What do Father Brown, Inspector Morse, Midsomer Murders and Downton Abbey all have in common? They can all be incorporated into one eye–catching, travel less, ‘see more’ on-location tour, based in the Cotswolds, one of the most attractive regions in the UK. Having lived there for over 5 years, it’s somewhere I know well and can put together customised tours as a 4-nighter arriving and departing from London or as a shorter pre/post cruise sailing in or out of Southampton. Take a look at a map and you’ll see how well the region is placed for London Heathrow and the great seaport on England’s south coast.
In 2019, we’re celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, and if you look at my second, third and fourth stories, you’ll see what you’ve already seen on TV can also be blended into rewarding tailor-made tours of the southeast of England, Yorkshire and Scotland.
I’ve also flagged up my rather special Liverpool shore excursion, and have finished with an idea that some of my readers are promoting to small groups of 6-8 of their senior, anglophile ladies – and have finished with a heads up on a Jousting Tournament and the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Beyond Downton Abbey On LocationLast Sunday, returning from the Ensemble conference I broke my journey in Atlanta before returning home to England, and in addition to watching the Grand Prix (I’m a Lewis Hamilton fan) I caught episodes of Father Brown and Grantchester – no car chases and squealing tires, just peaceful English countryside with dastardly deeds being done beneath the surface. As clients of yours will have done the same, use this link to see how they can be included in a customised UK tour next year. |
|
 |
How to Celebrate Queen Victoria’s 200th AnniversaryAt first glance, next year’s 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria might have you wondering how to include the celebration in a customised UK tour. It was certainly my first reaction until I thought about your many clients, yourself included who have watched and been entertained by some stellar acting and wonderful scenery in “Victoria”, “Young Victoria,” “Mrs. Brown,” and “Victoria and Abdul”. There’s great potential here – more details to follow. |
In the Footsteps of Queen VictoriaFocusing on the south of England, plenty of castles, stately homes and gardens can be worked into an eye-catching tailor-made tour or clients sailing or flying in or out of the UK. Obvious contenders include Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight and Kensington Palace, where a new tour and exhibition will tell the story of where she was born and the formative years of her childhood. |
|
|
|
Lights, Camera, YorkshireWith Series 3 of Victoria airing on Masterpiece on Jan. 13, 2019, many of your clients will once again become totally engrossed in the next screening of this popular series. If you know who they’re likely to be, start a conversation about a four-night, York-based on-location tour that visits the great stately homes used in the filming of all three series. You can fly into London and use the train to and from York. Alternatively, use one of the non-stop routes in the northern gateway of Manchester. |
The Casbah, Launchpad For The BeatlesThe Casbah Coffee Club was where the Beatles staged their first live performances, made it their own and even decorated it in its very distinctive style. Unchanged in 40 years, and off the beaten track, it features in very few Liverpool shore excursions. For groups of 10 or more and subject to his availability, Roag (pictured), Pete Best’s brother (and former Beatles drummer) will give the tour which, because the way in which he delivers it, will leave a lasting impression on you. Ask me for details. |
 |
 |
Let’s share a CuppaThis Cotswolds and London tea room and treasure houses tour is attracting a lot of interest as a slower-goers idea for 6-8 senior, anglophile ladies. Using one Cotswolds hotel as the base for leisurely paced day trips, during July to early September, you can add a side trip to Downton Abbey. I’ve also created a version based on Father Brown film locations. For this tour, Sunday morning arrivals begin with Morning Worship in St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry and Meghan were married. |
Jousting & Medieval Tournament at Arundel CastleTaking place between Tuesday 23rd and Sunday 28th, July 2019, the undisputed highlight of Arundel Castle’s events calendar – the International Jousting Tournament – is the world’s longest tournament of its kind and promises edge-of-your-seat excitement as knights mounted on horseback, clad in gleaming full plate armour, lead an action-packed programme. Aside from the tension of the tilt-rail, the event also boasts a series of thrilling hand-to-hand combat challenges, storytelling, have-a-go-archery and a host of crafts, displays and entertainment within the authentic medieval style encampments. |
|
Paull Tickner, owner of U.K.-based Custom GB, is known for his expertise in creating and operating imaginative, value-added tours of Great Britain and Ireland. Visit his website at www.customgb.co.uk or email him at ptickner@customgb.co.uk.
