To celebrate English Tourism Week, here are ten amazing group-friendly visits across the country, ranging from historic venues to beautiful gardens.
1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
The Wiltshire World Heritage Site of Stonehenge is perhaps the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe and is an exceptional experience.
Not only can you take your time and see the stones in their natural setting, but a special exhibition showcases more than 250 archaeological objects discovered in the landscape, ranging from jewellery, pottery and tools to ancient human remains.
2. Eden Project, Cornwall
Cornwall’s Eden Project has been providing its visitors with an incredible day out since 2001 - a global garden nestled in a 50m-deep crater. Discover the largest rainforest in captivity, the sights and scents of the Mediterranean and exciting year-round events.
You can add an extra special touch to your group visit with a pre-bookable tour or talk, providing an invaluable insight into the history of Eden and its plants. Packages are available for 15 or more people who must pre-book their tickets.
3. UK Parliament, London
Explore the historic site of UK Parliament, where the country is run, on a special tour walking in the footsteps of politicians past and present in some of the most iconic rooms in British history.
Highlights include the green benches of the House of Commons, and Westminster Hall where Guy Fawkes and King Charles I were found guilty of treason. Groups of ten or more receive a discounted rate.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London
If you are looking for a tranquil retreat, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in Richmond, London, displays some of the world’s rarest plants in the Temperate House, the largest Victorian glass house in the world. It was designed and built by Decimus Burton, originally opening in 1863 and then reopened in 2018 following a major restoration project.
This exemplary piece of British architecture is just one of the many highlights which include the Palm House, Japanese Landscape and the Great Pagoda. Discounted rates, as well as private guided walking tours are available for groups.
5. Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Warwickshire
Immerse your group into the life of one of Britain’s most famous and profound playwrights at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon.
You can visit the house where Shakespeare first laid eyes on his eventual bride, Anne Hathaway and while there groups can also head to Hall’s Croft and Shakespeare’s New Place to get the full Tudor experience.
6. Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire
Bletchley Park, the historic World War Two codebreaking site, has unveiled The Age of AI, a special exhibition which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on our everyday lives, from its depiction in the media to its use for medical purposes.
Visitors can discover AI from its origins in World War Two codebreaking to its role in our daily lives, its potential to transform our world and the ethical questions it raises. Elsewhere at Bletchley Park you can step foot in original wartime huts, head inside the iconic mansion or learn about the Buckinghamshire site’s role in the D-Day landings.
7. Wembley Stadium, London
If you have football fans in your group, a tour of Wembley Stadium is surely a winner. In fact, anyone can enjoy this behind-the scenes look into what makes the home of British football so special.
The tour includes access to the dressing rooms, press conference room, the players’ tunnel and most importantly, you will go pitch-side. Group bookings are available for those with 25 or more members.
8. Angel of the North,Tyne and Wear
The contemporary piece, designed by Antony Gormley in Gateshead, is Britain’s largest sculpture and was completed in 1998.
The Angel of the North faced opposition during its design and construction phases, but now stands proud as an iconic example of public art and as a symbol of Gateshead and of the wider north east. Why visit? Well the striking stance of the sculpture has been recreated by thousands of visitors trying to get the best souvenir photo. Perhaps the best taken by your group could win a prize!
9. The Beatles Story, Liverpool
Be transported on an incredible journey which tells the story of how four young lads from Liverpool were propelled into a world of fame and fortune from their humble childhood beginnings.
The Beatles Story houses replicas of Mathew Street, Abbey Road Studios and The Cavern to capture the early 60s, as well as special exhibitions, authentic memorabilia and exclusive photographs. Discounted rates apply for ten or more people.
10. Tower of London
What’s more British than the crown jewels on display at the Tower of London? Groups can benefit from discounted rates and the chance to learn about the glorious but vulgar history of this historic fortress.
You can even organise to experience the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient tradition taking place every evening for at least the last 700 years or. Plus, find out about the terrible truth of how Anne Boleyn was beheaded and laid to rest in the Tower’s chapel. A free Yeoman Warder tour can also bring the gruesome history of the Tower to life.
