The Pass
Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays
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A Grand Entrance
Dress to impress
The Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College continues to provide a dedicated service for group visitors. For 2007, the Foundation is offering a number of new packages including themed tours and an Easter special. The Messiah Concert & Supper is being held on Wednesday 4 April at 7.30pm, and is the latest in a series of Concert & Supper evenings that have proved very popular with group-travel organisers in the past. You can expect to see The Chapel Choir and the Greenwich Baroque Orchestra performing in the chapel, and following the concert you will be seated in the Painted Hall where you’ll be treated to a two-course dinner. Admission is free with a small charge applicable for all group tours set at £4 per adult.
020 8269 4747
King of the castle
If you’re planning on visiting East Sussex this year then stop off at Herstmonceux Castle – a magnificent moated 15th Century castle set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. Built originally as a country home, Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. The castle is not open to the public, however guided tours – subject to availability – are being conducted at an extra charge. You can also visit the Gift Shop, Tea Room, and Visitor’s Centre. Herstmonceux gardens and grounds are open daily from 14 April to 28 October, 10 to 6pm (last admission 5pm). Please note they are closed on 4 and 5 August.
01323 833816
Across the border
A visit to Newby Hall is the ideal choice for a day out if you’re interested in experiencing the magnificence of one of Britain’s finest Adam Houses. Located near Ripon, this beautiful 17th century house is the Yorkshire home of Mr & Mrs Richard Compton, and featured in BBC television’s “Heirs & Graces”. Built in the style of Sir Christopher Wren, the house was later enlarged and adapted by John Carr and subsequently Robert Adam. Your group can explore the 25 acres of award-winning gardens, or simply take in the delights of the sculpture park. Exclusive group packages are available, so contact them on the details below to make sure you don’t miss out.
01423 322583
Wonderful Weston
Situated on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, Weston Park is a breathtaking 17th Century stately home set amidst 1,000 acres of stunning parkland. As the former home of the Earls of Bradford, it boasts an impressive collection of furniture and paintings, including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Stubbs. Royalty, politics, drama and tragedy all feature throughout Weston’s rich history. Weston also hosts an exciting and varied events programme including the Proms Spectacular on the 28 July, the Midland Game & Country Sports Fair on the 15 and 16 September, and the famous annual V Festival on the 18 and 19 August. Weston Park is open to the public every weekend from Easter until the 2 September, and most days in July and August. To find out more contact them on the details below.
01952 852100
A close encounter
Salisbury Cathedral offers groups a great choice of specially designed days out packages, with special interest tours and great value for money. Their popular group package Close Encounters continues during the summer season, and enables you to discover the cathedral on a guided tour. The cathedral’s also hosting its annual afternoon carol concerts, which are exclusively available to groups on the 4, 11 and 12 December 2007. These 45-minute concerts start at 2.30pm and include a glass of mulled wine and mince pie in the cathedral cloisters after the service. This package is £8.50 per person. To find out more contact them on the information below.
01722 555124
A foreign influence
Powis Castle and Garden is a beautiful place to visit, as it’s renowned for its famous garden. Designed under the influence of Italian and French styles, it’s overhung with enormous clipped yews, rare plants, and still retains its original lead statues. On the opposite ridge – perched on a rock above the garden terraces – you’ll find the medieval castle, which contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales. Originally built in 1200c, it has since been remodelled and embellished, and now reflects the changing needs and ambitions of the Herbert family who once lived there.
01938 551929
No mountain high enough
Muncaster makes a wonderful day visit for any group, with many top attractions in one location. The breathtaking vista of the Western Lakeland and Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain – mean the views alone make the trip worthwhile. Muncaster Castle is one of the best attractions for your group to visit, with a genuine treasure trove of art and antiques. Other places worth visiting include The Plant Centre, Muncaster Gardens, and The Owl Centre.
Groups that pre-book will receive a discount.
01229 717614
A little treasure
Set in 40-acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, Arundel Castle has been open to visitors for nearly 200 years. It’s one of the Treasure Houses of England, each having its own unique place in history, and is home to priceless works of art. If you plan on taking your group, there’s a large display of work to see including, paintings and furniture, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, and heraldry and armour. Arundel Castle is open from 31 March to 28 October 2007. To find out more contact them on the details below.
01903 882173
A great booking
Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens provides groups with a definitive guide to the best historic houses, gardens, castles, and heritage sites that Britain has to offer. There are over 2,000 heritage properties, historic gardens, stately homes, ancient monuments, and castles that are open to the public. The historic properties also offer accommodation that can be arranged for groups in advance, with rooms available from the luxurious to the utilitarian. Full details can be obtained from each individual property. To find out more contact Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens on the details below.
01295 750750
In the spotlight
At this year’s British Travel Trade Fair
– which takes place on 13 and 14 March – Beaulieu will be introducing the National Motor Museum’s latest exhibition, Autoglym Supercars. The exhibition will showcase a selection of the fastest and most expensive sports cars around, including the Ferrari Enzo, Aston Martin Virage and McLaren F1. The 2007 Group Organisers Brochure – which is available on the Beaulieu stand – has details of the themed tours available for groups on a wide variety of topics. Groups can choose between tours at the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and the Vineyard Tour.
01590 614645
Re-create history
Enjoy a fantastic day out in Stratford-upon-Avon and discover the fascinating world of Shakespeare. With Shakespeare Birthplace Trust you can step back to the 1570s and experience a normal day with a farming household – recreated at Palmer’s Farm in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside. Discover the mysteries of the Elizabethan domestic routine, and watch Shakespeare’s childhood home brought to life, as a glover recreates the ancient craft of Shakespeare’s father in the workshop.
01789 201807