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?
Virgin Voyages embraces groups with new programme and additional perks
Virgin Voyages is targeting group travellers with an enhanced programme designed to make it easier to book and provide more benefits for groups planning a cruise holiday.
Expect festive mayhem from A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Mischief, the multi-award winning theatre company that has just celebrated ten years of The Play That Goes Wrong will be bringing a predictably chaotic Christmas season with their new festive stage show.
The Producers heading back to the West End stage
Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of The Producers is returning to the West End after nearly two decades following a transfer from London’s Menier Chocolate Factory where it enjoyed a sold-out run and rave reviews.
Fred. Holidays reveals specialist holidays for Bridge players
Fred. Holidays has unveiled ‘Fred. Bridge Holidays’, a dedicated programme aimed at Bridge playing groups in the UK, providing opportunities to explore beautiful destinations with the card game at the heart of each holiday.
Exbury Gardens marking 70 years with big restoration and garden trail
The project is said to represent one of the final pieces of the original gardens to be reinstated in this ‘long-forgotten’ corner, and there is a new trail and events to help celebrate this landmark year for visitors.
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Latest Issue
Your milestone March edition includes: Celebrating 30 years of GLT, Stately Homes, Palaces & Castles, Cruising Inspiration, Shopping Trips and much, much more.
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Museum of Shakespeare will transport groups back in time
Opening this year, the Museum of Shakespeare will be an immersive and interactive permanent experience in London, transporting visitors to the 16th century to walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare.
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Is a selfie on your travels worth your life?
Dangerous selfie locations, the romance of Bristol and potential changes for the Channel Tunnel are all up for discussion by Grumpy Group Organiser.
Would you embrace booze-free travel?
Exploring the trend of cutting out alcohol and why youngsters are sober curious when it comes to travel. Plus, why leaving itineraries to the experts is obvious.
Star of stage and screen, Gary Wilmot to host GLT Awards 2025
The Group Leisure & Travel Awards dinner and ceremony will be bursting with laughter and music on 26th June in London when comedian, actor and songman Gary Wilmot takes to the stage to entertain guests.
Much-loved Greatest Showman to be transformed into a stage show
A stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman will open at the Bristol Hippodrome, featuring the award-winning soundtrack from the 2017 hit film.
Tatton Park: see Jane Austen’s first editions on group tour
Groups can see first editions of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey during a bespoke mansion tour of the Cheshire-based estate.
Poppy display will mark World War Two anniversary at the Tower of London
The Tower of London will mark the anniversary of the end of World War Two with a display of ceramic poppies installed in the heart of the attraction.
Mark Smith from TV’s Antiques Roadshow announced as GLT Show speaker
Mark Smith, renowned for his expertise in medals and militaria, and a regular favourite on TV’s Antiques Roadshow, has been confirmed as the second speaker at this year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show on 2nd October at Arena MK in Milton Keynes.
Steamship Shieldhall celebrating 70 years with special sailing
SS Shieldhall is taking part in a joint sailing from Southampton Docks in tandem with PS Waverly in September to celebrate 70 years on the water, and groups can book with discounts available.
Popular Midsomer Murders will make stage debut
For the first time, Inspector Barnaby and his sidekick, Sergeant Troy, will take to the stage in Guy Unsworth’s adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift.
Group rum tastings now available in the home of Shakespeare’s daughter
The rum tasting experience takes place in the heart of the town centre and introduces groups to the range of rums created by the Shakespeare Distillery.
Historical visits offer top inspiration at CTA conference
The 2025 Coach Tourism Association Conference & Workshop brought members to Stratford-upon-Avon for a long weekend of ideas and the chance to network.
New pictures show off refreshed Deep Sea Adventure at LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort has reopened its Deep Sea Adventure attraction for the first time in more than a year, showcasing colourful, new LEGO® models.
Nationwide tour of Dear England: football, identity and masculinity
The National Theatre has revealed that Olivier-award winning play, Dear England will tour UK theatres, telling the story of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England football manager.
GTO ship fam visits available with Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line has opened registration for a 2025 UK ship visit programme designed exclusively for group travel organisers to discover what’s available to them on board.
Holland America cruises with a focus on historical landmarks
Cruise operator, Holland America Line has introduced a series of itineraries and shore excursions with a historical theme, as part of a multi-year partnership with The History Channel.
More UK tour dates include new firsts for Miss Saigon
Set during the 1970s, during the last days of the Vietnam War, the show tells the story of 17-year-old Kim who is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by a notorious character known as The Engineer.
Preston Manor will reopen to groups for the first time in five years
Described as one of the UK’s most haunted houses, Brighton’s Preston Manor is set to reopen with a new tour which takes groups on a Downton Abbey-style experience set in 1912.
From page to stage: Death on the Nile touring theatres nationwide
A new production of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile will begin a UK and Ireland tour on 26th September, opening at the Lowry Theatre in Salford.
Additional dates for Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes
Groups can make use of further dates to the 2025/2026 tour of the double Olivier award-winning production of The Red Shoes, including a short festive run at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London.
Natural History Museum to open major gallery which explores our planet’s future
The Fixing Our Broken Planet gallery at the Natural History Museum in London will aim to inspire people to help protect Earth for future generations and is the first new permanent space to open at the South Kensington attraction in nine years.
Norman Allen Group Travel joins Albatross Group of companies
The long-established tour operator and wholesaler joins a stable of well-known brands including Albatross Travel and Success Tours.