Now that the festive season is upon us, we thought we’d share some of the seasonal events and offers our 2018 exhibitors have for groups this Christmas (and for 2018). From Christmas markets and Santa Grotto’s, to an enchanted illuminated trail – there’s plenty in store for visitors at these group-friendly destinations.
Mince pie specials and a visit from Father Christmas at South Devon Railway
Father Christmas comes and sees South Devon Railway every year (running on 9th, 10th, and 16th – 24th December 2017), with his singing elves. The Mince Pie Specials (running from 27th December 2017 to January 1st 2018) means visitors can have free mince pies on a relaxing trip down the valley of the River Dart. There’s also a well-stocked gift and model railway shop to visit at Buckfastleigh which offers a selection of unusual gifts. You can even buy a gift voucher for someone to become a train driver for a day! (Photo credit: Sarah Anne Harvey)
A Christmas Festival and festive hotel deals at Morvan Family Hotels in Jersey
Christmas is a time for the Fete de Noue’ (old Norman French for Christmas Festival) in Jersey. With Genuine Jersey Christmas markets, a French Marche’ Nourmand and the Christmas Battle of Flowers parade all give an air of festive cheer for visitors to the island. Late night shopping can lead to one of the many restaurants offering a festive menu and the hotels have deals up to the main event making a short shopping break a good value option with flights only taking around 40 minutes from southern airports.
A jolly Christmas welcome in Beverley
Whether it’s for last minute shopping or to make a special Christmas break, visitors will find perfect presents, festive feasts, and exciting events at Beverley, in East Yorkshire. Book a seat at a Pantomimes Dick Whittington, Flemingate, or It’s a Wonderful Life East Riding Theatre. Pop into the stunning Beverley Minster www.visitbeverley.org to take advantage of the Beverley Coach Campaign and receive a Jolly Christmas Welcome (Picture by Les Gibbon©Hull News & Pictures).
The Spirit of Christmas ride and Grotto at New Lanark Mills World Heritage Village
The New Lanark World Heritage Site has tow types of tickets – The ‘Christmas at the Mills’ and the ‘Festive Pantomime’. Accommodating for groups of 20+, visitors can take a magical journey into Christmas on a sparkling festive ride, or can visit Santa in his cosy Grotto (children will receive a small toy and book relevant to their age range). The Magic Shoes pantomime will also be in town, brought to New Lanark by the Arkeen Theatre Company.
A whole host of festive illuminations, markets and shopping in the Cotswolds this Christmas
Visitors can see an illuminated celebration of Westonbirt’s trees in winter and the new illuminated trail around Sudeley Castle’s grounds. Fairytale Farm also becomes a magical wonderland of fairy lights with its Enchanted Walk which runs every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas Eve. The Mermaid Garden, Giant’s Camera, Extinct Band, Giant Party Poppers and Light Fountains will be a blaze of colour and the Hex Water Fountain will be lit in ever-changing colours. Lastly, The Bird and Deer Park at Prinknash is transformed into a winter wonderland from November 25th.
Visit the UK’s tallest Christmas tree in Liverpool
From ticking off the Christmas lists at Liverpool ONE to visiting many group-friendly restaurants and attractions, from watching the stars at the Echo Arena to some classic panto fun – it’s the best time of year to take a trip you’ll never forget. With not one but TWO Christmas Markets, the Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival and the UK’s tallest Christmas tree – Liverpool is the place to be this festive season.
Spot the ‘shy snowmen’ at Manchester City Football Club’s Christmas Stadium
Enjoy a superb day out over the festive period when attending Manchester City Football Club’s Christmas Stadium and Club tour – including stadium-wide snowman hunt. Families will be challenged to spot all of the shy snowmen that are hiding throughout the stadium, as they enjoy the exclusive access tour and explore behind-the-scenes areas of the club. Special prizes will be up for grabs for those who are able to identify the number of snowmen hidden. Bookings can be made online at mancity.com/tours or call 0161 444 1894.
Flaming beacons and luxury castles in Aberdeenshire
Groups can visit a Scottish castle this Christmas, and with 300 located in Aberdeenshire, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Indulge in the comfort of a luxury castle where you can enjoy Scotland’s finest food and drink from the warmth of an open fire. The Stonehaven Fireballs offers an unforgettable experience for New Year’s Eve. Visitors can expect to see 45 local people twirl their flaming beacons around their bodies to ward off the evil spirits of the past year.
Choir singing and Christmas parties in Looe, with The Portbyhan Hotel
The lights on the river and around the harbour during the festive period depict the atmosphere in Looe at this time of year. Visitors can enjoy lots of Christmas parties, choirs singing, local pubs, live music throughout the town with friendly people everywhere. The Portbyhan Hotel located centrally and on the Quayside is an ideal resort coaching hotel, ideal for groups and meal stops all year round. New Year’s Eve in Looe is within the top 10 most popular places to be with fireworks on the beach and fancy dress.
Festive games and Christmas dinner at The Jurys Inn
Welcome in the festive season with unforgettable stay at this special time of year with Jurys Inn. Be near the country’s top attractions and amenities of the most vibrant towns and cities across the UK, Ireland and Czech Republic. The Jurys Inn Christmas package includes 3 or 4 nights, at selecthotels such as Cheltenham, Oxford and more. Packages include live entertainment, festive games and a full satisfying Christmas dinner. So festive, they’re even taking 2018 bookings now.
Christmassy breaks and new year deals for adults at Warner Leisure Hotels
There’s a reason children love Christmas time so much. They don’t have to lift a finger and everything revolves around them – magical! That’s just how it is for grown-ups at Warner festive breaks. Warner are offering festive break deals including £50 off January or February visits, and £30 off a second trip to a Warner Leisure Hotel.
Looking ahead to The British Tourism & Travel Show 2018
You can see meet these exhibitors and many others at the show in March. The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to NEC Birmingham on 21-22 March 2018. For further information and to register, please visit www.tourismshow.co.uk. (https://eventdata.uk/Visitor/BTTS2018.aspx?TrackingCode=BTTSPR)
Lead image – (Photo credit:New Lanark Mills).
Words are supplied by exhibitors and not the event organiser.