- Travel Trade News - July 2008
Travel Trade News - July 2008
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Brideshead restored | RSPB | Thornton Hall & Tropical Butterfly House | Group Hotels in York | China in Yorkshire | Get Knitted | The Railway Children | Hull Jazz Festival | Yorkshire Day Festival | Peter Pan
Brideshead restored at Castle Howard
Stretching over three once-abandoned rooms, this new exhibition shows how these formerly glorious rooms that were ruined in a fire in 1940, were restored and used as a space for the sets of the new film version of Brideshead Revisited.
"Brideshead Restored" will give groups a chance to look behind the scenes at the making of the film, and see the sets up close, including the four-poster bed so central to the climax of the story of Brideshead Revisited. The exhibition is located in the High South rooms which were abandoned after the 1940 fire, and used as sets for the film. Groups can walk through the locations before they get a chance to see the film in cinemas this autumn, and see amazing pictures from the new version and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the filming process.
The new film of Brideshead Revisited is a truly British production and will be released to British cinema on 3rd October. The cast is led by Matthew Goode as Charles Ryder, Ben Whishaw as Sebastian Flyte and Hayley Atwell as Julia Flyte, with Emma Thompson and Michael Gambon as Lord and Lady Marchmain. Brideshead Revisited is directed by Julian Jarrold, from an adapted screenplay by Andrew Davies and Jeremy Brock, from Evelyn Waugh's 1945 celebrated novel of the same name.
"Brideshead Restored" also tells the story of the 1940 fire and how the filming of both Brideshead productions helped restore the house. For the first time, groups will ascend to new heights in Castle Howard, going up the great staircases either side of the Great Hall to view the dramatic architecture of the house from an entirely new perspective. There are amazing views over the gardens, down into the Great Hall, and up into the Dome, with its frescos still damaged from the 1940 fire.
For further information please visit http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/.
From this summer, the RSPB, Europe's largest wildlife conservation charity, is opening up the gates of its four Yorkshire reserves to tour and coach operators.
RSPB sites provide great opportunities to see birds and other wildlife in some of the most beautiful parts of the county.
From the majestic cliffs of the East Coast to the tranquillity of serene woodlands or wildlife-rich water, these stunning reserves should be on your "to visit" list.
If you're looking for something for families, followed by a mouth-watering lunch, then head for RSPB Old Moor, near Barnsley; if a brisk walk in the company of soaring gannets is more your style, then make Bridlington and RSPB Bempton Cliffs your destination. To get close up to some fantastic water birds, it has to be RSPB Fairburn Ings, near Castleford, or for the chance to see amazing birds such as barn owls or marsh harriers, you need to head for Goole and RSPB Blacktoft Sands.
Fancy a trip out to sea? Then why not try one of the Aren't Birds Brilliant! Cruises, sailing on the Yorkshire Belle out of Bridlington?
Whatever the time of year, there's something on offer at all RSPB Yorkshire reserves. In spring, it might be the sound of thousands of birds setting up home and starting a family; in summer, the sight of a colourful dragonfly darting across a peaceful stretch of pond is one for the memory. When it comes to autumn, the reserves put on a glorious show as trees and reedbeds take on the rich colours of the season.
If you aren't too hot on bird identification, don't worry, there are friendly staff and volunteers to answer your questions.
Why not make an RSPB Yorkshire nature reserve your next stop? A warm welcome awaits your group.
For more information about the RSPB's reserves in Yorkshire and elsewhere in the UK, please visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/
All group visits to Yorkshire reserves must be pre-booked. Please contact the individual reserves to find out what's on offer, for more information about the reserves and for terms and conditions.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs 01262 851179 e-mail: bempton.cliffs@rspb.org.uk
RSPB Fairburn Ings 01977 628194 e-mail: fairburn.ings@rspb.org.uk
RSPB Old Moor 01226 273837 e-mail: old.moor@rspb.org.uk
RSPB Blacktoft Sands 01405 704665 e-mail: blacktoft.sands@rspb.org.uk
RSPB Aren't Birds Brilliant! Seabird cruises 01262 850959
Groups packages at Thornton Hall Farm Country Park & Sheffield's Tropical Butterfly House
Thornton Hall Farm Country Park
Nestled in the village of Thornton-in-Craven just 6 miles west of Skipton, Thornton Hall Farm Country Park offers knowledgeable guides, a farm safari and an irresistible tearoom combined to create a perfect half day excursion for pre-booked groups of up to 50 guests.
The farm's location on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales and the historic fells of Craven and Pendle make it an ideal destination for visitors exploring North Yorkshire.
The Wizzick Farm Safari provides a unique guided tour of the farm which also allows guests a rare glimpse of the farm's latest arrivals - a herd of stunning red deer.
The tearoom serves a selection of quality teas and coffees as well as freshly prepared sandwiches, panninis, delicious soups, homemade cakes and thirst-quenching cold drinks.
Children will enjoy discovering the all-weather Wizzick Play Barn and will love feeding the farms' friendly inhabitants, greeting the newest arrivals and hitching a ride on a giant caterpillar!
Group packages include discounted rates, free coach parking, free admission for accompanying tour guides and coach drivers and free refreshments for drivers.
Thornton Hall Farm Country Park and tearoom are open 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.
For more information please contact Sandra Harrison on 01282 841148 or visit http://www.thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk/
Encounter the Exotic in South Yorkshire!
Sheffield's Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre is a must for all groups! Located just 5 minutes from the M1, junction 31 on the outskirts of Sheffield, the centre is ideally situated for groups touring South Yorkshire.
Inspiring, knowledgeable guides provide a unique insight into the world of tropical butterflies, insects and birds. Groups can meet free-roaming animals, handle exotic snakes, feed marmoset monkeys, lorikeets and many more amazing creatures. Daily demonstrations include spectacular bird of prey displays and many other animal encounters.
The centre also offers groups Falconry Experience Days - a unique opportunity to handle and learn about magnificent birds of prey with an experienced falconer.
The patio and garden provide an idyllic setting in which to sample a range of traditional and speciality teas, quality coffees, freshly-prepared meals and homemade treats including traditional cream teas.
Group booking benefits include discounted rates, free coach parking, free refreshments for drivers and free admission for accompanying tour guides/ drivers.
For more information or to make a booking, please contact Kim Bellis 01909 569 416 or visit http://www.butterflyhouse.co.uk/
Brand new bedrooms launched at the Grange Hotel, York
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The AA 4 star Grange Hotel on Bootham, York is about to open its stunning six bedroom extension increasing its number of luxurious bedrooms from 30 to 36. Perfect for groups looking for a luxurious hotel stay!
Added to the existing building on the York Minster side of the hotel, the new bedrooms compliment the hotel's existing rooms, all of which are individually designed and full of character.
Each of the six new bedrooms is air conditioned and the décor is of the highest standard. The Grange becomes the first hotel in Yorkshire to feature 17" LCD televisions at the end of each double ended bath, while flat screen LCD televisions are to be installed in all of the hotel's 36 bedrooms.
Says Jeremy Cassel, Managing Director of The Grange," I am delighted to be developing the Grange whilst retaining the atmosphere and character of the original regency building. I believe that we have significantly improved the streetscape of Queen Anne's Road while considering the environmental impact of the extension at all times."
The Grange is one of the highest acclaimed hotels in York city centre. With two restaurants, elegant dining rooms and a wedding licence, the hotel has had a very strong local following since it opened 18 years ago.
For further details or to make a group booking please contact Amie Postings, General Manager at The Grange Hotel, 1, Clifton, YORK YO30 6AA. Tel: 01904 644744 or email: amie.postings@grangehotel.co.uk
Summer promo Group Rates at the Park Inn York 
The Park Inn is located right in the heart of the city next to the river. Above offer is based on sharing a twin or double room and subject to availability. Offer runs until end of September 2008.
(rates per person per night) from:
£29.00 B&B
£37.00 DB&B
For further information or to make a booking please call Cathy Heaton on 01904 459930 or cathy.heaton@rezidorparkinn.com
Try out the award winning York Groups Desk!
Don't forget to use the award winning Groups Desk for your next trip to York. Whether you are a part of a WI group looking for new ideas or you are playing in a golfing tournament - the groups desk can help with all your group needs from accommodation finding to arranging afternoon teas or specialist walking tours, event information, maps, coach parking and images for your brochures.
Email: groups@visityork.org or call now on 01904 550080
'China in Yorkshire' is a major cultural programme taking place throughout 2008 at Yorkshire's museums and galleries, celebrating the influence of Chinese history, culture and art on Western society.
Events, activities and exhibitions are being held in museums across the region to explore Chinese history, culture, science, art and medicine and to showcase Yorkshire's most stunning Chinese and Chinoiserie collections.
Highlights are set to include the stunning Grice Ivories collection, a recently discovered 18th Century Chinese wallpaper, exhibitions from contemporary artists and a first chance to view the Chinese Engine - the largest non-articulated locomotive ever built in Britain and one of only three of its kind in Europe.
China in Yorkshire will take inspiration from the strong Chinese identity which exists in Yorkshire today, as well as from China's rich cultural heritage.
Here is just a taster of what you can expect from around the region:
Chinese Reflections at York Castle Museum
07 February 2008 - 31 December 2008
This exhibition focuses on York's Chinoiserie and Chinese ceramics collections. These items are being used as the source and inspiration to reflect the influences of Chinese culture on the life of York which is at present almost unacknowledged.
China at Harewood, near Leeds
15 March 2008 - 02 November 2008
The main feature of the year will be the East Bedroom which has been re-hung with a stunning Chinese wallpaper dating back to the 1760s. This 'lost' wallpaper was found in the Carpenter's Workshop and will now be on show for everyone to see. The accompanying exhibition highlights Harewood's links with the East India Company and showcases exquisite ceramics, jade and furniture.
The Return of the Ivories at the Graves Art Gallery, Sheffield
12 April 2008 - 04 October 2008
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Some of Sheffield's most treasured possessions are returning to their former home in the Graves Art Gallery - for a limited period only in 2008. Figures, animals, vases and other beautiful hand-carvings from the city's unique collection of antique Chinese ivories will create a miniature world, rich in history, legend and myth. Dating as far back as the 16th Century, these delightful objects provide a fascinating window on Chinese culture and on Europe's long-standing fascination with all things Oriental.
For further information about the events listed here and others taking place, please visit http://www.chinainyorkshire.org.uk/
Other fascinating Yorkshire venues which are hosting events include:
- Cannon Hall, Barnsley
- Cartwright Hall, Bradford
- Castle Museum, York
- Central Library, Leeds
- Cliffe Castle, Keighley
- Cooper Gallery, Barnsley
- East Riding Treasure House, Beverley
- Eureka! The Museum for Children, Halifax
- Fairfax House, York
- Graves Art Gallery, Sheffield
- Harewood House, Leeds
- Lotherton Hall, Leeds
- National Railway Museum, York
- North Lincolnshire Museum, Scunthorpe
- Royal Armouries, Leeds
- Stewart Museum, Burnby Hall, Pocklington
- Thackray Museum, Leeds
- Wakefield Museum, Wakefield
- Weston Park Museum, Sheffield
- Yorkshire Waterways Museum, Goole
Get Knitted at Museums Sheffield, 2 July - 26 October 2008
Since celebrities such as Madonna, Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts were spotted getting to grips with needles and wool, the historic art of knitting has enjoyed something of a fashionable resurgence.
Continuing a summer of sartorially inspired innovation at Museums Sheffield: Millennium Gallery, Get Knitted will explore the versatility of this now hip hobby in a brand new exhibition running from 2 July - 26 October 2008.
European Knitting dates from the early 14th Century. The Industrial Revolution brought mass machine-produced knitwear to the UK for the first time, and after the war years, knitting had a huge boost as greater colours and styles of yarn were introduced.
During the 1980s, sales of patterns and yarns slumped as consumers could buy ready-made knitwear more cheaply, and as the craft was increasingly seen as old-fashioned. Since 2004, celebrity endorsement of knitting has led to the development of nation-wide Stitch and Bitch and Knit and Knatter socialising and networking groups, pub-knitting, mass-organised knitting in public (Guerrilla Knitting), and even the first Knitting Olympics (2006).
Get Knitted will include cutting edge contemporary knitwear and 'knit art', as well as a more conventional knitting to show how it can be used both in a domestic and creative environment, and the range of what it can create and achieve.
The exhibition includes works from knitting designers Jemma Sykes, Tait and Style and award-winning recent graduates, alongside a knitting-inspired sound collage by media artist Jeff Goddard and pieces by artists Shane Waltener and Rachael Matthews.
Cast Off founder Rachael Matthews orchestrated the world's first completely knitted wedding for knit artist Freddie Robins in 2005. Get Knitted will be the first exhibition to feature items from this unique event including the wedding dress.
For further information please visit http://www.sheffieldgalleries.org.uk/
The Railway Children, National Railway Museum 18 July - 23 August
The Railway Children tells the story of three children, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis, who live a wonderful life in London, but suddenly everything changes when two strange men appear and their father is mysteriously called away.
Life in the Yorkshire countryside, by the railway, is a whole new world for the youngsters and their mother. New friendships, adventures and terrifying dangers await. But the mystery remains - where is father, and is he ever coming back?
Originally published in 1906 E Nesbit's The Railway Children is one of the best-loved children's books of all time and was made into a successful film in 1970 featuring Jenny Agutter as Roberta. This new stage adaptation has been penned by the highly acclaimed children's playwright Mike Kenny (The Little Mermaid, York Theatre Royal & Polka Theatre, Flat Stanley, West Yorkshire Playhouse)..
The Railway Children, directed by York Theatre Royal's artistic director Damian Cruden, will also feature one of the biggest guest stars ever to take to the stage - Stirling Single, a 39 tonne steam locomotive built in 1878.
Dan Bates, Chief Executive at York Theatre Royal, said "We are delighted that we are joining forces with The NRM to stage The Railway Children. We have wanted to stage The Railway Children for many years and this is a fantastic opportunity to produce what is guaranteed to be one of the theatrical treats of the year in the region."
Rose Lindsay Smith, festivals and events officer at the NRM, added: "The Railway Children is a fantastic story and deserves to be performed on a real rail-track. Where better to stage a play about life by a railway than the home of the railway, the National Railway Museum? We hope The Railway Children will be a huge success and set the stage for many future theatrical ventures."
Tickets for The Railway Children are now on sale and are priced at £15.00 for adults and £10.00 for children (A family ticket is available for £40 for 4 people including at least 1 Adult and 1 Child). Tickets can be purchased at the York Theatre Royal Box Office or by calling 01904 623568 or visiting http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/ or http://www.nrm.org.uk/
Interested in trains? Why not visit Keighley and Worth Valley Railway or North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a steam powered day out.
Hull Jazz Festival 28th July to 3 August 2008
Experience powerful urban sounds to string quartets, from straight ahead jazz to ska and lovers rock, from the greatest female jazz vocalists to big band and swing! It's all taking place at this years Jazz Festival in Hull.
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Now in its 16th year, Hull Jazz Festival has developed into one of the leading events of its kind in the country, attracting around 8000 attendances each year.Hull's "strengthening jazz festival" (Jazzwise) is among the highlights of the UK jazz summer and the headline stars announced for 2008 include Stacey Kent and Jim Tomlinson, Gilad Atzmon Orient House Ensemble and the Sigamos String Quartet, Liane Carroll, Jacqui Dankworth and Sara Colman, Courtney Pine Band, Nu Troop Tribute to Miles Davis and Jazz Jamaica.
All headline events take place at Hull Truck Theatre and are now on sale from the box office by telephoning (01482) 323 638
Ticket events include:
- Stacey Kent
- The Passion
- Gilad Atzmon
- Courtney Pine
- Nu Troop Tribute to Miles Davis
- Jazz Jamaica
This will be the last Festival in Hull's legendary Truck Theatre before its moved to a new venue, so don't miss the opportunity to pay your respects in this international season!
Don't miss the Pave Café Bar special Festival Club nights and take a visit to
Hull's regular jazz club at Goodfellowship to catch the best in British jazz.
If you have never visited Hull or haven't done so in the last five years
then a visit is long overdue! A great place to hear jazz, shop, eat, relax and
enjoy!
For a full Hull Jazz Festival programme, please visit http://www.realyorkshire.co.uk/
Yorkshire Day Festival, Harewood House 1st - 3rd August 2008
Yorkshire people are proud of their region and this is a chance to celebrate all about Yorkshire with this 3 day unique festival.
Taking place in the grounds of Harewood House between Friday August 1 - Sunday August 3, the Yorkshire Day Festival will be a great day out for groups with a fun and informative programme of events that highlight the talents of Yorkshire people - artists, food producers, brewers, musicians, sport, tourism and businesses, as well as the history and traditions of the region.
Gaynor Barnes from ITV's Calendar News will be on site on Yorkshire Day to open the event whilst over the three day festival fund raising will be taking place for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity.
Attractions will include:
• The deliciouslyorkshire food marquee including a cookery theatre with demonstrations from top Yorkshire chefs.
• Yorkshire Crafts / Culture / Heritage Marquee including archive footage from Yorkshire Media Museum and all the best craft stalls from around the county
• Jez Avery, Mountain Bike Stunt Show (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Army Zone - where children can try their hand at an inflatable army assault course.
• Sports Zone - including Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carnegie training sessions and your chance to see the Carnegie World Club Challenge Trophy!
• A fun fair for all the children and brass bands for the adults!
• An art marquee including an artist in resident and Stephen Blaylock, one of Yorkshire's finest sculptors.
Yorkshire Tourist Board will also be present at the Yorkshire Day Festival, so please come along and see us - we will pleased to give you information and advice on how to extend your stay in Yorkshire.
Admission Prices
Advance purchase ticket prices for show only:
Adult £5.00
Buy your tickets in advance and get 1 free child ticket with every paying Adult!
(IMPORTANT: all pre-booking closes 48hrs before the day you wish to visit).
On the Day ticket prices for show only:
Adult £7.00
Child £2.00
Harewood Cardholders get in FREE on Yorkshire Day itself (Friday 1st August). Charges as above will apply on the Saturday/Sunday.
This event will be taking place on the main Showfield at Harewood, anyone wishing to enter the House/Grounds will be able to pay a small upgrade on the day.
And don't forget that Harewood always offers good value with something suit all tastes:
- Exquisite Adam interiors, renowned art collections and Chippendale's finest furniture
- Beautiful formal gardens and landscapes by Lancelot "Capability" Brown offering tranquil lakeside and woodland walks
- A star-lit experience at the Yorkshire Planetarium (supplementary charge applies)
- Excellent shopping and café facilities
- Free entry & complimentary meal voucher for coach driver
- Free entry for Group Organiser
- Free use of audioguides
- Conveniently located and free coach parking
For further information, please visit http://www.harewood.org/
Peter Pan, a Musical Adventure 22 November 2008 to 7 February 2009
Since opening in March 1990, West Yorkshire Playhouse has established a reputation both nationally and internationally as one of Britain's most exciting producing theatres, winning awards for everything from its productions to its customer service.
The Playhouse provides both a thriving focal point for the communities of West Yorkshire, and theatre of the highest standard for audiences throughout the region and beyond. West Yorkshire Playhouse produces 16 of its own shows each year in its two auditoria, approximately a third of which are world or British premieres. It stages over 1000 performances, workshops, readings and community events, watched by over 250,000 people.
Group Discounts for Peter Pan:
Groups of 10 or more save £2 off the price of their tickets. Buy 15 tickets get the 16th free.
Groups of 40 or more save £3.50 off the price of their tickets. Buy 15 tickets get the 16th free.
School Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for £9.50 for Monday to Thursday performances. To help you manage your visit we offer one FREE staff seat for every 10 students booked.
Your group needs can be catered to specifically, for details about extras including hiring a private room before the show, a range of catering options and parking for your group please speak to our friendly box office staff on the Group Booking Line 0113 213 7212 or for information on the show and to book online visit http://www.wyp.org.uk/
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