From city breaks to mountain adventures, here are ten day trips and holidays our team have been on along with their photos and thoughts.
1. A llama walk to remember in the Isle of Wight
Harry Rogers: I’ve been to the Isle of Wight countless times and usually end up visiting the same spots which remind me of childhood visits, like Sandown or Shanklin. This summer’s trip, however, presented something I had never tried before - walking with a llama.
The team at West Wight Alpacas and Llamas were incredibly helpful and friendly, teaching us how to safely walk with our new friends. I teamed up with Oreo while my partner had the task of keeping Larry and his wandering eyes away from the females of the group. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon!
2. Kew Gardens in a new light
Keeley Rodgers: The annual Orchid Festival at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, had been on my list for some time – and it did not disappoint. A riot of colour around every corner, jaw-dropping floor to ceiling displays and the most intricate of species.
The theme this year was Madagascar which is home to some of the world’s rarest plants. It was a wonderful way to spend the day and we were even lucky enough to have lunch outside in the spring sunshine before burning it off at the Treetop Walkway. Each year the Princess of Wales Conservatory is transformed for the Orchid Festival (keep your eyes and ears out for the 2025 dates) and there are great group offers too.
3. Beautiful Budapest
Finley Cannon: Budapest is one of the most visited cities in Europe and it is easy to see why. With history on every street, thermal spas to relax in and the iconic Danube, there is plenty to keep you busy during a short break or longer.
The warm weather certainly helped me make the most of my visit, sampling the various restaurants and enjoying a bottomless prosecco cruise, accompanied by local musicians. I also ventured into the famous Szimpla Kert ruins bar at night, taking in the mismatch of décor (and beer, of course).
4. An exhilerating day at Zip World
Rob Yandell: I spent time in North Wales, discovering three Zip World sites that offer groups a ton of fun and exhileration in settings full of heritage. I started at Llechwedd and went into the slate mine to find an incredible underground course with zip wires, rope bridges, and tightropes. Plus there’s crazy golf and a huge trampoline. Not far is the forest site of Betws-y-Coed with treetop adventure courses where I zoomed around on the unique Fforest Coaster.
I finished with the big one at Penryhn Quarry: the huge 1.5km long Velocity zip wire, billed as the fastest in the world. Who am I to argue? What a day it was.
5. Minifigure speedway - a runaway success
Gavin Seljamae-Waite: My family and I took an Easter holiday trip to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. The highly anticipated Minifigure Speedway opened on 6th April and we had a great time trying it out. The theming is so much fun, as you are met at the track by the world’s tallest LEGO® minifigure, Roxie, standing at an impressive 30 feet high.
The ride uses state-of-the-art technology to immerse riders into a giant dual-track LEGO® speedway circuit to race against each other at high octane speeds of up to 56km/h - both forwards and in reverse! It was a thrilling experience which my whole family enjoyed.
My top tip for LEGOLAND® is to download the free app which provides up to the minute queue and show times. Best of all, the app allows you to scan QR codes dotted around the park to complete fun missions and to bring magical LEGO® creatures to life.
6. Beautiful Baddesley Clinton
Libby Goodwin: My partner and I took a trip to the beautiful Baddesley Clinton; a moated manor house set within the Forest of Arden in Warwickshire. This estate is brimming with stories dating back to the 12th century and we cast our eyes over 400-year-old stained glass windows and stunning tapestries, all while discovering the interesting history of the families who lived there.
The gardens were exquisite, offering amazing views over the Warwickshire countryside, with plenty of walking trails to explore in and around the grounds. We grabbed a much-needed ice cream from the restaurant before heading to the gift shop where naturally, I struggled to decide on a present for our dog - a great day out.
7. Visit to Kerry, Ireland
Sharon Yandell: The Ring of Kerry is a wonderful place for tourists. With spectacular scenery, great restaurants, a wealth of hotels to suit all budgets and famous Irish hospitality, it’s one of my favourite places for a short break to clear the cobwebs. Christened ‘The Kingdom’, groups can discover charming towns and villages with brightly painted houses, traditional pubs, colourful shopfronts and an endless amount of places to visit.
There are many festivals and events to enjoy through the year. It’s convenient and quick to fly with Ryanair to Kerry airport. For a special treat, try the Europe Hotel or perhaps eat at Jacks restaurant at Cromane for great food and service. And don’t forget to try the Guinness.
8. Visiting beautiful Berlin
Natasha Howard: I visited Berlin on my first trip to Germany - what a city! The streets are rich with history, with remnants of the last century still lingering for keen sightseers to explore. In the centre of Berlin lies Museum Island, which is home to five museums each designed to reflect the art houses within their walls. After a trip to the Alte Nationalgaleri, I stopped at the Berlin Cathedral (pictured) to tuck into a bratwurst, taking in the beauty of the baroque architecture.
Visitors looking to get a taste of the city on a budget may be interested in the Reichstag, which offers an impressively thorough audio tour around the Dome at the top of the building, for the low price of a web booking. Here you can find spectacular views of the city as you gradually ascend a walkable ramp. For fans of art and history, this city is an absolute must-see.
9. Going behind-the-scenes at Spurs
Trevor Templeman: Being a lifelong Spurs fan, it was a no-brainer for me to do the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tour. After the introductions, you are invited to explore the stadium at your own pace, with the help of a handy audio guide.
We started the tour in the restaurant and hospitality boxes, before making our way downstairs to go pitchside, where we were able to sit in the manager’s seat. I also enjoyed visiting the home changing room, where you can sit in the seats of the first team - including Son Heung-min’s spot! If you have a head for heights you can do the Skywalk Experience, which takes you on the roof of the stadium for views across north London. Even if you’re not a football fan, groups are sure to enjoy a visit.
10. Going back… to the future
Gareth Davies: During a family trip to London we made a concerted effort to make like a tree and go and enjoy a theatre production, and what better one for the family (and avid Back to the Future movie fans) than Back to the Future the Musical? I’d heard good things about the award-winning show and it didn’t disappoint.
Following the plot of the film, it features feel good original tunes and some songs from the 1985 movie (these went down well with my 13-year-old son) which had us tapping our feet and singing along. Back to the Future the Musical also wowed us with some very clever stage effects - in particular one involving the famous DeLorean time machine, however the memory of Doc Brown ‘climbing’ the stairs of the Hill Valley clock tower was a highlight for me… hilarious.
For anyone who loves Back to the Future and relishes a huge boost of 1.21 jigawatts, this production is a must see. Hugely enjoyable.
Of course, we always love to hear where you have been. Share any stories, tips and photos by emailing editorial@groupleisureandtravel.com.
