VISIT WILTSHIRE – WHAT’S NEW FOR THE TRADE IN 2022!

New Group Tours & Packages

Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park Groups Package 2022
For 2022 groups of 10 or more people can explore our Butterfly World & Farm Park, pre-book a talk/demonstration from an experienced horticultural expert, enjoy a light lunch or delicious Cream tea and receive 10% discount on purchases made directly in the Garden Centre. The talk/demo can include, top 10 plant suggestions, right plant for the right location, make the perfect hanging basket, planting containers, creating a Christmas wreath or table decoration. Group organisers and coach drivers go free and drivers receive free refreshments. From only £16pp, available week days term time only (*Ts & Cs apply). Find out more here.

Bowood House & Garden Tours
For groups of 15+ you can book a Private Walled Garden Tour or Capability Brown Parkland Tour package from £22.00pp to include a  Cream Tea or £25.00 pp including a 1-course lunch in the Stables Restaurant. Find out more here.

Exhibitions & Events

Thomas Hardy Exhibition at the Wessex Museums – 28 May – 30 October 2022. Four fascinating exhibitions ‘Hardy’s Wessex’ which will be the largest collection of Thomas Hardy memorabilia ever displayed at one time. Visitors can take a fresh look at the life and literature of the Victorian novelist and poet, in the stunning Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world. His story will be retold in exciting new ways by our museum collections, from period costumes to personal letters, art to archaeology. These major exhibitions will take place across four venues which include The Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum in Devizes. Find out more here.

Salisbury Cathedrals’ Celebration: A Festival of Flowers will take place 10 May – 15 May 2022. This magnificent display will feature around 30,000 blooms and a wide range of floral displays put together by hundreds of local flower arrangers. Festival Preview event with Champagne is on 9 May and exclusive Early Morning Tour with a Designer followed by breakfast in the Refectory at 08.30 on 10 and 11 May 2022. Pre-booking required for groups of 10+. Find out more here.

Town News

Marlborough is great option for group visits. A new state-of-the-art cinema with 106 seats, licensed bar and café has recently opened. The Parade Cinema is Marlborough’s first independent cinema for 50 years is now showcasing the latest blockbusters, art-house movies and live events. Groups may also want to explore St Peter’s Church which was built in the 15th Century and now offers new Tower Tours, and makes a great stop off for refreshments and shopping.

Don’t forget to pre-book your group to visit The Merchant’s House, a glorious restoration of a 17th Century silk merchant house in the town centre or why not consider a residential visit to Marlborough Summer School in 2022.

Trowbridge – Trowbridge Museum reopens after a period of refurbishment made possible by the Heritage Lottery Fund, It now offers so much more for visitors with the chance to explore 1,000 years of the town’s history. It tells the story of the production of its world famous woollen cloth, it has a unique collection of 19th and 20th century industrial machinery and there are lots of fun interactives and breakout zones as well as a new state-of-the-art Learning Hub. 

More than just an overnight stay….

New Caboose & Tinga Trade Package
Caboose is an independently owned 8- bedroomed, premium 1920’s inspired B&B and bar, in the medieval city of Salisbury, great for FIT’s and bespoke small group bookings. Tinga is an independently owned Mexican bar and restaurant in Salisbury city centre.- This new trade package includes two nights B&B at Caboose, one evening of Signature Cocktails and Supper Stand in Caboose Parlour and one evening meal at the nearby Tinga Mexican Restaurant & Bar. Prices from £285 per room for 2 people. *Terms and Conditions apply. Find out more here.

If you’re looking for an overnight stay with a difference, which is perfect for FIT visitors, you may like Stonehenge Glamping and a Solstice Retreat or Longleat Safari Park and their new VIP accommodation.

For youth or educational groups check out Cholderton Youth Hostel, where you can also take a walk with an Alpaca at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm or why not book a vineyard tour at Bluestone Vineyard and cream tea package.

Group Tour Guides & Transport

There are a number of local expert tour guides and transport providers who can offer themed tours, transport and ground handling services. Driver guided tours operate all year round and can be contracted for tailor made FIT or small group tours. These include Mad Max Tours who have a 16 seater minibus and specialise in tours around Wiltshire and the Cotswolds; Salisbury, Stonehenge & Sarum Tours who operate 16 and 19 seater minibuses and specialise in tours of historic and Neolithic sites in and around Wiltshire. Airport and seaport pickups are also available.

For further information on forthcoming familiarisation visits, bookable tours, itineraries, group offers, benefits for group leaders and coach drivers, group-friendly refreshment stops and places to stay please visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups.

To arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Head of Travel Trade, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860