bath Christmas Market 28th November – 15th December 2013.......

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Once again, Bath Christmas Market is getting ready to welcome coach groups from all over the country to enjoy its festive atmosphere and unique shopping, and this year organisers Bath Tourism Plus are making this great tour opportunity even easier for you. As well as opening the coach parking booking system nice and early (you can book your preferred drop off and pick up now!), you could also win your charge back if you book for a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday – all coaches booked on these days will be entered into a free prize draw, with 30 winners.

Tours and groups can pre-order event programmes now, to be delivered to you prior to the event , so that your customers can get into the festive mood and begin planning their visit while still on the road.  These will be sent with food vouchers for the driver or group organiser. For much of the event, there will be a welcoming party at the coach drop off point, ready to direct your eager customers in the right direction (whether that is to the market, café or nearest loo!).

The market’s location, in the heart of the city, is also perfect for visitors to enjoy all that the city has to offer – a wonderful mix of high street and designer shops, fascinating attractions and warm, inviting cafes and bars.The event organisers have even provided an online marketing toolkit, with images, words and images to help you to promote your tour and fill up every seat – in fact, if you can even include your tour in a list on the event website, free of charge.

Bath Christmas Market offers a brilliant tour opportunity – it is hugely popular with visitors, there are no tickets or entry fees to organise, and there are numerous ways to incorporate it into a wider Christmas themed tour. Coaches visiting Bath during the operational dates of the Christmas Market need to register with Bath & North East Somerset Council (www.bathnes.gov.uk/parking). More details of all of the above, including terms and conditions for the prize draw are available on the website www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk