The Pass
Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays
Search Attractions
To view the digital version of The Pass, click on the cover below
Free registration to
The Pass magazine
Grand Designs
Grand Designs
At the UK’s great castles, country houses, abbeys and cathedrals, you’ll discover fascinating sights and stories. Take a tour with your group around one of these historic attractions.
Historical importance
The National Trust looks after everything from historic houses and beautiful gardens, to untouched stretches of coast and countryside, and with many properties opening earlier in the year than usual, you won’t be far from a great day out.
From visiting Anglo Saxon ruins at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, to experiencing Tudor England at The Vyne in Hampshire, The National Trust has a page from history for everyone.
You might like to experience life on the farm with your group. From Shire Horse wagon rides to collecting eggs, Wimpole Home Farm in Cambridgeshire is perfect for an active day out. Far from the muddy yard of Wimpole is Lady Berwick’s intimate circular boudoir, at Attingham Park in Shropshire. From gold gilded rooms to trompe l’oeil paintings, Attingham is sure to impress. Further north in Yorkshire, there’s the chance to go back in time to the 12th century and learn about monastic life at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. If you’re really looking for pure escapism then why not head to Brownsea Island. Located in Poole Harbour, Brownsea is home to some of the rarest wildlife in England with woodland, heathland, wetland and shoreline. Situated between the mountains of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait in Wales, Penrhyn Castle belongs in the pages of fairytales, with its enormous turrets, stained glass windows and exquisite collection of dolls. A stark contrast to Penrhyn Castle, Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire overflows with the clattering of machinery and hiss of steam engines, bringing the atmosphere of the Industrial Revolution back to life. For something calmer, a trip to the beautiful gardens of Mount Stewart House in Co. Down is sure to clear your head.
Find out about group rates by contacting The National Trust on the details below.
t
01793 817574
Fairy tale ending
In the style of a Medieval Welsh-border fortress, Eastnor Castle was built in the early 19th century and is a popular group attraction all year round. The Castle is situated in a 5000-acre estate in the Malvern Hills and remains the family home of the Hervey-Bathurst’s. The fairytale Castle is as dramatic inside as it is outside. A vast 60 foot high Hall leads to a series of state rooms, including a gothic drawing room, with its original furniture, and a library in the style of the Italian Renaissance, with views across the lake. The Hervey-Bathurst family have restored the interiors, and many of the Castle’s treasures, which have been buried away in cellars and attics for 50 years. To find out more about Eastnor Castle contact them on the details below.
t
01531 633160
Food for thought
This year Waddesdon Manor is offering groups exclusive guided tours of the ground floor of the house with a highly knowledgeable Waddesdon Guide. These tours will be available from Wednesday to Friday, from 11 to 11.45am, before the House is open to the general public. Groups can also book a tour of the cellars and afterwards join in a spot of informal wine tasting. Whilst exploring the different characteristics of each wine, advice will also be offered on food matching. To book your group visit, contact them on the details below.
t
01296 653226
Walkthrough woodlands
Powderham Castle was built in 1391 by Sir Philip Courtenay and is currently home to the 18th Earl of Devon. Set in a tranquil deer park alongside the Exe estuary, its stunning location offers glorious views for miles around. A beautiful Rose Garden terrace and walk through Woodland Garden are also places not to be missed. Guided tours showcase the Castle’s majestic rooms, stunning interiors and fine collection of treasures, while fascinating stories bring its intriguing history to life. The newly restored Victorian Kitchen offers an insight into domestic service at the Castle and the Country Store, with a tasty food hall and plant centre also on site. Powderham Castle is open from 20 March to 2 November 2008, Sunday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm. Groups of 15 or more can receive an admission discount. Find out more by contacting them on the details below.
t
01626 890243
All the fun of the fair
This year Salisbury Cathedral is celebrating the 750th anniversary of the dedication of the building in 1258. To mark this special occasion there will be a whole range of exciting events taking place. The Medieval Fair kicks off the celebrations from 4 to 5 May, and is set to have everything from a Living History encampment, armed displays, archery, medieval music, dance, court entertainers, costumes, and medieval crafts. The fun continues with The Flower Festival from 17 to 21 June, which will be a spectacular five day display of colour as the Cathedral comes alive with an extravagance of flowers. Internationally renowned Michael Bowyer (assisted by Pam Lewis and Angela Turner) brings a contemporary feel to this classic art. For more details of these events you can visit the website below.
House proud
Knebworth House also has some great events for you and your group to enjoy this year. From 28 June to 31 July, there’s Zimsculpt, a display of Zimbabwean stone sculpture , and on 30 August, Shakespeare pays them a visit, with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There’s also a special exhibition of Led Zeppelin memorabilia between 1 August and 3 September. Except for out of season events, the ticket price includes admission to Knebworth’s park, its 25 acres of gardens, and the Dinosaur Trail, with 72 life-size models. Group rates are available, by calling the number below.
t
01438 812661
Rally round the castle
Berkeley Castle is situated in Berkeley and is the home of one of England’s oldest families, the Berkeley family, who can trace their family back to Saxon times. It’s one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain and possibly the best example of medieval domestic architecture in the country. The surrounding land of the castle would once have been flooded for defence but is now surrounded by magnificent lawns and terraced Elizabethan Gardens. There are many rare plants, with a lily pond and a long bowling green where Queen Elizabeth I is said to have played during her stay at the castle. The castle also plays host to a number of events. This year they include the Lister Tyndale Steam Rally & Summer Play, in June, Berkeley Agricultural Show, in August, and the Antiques & Classic Car Show, in September.
t
01453 810332