News & Views... finding out what's new
New openings and the latest ideas to help you organise great group trips and holidays.
What's New?
Alan Titchmarsh MBE among RHS Malvern Spring Festival highlights
RHS Malvern Spring Festival will return to Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire with live cooking demos, horticultural inspiration and TV gardening personalities, including Alan Titchmarsh MBE.
New V&A site featuring over half a million pieces to open in May
V&A East Storehouse will offer behind-the-scenes access to over half a million creative works, with a second site, V&A East Museum, scheduled to open in spring 2026.
Broadway’s The Great Gatsby coming to London
The Tony Award-winning musical is on its way to the West End one year on from opening on Broadway.
Trek the Rhine, Sierra Nevada mountains and Cuba
Ramble Worldwide has launched a programme of new holidays ranging from ancient pilgrimage trails, wildlife watching, and city breaks to island hopping and snowshoeing.
Free ticket offer to see West End hit, Hadestown
Hadestown is offering 20 free pairs of tickets for GLT readers to see the show in London. Apply now and you could be joining us on 22nd January.
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Latest Issue
Your December edition includes: Summer Planning Guide, Simon Calder Interview, Food & Drink Experiences, Theatre Trips and much more.
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Group itineraries launched as Ravenglass & Eskdale turns 150
The Cumbria-based railway offers visitors the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the coast and mountain scenery between the coastal village of Ravenglass, and Dalegarth in the Eskdale Valley.
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Tourists must pay, say the French and visiting a ‘Trump’ America
A look at why the French Culture Minister wants non EU tourists to pay a surcharge, the thought of visiting the USA with Trump back in the White House, and how tech and awareness don’t seem to go hand-in-hand.
A Scottish tourist tax, queues for the ladies and buffet etiquette
Grumpy Group Organiser discusses a new tourist tax in Edinburgh, there’s the downside to buffets, and ladies queuing for toilets has gone way past a joke.
Egypt, South Korea and India among new Riviera tour itineraries
Famous sights including the Pyramids of Giza, the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the Taj Mahal are among the highlights for groups.
Japanese and Indian culture in focus at British Museum
Groups will be able to tour Hiroshige: artist of the open road and Ancient India: living traditions at the British Museum, with discounted group booking rates available.
Matilda the Musical to go back on the road
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, will embark on its second major tour of the UK and Ireland in October 2025.
Experience Anne Boleyn the Musical at Hever Castle
The Kent-based historic venue will host performances from 2nd - 30th August 2025 in a specially constructed 1,800 seat outdoor auditorium within its grounds.
Explore never-before-seen royal fashion at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace visitors will be able to visit the Dress Codes exhibition, which will feature items of clothing worn by members of the royal family, from March 2025.
Holland America: Mediterranean cruises among 2026 highlights
Four ships will take guests to 35 countries across the Mediterranean, northern Europe and transatlantic, on Holland America Line’s voyages in 2026 which range from seven to 42 days, visiting more than 175 UNESCO world heritage sites.
Group tickets on sale for Disney’s Hercules
There are discounted rates for groups that want to see the hotly-anticipated West End opening of Disney’s Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
World’s first Elvis Presley immersive experience on sale
Elvis Evolution will bring the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll to life through multi-sensory technology and AI, which has been generated through thousands of the star’s personal photos and home-video footage.
My Neighbour Totoro transfers to the West End
Groups of ten or more can book tickets for Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, which broke the Barbican’s single day sales record.
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody set for UK and Ireland tour
Tickets are on sale for the UK tour of the musical based on the hit sitcom, with the show set to feature some of the most iconic moments from the lives of the much-loved characters.
Coach friendly destinations and top tips inside 2025 guide
The 2025 edition of the Coaching Venues & Excursions Guide, published by Group Leisure & Travel, is now available in print and digital edition, offering GTOs and coach tour operators a wealth of inspiration.
Natural History Museum: afternoon tea and group guided tours
The Natural History Museum is inviting visitors to go behind-the-scenes on a specially curated guided tour, followed by a nature inspired afternoon tea – as part of a new experience package.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express extends again
The hit show has extended for a fourth time due to phenomenal demand, playing at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
Warner Hotels officially opens Runnymede on Thames
Following a multi-million pound refurbishment, Warner Hotels has opened the doors of its latest hotel for groups, The Runnymede on Thames near Windsor.
Fred. Olsen prepares for first mystery cruise since 2019
The cruise line will take guests on a secret itinerary for the first time in more than five years, with group bookings open for two further mystery cruises scheduled to set sail in 2025.
Reducing emissions, stress-free travel and a megaphone ban
The slower travel debate takes centre stage, ensuring you take the correct documents to travel with confidence and new rules when visiting Venice.
Oliver extends West End run ahead of launch
The London adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic will now play at the Gielgud Theatre until September 2025.
Daish’s Holidays acquires seaside hotel in Weston-Super-Mare
Daish’s Holidays, which specialises in group breaks across its hotels in England and Wales, has added The Sandringham Hotel in Weston-Super-Mare to its collection.
Belvoir Castle opens new animal park
Groups visiting Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire will soon be able to see donkeys, pigs, goats, cows and sheep who have made their home at a new animal park.