Sandown Park, one of London’s Racecourses, is hosting two great days of racing for the Betfred Gold Cup on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 April. Over the years the racecourse has seen victories for many of steeple chasing’s great names, and horses who’ve tackled the Grand National fences at the start of the month can be seen in action for their final appearance of the season. After the racing on Saturday, The Bootleg Beatles will be providing some entertainment in a 75-minute live-set. Sandown Park also offers a wide selection of catering facilities, with the bar and restaurant offering excellent views of the racecourse. The gates open at 11am on Friday with the first race at 2.10pm. Groups of 6 or more get a 20% discount plus a free racecard for each person within the group.   

01372 470047  

A tall order  

For another action-packed day out with your group, head down to Portsmouth and visit the famous Spinnaker Tower. Soaring 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour, the Tower is taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower, and Big Ben, and offers visitors spectacular 360º views over the harbour and the south coast from glass encapsulated viewing decks. On deck 1 you’ll find Europe’s largest glass floor, where visitors can literally ‘walk on air’, while deck 2 offers self-contained multimedia stations showing the history of the harbour. Spinnaker Tower is open every day except Christmas Day. For more information visit their website or give them a call on the number below.  

02932 857520  

Hidden delights  

Sandringham House is the perfect place for groups to take an exclusive peak around The Queen’s Norfolk retreat. Open to the public until October, visitors are free to explore the grounds by taking a leisurely walk around their woodland area, lakes and streams. Tucked away in the gardens, you’ll find the Sandringham Museum, which houses everything from vintage and modern royal cars, to delicate china and glass. Or if you’d prefer, the Visitor Centre offers a popular tractor-trailer tour of the estate, which is not always open to the public. There is also a gift shop, plant centre and restaurant at the visitor centre, for those in need of a little retail therapy. Sandringham House, Gardens and Museum is open from 10.30am to 5pm daily. For more information see the number below.  

01553   612908  

Hot pursuit  

There’s also plenty for groups to enjoy at Staunton Country Park, as they host a busy programme of events. Attractions include, an ornamental farm, formal gardens and glasshouses, walking trails, and cycle hire – all set within 1,000 acres of beautifully landscaped Regency parkland. Staunton’s formal gardens offer colourful floral, while the tropical glasshouses give you the chance to experience the tropics all year round. There is also Active Staunton, which offers pursuits for people wanting to have fun in the great outdoors. Throughout the year you can also expect live music, plus Halloween and Christmas festivals. To find out more contact them on the details below.  

023 9245 3405  

A little variety  

There’s something for everyone at Moors Valley Country Park in Dorset. Your group can explore 1000 acres of Country Park and Forest with marked footpaths and cycle routes, and discover woodland, meadows, lakes and rivers – where you can hire a bike or bring your own. Or for a more leisurely journey take a trip on the narrow-gauge steam train. At the Visitor Centre you’ll find art exhibitions on display all year round, and you can also enjoy a home-cooked meal at Seasons Restaurant or visit the Country Shop for a wide choice of wildlife gift items and souvenirs. Moors Valley is open every day from 8am to dusk.  

01425 470 721