Yorkshire Group Travel Guide 2013

YorkshireGroup Travel Guide

2013

The essential guide FOR ALL GROUP TRAVEL BUYERS

LOOKING TO VISIT YORKSHIRE

An inside view to YORKSHIRE COAST & NORTH

YORK MOORS, YORK, YORKSHIRE DALES,

HERRIOT COUNTRY & HARROGATE,LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE,

SOUTH YORKSHIRE andHULL & EAST YORKSHIRE

SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2013 10.30AM-2.30PMThe National Coal Mining Museum, near Wakefield, Yorkshire WF4 4RH

www.tourismshowcase.com

In co-operation with Organised bySupported by Supported by

Co-organisers of ExcursionsCo-organisers of Excursions

The Tourism and Events Showcase is organised by Landor Travel

Publications and will take place on Saturday 2nd February 2013

at the National Coal Mining Museum for England in Yorkshire.

n FREE ADMISSIONFor anyone responsible for organising or arranging trips, events, holidays or excursions

n EASY ACCESS & GREAT LOCATIONThe museum is situated on the A642, in Overton nearMiddlestown, between Wakefield and Huddersfield. It is signposted from the M1 motorway. There is free car and coach parking.

n SIMPLE TO REGISTERVisit www.tourismshowcase.com, call 01424 572089or email [email protected]

n TO EXHIBITContact Leonard Green on 01706 218539 or email [email protected]

The event, now in its third year, will provide

a wealth of information for group organisers

and members of the travel trade from a host

of exhibitors in the north of England and the

East Midlands keen to showcase their

group offers.

In the previous two years the exhibition has

run, it has proved a hit with travel trade

professionals and group organisers alike, with

attendance figures growing year on year,

despite the difficult economic climate.

For 2013, as a further incentive to attend,

visitors will be able to don hard hats with

battery lamps for a short underground tour of

the former mining site, and explore ground level

with a guide.

Free coach travel will be available to the

show from key points.

Further information No.1

Supported by

DISCOVER DOZENS of GREATVISIT & LEISURE IDEAS at the

INTRODUCTION & CONTENTS

Yorkshire awaits!

PUBLISHED BY

47 Wellington Square, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1PNtel 01424 572080email [email protected] www.grouptravelorganiser.com

Editor ABBE BATES 01424 [email protected] CHRISTOPHE PHILLIPS [email protected] & Production SUZANNE CRISP 01424 [email protected] LEONARD GREEN 01706 218539Circulation JULIE HART 01424 572089

© Landor Travel Publications 2012/2013Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in thispublication, Landor Travel Publications can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.Information considered correct at time of going to press. Readers are reminded that thesedetails are subject to change and they are advised to check when finalising arrangements.

COVER PICTURE Scarborough CastleTOP Sid’s Cafe, Holmfirth (Last of the Summer Wine)

BOTTOM The Shambles, York

Famed for its unspoilt countryside, celebrated for its

rich cultural and industrial heritage, and loved for its

mix of picturesque towns and villages, Yorkshire is

a remarkable county that has it all.

ith its beautiful, charmingcountryside, pepperedwith characterful towns

and villages, Yorkshire invites groupsto visit at any time of year.

Explore the vast and variedlandscapes that were the inspirationfor writers such as James Herriot, theBrontë sisters and Alan Bennett, andartists like Barbara Hepworth, JMW Turner and David Hockney, or step on to the setof some of the nation’s favourite television shows, from The Dales and All CreaturesGreat And Small to Last of the Summer Wine.

The region’s abundance of museums, historic canals, steam railways, and remarkableVictorian and Edwardian architecture are testaments to its industrial heritage andimportance during the Industrial Revolution.

The excitement of the modern world is brought vividly to life too in its thriving citiesand a recent impressive haul of Olympic and Paralympic medals surpassing that ofentire nations.

The county’s reputation for stunning scenery is well earned, from the 100-plus milesof spectacular Heritage coastline to the atmospheric, unspoilt Yorkshire Moors thathave been the backdrop for many a cinematic masterpiece.

Step back in time to the days of Captain Cook in Whitby or discover the Blue Flagbeaches and first-class attractions at the elegant seaside resorts of Scarborough andBridlington; for a flavour of Yorkshire’s vibrant culture, choose cosmopolitan Bradford,the port of Hull, the shopping haven of Leeds, industrial Sheffield or medieval York.

The purpose of this guide is to provide a wealth of inspiring information to help youplan a group visit to Yorkshire. Divided into six regions, it identifies some of the mostgroup-friendly places each has to offer.

So start planning your visit today, and discover for yourselves why Yorkshire hasbeen nicknamed ‘God’s own county’.

www.yorkshire.com/groups YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 3

CONTENTS4 YORKSHIRE COAST

& NORTH YORK MOORS

8 YORK

12 YORKSHIRE DALES, HERRIOT COUNTRY & HARROGATE

16 LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE

20 SOUTH YORKSHIRE

22 HULL & EAST YORKSHIRE

W

FOR YOUR REFERENCEThroughout this guide, attractions that are part of theYorkshire’s Magnificent Attractions group are denotedwith a symbol next to their name.YMA

For further information on advertising in the Yorkshire Group Travel Guide 2014, please contact:LEONARD GREEN 01706 [email protected]

pectacular coastline,picturesque moorlandand ageless woodlandall lend the Yorkshire

Coast and North York Moors adistinctive feel befitting itsassociations with the writerJames Herriot, Captain Cookand Dracula, which include the charms of Whitby andEngland’s first seaside resort,Scarborough.

The region’s tourism bureauoffers a comprehensive servicefor groups, including helpfinding accommodation anddestinations tailored to meetindividual group requirements,as well as providing itinerariesand information on events andfestivals, and organisinginformative and expert guidedtours along the Yorkshire Coast.

The North York MoorsThe North York Moors NationalPark’s quiet, atmosphericlandscape offers some of thebest opportunities for walks andtours in the UK, with new richesto discover time and again.

Giving a thrilling introductionto the area, the North YorkshireMoors Railway wends 18miles through the heart of theNorth York Moors National Parkbetween Pickering and Whitby.Discounts are available forgroups of 10 or more.

East of Malton and offeringnatural delights, there is WoldsWay Lavender, while west andwithin the Howardian Hills Areaof Outstanding Natural Beauty,the award-winning Yorkshire

Lavender features an array oflavender gardens and wonderfulviews over the Vale of York. Alavender spiral, Mediterraneanand Sensory gardens, awildflower meadow, sculptureand deer parks, and a mirrorpond offer plenty to see, whilethe lavender maze and lavenderamphitheatre provideentertainment for all ages. TheSpecialist Plant Nursery hashundreds of different lavendersand herbs for sale, a tea roomoffers fresh food, and the giftshop sells a host of lavenderand herb products. Groups of20 or more can enjoy a free talk.

Another gem in theHowardian Hills area is the 18th-century Castle Howard, surely one of Yorkshire’s finesthistoric houses. Within its

dramatic architecture andsurrounded by world-renownedcollections, groups can enjoythe stories of previousgenerations retold by guides,discover the scenic parklands andexplore the woodland and 18th-century walled garden. The castleboasts an adventure playground,a restaurant and café, a farmshop and garden centre, while aprogramme of exhibitions, events,talks and tours ensure there issomething for everyone year-round. Discounts are availablefor groups of 12 or more, withadditional benefits for operatorsand coach drivers.

Also near Malton, FlamingoLand has a large zoo that ishome to giraffes, lions, tigersand rhinos, as well as over 100rides and attractions.

Moor and shoreWith the atmospheric North York Moors overlooking 45 miles of coastline,

the Gothic charm of Whitby and the seaside delights of Scarborough,

this region of Yorkshire leaves an indelible mark on anyone who visits.

4 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 www.discovernorthyorkshire.co.uk

S

YORKSHIRE COAST & NORTH YORK MOORS

Stunning location on the cliff top overlooking Robin Hoods Bay, the perfect base to exploreScarborough, Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors. Comfortable hotel accommodation includingPanorama restaurant, Bay View lounge, indoor pool, sauna, 9 hole golf, croquet, tennis and beautifulgrounds. Renowned for delicious food and excellent customer service.

TOTAL ROOMS: 50 + 8 Eco Friendly Lodges Single: 8 Double: 22 Twin: 5 Other: 15Single Supplement: yes Group Rates: yes Group Size: 10 min

THE RAVEN HALL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL �� z Z Q p

Ravenscar, Near Scarborough YO13 0ETtel 01723 870353 fax 01723 870072email [email protected] web www.ravenhall.co.uk

PICTURES left to rightNorth York Moors National Park,Yorkshire Lavender, North YorkshireMoors Railway and Castle Howard

SUPPORTED BY

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6 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com

the town, are believed to haveinspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.Founded by St Hilda in 657, theabbey became a ‘shining light’of Christianity in the Dark Ages.Now in the care of EnglishHeritage, a gallery withartefacts, displays and digitalreconstructions traces itshistory. Guided tours are offered to groups.

A little to the south, the livelytown of Scarborough has beenwelcoming visitors for over 350years, and is claimed to beEngland’s first seaside resort.

Groups tend to visitScarborough Castle first. Runby English Heritage, it defends aprominent headland betweentwo bays. An exhibition exploresthe castle’s history and housesarchaeological finds unearthedat the site, including a BronzeAge sword. Groups can enjoythe coastal views, muchadmired by King Richard III, whois still rumoured to walk thebattlements to this day!

Scarborough Art Galleryoccupies two floors of a sublimeItalianate villa, and also boastsstunning views of the town andits surroundings. It is home to avariety of historic andcontemporary art displays.

Scarborough SEA LIFE &Marine Sanctuary, sited in theNorth Bay, allows visitors to get

Close by, the market town ofHelmsley boasts riverside walks,traditional tearooms and rusticcountry pubs. Perhaps mostimpressive is English Heritage’sHelmsley Castle, which evokesa real sense of its 900-yearhistory.

The National Trust’sNunnington Hall, south-east of Helmsley, houses a finecollection of miniature rooms,while just north of the town,Rievaulx Abbey was onceone of the most powerfulmonasteries in Europe. Now atranquil ruin in the care ofEnglish Heritage, the groundsboast an accessible sensoryherb garden that gives visitors areminder of the role herbsplayed in medieval life, a themefurther explored in its museum.Groups of 11 to 50 can booktours with a costumed guide.

Nearby in Hutton-le-hole, theopen-air Ryedale Folk Museumfeatures reconstructed cruck-framed long houses and thenew Harrison Collection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

NORTH YORK MOORS INFORMATION DESKtel 01439 772700email general@

northyorkmoors.org.ukweb www.northyorkmoors.org.uk

Shore thingThe Yorkshire Coast, stretchingfrom Staithes to the HumberEstuary, encompasses some ofthe UK’s most rugged andcharming countryside, fromfishing villages clinging to cliffsto sandy beaches and seasideresorts with everything fromabbeys to some of the country’stastiest fish and chips.

The Gothic maritime town ofWhitby has a wealth of visitorattractions for groups to enjoy,and boasts a strong connectionto explorer Captain Cook.

The award-winning CaptainCook Memorial Museum hasbeen converted from the housewhere he trained, retaining theperiod rooms furnished as theywere in Cook’s time. Visitors cansee his lodgings as well as shipmodels, maps, letters andauthentic 18th century artefactsfrom Cook’s voyages.

The Whitby Museum housesa variety of exhibitionsdocumenting Cook’s life,including a matchstick model ofHMS Endeavour, a probate copyof his will and a manuscriptdescribing his voyage towardsthe North Pole.

Exploring another historicalconnection, the dramatic ruinsof Whitby Abbey , perched on high cliffs above

close to some living treasures ofthe sea, as well as otter, seal andpenguin enclosures. The sealrescue centre gives an insightinto how injured and abandonedseal pups are looked after.

The Rotunda Museum hasspecimens from the collectionof the ‘father of Englishgeology’, William Smith, as wellas exhibition spaces that focuson archaeology and map thegeology of the coast fromRedcar to Flamborough.

Close to Scarborough, theFiley Museum relates thehistory of the town with aphotographic collection, fossiland rock displays, and itemsdocumenting Filey’s roots as asmall fishing village.

To experience the nature ofthe coastline, why not visit FileyBrigg or explore the fantasticFiley Bird Garden and AnimalPark and feed the animals, havefun on the adventure trail, learnamazing wildlife facts, or simplyrelax in beautiful gardens whilstwatching exotic birds.


SCARBOROUGH TOURISM BUREAUtel 01723 383637email tourismbureau@

scarborough.gov.ukweb www.discover

yorkshirecoast.com

TOP PICTURESleft to rightCaptain Cook Memorial Museum

Scarborough Castle

Rotunda Museum

Rievaulx Abbey

BOTTOM PICTUREWhitby Abbey

EVEN

TS

11-14 APRILSCARBOROUGHLITERATURE FESTIVALThroughout Scarborough

18-19 MAYMALTON FOODFESTIVALThroughout Malton

15 JUNEPICKERING 60SFESTIVALPickering

29 JUNE – 7 JULYFILEY FESTIVALFiley

30 JULYRYEDALE SHOWRyedale

12-23 AUGUSTWHITBY FOLKFESTIVALWhitby

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YORKSHIRE COAST & NORTH YORK MOORS SUPPORTED BY


Extra 10% discount in selected stores for group bookings

YorkDesignerOutletyorkdesigneroutlet.com

Further information No.5 Further information No.6

EXPERIENCE OVER 900

YEARS OF HISTORY

I N YO R K S H I R E

Explore stunning houses, dramatic abbeys

and atmospheric castles with a group visit

to one of our many Yorkshire properties

For more information please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire

To order a Group Visits Guide call 020 7973 3529

or email [email protected]

ork has more than itsfair share of strikingarchitecture, museumsand Viking settlements,

all enclosed within a 13thcentury city wall.

VisitYork, York’s tourismorganisation, has a dedicatedVisit York Group Desk to helpgroups get the most from thecity, and offers a York Pass,which once purchased givesfree access to over 30 of thecity’s attractions as well asdiscounts on eveningentertainment and dining. YorkPass discounts are available forgroups of 10 or more.

For those wanting to indulgein some first-class retail therapy,McArthurGlen’s York DesignerOutlet, just minutes outside thecity centre in a beautifullandscaped garden setting, is a

real ‘must’. Welcoming around3.5 million shoppers every year,it is home to over 120 leadingdesigner, fashion and homebrands, and boasts discounts ofup to 60%. With top eateriessuch as Starbucks, Pret áManger and Pizza Express,there’s also plenty to do tobreak up the shopping day. Aprivilege card giving an extra10% discount at selected storesis available for groups of 20 ormore, as well as free coach andcar parking, wheelchair hire,relaxing outdoor areas and achildren’s play area.

AstonishingarchitectureAt more than 2,000 years old,York has played an importantrole in history, all of which hasleft its mark in its architecture,

street names and attractions.York’s three-mile-long City

Walls make an excellentwalkway for visitors, encirclingthe city and giving a goodintroduction to its sights.

With huge stained glasswindows, a towering spire and extraordinary medievalornamentations, the 15th-century York Minster is northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral and an activeecclesiastical centre to this day.Although currently undergoingextensive restoration, due forcompletion in 2016, visitorsdon’t have to wait to see some of the completed work, as a number of restored‘Apocalypse’ stained-glasspanels are displayed in The Orb – a new metallic domeexhibition space inside the

minster – offering anopportunity to see theworkmanship up close. YorkMinster offers special tourstailored to the needs ofindividual groups of up to 15people and free guided one-hour tours, Monday to Friday.

Nearby, The National Trust’sTreasurer’s House boasts ahistory spanning 2,000 years,from the cellar’s Roman Road to the Edwardian servants’quarters in the attic.

The Assembly Rooms, nowhome to Ask pizzeria anddesigned by Richard, Earl ofBurlington, and Red Houseare some of Europe’s earliestneo-classical townhouses.Fairfax House, meanwhile, has to be one of Britain’s most distinguished 18th century townhouses.

Medieval YorkOver seven million visitors each year discover the small but perfectly formed

medieval city of York. With its wealth of world-class attractions, heritage sites,

museums and bustling cultural scene, it’s easy to see why.

8 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 www.groupvisityork.com

Y

BARBARA BARWICK-NICHOLSONBlue Badge Guide

Qualified 1985. Experienced Tour Director, UK and Europe. Registered for Yorkshire,Northumberland, York Minster and DurhamCathedral. Tours include Haworth, Brontës,Yorkshire Moors, Coast, Dales, TV Locations,Stately Homes, Gardens, Lake District,Newcastle, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne.

Ravenshill, Holme Lane, Sutton in Craven,Keighley, Yorkshire BD20 7LNtel 01535 633276 / 07778 061961email [email protected]

BARBARA

Barwick-Nicholson

PICTURES left to rightCity Walls, McArthurGlen’s York

Designer Outlet, York Minster’s

The Orb and Fairfax House

THE ORIGINAL GHOSTWALK OF YORK This is the most popular and unique way to see York by night! An authentic evening ofhistory, mystery, folklore, legends and ghosts! This is believed to be the oldest Ghost Walk in the world. Ad Finem.£5.00 Adults, £3.00 childen/oap. Private groups anytime at discounted rates.

8.00pm nightly from Kings Arms Pub,Ouse Bridge, York YO1 9SNtel 01759 373090 / 01904 764222web www.theoriginalghostwalkofyork.co.uk

SUPPORTED BYYORK


VisitYorkgroupvisityork.com

With �� and �� through our Groups Desk.

What are you waiting for?

York Groups Desk Tel: 01904 550080 Email: [email protected] www.groupvisityork.com

Call now for your �� groups guide:

2 DAY ADULT03 027870 3

Exp:03/13

YorkPassyorkpass.com


10 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 www.groupvisityork.com

the Merchant Adventurers’ Hallis one of the best-preservedguildhalls in Europe.

Exploring more recent history,the Yorkshire Air Museum &Allied Air Forces Memorial isauthentically based on a WorldWar Two Bomber CommandStation. Within originalbuildings, exhibits tell the storyof the brave aircrews, while thedramatic ‘Pioneers of Aviation’exhibit will open in 2013, timedto celebrate the 70thanniversary of the Dambustersraids. The museum’s aircraftcollection includes a HalifaxBomber and Yorkshire-builtBlackburn Buccaneers. There isalso a NAAFI-style licencedrestaurant. Reduced rates areoffered to pre-booked groups.

Also boasting a connection toWorld War Two, The NationalTrust’s 18th-centuryBeningbrough Hall & Gardenswas once the billet of theCanadian Air Force, and boastsgardens featuring pear arches,labyrinth paths, grand Italianateborders and hidden woods.Bringing its history to life arethe names, carved intowoodwork, of RAF crewsbilleted there. As well asDiscovery Garden Walk andHidden House tours, theTorchlight Tour, to beintroduced in 2013, shows the

Home to the Archbishop of York for over 700 years,Bishopthorpe Palace is another impressive statelyhome, set on nine acres besidethe River Ouse. Guided toursare available for pre-bookedgroups.

The English Heritage-ownedClifford’s Tower is almostall that remains of York Castlebuilt by William the Conqueror.Originally one of a pair ofcastles, it was replaced by thecurrent unusual four-lobedkeep. Groups of 11 to 15 can pre-book exclusive tours.

Next door, the York CastleMuseum recreates shopsand prison cells from days goneby. Discounts are offered togroups of 10 or more.

The excellent Jorvik VikingCentre , meanwhile,stands on the site of the 1,000year-old ruins of the city ofJorvik, enabling groups toexperience life in Viking-ageYork, whilst surviving as one of Europe’s most completemedieval streets, The Shambles is a former street of butchers’ shops in York.

For those wishing to take in the full breadth of York’ssights, the York SightseeingBus illuminates all the majorlandmarks with insightfulcommentary.

HeritageYork’s museums house some ofthe most striking collections inthe UK, exploring Britain’s socialhistory, archaeology and art.

Groups can discover York’sheritage first hand at DIG –An Archaeological Adventure,which investigates archaeologicalfinds from Roman, Viking,medieval and Victorian times.

Located in the city wall’s most important gateway, theMicklegate Bar Museumexplores York’s famous battles,uprisings and revolutions.

Close to York Minster, theBedern Glaziers Studiopresents a rare opportunity tosee the restoration of YorkMinster’s Great East Window.

Also nearby, Monk Bar housesthe Richard III Museum, wherevisitors can try the monarch forthe murder of the Princes in theTower. Alternatively, the YorkDungeon sees actors bringingthe city’s most gruesome talesto life, while the Original GhostWalk of York explores the city’ssecrets through storytelling.

Exploring history’s gentlerside, the Quilt Museum andGallery is the only museum inEurope dedicated to textile arts.

The Yorkshire Museumshowcases archaeological items,fossils and rare animals, while

hall in a new light andilluminates the features notnormally seen. Groups of 15 ormore are offered a groupcatering menu and discountedrates. Drivers are offered freeentry and catering vouchers.

York is also home to one ofEnglish Heritage’s most unusualsites, the York Cold WarBunker. A semi-subterraneanbunker designed to monitornuclear explosions, visitorstoday can see equipment anddocumentation rooms. A guidedtour and film relates the ColdWar’s ‘Mutually AssuredDestruction’. Tours must bebooked two weeks ahead.

One of the city’s newestattractions, York’s CHOCOLATEStory journeys into thehistory of chocolate, its secretsand manufacture, and the roleYork played in its popularity.

A short walk from the citycentre, meanwhile, the NationalRailway Museum attracts500,000 visitors every year whoflock to see the 1839-builtstation and enjoy over 100engines, interactive displays and exhibitions.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONYORK GROUPS DESKtel 01904 550080email [email protected] www.groupvisityork.com

SUPPORTED BY

PICTURES left to rightYork’s CHOCOLATE Story andYorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial

Situated right in the heart of York, the hotel comprises a collection of historic buildings dating from 1659 ina tranquil English garden setting. Lovingly renovated by the Clark family since 1973 to blend its 350-yearhistory with comfortable accommodation; incorporating bar, restaurant, Emperor’s Fitness Centre withsmall pool, parking and wifi access. Residential or meal-stop groups very welcome.

TOTAL ROOMS: 57 Single: 3 Standard Double/Triple/Twin: 36 Deluxe: 15 Executive: 3Single Supplement: no Group Rates: £30.00-£60.00 Group Size: 20 min

LADY ANNE MIDDLETON’S HOTEL �� z 2 Z 100 Q p

Skeldergate, York YO1 6DStel 01904 611570 fax 01904 613043email [email protected] web www.ladyannes.co.uk

YORKEV

ENTS

16-24 FEBRUARYJORVIK VIKING FESTIVALJorvik Viking Centre

29 MARCH – 1 APRILYORK CHOCOLATEFESTIVALYork’s CHOCOLATE Story

5-13 JULYEARLY MUSIC FESTIVALThe National Centre for EarlyMusic and York Minster

20-29 SEPTEMBERFESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINKThroughout York

OCTOBER-NOVEMBERILLUMINATING YORKThroughout York

NOVEMBER – DECEMBERA YORK CHRISTMASThroughout York

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Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA 15 miles north-east of York, just off the A64

It’s a beautiful dayBreathtaking architecture and collections | monumental landscape | walled garden and woodland walks | exhibitions and events | exclusive group tours, talks and dining | gift shops, farm shop and garden centre | choice of cafés

www.castlehoward.co.uk Telephone 01653 648621



Landor Travel Publications,

publisher of the Yorkshire Group Travel Guide 2013,has been established for almost 24 years and alsoregularly publishes GTOmagazine.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

LONDON IN THE LIMELIGHT

Building on 2012, the continued

appeal of the capital for groups

A STUDY IN ORGANISING

Lesley Crombie of Study Tour Travel

talks about her expert-led adult

education tours

DISTRIBUTED FREE TO QUALIFYING GROUP TRAVEL ORGANISERS

ISSUE 235 September 2012

SeaLife

Extr

a W

est E

nd th

eatr

e

page

s in

this

issu

e!

THE NETWORK FOR GROUP

TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS

COVER FEATURE:

Our 10-page cruising review

To receive free regular copies of GTO please register using our website

www.grouptravelorganiser.com/subscribe/gto-registration

GTO is the UK’s leadingmagazine for grouporganisers and the traveltrade and is completelyFREE of charge. It givesyou ideas on day trips,outings and longer breaksalong with advancedinformation on newattractions and specialdeals, theatre, event andentertainment news.

YO

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KSHIRE AIR MUSEUM

AL

LIE

D

AIR FORCES MEMO

RIA

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Tremendous atmosphere,Fascinating exhibits

& Historic aircraft

Ideal for Coach Parties!!A Great Family Day Out

Licensed RestaurantOpen dai

Elvington, York, YO41 4AU Tel: 01904 608595

[email protected]


he Yorkshire Dales havebeen attracting visitorsfor generations, withHarrogate, Skipton and

Ripon particular draws.

HarrogateHarrogate’s charm is irresistible.Experience its spa heritage firsthand at the Turkish Baths andHealth Spa and the Royal PumpRoom Museum.

For those with an interest inthe arts, the Mercer Art Galleryhouses some 2,000 artworks,while the Edwardian-built RoyalHall Theatre presents concerts,comedy and dance and theMontpellier Quarter is home to80 exclusive shops, cafes, barsand restaurants.

Flowers are always in bloomat Britain’s biggest independent

gardening event, the HarrogateFlower Show, which in 2013runs from 25th to 28th April and13th to 15th September.Attracting 100,000 visitors eachyear, the show featuresimpressive show gardens andborders created by talenteddesigners and landscapers,fantastic displays from around100 leading plant nurseries, andthe ever-popular CookeryTheatre. The spring showfeatures the largest floral artmarquee in the UK, showcasinga stunning array of over 160individual works of art, while theautumn show celebrates theharvest with the country’sbiggest exhibition of flowersand plants. Free on-site parkingand discounted tickets for pre-booked groups are available.

At the 58-acre RHS HarlowCarr Garden , just outsideHarrogate, there’s alwayssomething new to see, withhighlights including the AlpineZone featuring the largestalpine house in any RHS garden,and the six gardens that makeup ‘Garden’s Through Time’,exploring gardening styles overthe last 200 years. There is alsothe Kitchen Garden and QueenMother’s Lake, and Streamsideand Scented gardens, as well asBettys Café Tea Rooms & Shopand the RHS Shop & PlantCentre. Year-round eventsinclude outdoor theatre, guidedwalks and wildlife workshops,while free entry for GTOs, freeparking and pre-bookable toursare offered, as well asfamiliarisation visits.

SkiptonKnown as the ‘Gateway to theDales’, Skipton is a relativelycompact town shouldered byrolling hills.

Skipton Castle is one of themost complete, fully-roofedmedieval castles in England.Situated at the head of the HighStreet, it has survived 900 yearsof turbulent history, evenwithstanding a three-year CivilWar besiegement. Groups canexplore the castle from thedepths of the dungeon to the topof the watchtower, and see theyew tree planted by Lady AnneClifford in 1659. Groups of 15 ormore receive discounted entryand can book guided day tours,which are also available duringthe evenings from May to August.

Dale and heartyPerhaps the archetypal ‘snapshot’ of Yorkshire, Harrogate, the Dales and Herriot

Country’s blend of serene countryside, medieval market towns, majestic cathedral

city and cosmopolitan spa town capture the imagination and stir the heart.

12 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 www.yorkshire.com/groups

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YORKSHIRE DALES, HERRIOT COUNTRY & HARROGATE

TOP PICTURESleft to rightRoyal Pump House Museum,

RHS Harlow Carr,

Skipton Castle,

Turkish Baths and Health Spa© Harrogate International Centre

BOTTOM PICTURESleft to rightHarrogate Flower Show,

Mercer Art Gallery,

Montpellier Quarter

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A GREAT DAY OUT! Inspirational show gardens, 100s of leading plant nurseries, floral art, cooking demonstrations,fruit and vegetable growing advice, crafts and gifts.•discounted pre-booked tickets•tickets available on sale or return•free on-site parking•catering marquees & picnic areas•excellent disabled facilities

For further information or to pre-book tickets please visitwww.flowershow.org.ukor phone 01423 546157All proceeds donated to the North of England Horticultural Society, supporting horticulture in the north. Charity No: 702017Harrogate Flower Shows, Regional Agricultural Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8NZ e-mail: [email protected] purchasing pre-booked tickets for the Harrogate Flower Shows, you agree that you receive information relating to future NEHS Shows. A booking administration charge applies per order.Photograph by Nigel Harrison

New VIPexperienceavailable

North of England Horticultural Society

2013 APRIL 25-28 SEPTEMBER 13-15 GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND

from 10am (Sun 12noon)Open Daily

01756 792442www.skiptoncastle.co.uk

Group BookingsWelcomeBD23 1AW

(pre-booked parties of 15 or more)

en pO Daily en pfrom 10am

BD23 1AW

Daily (Sun 12noon)from 10am

BD23 1AW eWelcomnokioup BoGr

k.uoc.astlecnto.skipwww

01756 792442sgn



RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR58 acres of inspiring & experimental gardensFind out more at rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr

RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262

Open daily 9.30am-6pm (4pm Nov-Feb)Last entry one hour before closing.Crag Lane, (off Otley road) Harrogate HG3 1QB. Group bookings: 01423 724 690

©RH

S Lee Beel




PENNINEBOAT TRIPSOF SKIPTON

BOOK

EARLY!

Enjoy a leisurely boat trip for one hour with thefamous Dave Spikey commentating. Learn aboutthe canal and its wildlife, Skipton and the manycotton mills along the canal

Tel: 01756 790829 [email protected]

www.canaltrips.co.uk

GROUP BOOKINGS AVAILABLE

ALL YEAR ROUND> Day Boat Hire up to 10 people> Lunches, Cream Teas, Roast

Dinner Cruises> Magical Santa Cruises> Hire one of our Luxury Day Boats for

up to 10 people> Full Instruction given, life jackets etc.

Group 'Days Out'Packages available at greatvalue for money, includingcanal boat trips, andrefreshments in the Pie &Mash shop in the courtyard.The office isopen all year round.

“ “

We will berunning

1 hourpublic trips

‘...the perfectEnglish house’


adventure gardens, there’s plentyto enjoy. There’s also a shop,plant centre and restaurant, without of hours VIP tours availablefor groups by arrangement.

Nearby, the 18th centuryFountains Abbey and StudleyRoyal Water Garden is set inthe beautiful Skell Valley. Adesignated UNESCO WorldHeritage site owned by TheNational Trust, it is a remarkableplace encompassing nearly 900years of history. The abbey andgarden also boast the FountainsRestaurant, while free coachparking, discounts for groups of16 or more, introductory talks,and guided and out-of-hourstours are offered.

Just north of Ripon is theLightwater Valley Theme Parkand Country Village . Setin 175 acres of parkland, it isrenowned for its friendly welcome.

Markenfield Hall, three milessouth of Ripon, has beendescribed as Yorkshire’s bestkept secret. With a historyencompassing the Rising of theNorth in 1569, an 18th centuryexpansion and modern-dayrestoration work, MarkenfieldHall represents a timelesssnapshot of Yorkshire throughthe ages. Groups of 10 or morevisiting the hall receive a host ofdiscounts and benefits.

Just behind the High Street,Skipton’s canal basin providesgroups with the chance to take anarrowboat trip on the Leeds &Liverpool Canal. Pennine BoatTrips operates sightseeing cruiseslasting between one and sixhours, with the Dalesman servingup cream teas, lunches and roastdinners for groups of up to 50.Introduced in 2012, its DaveSpikey on-board commentary hasbecome a big hit, providing ahumourous but informativehistory of the canal and Skipton,all peppered with musicalinterludes. Pennine Boat Tripsalso runs the licenced Skipton Pieand Mash Shop, and can combinea canal trip with a stop for lunchor dinner. Groups can also skippertheir own boat for a full day.

RiponOne of the smallest cities inEngland, Ripon has much toappeal to groups.

It boasts a number of award-winning museums, three ofwhich are run by the RiponMuseum Trust. The Prison &Police Museum explores thehistory of policing in Yorkshire,with groups invited to hear thecell door slam shut and imaginethe harsh conditions ofVictorian prison regimes. In daysgone by, the Ripon Union

Workhouse was a place of lastresort for the people. Today,groups can experience Victorianausterity with displays of food,uniforms and hard labour. TheCourthouse Museum,meanwhile, tells the story of thisimposing building and thepeople who have passedthrough it, and is virtuallyunchanged since it was built in1830. Discounts and guidedtours are offered to groups.

For a visit of a more heart-thumping nature, RiponRacecourse showcases some ofthe best equestrian action in theUK, and is known as ‘Yorkshire’sGarden Racecourse’. Open fromApril to September, the coursehosts 16 race meets, including apopular Ladies Day in June,along with the show-stoppingGreat St Wilfred Handicap inAugust. Groups of 10 or moreare offered a range of discounts.

One of Britain’s finest Adamhouses with Chippendalefurniture, Gobelins tapestriesand classical statuary, NewbyHall boasts 25 acres ofaward-winning gardens,including one of Europe’slargest double herbaceousborders. With regular art andsculpture exhibitions, specialevents throughout the year, anda miniature railway and

The Dales andHerriot country No trip to Yorkshire would becomplete without setting timeaside to explore the peacefulscenery of The Dales.

The Yorkshire Dales NationalPark has plenty for groups tosee and do including countryrambles along the PennineBridleway and the Coast toCoast Path.

Much of this area has beencoined ‘Herriot Country’ afterwriter, James Herriot, alias real-life vet Alf Wright, who livedand worked in the market townof Thirsk for 50 years. Today, hisformer home and veterinarysurgery has been wonderfullypreserved as The World ofJames Herriot attraction.

Other highlights include theGrassington Folk Museum and,on the easterly edge of the park,Richmond Castle, which standsin a commanding position above the River Swale.

Close by, Constable BurtonHall, designed by the architectJohn Carr in 1768, is widelyrecognised as one of the finestmedium-sized English housesbuilt in the Palladian style.


web www.yorkshiredales.org.uk

TOP PICTURES left to rightRipon Racecourse,

Prison & Police Museum,

Fountains Abbey and Studley

Royal Water Garden,

Markenfield Hall

BOTTOM PICTURESleft to rightPennine Boat Trips,

Lightwater Valley Theme Park

and Country Village,

The Yorkshire Dales

YORKSHIRE DALES, HERRIOT COUNTRY & HARROGATE

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Three museums... One great day out!

Tel: 01765 690799 www.riponmuseums.co.uk

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Uncover hidden histories at Ripon’s Award winning Museums.Explore the history of law andorder, all in the centre of Ripon.Great group rates and guided tours available.

Markenfield Hall

telephone 01765 692303 website www.markenfield.com

The Imperial State CrownfromNewby’s replica collection

The Jewel inYorkshire’s CrownGRACEFUL COUNTRY HOUSE AWARDWINNING GARDEN

MINIATURE RAILWAY CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE PLAYGROUNDSPECIAL EVENTSTHROUGHOUTTHEYEAR

0845 4504 068www.newbyhall.com

OPEN: 29th March - 29th Sept 2013 Tuesdays to Sundays,plus bank holidays. Open seven days in July and August.

Gardens open: 11am - 5.30pmHouse open for tours only: 12noon - 4pm

Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, NorthYorkshire HG4 5AE

Information Hotline:

est Yorkshire’scombination ofcosmopolitan citiesand lively towns,

tranquil rural villages and serenecountryside makes it awonderful region to discover.

The region’s tourist body,Leeds and Pennine Yorkshire,has a dedicated Groups Deskoffering a one-stop-shop for allyour group travel needs, a freegroup travel guide and supportin itinerary building, sourcingsuppliers, negotiating rates orsimply ideas!

LeedsLeeds attracts over 11.5 millionvisitors each year, and offersgroups plenty to see and doyear-round.

The Corn Exchange providesan excellent boutique shopping

experience under a breathtakingglass domed roof, whileKirkgate is Europe’s largestindoor market offering both free lunch vouchers for coachdrivers and convenient drop off and pick up points nearby.The Grade II-listed VictoriaQuarter, meanwhile, boastsstunning arcades, with aneclectic mix of designer shopsand specialist boutiques, and isa great spot to stop for a coffee.Trinity Leeds is due to open inspring 2013 with 120 stores, a range of restaurants and afour-screen art house, theEveryman Cinema.

For an interesting take on life in days gone by, the award-winning Thackray Museumexcites the senses and invitesgroups to see, hear, touch andsmell the history of health and

medicine. Housed in a former19th-century workhouse, thisbeautiful Grade II-listed buildingis set in the grounds of St.James’s Hospital. Today, themuseum boasts the largestcollection of medical tradeliterature in the world andgalleries housing imaginativedisplays. Demonstrating thepoor sanitary conditions inwhich people lived is arecreated Victorian street ofLeeds in 1842. Themed guidedtours can be tailored for groups,while discounted rates, freedriver and organiser entry andbespoke dining packages arealso offered.

At Clarence Dock, The RoyalArmouries’ National Museumof Arms and Armour explores history through 8,500objects in five themed galleries:

War; Tournament; Oriental; SelfDefence; and Hunting. There arealso live jousting sessions andhistorical re-enactments, plushorse and falconry shows.

The Leeds City Museum,meanwhile, presents four floorsof interactive exhibitions,including an 'Ancient World'gallery and the famed LeedsMummy.

The Abbey House Museumin Kirkstall delves into life in theyear 1880, while Kirkstall Abbeyis one of Britain’s mostcomplete Cistercian abbeys.

Giving an insight into theIndustrial Revolution, the LeedsIndustrial Museum at ArmleyMills features a recreated millmanager’s parlour, mill workers’cottages, a 1920s cinema andworking steam engines, whileThwaite Mills has machinery

Go west!From vibrant cities such as Leeds to the wild beauty of the Pennine moorland,

West Yorkshire offers a stellar choice of history, culture and countryside

for groups to enjoy.

16 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 www.lpygroups.com

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TOP PICTURESleft to rightVictoria Quarter, Thackray Museum,

The Royal Armouries’ National

Museum of Arms and Armour,

Kirkstall Abbey

BOTTOM PICTURESleft to rightCorn Exchange,

Thwaite Mills,

Kirkgate Market

LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE SUPPORTED BY

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Inspirational home of theBrontë sisters



The Thackray Medical Museum

- A day out less ordinary!

*Booking essential, extra small charge applies

0113 205 6526 Y [email protected]

www.thackraymuseum.org Thackray Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7LN

n For all ages and group sizes

n Themed tours e.g. Dark History, The Workhouse

and The History of Medicine*

n Special group rates include FREE entry for the

coach driver and organiser, plus FREE coach parking

n Afternoon tea packages & ornate gift shop

Explore the history of

health and medicine:

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18 YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 www.lpygroups.com

Pennine townsand villagesThe Pennine region mixes someof the most scenic villages withsome of the most bustlingtowns in the UK.

The town of Huddersfieldwas the birthplace of the RugbyLeague and hosts RugbyLeague World Cup fixtures, andis the largest of the Penninetowns. Its Castle Hill Monumentis one of the county’s mostimportant early Iron Age forts.

Eight miles north, the town of Halifax boasts Eureka! TheNational Children’s Museum,

which features six themedinteractive galleries for childrenunder 12 to explore.

The cobbled town ofHolmfirth, six miles south ofHuddersfield, is famouslyassociated with long-runningsitcom Last of the SummerWine, and boasts thecharmingly-named WrinkledStocking Tea Room. Fans of theshow can explore the SummerWine Exhibition or take a 10-mile tour of the Holme Valleywith a Summer Wine Magic TVLocations Tour.

The area, and especially thesmall town of Haworth, is alsoassociated with the literary-minded Brontë sisters.

The Brontës moved to

and workshops capturing theera’s engineering achievements.

Another popular draw is the700-acre Roundhay Park andTropical World, which attractsover nine million visitors eachyear, and features glasshousesthat are home to the largestcollection of tropical plants inthe UK outside Kew Gardens.

The Henry Moore Instituteshowcases sculptures from bothancient and modern times, whilethe Leeds Art Gallery housessome of the best 20th centuryBritish art in the country,including works by BarbaraHepworth and Jacob Kramer.

Lotherton Hall and TempleNewsam both house splendidcollections of furniture anddecorative arts surrounded bylovely gardens.

Meanwhile, the Grade I-listedHarewood House, just outsideLeeds, houses impressivecollections of furniture anddecorative arts surrounded byover 100 acres of magnificentlandscape created by Lancelot‘Capability’ Brown. Home to theEarl and Countess of Harewoodand one of the treasure housesof England, Harewood alsoboasts a fantastic programme ofcontemporary art exhibitionsand a renowned Bird Garden.Discounts are offered to groupsof 15 or more.

BradfordBradford’s status as the ‘woolcapital of the world’ during the19th century brought the cityhuge wealth.

Celebrating this rich heritage,the Bradford IndustrialMuseum houses displays oftextile machinery, steam powerand motor vehicles.

Nearby, the UNESCO WorldHeritage Site of Saltaire isrecognised as one of the best-preserved 19th-century‘model villages’ in the world. ItsSalts Mill is now an independentshopping emporium and artgallery, showcasing 400 worksby local artist David Hockney.

Bradford has also carved areputation for its contemporaryculture; the Impressions Galleryis dedicated to photography,while Cartwright Hall houses afascinating collection of 19th and20th-century British art. And forscenic walks, why not try City Park.

Modern Bradford is famed for its ethnic diversity. Inparticular, Bombay Stores is the largest Asian departmentstore in the UK while the city isalso the world’s first UNESCOCity of Film with the superbNational Media Museumexploring the importance of the media.

Haworth parsonage in 1820 andwrote many of their famousnovels there. Now the BrontëParsonage Museum, the roomshave been left much as theywere, while a new decorativescheme from the 1850s hasrecently been unveiled. Theparsonage also showcasesletters, clothes and personalpossessions once belonging tothe sisters, which give a uniqueinsight into the freedoms andrestrictions of the time in whichthey lived and lend a deeperunderstanding to their novels,while the surrounding moorsinspire visitors as they may havefor the sisters. Groups of 10 ormore are offered discounts anda range of tour itineraries, whileorganisers enter for free.

A ride on the Keighley &Worth Valley Railway exploresthe countryside immortalised bythe sisters. Running five milesbetween Keighley andOxenhope via Haworth, thissteam-powered journey scalesthe steep Worth Valley, adding asense of drama to the scenicviews. Groups of 20 or morereceive discounts.


LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIREtel 0113 378 1161email [email protected] www.lpygroups.com

TOP PICTURESleft to rightHarewood House,

Salts Mill,

Holmfirth,

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

BOTTOM PICTUREBrontë Parsonage Museum

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SEPTEMBER 2012 – MAY 2013LEEDS INTERNATIONALCONCERT SEASONVenues throughout Leeds

2-9 MARCHTHE GREAT GATSBY BY NORTHERN BALLET Leeds Grand Theatre

11-21 APRILBRADFORD INTERNATIONALFILM FESTIVALThroughout Bradford

23 APRIL-4 MAYCATSBradford Alhambra Theatre

18-19 MAYHAWORTH 1940S WEEKENDThroughout Haworth

20-31 AUGUSTHAIRSPRAYLeeds Grand Theatre

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LEEDS & PENNINE YORKSHIRE SUPPORTED BY


Plan your perfect day at Harewood

Guided & Specialist tours of the House & award-winning Gardens

Generously discounted group rates

Excellent cafés & shops

Coach driver & group organiser benefits


• Lively underground tours led by former-miner guides

• Costumed characters

• Tailored tours and talks available

• Large café and shop

• Group menus/packages

• All-weather visit, open year-round

• Free car/coach parking

• Close to Wakefield, access from M1 J38 & J40

• Free admission

Take a unique trip 140m underground to discover mining through the centuries. Explore fascinating galleries, nature trails and much more; indoors and out!

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NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM

for England

NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM

for England

Open daily 10am - 5pm

Caphouse Colliery New RoadOverton Wakefield West Yorkshire WF4 4RHT: 01924 848806 E: [email protected]

www.ncm.org.uk

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Group visitors can enjoy historic and modern art, unwind in the gallery garden, enjoy delicious food in the café and browse gifts in the shop. Admission FREE. Tours from £6. Book today: [email protected]

BE INSPIRED

YORKSHIRE’S AWARD WINNING GALLERY


ith its strongindustrial heritage,art galleries andattractions, South

Yorkshire has it all.

Industry and artIn Sheffield, Kelham IslandMuseum features a 12,000-horsepower River Don Engine and a‘Staybrite’ stainless steel ship.

Also in Sheffield, TheMillennium Gallery housesRushkin collections, whileWeston Park explores the city’snatural and social records.

In Rotherham, there’s plentyfor youngsters at the MagnaScience Adventure Centre.

Set in a former steel works,it features a host of exhibitions.

Heading north to Wakefield,The Hepworth Wakefield

in the city centre featureshistoric and modern artworks aswell as contemporaryexhibitions by internationalartists. The gallery runs a year-round programme of events,while six galleries featureartworks from leading artists,themed exhibitions and rarely-seen displays of the artist afterwhom the gallery is named –Barbara Hepworth. Entry is free,with a 45-minute guidedintroductory tour available forgroups. Free familiarisationvisits for GTOs are also offered.

The National Coal MiningMuseum for Englandoffers ex-miner-led toursexploring the heritage of one ofthe country’s most dangerousindustries, brought to lifethrough historic buildings and

fascinating collections. The 41-acre site includes the medicalcentre and pit-head baths, anature trail, and galleriesexploring the history of coal-mining. A highlight for intrepidvisitors is a descent 140 metresbelow ground to see the furnaceshaft, while visitors happierabove ground can inch out ontoa chimney’s glass cover – if theydare! Admission is free, withgroups offered a variety of tours.

The natural worldSouth of Barnsley, WentworthCastle and Stainborough Park’sGrade I-listed gardens arenationally significant for theirextensive monuments, andfeature some of the UK’s earliestGothic follies, while the househas its origins in a family rivalry

that dates back to 1695.Subsequent generationsintroduced exotic flora to thegrounds, which today are hometo several National Collections.Groups are offered discounts,tours and familiarisation trips.

The Sheffield BotanicalGardens’ Grade II-listedpavilions house temperateplants from around the world,while the Winter Gardens have amix of plants beneath one of thelargest glasshouses in the UK.

Near Wakefield, the YorkshireSculpture Park featuresmore than 40 sculpturesdisplayed across wide parkland.


web www.welcometosheffield.com / www.visitpenistone.co.uk

Where iron worksForging a reputation for manufacturing, South Yorkshire includes the city of Sheffield

and large towns of Rotherham and Doncaster, and is also home to some of the UK’s

most stately homes, inspirational gardens and interesting museums.


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SOUTH YORKSHIRE

TOP PICTURESleft to rightKelham Island Museum,

National Coal Mining Museum

for England,

Wentworth Castle,

Sheffield Botanical Gardens

BOTTOM PICTURESleft to rightWeston Park,

Magna Science Adventure Centre,

The Millenium Gallery

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SOUTH YORKSHIRE

www.visitdoncaster.co.uk YORKSHIRE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2013 21

Doncaster

London

Hull

Liverpool

Manchester

Edinburgh

Situated on the UK’s

national transport

network in the

heart of England,

Doncaster can be

reached very quickly

from many cities.

York 1 hrLeeds 1 hrHull 1 hrManchester 1 hrNewcastle 2 hrLondon 3 hrLiverpool 2 hrsEdinburgh 4 hrs

(Approximate drive times)

Off ers a warm welcomefor group visits!

www.doncaster.gov.uk/markets

10 magnifi cent markets

- all on one bustling town centre site

Superb drop-off and pick up point on

site with excellent passenger facilities

Coach drivers’ free lunch vouchers

Plus, new this year...

Free all-day coach parking in a new

dedicated coach park nearby

Comfortable free coach drivers’ lounge

with TV, WiFi and refreshment facilities

Optional free VIP ‘meet and greet’

service for every coach party visiting

Find us on Facebook:search for ‘Donny Market’

Find us on Twitter:Search for donnytowncentre

Tel: 01302 862480 Email: [email protected]

Market of the Year Award 2011 and Britain’s Favourite Market 2012Tuesday, Friday and Saturday


Historic DoncasterThe historic market town of Doncaster has a rich heritage and alively atmosphere, making it the perfect place for groups to visit.

One of the town’s most popular draws for groups is its livelyMarket, which has to be one of the finest traditional markets inthe country. Entering the market from Baxtergate, the range

and quality on display at the impressive Fish Market tantalises the taste buds, and the Market Hallfeatures a stunning variety of cheeses and award-winning butchers, pie makers and sausage specialists.The ornate Corn Exchange sells crafts, artworks and household goods, while the historic Wool Market,Outer Market and Irish Middle Market ensure all tastes are catered for.

And whilst in the town, why not pay a visit to Doncaster Racecourse (above left), with the St Leger inSeptember – the world’s oldest classic horse race – a particular highlight.

Amongst the town's other highlights include Mansion House (right), dating to 1749, which reflectsDoncaster’s wealth in Georgian England with fine art collections and a grand ballroom, and ConisbroughCastle, thought to have the finest Norman keep in Britain, and the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’sIvanhoe. Today, a costumed guide leads groups through the castle’s interesting history.

The 18th-century Cusworth Hall and Park (below left), meanwhile, has an Italianate chapel whose ceiling paintings lay hidden for 50 years, and is home to the Museum of South Yorkshire, which features a range of collections depicting life in the areaover the last 200 years.

The English Heritage-managed Brodsworth Hall and Gardens , just north of Doncaster, has an opulentdrawing room, billiard room and bedrooms standing in contrast to the servants’ quarters. The mansion was ‘convertedas found’ in the 1980s, with objects, fixtures and fittingsreturned to their exact positions. Groups of 11 to 50 can pre-book a guided tour and pre-tour coffee or buffet lunches.

Also just outside Doncaster, the new 70-acre YorkshireWildlife Park features walkthrough areas including‘Lemur Woods’, ‘Wallaby Walkabout’ and ‘Leopard Heights’.


DONCASTER TOURIST INFORMATION CENTREtel 01302 734309email [email protected] www.visitdoncaster.co.uk

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ull and East Yorkshiremakes a delightfuldestination. DiscoverHull’s maritime history,

the seaside resort of Bridlingtonand the serenity of the Wolds.

HullWithin Hull's Museums Quarter,Wilberforce House, birthplaceof Slave Trade abolitionistWilliam Wilberforce, is steepedin history, while the StreetlifeMuseum traces the past 200 years.

Also at the Museums Quarteris the Hull and East RidingMuseum of Archaeology andthe sea trawler Arctic Corsair.

The Ferens Art Gallery,meanwhile, houses paintingsand sculpture dating frommedieval to modern times.

Nearby, the Hands on HistoryMuseum tells the story of thecity, and the Hull MaritimeMuseum explores the city’swhaling history, while theGuildhall features the famousHull Tapestry.

Overlooking the RiverHumber, The Deepaquarium is home to over 3,500fish and only a short stroll fromHull Marina.

Coastal townsThe coastal stretch fromBridlington to near Filey isdefined as the FlamboroughHead Heritage Coast. ExploreBridlington’s association withthe artist David Hockney andtake in traditional attractionssuch as Old Penny Memories,Beside the Seaside and John

Bull’s World of Rock. Or howabout The Spa Bridlingtontheatre or the Grade I-listedSewerby Hall & Gardens, whichrests on the cliffs overlookingBridlington Bay and offerssuperlative views.

Along the coast, Withernseahas a well-known lighthouse,parts of which have beenconverted into the LighthouseMuseum, while Spurn Point’sshingle and sand formations area popular nature reserve.

The WoldsKnown as the ‘Capital of TheWolds’, the town of Driffieldfeatures the Elizabethan BurtonAgnes Hall, which has beendescribed as ‘the perfectEnglish home’. Furnished withpaintings, tapestries and

carvings, it also has theCourtyard Artist Gallery withexhibitions from local artists.The Home and Garden Shop hasplenty of gifts and flora fromthe walled garden, whichcontains herbaceous bordersand a National Collection ofcampanulas. Discounts and freeguided tours are offered togroups of 30 or more, withfamiliarisation trips also offeredto organisers.

Another ‘must see’ is themedieval market town ofBeverley, whose Gothic Minsterat one end counterpointsperfectly with St Mary’s Churchat the other.


web www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/groups

Eastern delightsWith an inspirational coastline, colourful seaside resorts, a lively city and

the sprawling tranquillity of its countryside, there’s plenty to see and

do on a group visit to Hull and East Yorkshire.


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HULL & EAST YORKSHIRE

TOP PICTURESleft to rightHull Maritime Museum,

Burton Agnes Hall,

Beverley Minster,

Spurn Point

BOTTOM PICTURESleft to rightWilberforce House,

The Deep,

Flamborough Head

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www.yorkshireattractions.org

Your group passport to a great day out...

The only thing you need to decide is where to take your group

Group discounts Packages Tailored tours and talks



Documents

Yorkshire Group Travel Guide 2013