Tourism News

Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for groups thanks to The Auckland Project, a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland at the heart of this historic town.

Following a glowing review by Stuart Render in the latest AGTO magazine (pages 12-17), The Auckland Project have launched a brand new group offer, including exclusive packages and discounts for groups.

To view the 8 page leaflet please read more

As we approach the end of our Summer Season, we are delighted to welcome you to free lunchtime concerts in College Garden, Family Storytelling in Dean’s Yard and much more.

Read on to find out what’s happening at the Abbey in the month of August: from Wednesday Night Stories to Family Days, there’s something for everyone at Westminster Abbey!

BOOK HERE

During a cruise on board Lord of the Glens in early May 2023, Captain Tony Reading was giving a talk to the guests about the Caledonian Canal when he was interrupted by Carol Kirkwood (BBC Weather Presenter), the Guest Speaker for the cruise. Carol then gave the guests and crew a summary of Tony’s fifty years at sea since joining his first ship in 1973.

  Book here

VisitEngland survey shows visits overall to attractions in 2022 still down more than a third on 2019 

VisitEngland has today published its Annual Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions for 2022 showing that while visits overall to attractions across England last year showed recovery, numbers were still significantly down on pre-COVID levels.

5th October • Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes

Experience an inspirational day at Britain’s BEST group travel and coach tourism event

Meet experts who can help you organise brilliant group trips and holidays, find exclusive deals and great offers, listen to specialist and celebrity speakers, and join in the fun at the 2023 Group Leisure & Travel Show.

It all takes place on 5th October at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, when group organisers and coach operators can spend one brilliant day meeting a specialist range of exhibitors, including top attractions, tourist boards, accommodation providers, ticketing agencies, coach companies, tour operators and much more.

A museum engager who has devoted almost 40 years to ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2023.

Ian Bean, an engager at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, secured the most public votes in the annual competition, which is organised by Visit County Durham, the county’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership.

Ian first volunteered at Beamish Museum 37 years ago, when he was 20 years old, and has gone on to embrace many different roles at the popular attraction.

From riding penny farthings, restoring vintage vehicles and taking part in Suffragette rallies, to helping to deliver sessions for people living with dementia, marshalling events and playing the street organ – he is a man of many talents who always goes above and beyond for visitors and his colleagues.

He even appeared in the Downton Abbey film, driving the vintage bus he restored, and has clocked up more than 300,000 views on the social media platform TikTok as Penny Farthing Guy.

Featuring the very best that the capital has on offer for you and your group, LONDON FOR GROUPS LIVE comes to you direct from the heart of London’s West End.

Tuesday 5 September 2023

The Actors Church, Covent Garden Piazza

​Meet the very best that London has to offer!