The British Tourism & Travel Show is back at the NEC, Birmingham on 22-23 March 2023. Before then, our exhibitors have lots planned for your groups.
A traditionally quieter time for tourism is just around the corner. But that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of events and experiences for your groups to enjoy.
The late season still has lots to offer! From festive delights to historic buildings, enchanting destinations, and everything in between. We look at what some British Tourism & Travel Show exhibitors have in store this autumn and winter.
Southport’s firework extravaganza
A trip to the seaside will be sure to blow the cobwebs away. With its special Southport Welcome and traditional seaside charm, it’s no surprise Southport in the north west (Stand B14) is popular with groups.
Celebrate the start of the autumn with Southport’s British Musical Fireworks Championship. Held at Victoria Park from Friday 23 September to Sunday 25 September, the event is a pyrotechnic, musical extravaganza for all ages to enjoy.
Explore Southport’s traditional seafront, shopping and café culture. Whether it’s a day excursion or part of a longer tour, this is an excellent destination for taking groups. Visit Lord Street, Wayfarers Arcade, The Atkinson, Southport Pier, Marine Lake, Kings Gardens, Hesketh Park, Model Railway Village,or the British Lawnmower Museum… to name a few!
Southport has designated coach drop-off points across the town so visitors can disembark at their leisure. Secure coach parking at the Eco Visitor Centre is also available for £5 per day.
A truly festive experience
At Harewood House (Stand A9), an opulent 18th-century mansion in the heart of Yorkshire, groups can enjoy a traditionally untraditional Christmas during its ‘Long Live the Christmas Tree!’ event.
From Saturday 12 November to Monday 2 January 2023, artists and makers from Yorkshire and beyond will bring a contemporary festive twist to the State Floor. Creating trees inspired by the natural world, to winter rituals and Harewood itself. It is a truly sensational time of the year.
As well as the stunning display in the House, groups can enjoy Christmas shopping and festive catering. The beautiful gardens and grounds of Harewood will be beautifully lit with decorative lights.
Before its festive season kicks off, Harewood will be hosting a new four-day Artisan Winter Market. From Thursday 3 November to Sunday 6th November, groups will be able to discover over 100 local makers for some early Christmas shopping. Entry tickets on these days are £5 per person and give access to the Artisan Winter Market, and Harewood’s Gardens and Grounds (although the House will be closed during this period).
Tours at Harewood
The Stories of Harewood House Tour is available to groups from now until Sunday 23 October 2022. Find out more here. Charlotte Ford, Audiences Assistant at Harewood House Trust, says: “during in-depth tours of the State Floor and Below Stairs. Visitors can learn about the collections and how these rare treasures tell Harewood’s story. They will also discover secret doors and passages behind the scenes to parts of the House rarely seen by visitors.”
Tailormade private tours are another option, focusing on a subject of your choice. See inside some of Thomas Chippendale’s greatest masterpieces, explore the rich collection of watercolours or discover the Renaissance paintings collected by the 6th Earl and Princess Mary.
NEW FOR GROUPS: Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming updates as a new exclusive group tour will be released at Harewood for 2023! Find out more about welcoming groups to Harewood House here.
Wonderful Worcester 
Worcester (Stand A15) in the west midlands is another a group-friendly option this winter, with an abundance of festive events that would get even Scrooge himself in the Christmas spirit.x
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre is back from Thursday 1 December to Sunday 4 December. There will be almost 200 stalls across the city centre, selling local arts and crafts, delicious street food and gifts. Look out for fantastic entertainment, including Victorian characters in Gin Lane, entertainers on stilts and music to make the sounds of Christmas come alive.
The award-winning West Midland Safari Park will hold its popular Santa Safari in November and December. Combining a four-mile winter safari and a visit to Santa in his grotto, it’s a magical day out for families.
Back in the city centre, don’t miss Worcester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival from Wednesday 7 December to Sunday 8 January 2023. An avenue of glittering Christmas trees will be beautifully decorated by local organisations and displayed in the atmospheric medieval Cloister daily (excluding Christmas Day).
Step back in time
What can get you in the festive spirit more than reliving a traditional Christmas at a magnificent historic property?
Christmas at Chatsworth House (Stand C15), a stately home 3.5 miles north-east of Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales, runs from Saturday 5 November to Sunday 8 January 2023, when the house will be transformed with annual Christmas displays to get everyone feeling festive.
Groups can also soak up the festive atmosphere as they browse a wide range of gifts and decorations at Chatsworth’s Christmas Market from Saturday 5 November to Wednesday 23 November.
“Chatsworth at Christmas is always very popular with groups,” says Memberships and Bookings Supervisor Rebecca Owen. “We still have a small amount of availability during our Christmas markets. All Christmas bookings must be made by 15 September, so please call 01246 565 430 to arrange.”
You can also book for Chatsworth’s summer season (March-October 2023) now at the 2022 price. You’ll get discounted rates for groups during the main season, free coach parking and free tickets for group organisers.
See Dover in a new light
Visit Dover will also be at the show on Stand A37, ready to tell you about what the south east coastal town has to offer. Along with spectacular walks along the White Cliffs and exploring the port’s history, there are also a host of events from October to December.
See Walmer Castle and Gardens in a new light throughout December with its Enchanted Walmer event. Explore the grounds and gardens and discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour.
If shopping is more your group’s thing, there’s St James Retail and Leisure Park. Wander to the nearby Stembrook Lane shopping arcade, which is home to small independent shops. Or head to the edge of Dover Marina for De Bradelei Wharf outlet store.
There’s also the Christmas Arts and Craft Fair in nearby Deal on Saturday 26 November to 27 November, featuring ceramics, fine art, stitchwork, fusion glass, mosaic and printwork.
The best of Britain and Ireland
The British Tourism and Travel Show takes place on 22-23 March 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham. With just six months to go, it’s gearing up to be the best show yet. Exhibitors are already looking forward to meeting visitors face to face.
“We see it as a fantastic opportunity to talk to travel trade visitors. Being centrally located in Birmingham, we look forward to meeting GTOs, tour operators and coach companies from across the country,” says Steve Christian, Destination Development Manager at Marketing Southport.
The UK’s leading group travel trade exhibition is free to attend with registration opening soon. In the meantime, join the mailing list to stay up to date with event and exhibitor news.