Historic cultural and hyperlocal experiences and a plethora of new meeting venues are shaking things up for visiting groups.
Gavin Landry, Visit Britain’s regional director for the Americas, is passionate about what Great Britain offers planners and a new range of experiences is adding new layers of enthusiasm.
“Off-season in the spring and fall are a great value time for groups and there are wonderful experiences throughout our country,” he says. “For example, there is a strong connection for medical groups in Manchester, where they pioneered the test tube baby.” Here are four additional brag-worthy options that Landry suggests meetings and incentives groups should try.
Meet like a Kingsman
A new spy-inspired Kingsman experience whisks groups into the secretive and adventurous side of Britain. “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” features iconic landmarks across Britain, including London, Scotland and Wales while immersing attendees in how to be a Kingsman 101, i.e., etiquette tips and how to drink whiskey and dress like a Kingsman.
Zip into Meetings
Zip World, promoted as the world’s fasted zip line (and longest in Europe), offers groups flexible meeting space and adventurous experiences in jaw-dropping locations. Immersive forest, panoramic vistas of the Glyn Rhonwy quarry lake, Carneddau and Glyder mountain ranges and exciting underground experiences are just the beginning.
Food for Discovery
While whisky distilling is still a major trend throughout Britain, groups would be remiss not to give artisan distilleries a ‘shot.’ They can also tour the famous Brixton Fish Market, go seafood foraging or roll up their sleeves at the Rick Stein Cookery School in Cornwall and Devon.
In Yorkshire, the Chocolate Story is the not to be missed experience, and groups can also visit a local cider and brandy distillery at the historic orchards of Ampleforth Abbey, or experience Slingsby’s Spirit of Harrogate, whose gin and herbal infusions give nod to the 16th century discovery of the Harrogate aquifer.
Creating Brag-Worthy Moments
Britain’s unexpected side facilitates more than a few bragging rights for attendees. Foraging is one angle and it’s gaining momentum for the sense of discovery and wellness that ‘tiptoeing through the tulips’ brings. In Wales, food experts lead the treasure hunt, which may include a quest for mushrooms and herbs.
In Scotland, more than a few responsible wildlife-selfie moments happen in the Minch Strait, which is brimming full of porpoise, minke whales, dolphins, basking sharks, otters and seals, while bird watching highlights include sea eagles, golden eagles, puffins and a great variety of seabirds.
