Amy Moore details some upcoming events for itinerary planning in 2015 and beyond.

The Imitation Game: The Exhibition opened at Bletchley Park in November 2014.

BLETCHLEY PARK

Bletchley Park boasts the recent film location of The Imitation Game (2014) with a special yearlong exhibition running until November 2015. The Imitation Game: The Exhibition opened on November 10, 2014 and is hosted in the very room where the movie was filmed. Bletchley Park is the acclaimed ‘Home of the Codebreakers,’ with visitors invited to experience the iconic World War Two Codebreaking Huts where genius mathematician Alan Turing became involved in the construction of the Colossus – an electronic codebreaking computer.

Bletchley Park has a generous group offering that includes discounted admission rates, free use of the multimedia guides, an outdoor guided walking tour and complimentary entry for the coach driver and GTO. All perks are available to pre booked parties. New for 2015 – groups can enjoy discounted admission for parties of 12 or more and a reduced price off the Official Bletchley Park Guide Book. There is no designated coach parking on-site, though scheduled pick up/drop off times can be negotiated in advance. Alternatively, free coach parking is available in Wellington Place, approximately 10 minutes walk from Bletchley Park. Entry to The Imitation Game: The Exhibition is included in the standard admission price. To book call either Sara Davies or Tammy Stansfeld on 01908 272673 or email groupbookings@bletchleypark.org.uk.

THE JORVIK GROUP 

The JORVIK Group celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2014. The JORVIK Group recently re-launched its generous group offering, which includes discounts and other exclusive extras valid at five historic attractions in Yorkshire. Prices start from £2 per person and free entry is awarded to both group travel organisers and coach drivers. The JORVIK Group also offers the chance to tour the city to learn more about some of the region’s bloodiest battles, with transport available to/from faraway battlefields. A tour guide can rendezvous at the designated coach park, before escorting your group around the JORVIK Viking Centre and a stunning medieval townhouse nestled near York Minster. 2014 saw the opening of two new attractions; The Richard III Experience at Monk Bar and The Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar. Groups can upgrade their ticket to include both attractions. Stop off at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure which is aimed more towards younger visitors. To book call the Groups Reservation Team on 01904 615505 or email groups@ yorkat.co.uk For more information visit www.thejorvikgroup.com/groups

PIRATE'S QUEST AT NEWQUAY

Pirate’s Quest in Cornwall is a new and interactive visitor experience set to launch in February 2015. Group visitors will be guided through the Golden Age of Piracy by Captain Calico Jack, coming face to face with smugglers, mermaids and buccaneers via an informative hour long tour.

Pirate's Quest is a new and interactive visitor experience set to launch in February 2015.

Groups can discover The Wreck of Royal Anne Gallery, explore the Land of Legend, tread through Ne’er Do Well’s Passage and swagger into Captain Morgan’s Tavern for a brew before braving the Lost Land of Lyonesse – a thrilling new scare section. Pirate’s Quest is a family friendly attraction that combines convincing theatrics and special effects within a 360-degree setting that creates a highly immersive walkthrough experience. Pirate’s Quest features six interactive scenes, five live pirate shows and one intense scare experience. Younger visitors are invited to pick up a treasure map detailing hidden clues to claim an exciting pirate bounty.

Pirate’s Quest is also available to hire for private functions. Officially opening on March 28, 2015, early booking is advised for guaranteed entry at the best price. Although pre-booking is recommended, guided tours can be booked on the day. Pre-booked tours and educational bookings are available throughout the year, with discounted admission when booked online at www.piratesquest.co.uk. Tickets can be purchased from January 2015. Please note that the attraction is not wheelchair accessible. To book call 01637 873379 or email info@piratesquest.co.uk

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

ELVIS AT THE O2: THE EXHIBITION OF HIS LIFE

Opened on December 12, 2014, Elvis at the O2: The Exhibition Of His Life provides a personal insight into the acclaimed ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ through the largest exhibition of its kind in Europe. The intimate exhibition showcases over 300 artefacts from the treasured Graceland Archives, including automobiles, historical documents, iconic stage costumes, gold and platinum records coupled by dazzling audio and video presentations. Running until August 31, 2015, Elvis at the O2: The Exhibition Of His Life is open seven days a week from 1000hrs to 2030hrs. Group tickets are available for parties of 10 or more. To book call 0208 295 8600 or email sales@hospitalityline.co.uk. For more information visit www.elvisattheO2.com

AUDREY HEPBURN: PORTRAITS OF AN ICON

From July 2 to October 18, 2015, Audrey Hepburn: Portraits Of An Icon will be held at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Audrey Hepburn: Portraits Of An Icon aims to illustrate the life of the actress and acclaimed fashion icon between 1929 to 1993. Audrey Hepburn is arguably one of the world’s most photographed and recognisable stars, with a vast collection of more than 60 prints on display. Group visits are available for parties of 10 or more. Groups of 15+ can book an accompanying lecture by an art historian at £21 per person (including an exhibition ticket). To book call 020 7312 2483 or email education@nrp.org.uk. Additionally, school groups are offered a free introductory talk valid with pre-booked exhibition tickets, with reduced prices available on Mondays. For more information visit www.npg.org.uk/whatson/hepburn/home

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BLITZED BRITS

From July 2015 – February 2016, IWM North

Horrible Histories: Blitzed Brits marks the 75th anniversary of the Blitz during the Second World War. Objects, photographs, artwork, film and sound recordings from IWM’s collections reveal personal stories of the people who lived through one of the most challenging times in British history. Some interactive displays allow visitors to step into a mock-1940s house and sniff their way through the Blitz experience. Horrible Histories author Terry Deary narrates, with light-hearted animations illustrated by Martin Brown. IWM North boasts free admission.

HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION AT IWM LONDON

Held Throughout The Year

Holocaust Exhibition at the IWM London commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Holocaust. Holocaust Exhibition at IWM London showcases over 600 objects including film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts that document the persecution of the Jews before and during the Second World War. Other exhibits include moving testimonials from survivors and a 13-metre model depicting the events at Auschwitz. IWM London boasts free admission.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN AIR SHOW

From September 19-20 2015, IWM Duxford

The Battle of Britain Air Show commemorates the 75th anniversary of the aerial battle in the Second World War. The exhibition remembers RAF Duxford’s role in the Battle of Britain, which was the renowned home of the first squadron to fly the iconic Spitfires. RAF Duxford aims to honour the men and women who worked behind the scenes to ensure the iconic aircrafts took to the skies. For more information visit www.iwm.org.uk

Albatross Travel Announces New Winter Tours For 2015/16

Chateau De Vendeuvre

Albatross Travel operate around 6,000 groups annually throughout the UK, with new tours available for group travel organisers and coach operators within its Winter Brochure for 2015/16. Albatross Travel are offering a generous selection of group packages, with an additional Extra Dimensions section that provides coach operators with added extras. Included is a three-night tour to Normandy to visit the beautiful Chateau de Vendeuvre, in addition to the flamboyant display of 30,000 flowers during the Tulip Festival in 2016. Denise Bridge, Head of Wholesale at Albatross Travel, said: “Our Winter Brochure is designed to help coach operators put together their tours from Autumn 2015 to Spring 2016. With the many added value features that we have been able to provide, we are confident that our clients will be able to put together some great tours for their customers.” For more information visit www.albatrosstravel.com