Events & Exhibitions

Join us on a trip to Manchester and visit Coronation Street - The Tour as you a trip down the nation’s most famed street to discover the hidden world which lies behind the camera lens.

Explore the real Coronation Street set with an expert tour guide for a 90-minute guided tour around the external set and gain exclusive insights into the making of Coronation Street while the knowledgeable guides share behind their scene stories and trivia.

As you immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the meticulously crafted replica sets be sure to have your camera at the ready. This is your chance to be star of the show, strike a pose behind Rovers Return bar.

The Coronation Street Exhibition offers an exclusive opportunity to venture beyond the cobbles and into the heart of the drama, step into our replica sets of Roy's Rolls and the legendary Rovers Return. Café and Gift shop with extensive collection of Coronation Street merchandise.

Adult: £80 ~ Senior £79 ~ Child: £74

Step aboard for a blockbuster day out as we journey by coach to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, one of Britain’s most iconic filming locations. Now home to an exciting Film Location Tour, this is your chance to step behind the camera and uncover the secrets of the screen.

For over forty years, this extraordinary riverside dockyard has transformed into everything from historic naval ports to dramatic wartime settings. Major studios including Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures and Netflix have all brought their productions here — making it one of the UK’s most sought-after filming destinations.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Your knowledgeable tour guide will personally introduce you to over 40 years of filming history, sharing insider stories from productions that have brought the Dockyard to life.

From learning the ropes in the Ropery to exploring the historic slips, ships and hidden alleys, you’ll discover how these remarkable spaces are transformed into immersive sets for productions such as Bridgerton, Les Misérables and Loki.

Along the way you will:

• Venture into areas not usually open to the public
• Understand the challenges of filming in restricted historic spaces
• Discover how special effects and clever set design bring dramatic scenes to life
• Walk the cobbled streets and grand terraces that often double for nearby London
• Stand exactly where unforgettable scenes were shot

From high-seas adventures to sweeping period dramas, you’ll gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how cinematic magic is created within a real working film location.

Adult: £57 ~ Senior £56 ~ Child: £52

Join us for a wonderful day celebrating all things gardening at the popular BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, held in the beautiful grounds of Audley End House and Gardens near Saffron Walden.

Packed with seasonal inspiration, the fair is a must-visit for garden lovers of all levels. Discover expert tips from leading horticulturalists on the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage, explore inspiring Showcase Gardens and Beautiful Borders, and enjoy fascinating Plant Expert Tours of the famous kitchen gardens.

There will be plenty of opportunities to browse and buy, with specialist nurseries offering a wide variety of plants alongside great shopping for gardening tools, gifts and outdoor living. You can also take part in hands-on workshops, learn new skills at the Autumn Table sessions, and gather ideas to transform your own garden.

When it’s time to relax, enjoy delicious treats at the Good Food Market, sample street food, and soak up the lively atmosphere with live music throughout the day. Your visit also includes access to the magnificent Audley End House and Gardens, where you can explore the grand historic house and its beautiful, landscaped grounds.

A fantastic day out filled with gardening inspiration, expert advice, shopping and entertainment in one of England’s most beautiful historic settings.

Adult: £50 ~ Senior £49 ~ Child: £46

The Sandringham Game and Country Fair run by Living Heritage offers old favourites such as Jousting, Falconry, Scurry Driving and Gun Dog displays.

With event arena’s continually running throughout the day, over both days of the weekend. Watch traditional working crafts and demonstrations such as wood turning, walking stick making, artists and the blacksmiths at work in the craft village and sample an array of local and national food and drink producers such as wines, cheese, pies, meats and cakes to name a few.

Adult: £44 ~ Senior £43 ~ Child: £31

The Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre is one of the biggest events of its kind in the country – attracting over 20,000 visitors every time. With displays of steam engine of all sizes, working demonstrations, heavy horses, fairground organs and vintage tractors.

This years fayre is being held at Shuttleworth Park. Admission to the collection and Swiss garden is included.

Adult: £52 ~ Senior £51 ~ Child: £34

Black Country Living Museum is an award-winning open-air museum that tells the story of one of the very first industrialised landscapes in Britain.

Set across 26 acres, you'll explore over forty carefully reconstructed shops, houses and industrial areas that represent the Black Country's story. You'll learn how steam power, human ingenuity and an increasingly interconnected world transformed this region into a manufacturing powerhouse.

You'll meet their historic characters who'll tell you stories of what it was really like to live and work during this revolutionary period of history.

Most importantly, you'll see history brought to life before your eyes - you'll hear the clang of hammers; smell the smoke billowing from red brick chimneys; and maybe even taste the best fish and chips in the world.

extract taken from https://www.bclm.co.uk/

Adult: £64 ~ Senior £63 ~ Child: £60

This show at the Alexandra Palace is the definitive and best exhibition for lovers of textiles in the UK and Ireland.  

As the name suggests, it covers knitting and stitching but SO much more; crochet, embroidery, patchwork and quilting, felt-making, shibori dyeing, jewellery-making, card-making, felt, embossing... the list goes on!

Adult: £49 ~ Senior £48 ~ Child: £45

Situated in the centre of England at Alrewas in Staffordshire, 10 minutes north of Lichfield.

The National Memorial Arboretum is the United Kingdom's living and lasting memorial to commemorate and celebrate:

• Those who have given their lives in the service of their country,

• All who have served and those who have suffered as a result of conflict,

• Others who for specific or appropriate reasons are commemorated on the site.

The Arboretum is a unique haven of peace, contemplation and hope for the future and is the site of the Armed Forces Memorial. It consists of 150 acres of wooded parkland within the National Forest in Staffordshire where visitors can both enjoy and learn about the trees and their surroundings, and reflect upon their special symbolism.

This year, we have included a trip on the land train. Complete with pre-recorded commentary, explore the grounds and the memorials you see along the way.

The Arboretum has a lot to offer both young and old. The Visitor Centre provides a welcoming start, break and finish point to your visit to the Arboretum. It houses the receception and exhibition areas, gift shop and the Arbour Restaurant.

Come for a day out to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, the trees, the memorials, the history, the sense of national pride. Have lunch or drinks in the Arbour Restaurant; find all sorts of gifts and memorabilia in our shop; above all enjoy the experience.

Adult: £49 ~ Senior £48 ~ Child: £45

If you do not wish to use the land train, please call the travel office to book where you can book travel only from £38 per person.

Step back in time as you step into the heart of the ancient craft of bellfounding!

Join an expert guide to explore the unique artisanal skills that have been practised by John Taylor and Company at the Loughborough Bellfoundry since 1859. Full Foundry Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Please note that Taylor’s is a working foundry, so what you see on the day will vary according to current jobs.

Please note: The foundry will only allow visitors onto the factory floor if they are wearing flat, completely closed shoes. If time allows, you will be given some free time in Loughborough.

If time allows, you will be given some free time in Loughborough.

Adult: £48 ~ Senior £47 ~ Child: £44

After free time in Royal Leamington Spa, we visit the National Guide Dog Breeding Centre for an unmissable opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes access to the UK’s only breeding centre for guide dogs.

You will even get to see some of their gorgeous puppies from the viewing platforms as they eat, play and snooze with their siblings in the Puppy Block. You will be greeted by one of their knowledgeable team, who will guide you around this state-of-the-art facility and fill you in with the secrets of breeding their life-changing dogs.

Adult: £47 ~ Senior £46 ~ Child: £43