10 June 2020
While COVID-19 is having a drastic impact on UK tourism, there is still plenty of news to be found. We’re doing our best to keep you updated, via various means, on some of the best examples of how tourism businesses in the destinations we represent are rising to the challenge.
#newsin30seconds
School’s in!
Hull-based Hotham’s Gin – which was named ‘Experience of the Year’ in the White Rose Awards 2019, and won the ‘Remarkable Experience’ in the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards in both 2019 & 2020 – has launched a Virtual Gin School. For full details, to book a place, or buy a gift voucher, visit
Hampshire’s Top Attractions
Hampshire’s Top Attractions is a 68-strong tourist attractions group. During the lockdown, they have continued to share updates, best practice, and advice from each other, via a series of zoom video calls. With some of the attractions now starting to open, and more looking towards a return to business in July, the group marked English Tourism Week by launching a shared video. https://youtu.be/GWgguSVZFcU
The Troff, at The Coach House
The Coach House B&B, in Derby, has created a new cafe called The Troff. The menu is also now in place, and – once fully open to the public – it will be open from 10.30am to 6pm. They will also open-up as a pop-up kitchen in the evening on certain dates; and will offer exclusive hire for private parties. In the meantime, for now, the new cafe is going to open for takeaways.
Gardens and walks at The Trentham Estate re-open
Trentham Gardens, in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, has re-opened – with management keen to stress “We are not ‘open as usual’.” To open safely and meet social distancing restrictions, new methods of working with limited staff and new technology are being rolled-out. Members with a valid membership have been invited to book a pre-arrival slot for the week ahead. The new process is to prevent facilities at Trentham Gardens becoming overwhelmed
#NewsFoodAndDrink – World Gin Day Special
World Gin Day is a global celebration of all things gin, on the second Saturday in June organised by Gin Monkey. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s World Gin Day scheduled for June 13 will be celebrated virtually…throughout the month of June. Our contribution to the list of events can be found at
Tutankhamun at Highclere Castle
2022 will mark the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun, and Highclere Castle (used for the filming of Downton Abbey) is already making plans to celebrate this milestone year. It was the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who famously discovered the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in 1922, along with Howard Carter. The 8th Earl and Countess have already opened a new Egyptian Exhibition throughout the cellars of the Castle, and Highclere Castle will mark the centenary with further celebrations
A rum project comes to fruition near Derby
White Peak Distillery, near Derby, has been very active throughout the lockdown. Its rum project has been “on the go” for over 12 months, with the result that they are now releasing a small batch of just 250 bottles of un-aged white “Derbyshire Rum”. For more information, and details on how to order, visit