Latest News

Read the latest group travel news.

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Stoke by Nayland Hotel at Group Travel Show

If you are planning to attend the Group Leisure Travel Trade Show at the NEC in Birmingham on the 22 and 23 September - then don't forget to pop along to the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa stand at 511. You will be able to meet and discuss your group travel requirements with the friendly team. Set in the heart of Constable Country - this independent, family-owned hotel is an ideal base for exploring Essex and Suffolk. There are 80 contemporary and stylish bedrooms and two Championship golf courses. Further information: Vickie Bennington-Lane +44 (0)1206 265825.

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Climbing Layer Marney

Layer Marney Tower (nr. Colchester) in Essex is a beautiful Tudor building which although incomplete, was planned to be the sumptuous palace of Henry VIII's Lord Privy Seal - Henry 1st Lord Marney. Learn more as part of a new BBC series called 'Climbing Great Buildings' - which starts on the 6 September for
3 weeks. As part of one of the programmes - presenter Jonathan Foyle is suspended from the building using urban climbing techniques allowing him to get up close and personal with its construction and design. Further information: Sheila Charrington +44 (0)1206 330784.

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Snow Leopards at Banham

Visitors to Banham Zoo (nr. Diss) in Norfolk can now view the three new snow leopard cubs which were born in May. Now 10 weeks old, the cubs have been growing well and are ready for their next stage of development - as they learn to climb the rocky terrain of their enclosure just as they would in the wild. Snow leopards are an endangered species - and the zoo has been involved in the European Breeding Programme for over 25 years. Further information: Lynne Wilshaw +44 (0)1953 715315.

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Bure Valley Railway - Christmas VIP Special

This Christmas, the Bure Valley Railway at Aylsham/Wroxham in Norfolk is running a special train and lunch package for groups of 20 or more. Experience a nine mile nostaglic trip by steam, then enjoy a two-course festive lunch, including coffee and mince pies. A visit from Santa completes the fun. The price for a single train and lunch package is £19.50, or £23.00 for a return train and lunch package. It is available during November and December - and a great add-on to the nearby Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Further information: Susan Munday +44 (0)1263 733858.

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Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo

Groups can book now for the exclusive Magic of Christmas days at Colchester Zoo in Essex - particularly with the under 5's in mind. Visit Santa in his magical grotto and enjoy seasonal entertainment. Everything is included in the great value group rates. Dates are Wednesday 1 and 8; Thursday 2 and 9 December. Further information: Laura Guerin +44 (0)1206 331292.

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Somerleyton's Summer...

Somerleyton Hall and Gardens (nr. Lowestoft) in Suffolk has everything you need for a great group day out. Explore the magnificent Tudor-Jacobean mansion, get lost in the famous hedge maze and enjoy home-made teas in the Wintergarden. There is also a series of events to enjoy, including Art in the Gardens (Sunday 1 August); Jazz on the Lawns (Monday 30 August); and the Gift Shop Bargain Sale (Sunday 17 October). Further information: Carolyn Ashton +44 (0)1502 734901.

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Duxford in the Battle of Britain

2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. In 1940, squadrons from the airfield at Duxford (nr. Cambridge) in Cambridgeshire were part of the fighting force. The Imperial War Museum Duxford is staging a brand new photographic exhibition called 'Duxford in the Battle of Britain' until the 
31 December. A unique insight into life at a fighter station during the Second World War. Don't forget to put a date in your diary for The Battle of Britain Air Show on the 4 and 5 September. Further information: Florence Littlefair +44 (0)1223 835000.

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Hatfield House - 400th Anniversary

Get planning now for 2011 - as Hatfield celebrates its 400th anniversary. One of the key events will be a major exhibition of outdoor sculpture by British artist Henry Moore. Monumental bronze works will be placed in the gardens and woodland from the 23 April to 30 September. Special tours for groups will be available. Further information: Julie Loughlin +44 (0)1707 287093.