2015 Group Travel Guide

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Damon Boone
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1 2015 Group Travel Guide Visit Buckinghamshire The Vale of Aylesbury, The Chilterns and the Thames Valley group-travel

welcome to Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire is the perfect year-round destination for memorable short breaks and day trips.

It s close proximity to London, coupled with excellent road links means that you can easily access exciting new destinations, discover fabulous attractions and enjoy welcoming and convenient

For further information and for more itineraries across Buckinghamshire, please visit www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/group-travel or contact one of our Tourist Information Centres.

2 welcome to Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire is the perfect year-round destination for memorable short breaks and day trips. Stretching from the banks of the Thames through the glorious rolling Chiltern Hills and on into the verdant Vale of Aylesbury. It s close proximity to London, coupled with excellent road links means that you can easily access exciting new destinations, discover fabulous attractions and enjoy welcoming and convenient hospitality. This guide aims to give you a flavour of what Buckinghamshire has to offer with taster itineraries for group tours around the county. For further information and for more itineraries across Buckinghamshire, please visit or contact one of our Tourist Information Centres. how to get here HERE TO HELP Friendly and professional staff at our Tourist Information Centres throughout Buckinghamshire will be delighted to help with accommodation requirements for all budgets and all sizes of groups, as well as information on accessibility, travel, local events and even the best pubs to sample. Information regarding coach parking and set down and pick up points in Buckinghamshire s town centres is available at or call our Tourist Information Centres. Please check opening times, group prices and sizes. Make sure you pre-book with individual attractions before arrival. Aylesbury Visitor Information Centre The King s Head, King s Head Passage, off Market Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2RW t: e: vic@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk High Wycombe Tourist Information Centre High Wycombe Library, 5 Eden Place, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2DH t: e: tourism_enquiries@wycombe.gov.uk Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Aylesbury Vale District Council LA How to get here Buckinghamshire is easily accessible by road, rail and three major airports. The county is well served by motorways with the M1, M25 and M40 all passing through or nearby, and providing links to the M4 and M3 motorways. All of the towns within Buckinghamshire are linked by good main roads. 2 Every effort has been made to ensure that the information listed is correct. However we advise that you check any details before visiting. The publisher cannot accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions or errors. No responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, omissions or errors made by contributors or advertisers. Inclusion in this guide does not imply recommendation by Visit Buckinghamshire and these organisations can accept no liability or responsibility for the standards of accommodation or attractions in this guide.

roald dahl Roald Dahl Roald Dahl is one of Buckinghamshire s most famous authors and is celebrated in not one but two museums, as well as having an annual festival in his honour, which takes place on

Allow 1 1 / 2 hours. t: 01494 892192 e: admin@roalddahlmuseum.org www.roalddahl.com/museum Roald Dahl Museum Lunch: Enjoy lunch in one of more than 60 restaurants, cafés or bars in Aylesbury Town Centre.

Afternoon: Bucks County Museum and Roald Dahl Children s Gallery in the heart of Aylesbury is a fascinating place to visit for all ages.

3 roald dahl Roald Dahl Roald Dahl is one of Buckinghamshire s most famous authors and is celebrated in not one but two museums, as well as having an annual festival in his honour, which takes place on Saturday 4 July Morning: Visit the fantabulous award-winning Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, packed with interactive displays. Group rates, talks and tours if pre-booked. Allow 1 1 / 2 hours. t: e: admin@roalddahlmuseum.org Roald Dahl Museum Lunch: Enjoy lunch in one of more than 60 restaurants, cafés or bars in Aylesbury Town Centre. Take a stroll around the historic old town, canal or shopping areas. Afternoon: Bucks County Museum and Roald Dahl Children s Gallery in the heart of Aylesbury is a fascinating place to visit for all ages. In the Museum s historic buildings, explore displays and enjoy the special exhibitions in the Art Gallery and Georgian Room and see one of only six remaining Cubitt cars built in Aylesbury in the 1920s. For hands-on fun visit the fabulous Roald Dahl Children s Gallery, full of exciting hands-on exhibits and objects inspired by Dahl s stories. Enjoy the café, relax in the peaceful garden or browse in the gift shop. Drop off point for coaches with a short walk through Aylesbury old town. Special tours/talks are available. Allow 1 to 2 hours. All groups must book in advance. t: e: museum@ buckscountymuseum.org Bucks County Museum and Roald Dahl Children s Gallery Evening: Take your group for dinner at The Old Thatched Inn, a countryside gastro-pub, which offers its customers a unique blend of high quality dining hosted in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Situated in the picturesque village of Adstock, the pub dates back to 1702 and combines this heritage with a menu that fuses the freshest seasonal ingredients cooked with emphasis on taste, with modern presentation. Managed by owner and ex-chef Andrew Judge and his wife Lisa, the team at the locally-celebrated Old Thatched Inn believe in casual dining, and inside a warm welcome awaits with roaring log fires, oak beams and lots of space. À la carte menu served daily with fish specials and children s menu available. t: e: manager@theoldthatchedinn.co.uk The Old Thatched Inn roald dahl 3

local finds & glorious gardens Local finds local finds & glorious gardens Morning: Take a trip to the magical Bekonscot Model Village and Railway that delights visitors of all ages.

There is a large picnic area with tables and rain shelters and you re welcome to bring your own picnic, or enjoy some of our fresh homemade food. Coaches can use our main car park as set down only.

.co.uk e: info@bekonscot.co.uk Lunch: In the heart of the Chiltern Hills, The Old Plow at Speen prides itself on serving exceptional local and seasonal food.

4 local finds & glorious gardens Local finds local finds & glorious gardens Morning: Take a trip to the magical Bekonscot Model Village and Railway that delights visitors of all ages. Established in 1929, Bekonscot depicts rural England in the 1930s with a newly extended tea room, serving fresh homemade food and hot drinks. There is a large picnic area with tables and rain shelters and you re welcome to bring your own picnic, or enjoy some of our fresh homemade food. Coaches can use our main car park as set down only. All profits go to charity. Allow 2 1 / 2 hours. Open: Mid-February to end October/early November. For further group information, please see our website. t: e: info@bekonscot.co.uk Lunch: In the heart of the Chiltern Hills, The Old Plow at Speen prides itself on serving exceptional local and seasonal food. The traditional inn, retains much of its original features with log fires and old oak beams throughout and welcomes locals, day trippers and tourists alike. t: e:info@theoldplow.co.uk Bekonscot Model Village & Railway Afternoon: A couple of miles from Speen, you ll find Chinnor and The Bell at Beachampton Princes Risborough Railway a standard gauge railway operating both steam and diesel hauled train services. It operates part of the old Great Western Railway branch line which ran between Princes Risborough and Watlington and is a not to be missed heritage attraction for families, groups and enthusiasts. Special events throughout the year including Murder Mystery evening dining trains and Fish n Chip quiz nights. Well behaved dogs travel free. For opening times and prices please see the website. e: enquiries@chinnorrailway.co.uk Glorious gardens Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway Lunch: Visit the village of Beachampton where Matt Henman (Chef and General Manager) and his new team would like to invite you to the newly refurbished Bell Inn serving fresh food and well kept real ales with friendly yet professional service to match. All their food is freshly prepared on the premises in their new kitchen using seasonal local produce where possible and presented to a high level. t: e: thebellbeachampton@gmail.com Afternoon: The scale and beauty of Stowe is such that it has attracted visitors for over 300 years. Picture-perfect views, winding paths, lakeside walks and classical temples create a timeless landscape, reflecting the changing seasons. The gardens were created as an earthly paradise, and still cast their spell today. The sheer size and space is perfect for those who love the outdoors and enjoy walking. For further information see the website. e: stowe@nationaltrust.org.uk 4

leisure pursuits It s time to do some monkey business! Are you fed up with your daily routine? Would you like a challenge? Then why not Bring Out Your Inner Ape at Go Ape in Buckinghamshire!

Swinging through the canopy, tackling tricky crossings, wiping out at the bottom of zip wires and going on an adventure brings people together like nothing we ve ever seen. It really does.

5 leisure pursuits It s time to do some monkey business! Are you fed up with your daily routine? Would you like a challenge? Then why not Bring Out Your Inner Ape at Go Ape in Buckinghamshire! Go Ape is the UK s No. 1 Tree Top Adventure based in the heart of Black Park Country Park near Slough and Wendover Woods near Aylesbury. Swinging through the canopy, tackling tricky crossings, wiping out at the bottom of zip wires and going on an adventure brings people together like nothing we ve ever seen. It really does. Swing through the canopies of Wendover Woods, in the Chilterns If you re looking for a day out with a bit of spirit, we think we may have the answer. We ve got a proven track record of hosting brilliant team-building days. Our hairy team can put together a package that works around what you need and when you need it. Call us for a Corporate Events quote on or visit goape.co.uk/events for more information. Stoke Mandeville Stadium The redevelopment of Stoke Mandeville Stadium has transformed the original sports centre into a state-of-the art leisure complex to enable WheelPower British Wheelchair Sport to provide a venue of the highest quality for all users. The Stadium has become known as the home of wheelchair sport and the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. WheelPower provides accessible facilities at The Stadium including an Athletics Arena, Sports Hall, Indoor Bowls Centre, Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre. On site accommodation is available in the Olympic Lodge and the Olympic Stoke Mandeville Stadium Village and is complemented by meeting and conference facilities and catering for events of all sizes. This unique venue is an excellent setting for conferences, meetings, training courses, corporate activities and team building events. Fully disabled access Free complimentary parking Competitive rate Free broadband internet Free use of the swimming pool and Harpers gym (subject to terms & conditions). t: e: accommodation@stokemandevillestadium.co.uk leisure pursuits 5

historical highlights Historical highlights historical highlights 6 Day 1 Daytime: Spend the day at the magnificent Renaissance-style chateau Waddesdon Manor, home of the Rothschild family.

For group information t: 01296 653226 (10am 3pm, Mondays to Fridays to book). www.waddesdon.org.

com Day 2 Daytime: Set high above the Thames with far reaching views, Cliveden s impressive gardens and majestic woodlands capture the grandeur of a bygone age.

From the formality of the Parterre with its vibrant floral displays to the quirky statuary and topiary in the Long Garden, the gardens will delight you in every season and the famous maze will

6 historical highlights Historical highlights historical highlights 6 Day 1 Daytime: Spend the day at the magnificent Renaissance-style chateau Waddesdon Manor, home of the Rothschild family. Allow 1 day to see the whole of Waddesdon including lunch at one of its restaurants. Allow 1 1 / 2 hours to view inside the House. For group information t: (10am 3pm, Mondays to Fridays to book). Evening: Enjoy an exquisite meal at the two AA rosette award-winning restaurant of the historic Hartwell House near Aylesbury. t: Day 2 Daytime: Set high above the Thames with far reaching views, Cliveden s impressive gardens and majestic woodlands capture the grandeur of a bygone age. Follow in the footsteps of Dukes, Earls and Royalty as you explore a series of gardens, each with their own special charm. From the formality of the Parterre with its vibrant floral displays to the quirky statuary and topiary in the Long Garden, the gardens will delight you in every season and the famous maze will challenge all age groups. The formal gardens give way to secluded glades, tree-lined avenues and picturesque riverside with miles of woodland walks to discover. Allow 4 hours. Pre-booked coach parking, coach driver and group leader discounts. Group tours and prices available. t: Evening: Take your group for dinner at the magnificent Danesfield House Hotel and Spa in Marlow. t: Midsomer Murders County Waddeson Manor Hartwell Cliveden Danesfield House Hotel and Spa Midsomer Murders is one of Buckinghamshire s greatest successes. The idyllic settings that enthral worldwide viewers are hidden away in the rural Vale of Aylesbury and The Chiltern Hills. Sample itinerary: Morning: Start the day at Bucks Railway Centre, Quainton where two episodes were set. Allow 2 hours. Coach parking available. t: From here drive through Long Crendon, Chearsley, Cuddington and Haddenham where episodes such as Tainted Fruit, Country Matters, Death in Disguise and Judgement Day were filmed. Lunch: Arrive in Dinton where Who Killed Cock Robin was filmed and lunch at The Seven Stars t: Afternoon: Have a 30 minute stop at Aylesbury Visitor Information Centre to buy Midsomer merchandise, and then drive through The Lee, Great Missenden and Old Amersham where episodes such as Death of a Hollow Man, Fit for Murder and Death in Disguise were filmed. Finish the day at Chenies Manor House which was used as actor Edward Aladice s house in Judgement Day. Allow 2 hours. t:

historical highlights Chiltern Open Air Museum Day 3 Morning: Travel back in time at the Chiltern Open Air Museum located near Chalfont St Giles where historic buildings and demonstrations bring to

Explore more than 30 rescued historic buildings, from an Iron Age roundhouse to a 1940s prefab, set in 45 acres of beautiful woods and parkland.

7 historical highlights Chiltern Open Air Museum Day 3 Morning: Travel back in time at the Chiltern Open Air Museum located near Chalfont St Giles where historic buildings and demonstrations bring to life 2,000 years of Buckinghamshire s past in a beautiful parkland setting. Explore more than 30 rescued historic buildings, from an Iron Age roundhouse to a 1940s prefab, set in 45 acres of beautiful woods and parkland. Adventure playground, tea room, working farm, experience days, Shire horses, hands-on activities and special events for all the family during the season. See website for more information. e: enquiries@coam.org.uk Chiltern Open Air Museum Stoke Park Lunch/evening/overnight: Stoke Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world. So much has changed over the past 1,000 years but the purpose of Stoke Park has not. It has always been a place for families to escape to and enjoy the luxuries of life in elegant surroundings. Today, however, we are able to share this wonderful place with many more people than in its earlier centuries. For most of its existence Stoke Park has been a private estate Stoke Park owned and visited by some of the most famous people in British history. However, over 100 years ago it was transformed through the vision of one man into a luxury country club, the likes of which had not been seen in this country before. The Club s ethos was dedicated to creating an environment that supported the physical and psychological well-being of its members and guests. This is the tradition that we have attempted to continue. The hotel, is set among 300 acres of glorious parkland, lakes, historic gardens and monuments, 35 minutes from London and 7 miles from London Heathrow. All guests enjoy complimentary use of the Tennis and Health Pavilion, offering a state of-the-art gymnasium with fitness studios, hosting up to 40 classes a week, hot yoga and spinning studio. We also have 13 tennis courts, comprising three indoor, four artificial clay and six grass courts and three restaurants provide fine dining in deeply contrasting, yet equally stunning environments. t: e: info@stokepark.com historical highlights 7

town and country Aylesbury Waterside Theatre The stunning Aylesbury Waterside Theatre can be found in the heart of Aylesbury.

The venue is also a conference and meetings centre. Box Office open Mon to Sat, 10am until 15 mins after the last performance begins or if there is no performance, it closes at 5pm.

For more information please call the booking number or visit the website. t: 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) general enquiries t: 01296 745100 www.atgtickets.

called Hounslow Hall, complete with fly fishing and activity lakes, off road courses, woodland, fields and a very large indoor events warehouse.

8 town and country Aylesbury Waterside Theatre The stunning Aylesbury Waterside Theatre can be found in the heart of Aylesbury. Boasting a programme of live performances, visitors can enjoy world class entertainment including West End productions, comedy, dance and children s shows. The venue is also a conference and meetings centre. Box Office open Mon to Sat, 10am until 15 mins after the last performance begins or if there is no performance, it closes at 5pm. Waterside Café opens at 10am until the start of an evening show. If there are no performances, the Waterside Café is open from 10am 4pm. For more information please call the booking number or visit the website. t: (bkg fee) general enquiries t: (bkg fee) Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Experience The Country town and country Experience the Country is an outdoor/indoor pursuit centre set on a beautiful 800 acre country estate called Hounslow Hall, complete with fly fishing and activity lakes, off road courses, woodland, fields and a very large indoor events warehouse. We are located on the western edge of Milton Keynes, just a short drive from Bletchley railway station (pick up and drop off can be arranged) the M1 and the M40. Experience the Country offers a wide range of experiences from 4x4 off-road driving, segways, air rifles, archery, team building and much more. We cater from individuals to large corporate functions. Not only do we offer a wide range of activities but we also offer meeting room facilities, catering options and venue hire for many events. Big enough to cope, small enough to care. t: e: sales@ experiencethecountry.co.uk Experience The Country 8 Photographers: The National Trust Waddesdon Manor John Bigelow, Buckinghamshire County Museum, The National Trust, Dave Marriott, Myra Stokes.

Hartwell House is a magnificent stately home of great importance in

Hartwell House is a magnificent stately home of great importance in a glorious setting, yet only two miles from the busy market town of Aylesbury and 20 miles from Oxford. London is easily reached by train