01

Discover fresh ideas

Spend Friday morning exploring the Partner Showcase, meeting suppliers face-to-face and finding inspiration for your next trips and outings.

02

Get out and explore

Join one of the FAM trips and experience Oxford’s attractions firsthand, helping you plan future excursions for your groups.

03

Network in style

Connect from the Thursday drinks reception through to Friday’s Gala Dinner, entertainment and dancing.

FAM TRIP A

Books, bricks and a bit of Oxford magic

Bodleian Library and Oxford walking tour

Step inside one of the UK’s great treasures – the Bodleian Library, the UK’s second-largest library, established in 1602 and home to more than 11 million works. Quite a lot of bedtime reading!

Enjoy an intimate 60-minute guided tour, led the traditional way – with a real guide using their own voice. Just fascinating stories, extraordinary architecture and plenty of history brought to life.

Then it’s time to hit the streets of Oxford. Join the expert guides from Experience Oxfordshire for a lively 45-minute stroll through the historic heart of the city. Marvel at the magnificent university buildings, soak up the atmosphere and discover the stories behind one of the world’s most famous university cities.

And, of course, there’s the age-old Oxford question: “How on earth do they manage to punt along the river without falling in?”

Please note: Due to the Library’s central location, coaches cannot drop off directly outside. Delegates will be dropped at the Ashmolean Museum, followed by an approximately 15-minute walk to the Bodleian Library.

FAM TRIP B

Prisoners, plotters and plenty of stories!

Oxford Castle & Prison

Step back 1,000 years and uncover the secrets, scandals and stories hidden behind the walls of Oxford Castle & Prison.

Prepare for theatrical storytelling, colourful characters and costumed expert guides as you journey through a fascinating history of traitors, royals, rebels and prisoners. Explore the atmospheric prison cells, hear tales from behind bars and descend into the fabulous medieval crypt – where the stories get even more intriguing.

From dramatic castle ruins to chilling cell stories, this is Oxford history brought vividly to life.

Accessibility: The medieval tower is reached via a steep, narrow spiral staircase and may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. However, there’s no need to miss out – an engaging guided video presentation on the ground floor reveals the tower, its history and what you would see at the top. All other areas are accessible by lift, including the spectacular crypt.

Come for the castle… stay for the stories!

FAM TRIP C

From mummies to masterpieces: The Ashmolean awaits

Step into the Ashmolean Museum, where 5,000 years of human history, art and culture are packed under one magnificent roof – and where there’s definitely more to discover than you can fit into one visit.

The story began in 1683 when Elias Ashmole gave his collection to the University of Oxford, creating what is widely recognised as Britain’s first public museum. Fast forward a few centuries and that original collection has grown into an extraordinary treasure trove spanning art, archaeology and cultures from around the world.

Its founding philosophy still rings true today: understanding humanity across cultures and across time matters. The Ashmolean certainly delivers on that promise.

First, enjoy an hour-long guided tour with an expert guide, bringing some of the museum’s most fascinating treasures, characters and stories to life. Then the museum is yours to explore at leisure – whether you’re drawn to ancient Egyptian mummies, Greek and Roman treasures, stunning art, archaeological discoveries or simply fancy getting wonderfully lost amongst thousands of years of history.

Come for the culture… stay for the “I didn’t know that!” moments.

FAM TRIP D – GTO ONLY

Absolutely Blenheim-ing!

Saturday 16 January: 12.00-4.30pm
Discover Britain’s grandest palace

Prepare to go Blenheim-ing mad. Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is grandeur on a seriously impressive scale.

Step beyond the magnificent courtyard and enter the ornate State Rooms, where spectacular tapestries, priceless treasures and centuries of history await. This is definitely one occasion when looking up is encouraged.

Follow in the footsteps of Churchill as you visit the room where he was born and explore the Churchill Exhibition, packed with personal possessions, photographs, paintings and fascinating insights into the man behind the legend.

Then explore the landscapes famously shaped by Capability Brown: the elegant Italian Garden and Water Terraces, Marlborough Maze, Butterfly House and the intriguing Rowse Honey Hive.

Your experience includes a guided tour of the Palace, followed by free time to explore the extensive grounds and gardens at your own pace. This FAM is designed as a taster – just enough to whet your appetite and leave you wanting more.

Coaches leave at 4.30pm for the Holiday Inn or railway station.