Destination UK Autumn 2014

Issue 59 Autumn 2014 £2.75

Awareness ofcounty soarsafter Le Tour By Josh Timlin

PUBLIC opinion and awareness ofYorkshire has rocketed after thecounty hosted the biggest GrandDepart in the history of the Tour deFrance.

More than a third of the UK's popu-lation had their opinions on the des-tination positively changed thanks tothe event, which happened on thefirst weekend of July.

A post-Tour study, carried out byResearchBods, showed that a quar-ter of the country now wants to visitthe county, and that 75 per centwant Welcome to Yorkshire – thetourism agency responsible for thecounty's hosting of the event – to bidfor more sporting events to be heldthere.

Millions of sports fans, local resi-dents and international visitors stoodside by side as 197 of the world’selite cyclists navigated their waythrough Yorkshire's rugged country-side and historic locations.

Holme Moss – arguably the centre-piece of the two-day Grand Departand the toughest climb at 1,709ft –was flooded with approximately60,000 spectators, with many evencamping out for two days before therace reached them.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s official Tour

de France website generated massivetraffic in the run-up to the event,seeing 2.5 million page views overthe weekend itself.

Visitors from 190 countries wererecorded, further boosting the coun-ty's profile.

Chief executive of Welcome toYorkshire Gary Verity said: “The pas-sion, the crowds and the supportthat Yorkshire demonstrated to thewatching world were mind-blowing.

“The economic benefit to the coun-ty is being conservatively estimatedto be in excess of £100m, but itcould well be more after we we allwitnesses.

“Whatever the final figure, it wasthe images of Yorkshire and its amaz-ing landscapes being beamed aroundthe world which will prove priceless inthe months and years ahead for thecounty.

“It is the start of a journey forYorkshire, not the end of one. It wasa game-changing event and we areonly just scratching the surface ofthe enormous potential that the des-tination has.”� What do you think? Would you liketo see the UK hosting more largescale events – and how do you thinkthey would help to boost tourism?Let us know by emailing our editorialteam at [email protected]

FAMILIES are making hugesavings of up to 70 per centby snapping up cancelled hol-idays.

Park Holidays UK reportsthat sales made by its cancel-lations desk – open for justtwo hours a day – have rock-eted since schools beganbreaking up.

The 23-park company saysit is able to offer discounts bynot having to re-advertise theholidays. Because this yearhas seen the highest numberof bookings in its 25-year his-tory, director Tony Clish saysthere are many more cancel-lations available.

He added: “There will alwaysbe people who have to pullout of their plans at the lastminute, and we immediatelymark their holidays down byhalf price or less.

“There are no catches, butstarting dates are often aweek or less away, and cus-tomers have to choose fromwhat is available rather thanspecify preferences. But ifthey are prepared to be flexi-ble, the savings can be verysubstantial indeed.”

Examples of savings includea week's stay for six atWaterside Park in Paignton,Devon, which was bookedoriginally for £406 and re-soldas a cancellation for £129 –a 69 per cent saving.

Visitors to the Peak District andDerbyshire have been encouraged totake to two wheels and make the mostof the area’s cycle routes. With almost200 miles of traffic-free tracks andgreenways in Derbyshire and over 70miles of traffic free trails and routes inthe Peak District National Park, thearea’s tourist board claims there isplenty of scope for cycling fans to geton their bike amid some of Britain’smost beautiful countryside. Supportersof the Summer of Cycling initiativeinclude triple gold medal winningParalympic cyclist Anthony Kappes(pictured).

Familiessnap upcancelledholidays

01 8/8/14 11:41 Page 1

02 Matlida 8/8/14 11:41 Page 1

EDITORIALJudith Halkerston group editor 01226 734639 [email protected] Eccles reporter 01226 [email protected] Timlin reporter 01226 734715Olivia Taylor reporter [email protected]

PRODUCTIONStewart Holt – studio manager –[email protected] Blackburn – graphic [email protected] Firth – graphic [email protected]

ADVERTISINGTony Barrysales and marketing director01226 734605

CIRCULATIONKelly Tarff01226 734695 [email protected]: www.destination.uk.com

DESTINATIONNEWS

3

Contacts

By Christina Eccles

ORGANISERS of the Glasgow 2014Commonwealth Games have thankedthe city and its people for theirsupport of the event and role inmaking the Games a success.

Over 11 days, the city rolled outthe red carpet to thousands ofathletes, officials and visitors andhosted a fun filled festival of sportand culture on a scale Glasgow hasnever seen before.

During the Games, the HomeNations triumphed in front of excitedcrowds who raised the roof inpacked venues.

Key Glasgow 2014 facts included: � Nearly 3.5m people passedthrough Central Station.� Over 50,000 cuddly ClydeMascots sold out.� 171,000 attended the RugbySevens – a record-breaking numberfor the sport.� Well over 1m people visited theGlasgow 2014 website per day.� Over half a million people visitedthe Live Site at Glasgow Green.� Well over 1m mentions ofGlasgow 2014 on social networkssince the Opening Ceremony.� 1.2m tickets sold.

Chief executive of Glasgow 2014David Grevemberg said: “A massivethank you goes to the people of

Glasgow who embraced the Gamesand welcomed all athletes andvisitors with sensational support,smiles and… selfies. For bringingthe house down in all the venueswith their deafening levels ofsupport.

“Our 15,000 clyde-siders: who putthe 'friendly' into the friendly Games.

“The hundreds and thousands ofpeople across Scotland who gavethe batonbearers in their towns andcommunities a moment toremember and showed thatScotland has the best supporters inthe world

“To the whole team, the OrganisingCommittee who has always believedthese Games are important toGlasgow.

“The army of supporters, sponsors,Games Partners, CommonwealthGames Associations and sportsfederations and officials around theworld who have helped deliver anathlete centred, sport focusedGames that we can all beimmensely proud of.

“And, of course the athletes. Fromthe moment they danced into CelticPark for the Opening Ceremony theyhave captured our imagination andour hearts. Every day they haveinspired us by breaking records andstriving to go beyond their personalbest.”

Games’ organisersthank city’s people

Groups can see the night skyspectacularly lit up over BlistsHill Victorian Town, nearIronbridge, on November 1 whenthe townsfolk will be celebratingGuy Fawkes’ foiled GunpowderPlot with a fantastic familyfireworks display. The gatesopen at 6pm allowing plenty oftime to explore the town’sVictorian streets andatmospheric buildings. Thehighlight of the night will be thefireworks extravaganzaaccompanied by music, whichwill start at about 7.30pm.

03 8/8/14 11:43 Page 1

DESTINATIONNEWS

4

Children of all ages can now enjoy the Macdonald AviemoreResort’s new £600,000 state of the art activity centre. Designed byWiltshire based company, Tiger Play, the activity centre boaststhemes for all ages, from soft play areas for 0-two year olds, to arelaxation zone exclusive for teens’ use, including iPod stations, TVand lounge seating. Chief executive officer at Macdonald AviemoreResort Chris-Wayne Wills said: “We are very proud to offer guestsand non-residents alike the chance to experience the AviemoreActivity Centre; surely one of Scotland’s most imaginative, high-tech and age-diverse activity centres offered within one dedicatedsite.”

AWARD winning Smart City Hostel inEdinburgh has undergone majorrefurbishments to provide guests witha more stylish place to stay.

The hostel now boasts five stylishpremier double rooms, along withnew dedicated stag and hen partyrooms.

The addition of five boutiquedoubles, which feature quirkydesigner wallpaper and high qualityfurnishings, offer a unique hostellingexperience, while larger dorms havebeen developed into bespoke party

rooms. Every room will also featurean individual piece of artworkcreated by local digital artist KevinAllen.

Smart City also has an on site barand restaurant for guests.

Hotel manager Ruth Kerr said:“Smart City Edinburgh has been atthe forefront of luxury hostellingsince opening in 2006, winningnumerous awards. The latestoverhaul of rooms will assure itcontinues to set the pace for the‘Flashpacker’ market.”

Refurbished hostel offersa stylish place to stay

Dog worries spoilBritons’ holidaysBy Josh Timlin

MORE than half of Britain’s 8m dogowners have sacrificed a holidaybecause of their pets, according tonew research.

The Kennel Club, which looked atdog owners’' holiday habits during astudy, also found that 71 per centwould be more likely to go onholiday if they could take their dogswith them.

Over half who opted to leave theirbeloved pooches at home admittedto missing their family and friendswhile they were on holiday – butthey missed their four-legged friendsmore.

Caroline Kisko, secretary at TheKennel Club, said the research is“worrying”.

She added: “People feel reallyguilty and upset when they leavetheir dogs to go on holiday, which is

why the majority of dog ownerssurveyed would tend to opt for a‘staycation’ so they can take theirdog along with them.

“That is why it is so frustrating thatthe UK continues to fail miserablynext to other European countrieswhen it comes to dog friendliness,with our anti-dog stance stoppingalmost five million dog owners fromenjoying British services and holidaydestinations.”

The Kennel Club – which wantsbusinesses to have a dog-friendlyattitude – think having thatapproach will have a knock-on effectand attract more dog-owningcustomers.

Caroline added: “Businesses aremissing an opportunity because ourresearch has shown that four out offive businesses with a dog-friendlypolicy say it has helped them attractmore customers.”

BATH will play host to a mouth-watering mix of the UK’s leadingartisan cheese makers at the FineCheese Co. Festival, which takesplace on October 25.

Bath Soft Cheese, Keen’s Cheddar,Ticklemore Cheese and Trethowan’sDairy are among the cheese makerstaking centre stage at The Octagonin Milsom Place to show off their

delicious, award-winning cheese. Director of Milsom Place Sarah

Mansfield said: “We love workingwith the Fine Cheese Co. on thisevent and all look forward towelcoming the UK’s top cheesemakers back to Bath. Milsom Placeis a hub of foodie activity and this isone of the highlights of the GreatBath Feast during October.”

City to host cheese festival

Travel firm improvesits online serviceAN award-winning chain of hotels haslaunched a new website.

Daish's Holidays, which runs hotelson the Isle of Wight and south coastof England, has improved its onlineservice in a bid to make it easier forholidaymakers to book the breakthey want.

The new-look website includesextensive information on all Daish'sdestinations, which includeShanklin, Torquay, Bournemouth,Newquay, Eastbourne andWeymouth.

Local information covers visitorattractions, excursions and samplemenus. Featuring more imagery and

a simple search box at the top ofevery page, the site introduces a'special offers' page with details oflast-minute bargains.

Director of sales and marketing atDaish's Holidays Matt Jobson said:“Our new website has beendesigned to reflect the quality ofexperience customers can expectfrom us.

“As well as projecting the beauty ofthe resorts and the unrivalledstandard of our hotels, we aremaking it easier than ever forcustomers to choose their holiday,whether it is a family trip or a groupgetaway.”

A WARRINGTON hotel has received acertificate of excellence fromTripAdvisor.

Gulliver's Hotel, which opened in2012, caters for families andindividuals with a range of family-themed suites designed to extendthe fun of a theme park experiencefor children.

The accolade – which is only givento establishments who consistentlyachieve outstanding reviews –honours hospitality excellence in the

industry. Businesses must maintainan overall TripAdvisor rating of atleast four out of five to qualify forthe award.

Managing director of Gulliver's JulieDalton said: “This is a real boost tothe entire team at our Warringtonhotel – it's testament to their hardwork and fantastic customer service.

“Thank you to every guest whotook the time to complete a review.There is no greater seal ofapproval.”

Excellence award for hotelGulliver's Hotel in Warrington

04 8/8/14 11:44 Page 1

05 Made in Dagenham 8/8/14 11:44 Page 1

A NEW discount incentive has beenoffered by the Spinnaker Tower toencourage more school and collegegroups to visit.

Classes of 15 or more will receivehalf price entry during October andNovember.

To accompany a school visit,educational resources covering keystages one to three are free todownload from the attraction'swebsite and provides teachers withan easy-to-use learning programme,which includes visit worksheets andrisk assessments.

Teachers can also take advantageof free activity boxes which offer aninteractive way to introduce pupils tointegral areas of the key stage twogeography, English and numeracycurriculum.

Visiting leisure and tourism andbusiness studies college groups willbenefit from a key stage fourresource pack which looks at thevarious aspects of the SpinnakerTower business and its relationshipwith the tourism industry.

New business coordinator at theSpinnaker Tower Jane Chivers said:"Our autumn schools offer is a greatchance for schools or colleges togive a visit a try and understand howwe work to provide an enriching andrewarding educational trip for groupsof all key stage levels.”

DESTINATIONNEWS

6

Package tour launched toentice people to AlderneyA NEW package tour has beenlaunched to entice people to theisland of Alderney.

The location, which is the mostnortherly of the Channel Islands, isoffering a tour centred around thearea's rich wildlife, history andstunning landscapes.

Guests on the two-day 'LivingIslands' trip will be escorted by theguides on orientation tours ofAlderney's finest landmarks,including the World War Two Germanbunkers, Fort Tourgis and several

Roman outbuildings.There will be a wealth of wildlife

spotting opportunities along the wayincluding a tour of the Longis NatureReserve, wildflower walks, hedgehogand bat walks and a seabird safari.

Visitors will also have their owntime to get to know the Island onfoot, or with hired bikes, and tosavour the stunning views of ruggedcliffs and dramatic seascapes, aswell as relaxing and enjoying someof the island’s exquisite cuisine,including its famed seafood.

The tour centred around the area's wildlife, history and landscapes.

Spinnaker Tower encourageseducational groups to visit

The Spinnaker Tower.

Boutique Lake District getaway, The Brimstone Hotel, has teamedup with Head to the Hills to create an exhilarating wild swimmingescape for guests. Wild swimming escape guests will benefit from apackage including free top-of-the-range kit hire from Brimstone’sBerghaus Room, access to Langdale Estate’s gym, pool and spafacilities, two nights’ accommodation in one of Brimstone’s roomsand a lavish in-room breakfast each morning. The escape isavailable until the end of September and costs from £325 perperson based on two people sharing.

CENTER Parcs has been named asthe top travel company in an annuallist.

The UK Customer SatisfactionIndex, run by the Institute ofCustomer Service, is the nationalmeasure of consumer satisfactionbased on a six-monthly online survey.

Just five travel firms made it on the50-strong list, with Center Parcsbeing the first travel company tofeature, appearing in 13th place witha score of 83.3.

The findings used informationsupplied by 10,000 customers and40,000 individual customerexperiences.

Operations and developmentdirector at Center Parcs Paul Kentsaid: “We are delighted to have beenfeatured as the number one travelcompany for customer service in theUK. We pride ourselves on ourexcellent service to guests and it ispart of the overall high qualityexperience we offer.”

Center Parcs top travel firm

06 8/8/14 11:45 Page 1

DESTINATIONLONDON

7

London’s biggest attraction ticket seller has won two awards in thisyear's Group Travel Awards. Encore Tickets, who retained their 'BestGroup Ticket Agency' crown for the third year running, alsotriumphed in the 'Best Group Supplier' category. Head of sales JoBatchelor said: “These awards are a huge vote of thanks from ourgroup partners. Winning the awards is a real plus and we are veryproud.”

Family audio tours atHouses of ParliamentFOLLOWING the successful launch ofnew audio tours earlier this year, theHouses of Parliament have added anew self-guided option createdespecially for families.

Aimed at children aged seven to12, whilst also appealing toaccompanying parents andgrandparents, the family audio tourshave an engaging commentarydelivered in the style of a ‘live’ newsbroadcast. Time travelling reportersare called upon throughout the tourto ‘report from the scene’ on storiesassociated with this iconic andhistoric building.

Highlights of the tours include StStephen’s Hall, Royal Gallery, themajestic Lords Chamber, CentralLobby, Members’ Lobby, and theCommons Chamber, scene of manylively debates. Tours begin and endin 900 year old Westminster Hall

where both Guy Fawkes and KingCharles I stood trial. The familyaudio tour takes just over an hourand there are a number of places tosit down, absorb the stories, andperhaps even discover the linkbetween Central Lobby and ahippopotamus.

For Houses of Parliament audiotours, one child is admitted free witheach paying adult. Tickets foradditional children are £7 andadults are £17.50 (£15 for over60s). Tours are on a timed basisand take place every Saturday andon most weekdays during schoolholiday periods.

Alternative audio commentaries areoffered in English (for grown-ups),French, German, Italian, Spanish,Russian and Mandarin. The popular‘Blue Badge’ guided tours are alsostill available.

VISITORS to London will be able tofollow in the footsteps of iconicchildren’s character Paddington Bearas part of a new tourism trail.

Prior to the release of a new filmabout the character, VisitLondon.com, the NSPCC and STUDIOCANALhave teamed up for the PaddingtonTrail, which will see 50 Paddington

Bear statues – designed by a host ofartists, designers and celebrities –placed across the capital, taking inmuseums, parks, shops andlandmarks.

The statues will then be auctionedlater in the year to raise money forcharity partners including theNSPCC.

Follow in Paddington’s footsteps

07 8/8/14 11:45 Page 1

DESTINATIONNEWS

8

Scottish areasjoin to benefitfrom fundingBy Josh Timlin

VISIT West Lothian has partneredwith East and Midlothian Council tosecure funding from VisitScotland.

In a bid to promote and enhancethe region's tourism, the three areaswere awarded £11,900 to target thetravel trade market.

Following the inaugural meeting athistoric Newbattle Abbey, theLothians came together to finalisehow the funding will be used to tapinto the potential travel market.

The project will focus on a range ofpromotional activities over thecoming year, including thedevelopment of a new website andattendance at a number of key tradeshows.

Plans for next year include a focuson local food and drink, withbusinesses such as MacdonaldHoustoun House and GlenkinchieDistillery already on board toshowcase the facilities available towould-be visitors.

There will be no shortage ofremarkable attractions and activitieson offer to keep groups withdifferent interests entertained.

Ian Gardner, from the projectsteering group, said: “We aredelighted to have brought the threeLothian areas together to securefunding from VisitScotland.

“The partnership will allow us tobuild on the successes we haveachieved individually to date andcontinue to encourage tourism tothe area.

“We hope to entice more groups tothe Lothians and encourage them tostay longer and explore the vastrange of attractions we collectivelyboast.”

Manuela Calchini, regional directorat VisitScotland, added: “It is terrificto see that the three Lothian regionshave joined forces to such greateffect, pooling their resources andpromoting the many wonderfulthings to see and do in each of theareas.”

Project members who took part in the inaugural meeting.

MARKETING Lancashire has revealedthis year’s Lancashire Tourism Awardswill be held at the Blackpool TowerBallroom on Thursday November 6.

The awards include categories foraccommodation, venues, attractionsand events, with new categories forthis year including the VisitorExperience of the Year Award.

Chief executive of MarketingLancashire Ruth Connor said:“Following the huge success of last

year’s event at Blackburn Cathedralwe are working hard to raise the baragain and deliver an event not to bemissed.

“The Blackpool Tower is an iconicworld famous landmark that over theyears has provided millions ofvisitors with special memories and itis only fitting that we pay homage tothe anniversary by hosting ourcelebration to tourism in TheBlackpool Tower Ballroom.”

Tower Ballroom to host awards

Two venues shortlistedfor tourism accoladeBy Josh Timlin

TWO historic venues have beennamed as finalists at the UK's biggesttourism awards.

Sheffield City Hall and ScarboroughSpa have both bagged nominationsat Welcome to Yorkshire’s WhiteRose Awards, which celebrates thecounty's best attractions, hotels,B&Bs and restaurants.

The pair – both operated by SIVEvents – are two landmarks in theirrespective cities and both go head-to-head in the business tourismcategory.

Sheffield City Hall, a grade II listedvenue, first opened its doors in1932 and underwent a majorrefurbishment in 2005. It is home tomulti-function and entertainmentspaces, attracting over 250,000visitors every year.

The Victorian Scarborough Spa,located in the popular seasideresort’s South Bay, is another gradeII listed venue which hosts 105 daysof business tourism events everyyear.

Chief executive of SIV Steve Braileysaid: “Awards are a greatendorsement of our work and we aredelighted that the success ofSheffield City Hall and ScarboroughSpa over the last 12 months hasbeen recognised with twonominations.

“It puts the venues right up therewith Yorkshire tourism royalty, asboth venues are extremely importantto the local economy and attract acombined 500,000 people eachyear.”

A location for this year’s awardswill be announced in the comingweeks.

ONE of the North East’s leadingluxury hotels is offering visitors alittle medieval midweek magic.

600-year-old Lumley Castle inChester-le-Street – near thehistoric city of Durham – haslaunched a medieval retreat

package. Guests can enjoy an àla carte dinner in the hotel’srenowned Black Knightrestaurant, an overnight stay in acourtyard bedroom and a fullEnglish or continental breakfastthe following morning.

Luxury hotel offers medieval magic

By Josh Timlin

YORKSHIRE'S summer of celebrationshas continued after the countybagged a 'travel Oscar' at an awardsceremony in Greece.

The destination – which hosted theGrand Depart of the Tour de Francein July – has now been named asEurope's leading destination at thisyear's World Travel Awards.

Yorkshire held off competition fromEuropean cities such as Florence,Geneva and Rome to triumph at the

awards ceremony in Athens.Welcome to Yorkshire, its tourism

agency, capped off the night bywinning Europe’s leading marketingcampaign for the third time.

Gary Verity, chief executive ofWelcome to Yorkshire, said: “It is atribute to the 12 months of hardwork that has gone into making thisyear the most successful of all timefor the county. These awards aresome of the biggest in internationaltourism, so it makes me very proudto see Yorkshire at the top.”

Yorkshire bags travel OscarWelcome to Yorkshire won Europe’s leading marketing campaign forthe third time.

08 8/8/14 11:46 Page 1

DESTINATIONNEWS

7

By Christina Eccles

TRAVELLERS passing throughLondon’s St Pancras Internationalhave been treated to a taste of theGarden of England, as well as aninsight into what they can discoveralong the Kent coast and Medway,thanks to a Visit Kent promotion.

Representatives from keyattractions, food producers andpopular visitor destinations havebeen displaying their wares, handingout free samples and running funcompetitions from three eye-catching colourful beach huts on thestation concourse.

Potential visitors have also beengiven copies of The Summer Times,a newspaper from Visit Kent, packedwith colourful photographs and thelatest information about top placesto visit, events and culturalattractions. The promotion, backedby transport partners High SpeedOne, Southeastern, Arriva andStagecoach also included specialoffers on attraction tickets andrefreshments to everyone travellinginto or around the county by publictransport.

Chief executive of Visit KentSandra Matthews-Marsh said: “Pop-up Kent is creating quite a stir atthe station.

“Different tourism partners aretaking advantage of the brilliantbeach huts during the campaign topromote their specialities. So regulartravellers are treated to changingdisplays and can see what a widerange of treats can be discovered inthe Garden of England on London’sdoorstep.

“And we are handing out 8,000copies of each of the two issues of

The Summer Times which is provingvery popular. People are taking it ontheir trains and browsing through allthe current and forthcoming eventsmaking the season special in Kent.

“Once again, Visit Kent isdemonstrating how tourismbusinesses and local authorities canmake a really big marketing impactwhen they join forces and work inpartnership.”

Promotion gives travellersa taste of Kent’s summer

Theresa Bruton, Kent County Council head of regeneration projects;Barbara Thomas, Southeastern passenger services director; NicolaShaw, High Speed One chief executive; Mark Dance, Kent CountyCouncil cabinet member for economic development; SandraMatthews-Marsh MBE, Visit Kent chief executive; and Robin Cooper,Medway Council director of regeneration, community and culture.

Freya McCann has joinedSuperBreak as sales executive,North West and Yorkshire. Freyabrings with her 11 years ofexperience working her way upat Garstang Travel, starting amodern apprenticeship in 2003and most recently as seniortravel advisor. Reporting toGraham Balmforth, nationalsales manager at SuperBreak,Freya’s responsibilities includevisiting travel agents in her areato provide product informationand training.

09 8/8/14 11:46 Page 1

DESTINATIONCHRISTMAS

10

A Christmas toremember atCastle Howard

An upturn in business confidence and staff recruitment has seenstrong early demand from groups for key Christmas party dates atHedsor House in December. Set in 100 acres of beautiful groundsat Taplow, Buckinghamshire, the Georgian country house hasbecome a firm favourite among companies wanting to share somefestive cheer. The venue, which recently starred as the exclusivelocation for Dustin Hoffman’s critically acclaimed movie Quartet,has a capacity of up to 150 for a traditional three-course dinnerand for larger parties of up to 300 for canapé and bowl food.

A POPULAR chocolate attraction inYork will undergo a festive makeoverthis winter.

Visitors to York's Chocolate Story,situated in King's Square, will learnmore about the role the sweet treatplayed in the historic city'sChristmas past.

The venue's master chocolatierswill also create a variety ofChristmas-inspired flavours to

sample, as well as a chocolatemulled wine.

A spokesperson said: “The tourswill be themed around theconnection chocolate has had withChristmas in the past, from what lifewas like in the factories to the role itplayed in the trenches of World WarOne.

“Visitors can even craft their veryown seasonal creations.”

Festive theme for chocolate tour

ENJOY a Christmas to rememberwith a group visit to Castle Howardin Yorkshire this festive season,when the house opens its doorsbetween Saturday November 22and Sunday December 21.

Built over 300 years ago for theHoward family, today the house isstill hand decorated by the HonSimon and Mrs Howard.Traditional baubles, trees,wreaths, garlands and flickeringcandles transform the statelyhome into a truly magical place,where you’ll create Christmasmemories to last a lifetime.

Lose yourself in the festiveseason with roaring log fires,soaring trees laden withthousands of baubles and lightstwinkling in every room.

Explore the gardens which takeon a wintry beauty of their ownbefore enjoying a private

Christmas lunch by the open firein the elegant Grecian Hall.Alternatively, enjoy delicious,seasonal favourites in one of thecafés.

Groups can join a wreath makingclass with Castle Howard’s ownflorist, whose elaborate floralarrangements will be on displaythroughout the house, in a privateworkshop (must be pre-booked).

The tree lined drive leads to theStable Courtyard, where groupscan pick up all the Christmas giftsthey need; from an array ofbaubles and carefully selected giftranges in the gift shop, book shopand garden centre to tasty localtreats and festive specialities inour farm shop.

Christmas markets with stallsselling a range of handmade craftsand local produce add to thefestive feel on selected dates.

10 8/8/14 11:47 Page 1

DESTINATIONCHRISTMAS

11

WINTER Wonderland is returning toEventCity in Manchester for the 2014festive season, organisers haverevealed.

Following the success of its initialrun last Christmas, the UK’s largestindoor Christmas theme park is backfrom December 13 2014 to January4 2015.

Complete with over 40 family ridesand attractions, the event will also

include The Sooty Show, games’stalls and a vast array of food anddrinks stalls, as well as meet andgreet with Santa Claus.

Tammy Silcock of Kingpin Events,the organiser of Winter Wonderland,said: “We are delighted to bereturning with Winter Wonderland toEventCity after the huge success ofour first event last year, this year weaim to be bigger and better and

provide a fun-filled day out forfamilies, whatever the weather.

“This is entertainment on a hugescale with lots of rides andattractions, even The Sooty Show,Santa Claus will be part of WinterWonderland and all included in theentry price, there is even freeparking, so I would urge families tobook their places early to avoiddisappointment!”

Winter Wonderland returns to cityThe Sooty Show will be one of the attractions at the indoor Christmas theme park.

SCOTTISH Ballet will presentPeter Darrell’s The Nutcrackerthis winter; touring Edinburgh,Glasgow, Aberdeen, Invernessand Newcastle.

After a fun-filled Christmasparty full of magic andcelebrations, young Clara fallsasleep and dreams that shehelps the Nutcracker Prince todefeat an army of giant mice.

She is rewarded by a visit tothe glittering Land of Ice andSnow where snowflakes come tolife sparkling as they dance andthe magical Kingdom of Sweets –the enchanted Realm of thebeautiful Sugar Plum Fairy.

Peter Darrell’s magical world ofThe Nutcracker has been re-imagined by Olivier Awardwinning designer LezBrotherston, adding layers ofVictoriana and traditional festivefare to the 1973 production.

Dates: Festival TheatreEdinburgh (December 13 2014 –January 3 2015), Theatre RoyalGlasgow (January 7-10), HisMajesty's Theatre Aberdeen(January 14-17), Eden CourtInverness (January 21-24) andTheatre Royal Newcastle(February 11-14).

Nutcrackerto stop offat cities

11 8/8/14 11:48 Page 1

NORWICH is set to celebrate theChristmas season with a new eventand an interactive Discover Norwichapp.

As part of the 2014 festivities, thecity will play host to a real Christmastree trail, where visitors will discovernarrow streets and winding paths,cobbled hills and medieval alleys asthey search for the beautifullydecorated trees following a 12 Daysof Christmas theme designed bylocal artists and schools.

Also new for Christmas 2014 isthe Discover Norwich app.

The app is packed full of usefulinformation and features at thetouch of a button including aninteractive Norwich map, detailedevent listings and directories byinterest for shops, restaurants, barsand accommodation.

The festivities kick off on theevening of November 20 with anatmospheric lantern parade leadingfrom one of Norwich’s mostbeautiful heritage buildings, NorwichCathedral.

The parade will then wind throughthe streets of Norwich to arrive atCity Hall where spectators will be

treated to live performance, winterfood stalls, music and the bigChristmas Lights Switch On.

Other highlights will include thisyear’s pantomime, Peter Pan, atNorwich Theatre Royal.

DESTINATIONCHRISTMAS

12

GROUPS can enjoy discounted ratesat Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’sfestive celebrations if they book up to10 days in advance.

Parties of 15 people or more canget up to 25 per cent off day ticketsfor the attraction’s Victorian Festivalof Christmas, which returns for a15th year from November 28 to 30.

As part of the event, visitors will bemagically transported into a bygone

era of real snowy white streets, withseasonal carols, the ever raucousFagin’s Tavern, local produce,catering and the Christmas giftmarket.

An event ticket also includes entryto the Mary Rose Museum, NationalMuseum of the Royal Navy, HMSWarrior 1860, HMS Victory, ActionStations and Harbour Tours (weatherpermitting).

Event returns for 15th year

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s festive celebrations. Photo credit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Norwich to celebratewith tree trail and app

THE Hilton London Wembley istransforming its Grand Ballroom intoan authentic European Christmasmarket, offering guests a uniqueparty venue with a touch ofcontinental flair.

Catering for groups of all sizes witha choice of packages, the hotel will

draw together delights from acrossEurope, bringing to life the sights,scents and celebrations ofChristmas. For guests wishing to joina larger, inclusive celebration, thehotel is offering joiner parties orlarger groups can enjoy a privateChristmas party package.

Ballroom to become market

Longleat to stage‘Festival of Light’LONGLEAT is getting ready to hosta spectacular Festival of Light,featuring hundreds of enormousilluminated Chinese lanterns.

Starting in November andrunning into January, theChristmas spectacular will takethe age-old tradition of theChinese lantern and completelytransform it for a modernaudience.

About six months of planninghas already gone into the event,with Longleat working closelyalongside a team of world-

renowned experts from Zigong inChina’s Sichuan province.

As part of the Festival of Light,visitors will also be able to enjoythe experience of traditionalChinese ‘face-changing’ operawhere performers magicallytransform elaborate masks in aninstant. The event will runalongside Longleat’s traditionalChristmas celebrations whichinclude the Santa train, giantmusical Christmas tree,pantomime characters andoutdoor ice skating rink.

Visitors to Ightham Mote can celebrate Christmas traditions old andnew – including the ground floor of the house dressed for aVictorian and 1950s American Christmas. Highlights of the festiveseason include an open weekend from November 28 to 30, wherethere will be a local produce market, seasonal refreshments and anappearance from Father Christmas.

12 8/8/14 11:48 Page 1

13 Billy Elliot 13/8/14 15:19 Page 1

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

14

By David Thomas

LOVE is in the air in London’s WestEnd, with Shakespeare In Loveopening to rave reviews – and if youlove your shows there is plenty tomake your hearts beat faster in thecoming months.

In fact, Something Gold,Something New, SomethingBorrowed ... and something Blues!

Something gold: To the London Palladium for thelaunch of Andrew Lloyd Webber’sCats, which will be opening at theworld’s most famous theatre inDecember for a strictly limited run(opening night December 11 – finalperformance February 28)

The show that first put the Britishmusical on the world stage back in1981 has been out of the capital for12 years, but it only took a fewtingling opening bars, and the sightof a sleek feline slinking across thestage, to make the memories comeflooding back.

The composer (flanked by theshow’s director, Trevor Nunn, andchoreographer, Gillian Lynne) spokeof updating some of the classicnumbers, including the possibility ofThe Rum Tum Tugger becoming arap –but I’m not sure how Macavitywould cope with Closed Circuit TVand CSI! With Lloyd Webber’s other

musical masterpiece Evita, starringMarti Pellow, also arriving at TheDominion Theatre (opening nightSeptember 22 – final performanceNovember 1) visitors to London’sWest End are bound to strike goldthis Autumn/Winter.

Something new:You may not have seen the filmShakespeare In Love, the moviestarring Gwyneth Paltrow, JosephFiennes and Judi Dench that won fiveOscars in 1999 including Best Pictureand Best Screenplay.

You MUST see the playShakespeare In Love starring TomBateman and Lucy Briggs-Owen thatopened at the Noel Coward lastweek (The Telegraph called it 'Thebest British comedy since ‘One Man,Two Guvnors’.)

Of course, if you HAVE seen thefilm you will know that the story is amillion miles away from the stuffyShakespeare served up in EnglishLiterature lessons up and down thecountry, and in this production youare transported into a wonderfullyalive, ravishingly beautiful and, mostimportantly, a thoroughly modernworld populated by some of funniestand finest-acted characters sinceWill hung up his quill.

With only 14 weeks to go beforeits World premiere at London’s

Adelphi Theatre (previews fromOctober 9 – opening night November5) Made In Dagenham looks set tojoin the list of original Britishmusicals which have taken thetheatre world by storm.

Directed by Rupert Goold (Enron)and written by Richard Bean (OneMan, Two Guvnors) made InDagenham stars Gemma Arterton(St Trinians, The Quantum of Solace)in the role of Rita O’Grady, leadingthe machinists of Ford’s Dagenhamplant in the battle for equal pay forwomen (the show, like the filmbefore it, is based on the real life

1968 strike)

Something Borrowed and Blues:Tony Award winning musical Memphisopens this September at theShaftesbury Theatre (previews fromOctober 9 – opening night October23) starring two of the brightest newstars in the West End firmament.

Beverley Night (The Bodyguard)and Killian Donnelly (TheCommitments) are undisputedexperts in The Great Night Out, andthis electrifying tale of the birth ofrock and roll (and the troubled timesit sprang from) boasts a potent mixof Blues and Rock composed by BonJovi keyboard player David Bryan.

It is too early to announce castingfor Beautiful, The Carole KingMusical, which will be coming toLondon next February.

However the show, which magicallybrings to life the incredible story ofone of the greatest songwriters of alltime, is jam-packed with classicnumbers such as “Up On The Roof,”“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” “IFeel The Earth Move,” and “YouMake Me Feel Like (A NaturalWoman) and so I am sure that thecream of the West End’s musicaltalent will be battering down theproducers’ door for the chance to bein the show which is already thetoast of Broadway!

David Thomas

News from around the theatres ...

SHORT break specialist, SuperBreak,is predicting another bumper year forhit musical Billy Elliot as the showputs a further 375,000 tickets onsale, taking the booking period toDecember 19 2015.

In addition, Olivier award-winningactor Ruthie Henshall has recentlyjoined the cast as Billy's danceteacher Mrs Wilkinson.

Henshall has performed manyiconic roles in musicals both in theWest End and on Broadway includingVelma Kelly and Roxie Hart inChicago, Fantine in Les Miserables

and Ellen in Miss Saigon.National sales manager at

SuperBreak Graham Balmforth said:“Billy Elliot the Musical is a keyshow for us in the West End and ispopular for customers young andold. With dates now on sale until theend of 2015, this really does giveagents the opportunity to tap intothe lucrative theatre break marketand forward sell into next year.

“Ruthie Henshall is a well-knownactress and I have no doubt thatshe will be a big draw for many.

“She has performed in many of the

iconic shows and this casting isperfect for her.”

Based on the Oscar nominatedfilm, Billy Elliot the Musical is aninspirational story of one boy'sdream to realise his ambitionsagainst the odds.

Set in the North East of Englandagainst the background of thehistoric 1984/85 miners’ strike, theshow follows Billy's journey as hestumbles out of the boxing ring andinto a ballet class where hediscovers a passion for dance thatinspires his family and whole

community and changes his lifeforever.

Billy Elliot the Musical has nowbeen seen by over 9.5m peopleworldwide, and in May next year theinternationally celebrated show willcelebrate its 10th birthday.

Billy Elliot the Musical featuresmusic by Elton John and book andlyrics by Lee Hall. Stephen Daldrydirects with choreography by PeterDarling. Prices start from £88.50pp

For more information onSuperBreak visit

www.superbreak.com/agents

Superbreak predicts another greatyear for Billy Elliot the Musical

14 8/8/14 11:49 Page 1

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

15

Smash-hit Broadway musicalMEMPHIS comes to LondonDIRECT from its smash-hit Broadwayrun and a triumphant 55-city NorthAmerican tour, the multi award-winning musical MEMPHIS is set tobe London’s hottest new destinationwhen it begins performances at theShaftesbury Theatre from 9 October2014.

Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards®including Best Musical, MEMPHIShas a Grammy® Award-winningoriginal score by Bon Jovi foundingmember David Bryan and book byJoe DiPietro.

Inspired by true events from theunderground dance clubs of 1950sMemphis, Tennessee, MEMPHISfollows the fame and forbidden loveof a radio DJ who wants to changethe world and a club singer who isready for her big break.

Send your clients along on theirincredible journey to the ends of theairwaves – filled with laughter,soaring emotion and roof-raisingrock ‘n’ roll.

Starring the Queen of British soul,multi-award-winning recording artistBeverley Knight (The Bodyguard) asclub singer ‘Felica Farrell’ and WestEnd star Killian Donnelly (TheCommitments, Billy Elliot theMusical, Les Miserables) as radio DJ‘Huey Calhoun’, MEMPHIS will leave

your clients feeling exhilarated by itsexplosive blend of electrifying music,soaring emotion and roof-raisingenergy.

“David Bryan evokes thepowerhouse funk of James Brown,the hot guitar riffs of Chuck Berry,the smooth harmonies of theTemptations and the silken, bouncypop of the great girl groups of theperiod,” wrote Charles Isleworth in

the New York Times.Directed by Christopher Ashley and

with choreography by Sergio Trujillo,MEMPHIS also boasts scenic designby David Gallo, costume design byPaul Tazewell, lighting design byHowell Binkley and sound design bythe Olivier Award-winning GarethOwen.

“A fantastic evening that makesyou think and feel as much as sing.

What more could one ask of a nightat the theatre?” added TheHuffington Post.

With generous group and touroperator rates available on midweekperformances, there is no reasonwhy you, your clients and yourgroups won't love MEMPHIS.

For more information or to make abooking, please contact yourpreferred ticket supplier.

Beverley Knight stars as club singer ‘Felica Farrell’ in MEMPHIS.

15 8/8/14 12:59 Page 1

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

16

Fans of the musicals will be able to enjoy sing along sessions of aclassic film and a modern favourite at the Princess Theatre inTorquay next February. On Saturday February 7, visitors will betreated to a screening of Disney’s Frozen, complete with on screenlyrics, followed by the classic Julie Andrews’ film The Sound ofMusic. Fans are also encouraged to come in their best fancy dresscostumes.

LONDON is the most significanttheatre capital in the world, with ahuge variety of types and sizes oftheatre across its boroughs, a newreport has claimed.

The London Theatre Report,commissioned by the NationalTheatre and the Society of LondonTheatre and authored by AlistairSmith, discovered the size andvibrancy of the London theatresector and provides a baseline forfuture analysis.

Findings included:� London has 241 professionaltheatres with a seating capacity ofmore than 110,000.� In 2012/13, more than 22mpeople attended London theatreperformances.� In 2012/13, London theatre took£618.5m at the box office, morethan was taken by London cinemas.� Theatres range in size from the30-seat Lord Stanley Pub to the3,600-seat Hammersmith Apollo.� At any one time, London’s theatresengage more than 3,000 performers.� In 2012/13, the average theatreticket price paid in London was

£27.76. This was down on 2011/12.Independent producer and former

SOLT president Mark Rubinsteinsaid: “This is the first time we havehad the opportunity to consider theactivity of all professional theatreand theatres across London andreally map their size, range andengagement. This is a fantasticresource which acts as a snapshotof the theatrical ecology today andprovides a benchmark for chartingthe evolution of London’s theatrescene in years to come.”

Significance and variety ofLondon theatre revealed

London is the most significanttheatre capital in the world.

More casting announcedfor Made in Dagenham FURTHER casting has beenannounced for Made in Dagenham,which will open at the AdelphiTheatre on November 5, withpreviews from October 9.

Based on the hit British film, thisnew musical comedy will starinternational stage and screenactress Gemma Arterton in the leadrole of Rita O’Grady, with Adrian DerGregorian playing her husbandEddie.

Joining Gemma and Adrian areSteve Furst playing US Fordexecutive Mr Tooley, Mark Hadfield

as Harold Wilson, Sophie-LouiseDann playing Barbara Castle, SophieStanton as Beryl, Heather Craney asClare, Sophie Isaacs as Sandra,Julius D'Silva playing FordDagenham boss Mr Hopkins andNaomi Frederick as his wife Lisa.

Director Rupert Goold said: “Wehave in this show some of the bestoriginal music around and a crackingscript and to know that it will beperformed by this multi-talented,wonderful, diverse, rowdy bunch ofactors makes me keener than everto get into the rehearsal room.”

FOLLOWING a sold-out run in spring2014, the hit revival of Oh What ALovely War will return to the TheatreRoyal Stratford East in January 2015,before embarking on a national tour.

Oh What A Lovely War, a satiricalmusical about World War I, originallypremiered at Theatre Royal StratfordEast in 1963.

This production, directed by TerryJohnson, opened at the theatre in

February 2014, to public and criticalacclaim. Due to popular demand, itreturns again in 2015

Artistic director of Theatre RoyalStratford East Kerry Michael said:“We’re delighted that following asell-out success earlier this year, OhWhat A Lovely War will be returningto us before heading out on anational tour. It’s a hugely importantshow that everyone should see.”

Sold-out show set to return

NORTHERN Ballet is bringing its newproduction of Cinderella to theNewcastle Theatre Royal this October.

A new interpretation of theultimate rags to riches fairytale, thisproduction by David Nixon is setwithin a fantasy world of ImperialRussia.

Cinderella’s life is turned upsidedown following the death of herfather. Subject to the coldness and

cruelty of her step mother, and keptas a servant by her family, her life istransformed once again following amagical encounter in a marketplace.

As romance blossoms, can PrinceCharming see beyond the servantgirl and fall in love with the realCinderella?

Cinderella appears at the theatrefrom October 21 to 25.

Newcastle to host CinderellaThe new production is set within a fantasy world of Imperial Russia.

16 8/8/14 11:50 Page 1

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

17

A new production of The Importance of Being Earnest is currentlyplaying at the Harold Pinter Theatre, with performances untilSeptember 20. Dubbed by Oscar Wilde ‘a trivial comedy for seriouspeople’, the production is directed by Lucy Bailey, with a castincluding Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis, Cherie Lunghi and SiânPhillips.

THE backstage areas of Newcastle’shistoric Theatre Royal, including thegreen room and dressing rooms, areset to undergo a majorrefurbishment.

The work is scheduled to take justover a year,with a completion dateof September 2015. It will be thefirst time the backstage area hasbeen refurbished or decorated since1988, when the whole Grade I listedbuilding was redeveloped.

The work is the second act in a

major facelift, ‘act one’ being thetheatre’s award winning £4.9mauditorium restoration which tookplace in 2011.

Theatre Royal chief executive PhilipBernays said: “We’ve wanted torefurbish our Back-of-House for along time now, but as we are acharity it’s been a question ofwaiting until we had enough moneyto do a good job. When we were lefta generous legacy we were delightedto be able to allocate it to this.”

Theatre Royal backstage toget a major refurbishment

DISNEY’S award winning musical TheLion King has welcomed its 12millionth visitor at London’s LyceumTheatre.

Winning over 70 theatre awardsworldwide, the stage productionfollows the adventures of the younglion cub Simba, as he struggles to

accept the responsibilities ofadulthood and his destined role ofKing. The show will celebrate its15th anniversary in October inLondon, where it remains the WestEnd’s best-selling stage production.Tickets are currently on sale untilMarch 29 2015.

ARUNDEL Castle once againwelcomed the GB Theatre Companyfor alfresco Shakespeare as part ofthe Arundel Festival.

One of Shakespeare’s earliestplays, The Comedy of Errors, andthe tragedy Macbeth wereperformed in the Collector Earl’sGarden by a troupe of actors.

Leading them was Barrie Palmer,artistic director of GB TheatreCompany, who said: “We were

thrilled and honoured to return toArundel Castle for a doublecelebration this year; 2014 marksthe 450th anniversary of WilliamShakespeare’s birth and our fifthyear as a touring theatre company.

“We brought together a superbcast for what were three highlyentertaining evenings against thebeautiful backdrop of ArundelCathedral on the aptly named‘Oberon’s Palace’ stage.”

Castle hosts Shakespeare plays Arundel Castle hosted Shakespeare as part of Arundel Festival.

Show welcomes 12 millionth visitor

17 8/8/14 11:50 Page 1

DESTINATIONNEWS

18

WORLD Travel Market, the leadingglobal event for the travel industry,has announced strong interest in itsUK and Ireland region, with confirmedattendance from new and returningexhibitors meaning the area is almostcompletely sold out already.

This year the UK and Ireland regionis being relocated towards themiddle of the North Hall and will befound between the Global Villageand Europe. The move is inresponse to requests and feedbackfrom exhibitors and an increase infootfall is expected as a result.

More than a dozen new exhibitorshave committed to WTM 2014.These include V6e, a Bristol-basedspecialist in multi-languagecommentary systems for sightseeingtours. The business has taken astand for the first time, as it looks toadd more clients to its roster which

includes tour operators fromMoscow to Las Vegas via Dublin andParis.

Other new exhibitors include StarTours, Chasing Tiles – Great Guides,CHR Travel LLP and On the Avenue.

Many returning exhibitors havetaken even more space this yearafter a successful WTM 2013.Hotels and More, a B2B partner forgroup tours and individual travel toGreat Britain and Ireland, is taking alarger stand as its German parentcompany looks to increase itspresence in the UK inbound market.

One of London's newest and mostexciting attractions, The View FromThe Shard, is taking a stand whichis 60 per cent bigger than last year,while Vox Tours, a provider ofwireless equipment for tour guides,is upping its presence by more than40 per cent.

New location for UKand Ireland promptsexhibitor sell-out

More than a dozen new exhibitors have committed to WTM 2014.

City to host majortourism conventionTHE city of Leicester will host 250leading tourism businesses at amajor convention next year.

UKinbound, one of the UK’sleading tourism trade associations,is the latest national body to selectthe Midlands location to host itsconvention.

The organisation, which representsover 300 tourism businesses, is theonly one that focuses solely on theinterests of the UK’s inboundtourism sector.

Its members include touroperators, hoteliers, attractions,retailers, restaurateurs, transportproviders and other suppliers whooffer services for inbound tourists tothe UK.

“It is wonderful to be able to bringso many of our members toLeicester,” said Deirdre Wells OBE,chief executive of UKinbound. “Ihope the visit will showcase theirfantastic tourism, increase theprofile of the destination to our touroperator members and thereforeboost the number of internationalvisitors flocking to the city in yearsto come.”

Mayor of Leicester Peter Soulsbyadded: “When 250 of the UK's mostinfluential travel industryrepresentatives arrive in Leicester inFebruary, they will find a city buzzingwith excitement.”

The convention will run fromFebruary 11-13.

Leicester will host next year’s UKinbound convention.

By Olivia Taylor

HOT on the heels of the Tour deFrance’s arrival in Yorkshire, Visit Yorkhas introduced a new advertising andinformation service for the city streetsof York in the shape of a fourwheeled bicycle.

The Visit York digiBike boasts twostate of the art smart TVs and anonboard sound system to promotevisual advertising.

Throughout the year, the bike willtravel around the city centrestopping at key tourism hotspotssuch as York Minster, St Helen’sSquare, National Railway Museum,Parliament Street and Union Terracecoach park.

Three newly appointed Visit YorkdigiCyclists will also distribute

leaflets, provide directions andexpert local knowledge to visitorsand residents.

This new service aims to ensurevisitors are better informed andencourage a richer experience,enabling visitors to explore all thecity has to offer, as well as ensuringthey don’t miss out on real timeevents.

Head of Visit York Kate McMullensaid: ‘‘The digiBike is a high visibilityway to promote York’s tourismbusinesses and at the same timeoffer help and advice for visitors andresidents.

“And by meeting and greetingcoach passengers first thing in themorning, we’re adding to the friendlywarm welcome York is so famousfor.’’

Visit York introducesadvertising digiBike

VISITORS to the North Cotswoldscan now take part in a new tour,which includes a trip to a secretcottage and the chance to drop inon some popular local events.

The six-hour tour takes groups tothe cottage for coffee, lunch and acream tea, as well as showcasinglots of picturesque hidden villagesrarely found by tourists.

Visitors can also watch food beingprepared and cooked in an Aga,especially the scones – an essentialpart of the traditional cream tea.

No tour is ever the same anddepending on the time of year,activities could include watchingMorris Dancers at a local pub,shopping in a local town or visiting avillage fete.

Tour drops in on popular eventsGroups enjoy a traditional cream tea as part of the Secret Cottagetour.

18 8/8/14 11:51 Page 1

DESTINATIONTOURISM SOCIETY

15

Even the holidaymakersneed a holiday ...By Deirdre Wells OBE FTS

THE great thing about working in thetourism industry is that whilsteveryone else gets to “go on holiday”we get to “sample the product” – ie,we get to relax and have a good timeand call it research.

Imagine if our career choices hadbeen different – does a chef get athrill from rustling up beans on toastà la famille? Does the taxman lookforward to filling in his tax return?(Answer, probably yes!) Whether it’sa city break, a traditional bucket andspade sea-side excursion, campingor glamping, once a year we in thetourism industry get to sample thedelights which we spend the rest ofthe year waxing lyrical about.

Loving holidays is what drew me toworking in this fantastic industry. Butwhilst I love the holidays, I mustconfess to loathing the build-up.Here’s why…

“Are you looking forward to theholiday?” If Himself asks me thatquestion one more time, I shallcheerfully beat him around the headwith the Easy Read 2013 Road AtlasLarge Scale. Don’t get me wrong,I’m not normally a violent person,but who, after being married forlonger than a murder sentence, willask his wife, with ONE WEEK TO GO,if she’s looking forward to a familyholiday? That question was onlyallowable in 1998 BC – no, not inthe Dark Ages (even I know thatthere was a time when hunting andgathering was a slightly moresuccessful industry than tourism) –but in the holiday days BeforeChildren.

Then, you could look forward to it,one week out, your only dilemmabeing how many floaty numbers youcould squeeze into your designerluggage, or whether you had got thebalance right between worthy butpoolside-cred-gifting literature andthe chick-lit that you might actuallyenjoy (thank God for the arrival of e-readers!).

One week out from a holiday withthe children sends me into aparoxysm of angst. Will my boysbecome another sad obesity statisticgiven the number of bags of sweetsI’ve purchased for the journey, or isit worth it to gum up their jaws andnot hear the dreaded words “Are wenearly there yet?” How do I stopthem (Himself included!) wearingevery item we’ve bought for theholiday before we go and thenexpecting them to be magicallywashed, laundered and back in thecase before Saturday? First aid kit –should we bring the entire medicinecabinet and look like hypochondriacsor risk humiliation and mystified

expressions when you try to explaintree pollen rash to a bored Frenchpharmacist?

Don’t get me wrong – Himself isnot totally unreconstructed. He’sdoing the Man-prep: getting thosefunny things for the headlights (howlong does it take to fit those?!!);studying said Easy Read Atlas a lot(are we planning a holiday or aninvasion?); and announcingfrequently that he will Pack the Car.Excellent, that’s just four suitcases,tennis racquets, footballs, DVDs,books, sun-cream, clothes,passport, tickets and money for meto prepare for the great Packing ofthe Car. Seems fair.

So it’s lists, lists and more lists.Reminding vague Teenage Thing Onethat yes, he will need to bring pantsand socks, and to stop Thing Twowanting to bring everything hepossesses. And all the while thequestion goes round and round myhead: “When they said on the housedescription that they had le wi-fi, didthey mean it? Please God, let themhave wi-fi or Thing One will neverforgive me”.

But once we pull out of the drive,with two weeks of no alarm clockstretching before us, my fun begins.I am in control of the CD player –it’s going to be all Abba and sillyIrish childhood songs for the next sixhours.

And there are, of course, thoseworthy books, the sun, the sightsand the time to stop and be a familyagain to look forward to. At the riskof being cheesy, it’s the latter whichmakes holidays so important – morethan the opportunity to open ourminds to new cultures and tosample the heritage and the food, isthe chance to play stupid games(we play Happy Families to win!), tolaugh, relax and enjoy beingtogether. So, much as I loathe it,the preparation, lists and angst willbe all worth it once I switch off theBlackberry and switch on the CDplayer.

Just don’t ask me if I’m lookingforward to it for another six days,three hours and 45 minutes…� Deidre Wells is a Tourism SocietyBoard member and CEO ofUKinbound.

© P

hoto

grap

hee.

eu –

Fot

olia

.com

Deirdre Wells OBE FTS

19 14/8/14 16:19 Page 1

20 Lion King 8/8/14 12:03 Page 1