The British Tourism & Travel Show is back at the NEC, Birmingham on 20-21 March 2024. Before then, our exhibitors have lots planned for your groups to enjoy.
In Part 1 of this blog series, we revealed the first of great places to take your groups this autumn and winter. Here’s the final half of our two-part blog series with even more ideas for your tours and excursions, featuring just some exhibitors set to attend British Tourism & Travel Show 2024.
1. Celebrate spooky season at Gulliver’s
Our first Halloween mention takes us to Gulliver’s! All four of the theme park resorts – Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s World Warrington, Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes and Gulliver’s Valley South Yorkshire – will be hosting their family-friendly ‘Fright Fiesta’ on 14 October to 3 November.
“Bursting with colour, costumes and music, the festival-style Halloween event is full of fabulous family activities, frights and theme park fun.”
Fright Fiesta highlights include:
- Daily shows, including Gilly’s Halloween Dance Party
- Haunted Mansion Experience
- Interactive Scare Attractions
- Spooky Rides.
2. Have a ghoulishly good day out at Dover Castle
For more Halloween half-term (21-29 October) fun, Dover Castle has plenty of themed activities to enjoy – perfect for families. Groups can follow the trail to solve clues and gather around to listen to spooky stories.
Halloween not your thing? Dover Castle has so much more to offer groups throughout the year, including:
The story of Dunkirk in an immersive exhibition in the Secret Wartime Tunnels
- A tour of the Underground Hospital
- Medieval recreated rooms in the Great Tower and a chance to climb to the roof for amazing views
- Getting hands-on in the Port War Signalling Station to try your hand at Morse Code to spot enemy ships
- Roaming 80 acres of castle grounds with mighty battlements, a Roman lighthouse and medieval tunnels.
3. Visit a Napoleonic triple helix staircase
While in Dover, don’t miss the Western Heights and Grand Shaft Open Days (15 October and 19 November). Plus, QRA Corps of Drums at the Grand Shaft at 1pm on 15 October for something a bit different. The Grand Shaft is a unique triple helix staircase built between 1806 and 1809, descending/ascending 140 feet through the white cliffs of Dover.
Access is via Snargate Street CT17 9DA (bottom) or Drop Redoubt Road CT17 9DZ (top). Entry is free (although a donation is appreciated), and no booking is required.
4. Go on a journey through time in Edinburgh
Visiting The Real Mary King’s Close is fascinating any time of the year. But visiting Edinburgh’s best-kept secret – a labyrinth of concealed streets where real people lived, toiled and died – sounds like the ideal Halloween excursion!
These underground passages hold the city’s most captivating tales from the remarkable bygone era spanning the 16th to the 19th centuries. Groups will venture into these depths to uncover the authentic narratives of Edinburgh’s extraordinary history.
There are many private tours and experiences to ensure your groups experience the best of The Real Mary King’s Close.
5. Fireworks and racing into the dark at Lydden Hill
Lydden Hill’s 5-Nations British Rallycross Championships takes place on 4-5 November, with a “firework spectacular” set for after racing concludes on the first day.
“The circuit will be temporarily floodlit from 4pm until track action and fireworks conclude before the 6pm curfew,” says organisers. “Coupled with rallycross racing into the dark on a floodlit track, this is one event you don’t want to miss!”
6. Watch the Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch-On
Get into the swing of Christmas with the Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch-On, Medieval Parade and King Street Party on 2 December. The event is run by volunteers and supported by local businesses, so there’s a real community spirit to warm your group’s cockles. There will be lots to enjoy, including stalls, music and Santa’s Grotto, with more details to be announced in due course.
There will also be Christmas events in Dover and Deal to look forward to. Dates have yet to be revealed, but you can keep up to date with what’s happening via the White Cliffs Country website.
7. Get in the festive spirit at Holkham Hall
What can get you in the festive spirit more than reliving a traditional Christmas at a magnificent historic property? Christmas at Holkham Hall in North Norfolk runs throughout December when the house will be transformed with Christmas displays to get everyone feeling festive.
As seen on Channel 4’s ‘Christmas at Holkham’ 2021 and 2022, each stateroom is decorated with a theme, with thousands of twinkling lights, baubles, creations and locally grown Christmas trees.
“It’s no secret that everyone at Holkham loves Christmas, and come December, the halls will have once again been decked in readiness for you to tour the magnificent staterooms in all their festive finery with your group,” says Joanne Birch, Digital Marketing Executive, at Holkham Estate.
There’s a special discounted rate for pre-booked groups, which you can book now by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01328 713111.