Meet Kate, Our Group Tour Product Manager
The Buxton Crescent Experience is still a relatively new visitor attraction and lots of travel companies and group organisers still don’t know that we exist. It is my job to put us on the map as a not-to-be-missed fun and informative day out for everyone. I work with all kinds of groups such as local community groups, the WI and U3A, as well as coach operators and travel companies.
Why are group visits so important?
Group visits are really important for the Trust. Last year we welcomed over a thousand group visitors. They help us to continue the work of the Trust and of course they contribute to the wider community by eating out and shopping in our lovely town.
What do you think the groups get out of it?
Our Premium Guided group tours are great fun, crammed with info and insider knowledge. Visitors learn about the history of the town and our beautiful Georgian Crescent whilst enjoying a day out with a difference. They can take a virtual reality hot-air balloon ride or have their ailments cured by an 18th century apothecary!
Whether they are 9 or 99, visitors cannot resist trying on the fabulous hats in our Pink Room. Even the most serious historians can be glimpsed taking a selfie as a Roman soldier or pretending they are Mary, Queen of Scots or even the glamorous Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire!
But you don’t have to come from far afield to learn something new, local groups particularly love to see the transformation of the building. They reminisce about when the ballroom was a library and how they learnt to swim in the now glitzy spa pool! Our hosts and volunteers do an amazing job in looking after groups and try to go above and beyond to ensure that all our groups have an unforgettable visit.
Earlier this month we had a lovely group of 37 visitors from the Royal Bank of Scotland Pensioners Social Group and received the wonderful feedback below.
‘Just wanted to thank you, your staff and volunteers for such a great day yesterday. Everything was perfect, from the happy & friendly greetings, the way the Pump room was set out ready for our arrival and especially the guides who truly brought the Crescent Experience to life. It really is a great tour and you should be very proud of all the facilities you have to offer!’
What do you get out of it?
I love working with groups, no two groups are the same. We’ve had everything from local charities to Historical Furniture Societies, and from Probus groups to overseas conference groups. I get to meet some lovely and fascinating people.
The team of staff and volunteers at the Trust are also some of the most friendly and helpful people I have ever worked with. Everyone is passionate about what we do. I learn something new every day and there is always lots of cake!
For more information please email Groups@bchttrust.org, visit our group visits website page Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience or call the Pump Room on 01298 214577. We offer discounted rates for group visits of 16 plus visitors with a free place for the group organiser and 10% off Pump Room purchases.
We also offer group refreshments in the Pump Room for a small supplement.
