Group Exclusive Features

Groups and Education Offers

1. Best Western Whitworth Hall Hotel

   

   A range of VIP group experiences are available at Whitworth Hall Hotel, including champagne receptions; four-course dinner in the Old Library; golf at Brancepeth Golf Club or a pamper day at a spa. Larger groups can also enjoy a private view and talk on Whitworth Church and the Shafto family. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

2. De Vere Collection Slaley Hall

   

   Slaley Hall offers two individually-tailored packages for VIP groups: Luxury two-night Hen or Stag Breaks with a choice of adventure or spa experiences, and Six at Slaley, which includes a six-course gourmet dinner, choice of six walks; free entry to one of six National Trust properties and six glasses of champagne. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

3. Matfen Hall

   

   A choice of exclusive opportunities is available for VIP visitors to Matfen Hall, including drinks reception and history talk – possibly by Sir & Lady Blackett; presentation by the head chef about the home farm and/or local produce used; personal golf session with a pro; spa treatments and/or beauty workshop, and complimentary gifts. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

4. Jesmond Dene House

   

   VIP visitors to Jesmond Dene House can appreciate its sumptuous décor and esteemed reputation for fine cuisine with a champagne and canapé reception on arrival followed by a gourmet cookery demonstration and magnificent three-course lunch with wine. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

5. Theatre Royal

   

   The Theatre Royal can put together a tailored package of special offers and experiences for luxury group visitors including group-rate show tickets in the stalls; 20% off the group’s food bill; a backstage tour; a talk by the Chief Executive; cost-price programmes and champagne in a private room. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

6. Gala Theatre and Cinema

   

   VIP groups can enjoy a private screening of a film of your choice at Durham Gala Theatre’s cinema, with refreshments to suit. For example, how about a screening of Goldfinger over martinis and canapés? Or dressing up for Breakfast at Tiffany’s and a glass of champagne? There are so many possibilities! Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

7. The Alnwick Garden

   

   First-class touches include a VIP ‘Meet and Greet’ on arrival; fast track admission to The Garden and guided tours tailored specifically to your group’s interests – including a fascinating hosted tour of the Poison Garden.

   The opportunity also exists to meet with the Duchess of Northumberland, the visionary behind The Garden, as well as personalised tours by key members of Garden staff.
   "First-class touches include a VIP ‘Meet and Greet’ on arrival; fast track admission to The Garden and guided tours tailored specifically to your group’s interests – including a fascinating hosted tour of the Poison Garden.

   The opportunity also exists to meet with the Duchess of Northumberland, the visionary behind The Garden, as well as personalised tours by key members of Garden staff."

8. Crook Hall and Gardens

   

   VIP visitors to Crook Hall and Gardens can enjoy an early evening champagne reception in the Secret Walled Garden, with a welcome/introduction by Maggie and Keith Bell who have lived in the Hall since 1995. A unique insight into living in a haunted medieval manor house and maintaining an extensive period garden. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

9. Alnwick Castle

   

   VIP group guests can benefit from exclusive drop-off and pick-up at the castle entrance followed by, specially arranged guided tours of this most remarkable and spectacular castle. Groups will be treated to a personal meet and greet service by the estate’s dedicated staff and new for 2008 is the opportunity to uncover some of the secret treasures of Alnwick Castle.

10. Bamburgh Castle

    

    A host of special features can be enjoyed by VIP travellers to Bamburgh Castle, including private guided tours and a unique opportunity to tour a live on-site archaeological dig with the castle’s excavation director, followed by refreshments or lunch in the Library with the chance to sample local produce. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

11. Raby Castle

    

    VIP group visitors to Raby Castle can enjoy a personalised tour commencing with tea/coffee and an introductory talk by the curator followed by a guided tour of the castle with complimentary brochure. An introduction to the gardens by the head gardener and/or a special home-cooked lunch can also be arranged. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

12. Lindisfarne Castle

    

    Lindisfarne Castle offers its VIP group guests a special private tour with champagne, which offers a unique and relaxed opportunity to appreciate the charm and intimacy of Lutyens’ designs for the living quarters and the spectacular views of Gertrude Jekyll’s walled garden and the breathtaking Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

13. Durham Cathedral

    

    This stunningly beautiful world heritage listed site welcomes VIP groups with a selection of special experiences. Treat your group to a guided tour of the beautiful cathedral site including the Treasures’ of St Cuthbert, stunning embroideries and ancient medieval manuscripts.

14. Ormesby Hall

    

    The management team at Ormesby Hall will be happy to tailor a bespoke experience for luxury group visitors consisting of a champagne reception followed by one or more of the following: a personalised tour of the house; behind-the-scenes tour and/or in-depth themed talk by an expert. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

15. Cragside House, Gardens and Estate

    

    Cragside House, Gardens and Estate offers luxury group visitors the delightful opportunity of an exclusive sherry reception in the welcoming entrance hall - with a blazing fire adding seasonal atmosphere in the colder months – followed by a tour of the house taking in Lord Armstrong’s many revolutionary Victorian gadgets. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

16. Wallington

    

    VIP group visitors to Wallington House, Gardens and Estate can enjoy a specialist tour and talk on the history of the house and the families who lived there, and/or a two-course luncheon of local and seasonal food prepared by the head chef, with complimentary recipe cards featuring the dishes served. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

17. National Glass Centre

    

    The National Glass Centre offers an exciting choice of experiences for VIP guests, including glassblowing and sandcasting sessions; mosaics and jewellery workshops and a three-course champagne luncheon. All glass made in the studio will be specially cooled and will be ready to collect or post two days after the workshop. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

18. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience

    

    A wide range of exclusive features are available for VIP groups at Hartlepool Maritime Experience, including out-of-hours opening; lunch or dinner in the Captain’s Cabin on board HMS Trincomalee – with the captain and his crew if required; sword fencing lessons; press-ganging of visitors to their function areas; re-enactment displays and more. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

19. The Bowes Museum

    

    Exclusive experiences for VIP groups at The Bowes Museum include a personal welcome by the director or a curator; behind-the-scenes tours with refreshments; specialist talks and souvenir packs. A choice of receptions is also available including champagne and strawberries in the grounds; champagne, canapés and classical ensemble and private gallery receptions. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

20. Locomotion:The National Railway Museum at Shildon

    

    The chance to drive a steam engine is the highlight of the exclusive experiences awaiting VIP visitors to Locomotion. Visitors can spend a morning preparing the engine before driving it over a kilometre along the site. A champagne lunch and commemorative certificate will then be followed by a private museum tour. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

21. Beamish Museum

    

    Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum, offers a fascinating and flexible programme of exclusive events for VIP visitors including behind-the-scenes tours and talks by museum experts; outside-hours events; private tram and/or steam train rides and champagne or coffee and pastry receptions at a choice of museum buildings with costumed interpreters. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

22. Vindolanda (Chesterholm) Hadrian's Wall

    

    A truly unique experience is available for VIP groups at this spectacular world heritage site. Your group will be treated to a guided tour at Vindolanda, the famous roman fort and settlement by Hadrian’s Wall. A senior member of the Vindolanda Trust will join your group for lunch and for those wishing to learn more about this fascinating site lectures are available by special arrangement.

23. Woodhorn Museum Archives & Country Park

    

    VIP group visitors to Woodhorn can receive a special welcome and introduction by the director or deputy, a wonderful two-course Northumbrian lunch, tea and singing hinnies and a Woodhorn guide book. Optional extras include a choice of two guided tours with souvenirs, traditional mat-making workshops and a talk by an archive specialist. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

24. Newcastle Racecourse

    

    Newcastle Racecourse offers a luxury experience day for VIP group visitors that includes champagne reception, lunch and afternoon tea; racecourse host and tipster for the day; guided tour and £10 tote betting vouchers per person. Complimentary bar and even the chance to become a racehorse owner for the day are also available. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

25. Whalton Manor Gardens

    

    Whalton Manor Gardens is a particularly exclusive destination as it is not normally open to the public – the only way to see it is in an organised group. Guided tours by the Lady of the Manor, tea on the lawn and champagne receptions are all available, with each visit tailored to requirements. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

26. Gateshead MetroCentre

    

    VIP visitors to MetroCentre can enjoy an exclusive Personal Shoppers’ Style Presentation tailored to their requirements - for example a presentation on style and the latest fashion trends plus a make-up demonstration. Canapés and drinks, question and answer sessions, lunch and/or individual sessions with a personal shopper can also be arranged. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

27. Saltburn-by-the-Sea

    

    A thrilling choice of luxury experiences are available for groups visiting Saltburn-by-The-Sea, including a champagne helicopter ride along the coast; five-course champagne dinner on the pier; champagne ride on the cliff lift, and/or surfing, jet skiing or motor sports experiences followed by a champagne lunch. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

28. The Sage Gateshead

    

    Personal tours of the world-class concert halls and backstage areas of The Sage Gateshead, led by a specialist guide. Luxury group travellers will discover how the building was designed and constructed to provide one of the best acoustics in the world for live music, as well as viewing the signatures of the internationally-famous guests in the Visitors’ Book, and may even have a chance to stand on the stage.

    The tour will be followed by a champagne reception at which one of the directors will be present to answer questions, and, for specialist groups, the tours can be tailored to include a demonstration of specialist equipment.

    Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

29. Barcelo Redworth Hall Hotel

    

    Two VIP group packages are available at Redworth Hall, both including accommodation in new Deluxe Spa bedrooms. Choose either welcome drinks and canapés on the lawn and private dining in the Medieval Great Hall, or afternoon tea in the lounge and private/a la carte dining with wines to compliment each course. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.

30. mima

    

    VIP groups visiting mima can enjoy a special ‘Meet and Greet’ welcome and behind-the-scenes tour of the collection stores followed by lunch and a glass of wine. Every member of the group will also receive a complimentary mima goody bag on their way out. Please note that pre-booking of exclusive features is essential and minimum numbers apply.