We’re delighted to share that the Coronation Street Experience, part of our award-winning portfolio, has been named Best Guided Tour in the UK at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025!
This prestigious award celebrates the outstanding work of our dedicated on-site team, whose passion and creativity bring the stories of the nation’s longest-running soap to life every weekend for visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Located in the heart of MediaCityUK, Manchester, the Coronation Street Experience invites fans to step onto the world’s most iconic TV street. With access to the legendary cobbles, replica sets including Roy’s Rolls and the Rovers Return, and a rich exhibition of props, costumes and production secrets, the guided tour is an unforgettable journey through over 60 years of television history.
The Group Leisure & Travel Awards are voted for by group travel organisers and industry professionals, recognising excellence across the tourism and leisure sector. Being chosen as the UK’s top guided tour is a proud moment – and a testament to the team’s commitment to delivering a world-class visitor experience.
This achievement reflects the high standards we strive for across all Continuum brands. We’re immensely proud of the Coronation Street Experience team for this well-earned recognition.
You can see the full list of winners and shortlisted attractions and operators here.
Train to become a knight at a 1,000-year-old castle, snap selfies with soap stars and enjoy a sweet family masterclass and much more this summer!
Coronation Street Experience – Star Tours
Where: Manchester
When: Weekends and bank holidays
What: A long list of Corrie legends from Dame Maureen Lipman to Andy Whyment have graced the set’s Star Tours in the past so who could you meet this May? Coronation Street’s iconic cobbles are open for guided tours of the nation’s favourite street meaning fans can pay a visit to locations including the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls, or upgrade to meet a cast member. The Coronation Street Exhibition is also open every day to take a trip down memory lane.
When: Every day from Monday 28th July to Friday 22nd August
What: This summer, join Oxford’s Knight School, which returns for another year. Don your armour, sharpen your sword and prepare to set out on a quest. Join us in the Castleyard for medieval weapons training, jousting and archery – all under the supervision of the Castle’s knights. Once you’ve been trained, you will be knighted and presented with your own sword to take home – all against the backdrop of the 1,000-year-old Castle & Prison.
York’s Chocolate Story – Summer Family Masterclasses
Where: York
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 22nd July until 27th August
What: Indulge in a sweet summer at York’s Chocolate Story with an exclusive family masterclass, providing a unique opportunity to become a chocolatier and create an array of tasty chocolate treats under the expert guidance of our chocolatiers. Handcraft six delightful summer ganache-filled mini-truffles and personalise your own chocolate lolly as part of the immersive experience. Plus, why not also sample a Classic Guided Tour to dive into the delicious, 4,000-year history of chocolate in York?
The Loch Ness Centre – Hamish McHaggis: A Story & Brunch
Where: Inverness
When: Friday 25th July
What: Enjoy a very special celebration of the iconic Hamish McHaggis in his 20th anniversary year. Hear an exclusive reading from award-winning children’s author Linda Strachan inside The Loch Ness Centre, as she brings one of Hamish’s enchanting tales to life – a story that features the magical setting of Loch Ness itself. After the storytelling session, head over to Cobbs Café for a delicious Scottish brunch, followed by a book signing with Linda. And why not take a cruise with the award-winning author, too?
What: Enjoy a thrilling family day out, surrounded by nature in the woodland of North Wales. The award-winning adventure park is home to the UK’s only people-powered rollercoaster, the UK’s first solar powered ride and much more. Get lost in the mysterious Dragon Maze, ride along the Enchanted River during a day out at one of the UK’s most sustainable family attractions and sit down for lunch at the Woodbarn Café.
The Real Mary King’s Close – Closes & Coffee: Brewed in History
Where: Edinburgh
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until August 30th
What: Step into centuries of hidden stories with Closes & Coffee, a brand-new immersive experience in partnership with The Lost Close. Start your morning with a guided tour of an 18th-century coffee house once frequented by Enlightenment thinkers, followed by freshly brewed coffee from Common Coffee. Then, descend into the preserved streets beneath the Royal Mile at The Real Mary King’s Close to hear the real stories of Edinburgh’s past residents.
What: Step into the heart of Emmerdale, where some of TV’s most dramatic moments have unfolded. Walk in the footsteps of the Dingles, Sugdens and Tates around the external Emmerdale Village Tour set, located in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Pose outside iconic landmarks like The Woolpack and David’s Shop, and learn about the secrets behind the idyllic filming location before mingling with a surprise cast member and grabbing that all-important selfie.
What: Take in one of the nation’s most historic views, more than 100 metres above the Solent. Dare to walk the Sky Walk, unwind in the open-air Sky Garden and take in Afternoon Tea in The Clouds. Look out over the Historic Dockyard, across to Spice Island, out in the Solent and even as far as the Isle of Wight. Every ticket includes all-day admission to the tower so you can return to sample the ever-changing view.
Embark on The Quest to discover the world’s most famous legend, ascend 110m to take in one of the UK’s most historic views, snap selfies with soap stars on the cobbles and meet furry friends in the Welsh woodland, this half term.
The Loch Ness Centre – The Quest
Where: Inverness
When: Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25th May
Drumnadrochit , Scotland, Saturday, 1 June 2024 Loch_Ness_Centre Picture by Michal Wachucik/Abermedia
What: Uncover the truth behind one of the world’s most famous legends. Tales of Nessie date back almost 1,500 years and monster hunters continue to flock to Loch Ness to catch a glimpse to this day. The Quest spans four captivating days, uniting individuals and organisations in a collective exploration to solve the mystery of Loch Ness and its elusive monster. Through a series of engaging events, you’ll search, debate, and delve into the mysteries that shroud this legendary loch. Become a Nessie Hunter and join the Surface Watch, take part in a Hydrophone Discovery Cruise, and debate the evidence so far.
What:Discover thrills, nature and new skills this half term. Learn to create suncatchers, bird feeders and more beneath GreenWood’s idyllic forest canopy, before riding the world’s only people-powered rollercoaster and the UK’s first solar-powered water ride. Embark on a scavenger hunt, meet a whole host of furry animals and walk the Barefoot Trail to make it a family day out to remember.
What: A long list of Corrie legends from Dame Maureen Lipman to Andy Whyment have graced the set’s Star Tours in the past so who could you meet this May? Coronation Street’s iconic cobbles are open for guided tours of the nation’s favourite street meaning fans can pay a visit to locations including the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls, or upgrade to meet a cast member. The Coronation Street Exhibition is also open every day to take a trip down memory lane.
What: Step into the shadows beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a whisky experience like no other. The tour blends hidden history with a bold taste of Scotland’s national drink. Begin your evening with a specially curated one-hour guided tour that dives deeper into the story of whisky and its role in the bustling world of Mary King’s Close. Once a lively centre for trade – including alcohol – the preserved underground streets are the perfect backdrop for a tale or two. Then, raise a glass in one of our vaulted rooms during a 30-minute whisky tasting.
What: Immerse yourself in the ultimate hands-on chocolate-making experience this half-term. Create a range of tasty treats and perfect your chocolate-making skills, all under the guidance of our expert chocolatiers. Experience a live chocolatier demonstration, learn to create and decorate ganache-filled truffles, handcraft a chocolate bar, decorate your own chocolate plaque and much more. If that wasn’t enough, you can also take part in a Classic Guided Tour or try out a Truffle Rolling Tour.
What: Step into the heart of Emmerdale, where some of TV’s most dramatic moments have unfolded. Walk in the footsteps of the Dingles, Sugdens and Tates around the external Emmerdale Village Tour set, located in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Pose outside iconic landmarks like The Woolpack and David’s Shop, and learn about the secrets behind the idyllic filming location before mingling with a surprise cast member and grabbing that all-important selfie.
What: For over a thousand years, Oxford Castle & Prison has stood watch over the city. Join a costumed tour guide on a journey through 1000 years of Oxford’s history; from Viking raids and the Norman conquest to the Castle’s role in Georgian and Victorian era justice. Uncover the origins of education in the city, experience the stories of the Castle’s most infamous residents, climb the 101 steps of St. George’s Tower and descend into the crypt.
What: Take in one of the nation’s most historic views, more than 100 metres above the Solent. Dare to walk the Sky Walk, unwind in the open air Sky Garden and take in Afternoon Tea in The Clouds. Look out over the Historic Dockyard, across to Spice Island, out in the Solent and even as far as the Isle of Wight. Every ticket includes all-day admission to the tower so you can return to sample the ever-changing view.
To mark Deaf Awareness Week (5th-11th May), we’re celebrating the inspiring people who make our experiences truly special. One of them is Neil Doyle, a Tour Guide at the Coronation Street Experience. New to the team but not to the industry, Neil brings a wealth of experience – and a powerful message about resilience.
How long have you worked at the Coronation Street Experience? I’m very new to the experience, having only been here a few months!
What inspired you to work in the visitor attraction industry, and specifically at Coronation Street Experience? I’ve been in the tourism industry since leaving college. Being in Manchester, the Coronation Street Experience was a natural choice – it’s an iconic British institution and right on my doorstep. Across the tourism industry, I’ve done everything from training new starters and behind-the-scenes operations to being front and centre as a performer.
Would you feel comfortable sharing more about your level of hearing loss? I have had hearing loss since I was a child and spent many years with things like grommets. I learned to live with it. Unfortunately, three years ago, I started losing a lot of my hearing on my right side and I was having dizzy spells where I was unable to control my balance and stand up. I was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease which is a condition that will get worse over time. It’s resulted in 85% hearing loss on my right side and I still occasionally have fits of dizziness to varying degrees.
Do you use any assistive technology? Yes – I use hearing aids, mainly to balance my hearing and help reduce dizziness. I don’t hear typically through them, but my body responds to having ‘equal’ sound on both sides.
What challenges does being deaf pose at work, and how do you overcome them? Sometimes I need to lipread or be close enough to hear guests clearly. Public perception can be a hurdle, but it’s rare – and the support here is amazing.
How has the company supported you? My managers have been great, asking if there’s any adaptions that they need to make when communicating with me and making sure that they’re aware of what my condition means and how they would need to react if I was to feel unwell. I feel comfortable enough with the team here that if I did need to change something to help me do my job, I could ask and they’d do what they can to help.
What advice would you give to other deaf individuals considering a career in this industry? Your disability shouldn’t be a reason for you not to pursue your passion. There are so many different roles within the industry and there are a lot of ways that companies can support you to ensure that you can thrive in the workplace.
This year’s late Easter holidays returned record visitor numbers across our portfolio of brands, which cover the length and breadth of the UK.
Group-wide figures reported at the close of the two-week holiday period revealed a phenomenal 60 per cent year-on-year increase in guest numbers, with GreenWood Family Park recording a standout 174 per cent upshot versus 12 months ago.
The wonderful Easter weather was a significant boost to the North Wales park’s numbers but the successes were not limited to outdoor attractions. York’s Chocolate Story – which always comes into its own at this time of year – reported a 66 per cent uplift compared to Easter 2024, showing the pull of immersive storytelling was significant whatever the weather and whether indoors or out.
Be it exploring iconic landmarks like Spinnaker Tower or The Loch Ness Centre, diving into history at The Real Mary King’s Close or Oxford Castle & Prison, or walking in the footsteps of the stars at the Coronation Street Experience or Emmerdale Village Tour, each and every attraction saw record visitor numbers.
Easter highlights included:
🎢 GreenWood Family Park – up 174 per cent
🍫 York’s Chocolate Story – up 66 per cent
🦖 The Loch Ness Centre – up 59 per cent
🎬 Emmerdale Village Tour – up 51 per cent
This group-wide success reflects the strength of our storytelling, the passion of our teams, and the enduring appetite for unique, place-based experiences. From exploring Edinburgh’s hidden closes to tasting your way through York’s chocolate history, guests came ready for real, immersive days out.
But it’s undeniable that the warm Easter weather and the fact it fell towards the end of April, also came as a huge benefit. Insights from Navigate’s recent ‘How was Easter 2025 for visitor attractions?’ report highlighted how “last-minute bookers and walk-ups dominate” this year’s audience trends, with the sunny weather inspiring guests to get out and about at short notice. Flexible staffing to welcome these late-bookers was key to converting those spontaneous decisions into even more great guest experiences.
While every attraction saw significant year-on-year growth, the incredible 174 per cent uptick at North Wales’ GreenWood Family Park was a particular highlight.
Commenting on the Easter success, Chris Jones, GreenWood’s General Manager, said: “This Easter has been nothing short of phenomenal for us. The sunny weather and late Easter certainly helped bring people out, but what really drove our success was the growing appetite for meaningful, memory-making family days out. GreenWood offers exactly that as a place where families can play, explore and connect in nature – so it’s clear that message is resonating more than ever.
“We were thrilled to welcome so many new and returning guests, and credit goes to our brilliant team for delivering an outstanding experience throughout the holidays. We can’t wait to carry this momentum into a fantastic summer ahead!”
With summer just around the corner, we’re now planning to build on this momentum and help make even more memories.
There’s something for all ages across our attractions this school holiday. Rediscover the dinosaurs among the Welsh woodland, create your own Easter chocolate treats, meet soap icons and even experience the plague beneath Edinburgh’s historic streets.
GreenWood Family Park – Dinosaur Adventure
Where: North Wales
When: Saturday 5th to Sunday 27th April
What: Step into a prehistoric adventure and encounter a range of dinosaurs hiding out across the park, ready to be tracked down. Hunt for ancient fossils, follow the dinosaur egg trail, and get hands-on in a build-a-dinosaur workshop, where little explorers can create their very own prehistoric creature to take home. If that’s not enough, ride the world’s only people-powered rollercoaster, or make a splash on Solar Splash, the UK’s first solar-powered water ride.
What: A long list of Corrie legends from Dame Maureen Lipman to Andy Whyment have graced the set’s Star Tours in the past so who could you meet this February? Coronation Street’s iconic cobbles are open for guided tours of the nation’s favourite street meaning fans can pay a visit to locations including the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls, or upgrade to meet a cast member. The Coronation Street Exhibition is also open every day to take a trip down memory lane.
The Real Mary King’s Close – Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour
Where: Edinburgh
When: Fridays and Saturdays
What:The year is 1645. The bubonic plague has ravaged Edinburgh, spreading fear and death through its closes. Families are sealed inside their homes, the afflicted are left to fend for themselves, and desperate citizens turn to strange and terrifying remedies in the hope of survival. But how did the people of Mary King’s Close endure such devastation? What desperate measures were taken to control the outbreak? Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour takes you deep beneath the city, where you’ll come face to face with the horrors of the past. Hear the stories of the infamous plague doctor, uncover the dangerous work of the ‘foul clengers’, and learn about the shocking medical practices once believed to be cures.
York’s Chocolate Story – Classic Guided Tour & Mini Easter Egg Truffle Rolling
Where: York
When: Saturday 5th to Sunday 20th April
What: Immerse yourself in the history of chocolate at the heart of the UK’s chocolate city before getting hands-on to create your very own mini easter egg truffles. The experience starts by journeying to the Aztec rainforests of Central America before meeting the York pioneers who created some of the treats we still enjoy today. Your visit culminates with crafting four ganache-filled truffles using the finest Belgian couverture chocolate before decorating and sealing them to take home.
What: Step into the heart of Emmerdale, where some of TV’s most dramatic moments have unfolded. Walk in the footsteps of the Dingles, Sugdens and Tates around the external Emmerdale Village Tour set, located in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Pose outside iconic landmarks like The Woolpack and David’s Shop, and learn about the secrets behind the idyllic filming location before mingling with a surprise cast member and grabbing that all-important selfie.
What: Take home your very own dragon direct from the heart of medieval Oxford. Decorate your own dragon egg and nest to care for the newest member of the family, which comes with their own certificate of adoption and fact sheet to fill in. But don’t worry, each dragon is already house trained and guaranteed not to get any bigger or eat the family pet. Perfect for children aged three to seven. While you’re visiting, why not explore the castle’s ancient crypt or climb the iconic St George’s Tower (not suitable for children under five).
Spinnaker Tower – Easter Chocolate Making Workshop
Where: Portsmouth
When: Friday 18th – Monday 21st April
What:Enjoy a day of sweet adventure for the whole family. Make your very own chocolate lolly, meet the Easter Bunny, and join the family fun trail to find the eggs hidden around the tower, 100 metres above the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour. Every ticket includes all-day admission to the tower and access to all activities. Indulge in stunning panoramic views reaching out to the Isle of Wight and beyond, and craft your delectable chocolate treat, making this a truly memorable Easter experience to share with loved ones. Plus, explore the open-top Sky Garden as you learn about Portsmouth’s maritime history.
What: Are you ready to uncover the truth about one of the world’s most famous legends? The unique immersive experience allows you to become part of the legend and unearth real stories about Loch Ness along the way. Take a walk through 500 million years of history to explore the myths of the loch, delve deep below the surface of its waters to uncover hidden secrets, discover real objects and artefacts throughout the immersive journey and look into scientific research inspired by sightings of the Loch Ness Monster.
We have confirmed the appointment of Andrew Pawson as our new Chief Executive Officer, having been Acting CEO for the last six months.
With nearly 40 years in the industry, Andrew has played a pivotal role in shaping Continuum’s strategic direction. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the business as we continue to expand our portfolio.
At present, our portfolio includes The Real Mary King’s Close, named TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best” UK Visitor Attraction for 2024, the iconic Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, as well as the Coronation Street Experience and Emmerdale Village Tour in partnership with ITV. Continuum also operate North Wales’ GreenWood Family Park, The Loch Ness Centre near Inverness, York’s Chocolate Story and Oxford Castle & Prison.
Andrew said: “It’s an honour to lead Continuum Attractions into its next chapter. Our teams are passionate about delivering unforgettable guest experiences, and I’m excited to continue to empower them to do just that. We have ambitious expansion plans and will be investing in innovative technologies to strengthening our position as the leader in story-driven experiences. This is what we do best.”
Chair Sue Garland-Worthington OBE welcomed the appointment, stating: “Andrew’s leadership has already had a significant impact, and we are delighted to appoint him as CEO on a permanent basis. His deep industry expertise and commercial acumen will be invaluable as we continue to invest in a data-driven approach to guest engagement, whilst enhancing our renowned human-led storytelling.”
Garland-Worthington leads the board alongside Judith Donovan CBE, former chair of the Eden Project amongst other major national attractions, and Andrew Marsden MStJ, one of the UK’s most respected business and brand strategists. The board is completed by Abigail Skipper and Emma Leckie, daughters of company founder, entrepreneur and philanthropist Ian Skipper OBE.
Andrew’s appointment comes as we recruit for a number of seasonal roles across the Continuum portfolio, why not check out our latest roles here:
At Continuum Attractions, we believe that our team’s wellbeing is just as important as the unforgettable experiences we create for our guests. The tourism and attractions industry is fast-paced and demanding, making it crucial to support our team’s health in a meaningful way.
A recent article by Attractions Management highlighted supportive processes within our industry. In response, we want to share how we are actively fostering a workplace culture where our team feel safe, valued, and supported. From mental health first aiders to wellness action plans, financial assistance, and social wellbeing initiatives, we are committed to making a real difference.
Here’s how we are ensuring our team’s emotional, physical, social, and financial wellbeing remains a top priority, in the words of Dorothy Stubbs, our people director:
Emotional wellbeing
By investing in a team of 16 mental health first aiders across the business we are creating a culture where our team feel safe to talk about their mental health. Our MHFAiders can signpost team to support and help them in crisis situations. All our team also have access to our Employee Assistance Programme which provides 24/7 phone support to our team, and if needed provided them with a referral for face-to-face counselling sessions.
We also offer discounted access to the guided meditation app, Headspace. To support our teams from the start of their employment, we are implementing ‘wellness action plans’ to give team one-to-one time with their line manager to discuss their wellbeing, any medical conditions, their mental health and how we can support them in the workplace.
Physical wellbeing
We have a portfolio of benefits that provide the team with access to services or tools to improve their physical wellbeing. Ensuring our team start the day off right, we provide breakfast at our attractions for our team to enjoy prior to their shift – ensuring they are set up for the day.
Through mygymdiscounts, our team can access discounts on local gyms, home exercise programmes and exercise equipment. For the team that get their daily movement from their morning commute, we have access to a cycle scheme to save the team money on equipment.
Medicash offers our team cash back on key medical costs such as opticians or dentist appointment, plus access to a Virtual GP service – ensuring our team can speak to a GP whenever they need it. We also cover the cost of an eye test for our screen users through Specsavers vouchers and, for those that don’t qualify with the NHS, our team can claim back the cost of a flu jab should they choose to have it.
Social wellbeing
To support our teams’ social wellbeing, we put opportunities in place to build and maintain positive relationships, as well as having a sense of belonging. We focus on teamwork and collaborative working within our teams. To connect the wider teams, we have also established some role specific communities. We then celebrate our successes at our annual Attraction of the Year awards and our attraction summer and winter socials.
Social wellbeing also covers creating an environment to support work-life balance. We ensure our ways of working promote switching off from the work and regularly assessing workloads to ensure they are achievable in contracted hours. We also offer enhanced annual leave, enhanced family leave and a culture of supporting our team through life’s hard times (such as caring responsibilities or bereavement).
Financial wellbeing
Whilst often a sensitive topic, we are aiming to reduce the stigma around financial health by normalising these conversations. We work with our suppliers to educate the team on maximising their financial benefits, such as their pensions. We also have a hardship fund – this scheme supports our team when faced with financial difficulties with a set amount of money available to support team members. Team members can forward an application to receive financial support towards any hardship they are facing.
We understand that people may be reluctant to share their personal situation so a process is in place to ensure information is shared only with the people relevant to administer the scheme.
Immerse yourself in a Victorian Christmas, meet Santa on a sweet chocolate journey, create your own festive teddy at one of the UK’s most famous landmarks and much more with Continuum Attractions this Christmas.
Oxford Castle & Prison – DIG!
Where: Oxford
When: 17th – 21st February
What: Dust off your brushes and grab your trowels – an exciting archaeological adventure awaits at Oxford Castle & Prison. Your little ones will be able to dig for archaeological finds in Oxford’s ancient castle, create relic replicas and learn about the most amazing discoveries from down the years within the Castle grounds – all guided by a former governor of Oxford Castle & Prison, who played a key role in restoring the site’s incredible 900-year-old crypt.
What: Enjoy a thrilling family day out, surrounded by nature in the woodland of North Wales. Get lost in the mysterious Dragon Maze and ride along the Enchanted River during a day out at one of the UK’s most sustainable family attractions. The award-winning adventure park also plays host to ‘laugh out loud’ shows in the Forest Theatre, tasty lunch options in Woodbarn Café and is even dog friendly!
York’s Chocolate Story – Half-Term Family Masterclass
Where: York
When: 18th, 19th and 20th February
What: Learn professional chocolate-making techniques and craft your own sweet treats under the guidance of an expert chocolatier. The Masterclass provides plenty of opportunities to get creative for families who will handcraft six ganache-filled mini-truffles, create a mini chocolate tiffin, and even decorate a love heart with luxurious toppings for a seasonal touch. Guests will also get to pipe and personalise a chocolate lolly with a choice of tempting toppings before savouring a cup of rich hot chocolate to round off the experience.
What: A long list of Corrie legends from Dame Maureen Lipman to Andy Whyment have graced the set’s Star Tours in the past so who could you meet this February? Coronation Street’s iconic cobbles are open for guided tours of the nation’s favourite street meaning fans can pay a visit to locations including the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls, or upgrade to meet a cast member. The Coronation Street Exhibition is also open every day to take a trip down memory lane.
What: Learn professional chocolate-making techniques and craft your own sweet treats under the guidance of an expert chocolatier. The Masterclass provides plenty of opportunities to get creative for families who will handcraft six ganache-filled mini-truffles, create a mini chocolate tiffin, and even decorate a love heart with luxurious toppings for a seasonal touch. Guests will also get to pipe and personalise a chocolate lolly with a choice of tempting toppings before savouring a cup of rich hot chocolate to round off the experience.
What: Step into the heart of Emmerdale, where some of TV’s most dramatic moments have unfolded and upgrade to meet a mystery cast member on a Star Tour. Walk in the footsteps of the Dingles, Sugdens and Tates around the external Emmerdale Village Tour set, located in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Pose outside iconic landmarks like The Woolpack and David’s Shop, and learn about the secrets behind the idyllic filming location.
What: Are you ready to uncover the truth about one of the world’s most famous legends? The unique immersive experience allows you to become part of the legend and unearth real stories about Loch Ness along the way. Take a walk through 500 million years of history to explore the myths of the loch, delve deep below the surface of its waters to uncover hidden secrets, discover real objects and artefacts throughout the immersive journey and look into scientific research inspired by sightings of the Loch Ness Monster.
The Real Mary King’s Close – Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation
Where: Edinburgh
When: Every Saturday and Sunday
What: Discover authentic truths about Edinburgh’s dark past and find out what it was really like for the people who lived, worked and died on the Close. Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation is a new interactive and immersive experience to uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine. Become one of Dr Arnott’s medical students using his preferred method of examining patient’s health – tasting their urine – and create your own, herbal remedy. (No wee will be drunk during the experience!)
Immerse yourself in a Victorian Christmas, meet Santa on a sweet chocolate journey, create your own festive teddy at one of the UK’s most famous landmarks and much more with Continuum Attractions this Christmas.
The Real Mary King’s Close – A Victorian Christmas
Where: Edinburgh
When: Every Sunday in December
What: Be transported to Victorian Edinburgh to hear tales of the festive season from one of the last residents of The Close. Learn how Christmas traditions evolved in the heart of the city and hear fascinating folklore during the interactive experience at the UK’s number one tourist attraction. Warm up with a cup of tea and savour traditional scones, and join in a hands-on, Victorian-inspired craft activity – an ideal way to step into the Christmas spirit, as the Victorians once did.
What: Get ready for a sweet, festive adventure on Santa’s Christmas Tour! This guided journey takes you through the ages of chocolate, revealing York’s rich heritage with each stop – including tales of the city’s chocolate founding families including the Terrys and Rowntrees. Along the way, enjoy delicious chocolate samples and meet Santa in his workshop, where you’ll create your own Christmas-themed chocolate treats.
What: This Christmas, something enchanting is happening at Spinnaker Tower that you won’t want to miss. Santa and his merry elves are bringing their toy-making workshop at the top of Portsmouth’s iconic tower. Each child will craft their very own cuddly toy and pay a visit to meet Santa himself! But wait, there’s more! As you explore the tower, keep an eye out for those mischievous elves. Follow their trail and discover the delightful surprises they’ve hidden along the way.
What: As the nights grow longer, join costumed guides for an atmospheric, lantern-lit exploration of the historic Oxford Castle & Prison, scene of medieval battles, notorious prisoners and more than a few ghostly beings. Hear the real stories of Oxford’s past and climb the 950-year-old St George’s Tower for panoramic views of Oxford’s midwinter skyline before descending to the crypt by flickering lantern light.
What: A long list of Corrie legends from Dame Maureen Lipman to Andy Whyment have graced the set’s Star Tours in the past so who could you meet this December? Coronation Street’s iconic cobbles are open for guided tours of the nation’s favourite street meaning fans can pay a visit to locations including the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls, or upgrade to meet a cast member. The Coronation Street Exhibition is also open every day to take a trip down memory lane.
What: Step into the heart of Emmerdale, where some of TV’s most dramatic moments have unfolded. Walk in the footsteps of the Dingles, Sugdens and Tates around the external Emmerdale Village Tour set, located in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Pose outside iconic landmarks like The Woolpack and David’s Shop, and learn about the secrets behind the idyllic filming location.
What: Are you ready to uncover the truth about one of the world’s most famous legends? This unique immersive experience allows you to become part of the legend and unearth real stories about Loch Ness along the way. Take a walk through 500 million years of history to explore the myths of the loch, delve deep below the surface of its waters to uncover hidden secrets, discover real objects and artefacts throughout the immersive journey and look into scientific research inspired by sightings of the Loch Ness Monster.
The Real Mary King’s Close is officially one of the world’s most reviewed tourist attractions!
Our immersive glimpse into 17th-century Edinburgh has attracted more than 1,800 reviews in 2024, more than Disneyland Paris according to latest data from Tripadvisor.
It comes after the Royal Mile attraction celebrated its best summer season ever, welcoming over 93,000 guests from around the globe between June and August. Guests booked from as far afield as Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, and Tuvalu.
It was also named the UK’s Best Visitor Attraction by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards this summer, part of a clean sweep of awards for Continuum Attractions.
Andrew Pawson, our acting CEO, said: “The sheer quantity of glowing reviews is a testament to the rich history we share and the passion our team has for creating a brilliant guest experience. Our success is a direct result of our passionate storytellers who bring Edinburgh’s hidden history to life.”
Since opening to the public in 2003, The Close has welcomed millions of guests, with the number expected to hit 3.9m by the end of 2024.
Discover The Real Mary King’s Close and book your visit here.
GreenWood Family Park leads nominations in UK Theme Park Awards
We’re celebrating a treble award shortlisting at the prestigious UK Theme Park Awards!
GreenWood Family Park, which boasts the UK’s only people-powered rollercoaster, is facing off against some of the UK’s most famous theme parks to be named as the nation’s most sustainable.
It is going head-to-head with the operator of attractions like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park, as well as sites like Drayton Manor and Fantasy Island.
GreenWood has been shortlisted three times in the Best Sustainability Initiative category in recognition of its relentless commitment to lessening its impact on the environment. Two of its unique rides have made the shortlist, as well as the adventure park’s overall commitment to going and staying green.
GreenWood’s shortlisted entries
Green Dragon Roller Coaster
The world’s only people-powered rollercoaster uses nothing but energy of its riders to spiral its way through the trees. The 250-metre track, which features a 360-horizontal loop, carries up to 20 people and even transfers energy back into the grid when running at full capacity.
Solar Splash
The giant water slide was the UK’s first solar-powered ride and boasts two 60-metre wave chutes, as well as a longer spiral slide. The ride is connected to GreenWood’s own 576-panel solar array, which also powers much of rest of the park’s infrastructure.
Going Green
Aside from the individual rides, GreenWood showcases innovative techniques to ensure its environmental impact is a little as possible. The site has adopted rainwater harvesting, a dedicated solar farm and a newly drilled borehole for fresh water to contribute to its goal of becoming self-sustaining. It’s a day out unlike any other, where fun and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
Uncover criminal misdemeanours at the UK’s number one attraction, meet Corrie royalty, suit up as a knight and much more with Continuum Attractions this summer.
GreenWood Family Park, North Wales What: Experience one of the UK’s greenest days out When: Daily
Enjoy a thrilling family day out, surrounded by nature in the woodland of North Wales. The award-winning adventure park is home to the UK’s only people-powered rollercoaster, the UK’s first solar powered ride and much more.
Immerse yourself in ‘Forest Rocks’ as our park ranger, Jess, hosts a fun forest school, get lost in the mysterious Dragon Maze and ride along the Enchanted River during a day out at one of the UK’s most sustainable family attractions.
Discover action and adventure this summer – BOOK HERE
York’s Chocolate Story What: Summer Chocolate Masterclass When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 23rd July to 4th September
Indulge in a sweet summer at York’s Chocolate Story with an exclusive family masterclass, providing a unique opportunity to become a chocolatier and create an array of tasty chocolate treats under the expert guidance of our chocolatiers.
Also, enjoy a Classic Guided Tour and dive into the delicious, 4,000-year history of chocolate and explore York’s rich chocolate heritage. Led by expert guides, uncover the secrets behind the city’s esteemed chocolate industry while making unforgettable memories.
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth What: Sky Ranger Squad When: 22nd July to 30th August
The 170-metre high observation tower offers spectacular views of the sea and outstanding experiences, from high tea to abseiling.
This summer, earn your Sky Ranger badge and join the Spinnaker team as we host six weeks of family fun. From Pirate fun and dinosaur hunting to heroes and villains and chocolate making, there’s a new Sky Ranger activity each week with an exclusive Pop Badge to collect for each.
Simply pay once for your Sky Ranger family ticket and return as many times as you like between Monday 22nd July and Friday 30th August!
The Loch Ness Centre, Inverness What: Loch Ness with Alan McKenna When: Saturday 10th August, with additional dates later in the year
Uncover the truth about one of the world’s most famous legends. Tales of Nessie date back almost 1,500 years and monster hunters continue to flock to Loch Ness to catch a glimpse to this day.
Deepscan with Alan McKenna gives visitors the chance to embark on a quest onto the legendary waters of Loch Ness alongside Deepscan Captain Alistair Matheson, the esteemed Skipper for the Loch Ness Project.
Help Alan from Loch Ness Exploration search for clues by utilising a 60-foot hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the depths of the loch, as the search for Nessie goes on.
Discover the real Loch Ness story today – BOOK HERE
Coronation Street Experience, Manchester What: Coronation Street Star Tours When: Every Saturday and Sunday
A long list of Corrie legends from Dame Maureen Lipman to Andy Whyment have graced the set’s Star Tours in the past but who could you meet this time around?
Soap fans have more chance than ever to meet their favourites this summer with icons like Sue Cleaver and Colson Smith lined up to appear on the Cobbles in the coming months – although it’s always a surprise which star guest you will get to meet!
During your visit, you can also grab snaps outside The Rovers Return or The Kabin on your tour of Coronation Street’s authentic set, visit the Exhibition to relive iconic moments from the show and grab a bite in our café before posing behind the nation’s most famous bar.
Emmerdale Village Tour, Leeds What: Emmerdale Star Tours When: Every Saturday and Sunday
There’s no more beautiful county than Yorkshire and the sun brings it to life. Explore its most famous village with pit stops at The Woolpack and David’s Shop, and meet one of Emmerdale’s most popular residents. Danny Miller, Lisa Riley and Natalie Robb have all graced the tours in the past so why not see who you meet this time around? Get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the idyllic village which is always gripped by drama on a 90-minute Star Tour this summer.
Oxford Castle & Prison What: Knight School When: 25th July to 30th August
Climb the 101 steps of St George’s Tower to enjoy panoramic views of Oxford. Descend to the castle’s haunted, ancient crypt and do time in the prison’s 18th century cells. All before climbing the iconic Mound at the heart of one of the UK’s most popular city escapes.
This summer, join its Knight School, which returns for another year. Don your armour, sharpen your sword and prepare to set out on a quest. Join us in the Castleyard for medieval weapons training, jousting and archery – all under the supervision of the Castle’s knights. Once you’ve been trained, you will be knighted and presented with your own sword to take home!
Step inside and do 1,000 years of time – BOOK HERE
The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh What: True Crime Tours When: Every Friday and Saturday in August
Discover authentic truths about Edinburgh’s dark past and find out what it was really like for the people who lived, worked and died on the Close, which sits beneath the modern day Royal Mile.
For the first time, adult-only True Crime Tours take place in the summer – leading guests on a journey to discover the dark details of criminal misdemeanours that took place in 17th century Edinburgh, confronting themes such as eviction, addiction, and the criminal lack of legislation in place to protect residents. Find out what the rise of the witch trials meant for ordinary people living on the closes. Also, learn of the intriguing link that Mary King’s Close has to the infamous character that likely inspired The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Step down into Edinburgh’s hidden history – BOOK HERE
The Loch Ness Centre is celebrating the first anniversary of its £1.5m upgrade
48 per cent of visitors say they’re convinced the Loch Ness Monster lurks beneath the water
Guests from 188 countries have booked onto tours
More than 13,000 Nessie hunters have taken to the water with sonar equipment in the last year to search for answers
More than 85,000 people have joined the hunt for the Loch Ness Monster in the last year, including visitors from 118 countries.
June 10th marks the first anniversary of the reopening of The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit. We invested £1.5m in the Highlands attraction in 2023, intertwining high-tech and immersive storytelling with the legendary story of the Nessie.
Lured by its rich mix of scientific research and reported sightings, guests have descended on the original Drumnadrochit Hotel from all four corners of the world in the last 12 months, including from Australia, Guatemala, Malawi and Mongolia.
While guests are intrigued by stories of Nessie, it’s clear that many believe tales of the legendary creature are based in fact. Since reopening last year, visitors have been having their say at the end of each hour-long tour. They say:
‘I see Nessie’ – 48 per cent
‘Nonsense’ – 23 per cent
‘Possibility’ – 28 per cent
Juliana Delaney, our CEO, says: “The Loch Ness story is one of the most famous ever told and, more than ever, we are discovering that there are believers in almost every country, keen to make up their own minds about Nessie.
“When we redesigned and reopened the attraction last year, we were committed to retaining the authenticity and portraying the real story behind Loch Ness, its mysteries and its monster. Moving away from the cliches, we were passionate about focusing on the facts and real-life accounts. We acknowledge that, in many cases, there are rational explanations grounded in science for what people encounter but there are still plenty that have gone unexplained to this day.
“Our balance between explaining the science and beautifully illustrating witness accounts is what continues to draw people to the Loch and The Loch Ness Centre. Guests from six continents and 118 countries can’t be wrong.”
Visitors have praised the Centre’s “modern and fresh” presentation and how it appeals to all ages, backed by its five-star status on Tripadvisor.
One guest said: “We returned to the exhibition following its recent refurbishment and wow – what a difference. This new presentation vividly brings the science, culture and folklore to life in a clear and entertaining way.
A second commented: “What an excellent experience. It’s not what I was expecting. It was educational, witty and there was something for everyone. It was a really well-balanced view of possibilities with enough of a magical element to fulfil the fantasy.”
A visit to the Centre is internationally popular. In the last year, bookings have come from across the globe, including:
Guatemala
Laos
Malawi
Mozambique
Nepal
Oman
Peru
Samoa
Turkmenistan
Venezuela
Zambia
A single booking could be done on behalf of a group or an individual.
As well as visiting the Exhibition, more than 13,000 guests have also headed out onto the Loch on a Deepscan Cruise. The boat, named after the first Operation Deepscan Expedition carried out in the Loch in 1987, ferries guests across the water to search its depths using world-class sonar equipment, as well as to get stunning views of Urquhart Castle.
The infamous Willy Wonka-inspired experience made global news and sent shockwaves through anyone owning or managing attractions. We are – and will never be – in that position but it’s hard to avoid flashbacks to when those notorious, underwhelming images appeared online.
Now, London’s new Paddington Bear Experience has launched making headlines of its own, based around its cost – a little more than your typical marmalade sandwich!
More extravagant, immersive attractions are popping up across the UK. While some are seriously impressive, others fall well short and raise questions around value for money.
Check out our CEO Juliana’s comments to The Observer about the rise of large-scale immersive experiences here.
“Their rise to prominence stems from the demand for captivating, story-led experiences,” Juliana says.
“Most attractions tell a story but the method of doing so is often the clincher in driving sales and providing a genuinely great experience. These large-scale immersive interactions remove the guest from their everyday and transport them to an alternative space where they can forget about their day-to-day challenges for a while. But these attractions can sometimes underwhelm.
“Technology has its part to play but our insights show there is still huge demand for authentic, people-led experiences with storytelling at their heart. One example is The Real Mary King’s Close. It utilises talented actors to take guests back to the 17th-century and ranks in TripAdvisor’s top 10 UK attractions – showing the demand is there.
“With increased operating costs to consider, tiered pricing strategies are also employed to provide accessibility to as many potential guests as possible. These models can include everything from early bird discounts to VIP packages to cater for various budgets and open our doors to as many people as possible.
“In years gone by, we have also found that guests might spend a full day in a city to soak up three or four attractions but this is no longer the case. We are finding visitors are now opting to spend their money on one great experience – one they know will knock them out the park and create lasting memories to recall in years to come or share on their Instagram.”
English Tourism Week 2023 is here and it’s set to be a thrilling celebration of all the wonderful things that make England such a fantastic tourist destination. From historical landmarks and stunning countryside to vibrant cities and lively coastal towns, there’s something to captivate every kind of traveller.
For over 30 years, as a market leader in tourism and visitor attractions, Continuum has been creating award-winning attractions that bring great stories to life. English Tourism Week is a great opportunity for us to celebrate our fantastic people, who help us to bring real places and real stories to life, making memories for thousands of happy guests who visit us each year.
Running from March 18th to 26th, the event aims to raise awareness about the vital role tourism plays in the English economy and showcase the diverse array of attractions and destinations the country offers. This year, a key theme is sustainability, and Continuum’s English attractions, such as Oxford Castle & Prison, Spinnaker Tower, York’s Chocolate Story, are leading the way with green initiatives, sustainable policies and responsible procurement plans. You can read more about Continuum’s efforts towards a more sustainable tourism sector here.
Wherever you are located there are plenty of popular English based attractions to explore. For instance, Oxford Castle & Prison offers tours that take visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the city’s dark and mysterious past. The Spinnaker Tower, which stands an impressive 170 meters tall, offers spectacular views of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, York’s Chocolate Story is an interactive attraction that celebrates the city’s rich history of chocolate-making and offers guests treats along the way that really let them taste York’s rich chocolate-making history.
If you’re a fan of British television soaps, you won’t want to miss The Coronation Street Tour in Manchester or The Emmerdale Village Tour in Yorkshire. These behind-the-scenes experiences offer visitors an exclusive look at the live production filming locations for two of the UK’s most beloved soap operas.
Continuum’s CEO Juliana Delaney says: It is great that we celebrate the tourism industry. There is still so much that only those working in the industry really appreciate. It’s a great place to start your career but also to bring your career too. When well managed, it brings prosperity to the areas where it flourishes. It’s great for UK plc – as it’s one industry that can’t be off-shored. Tourism is a force for good across the world too. I’ve had a 40-year career in tourism, and it’s a great feeling to make people happy. Let’s celebrate and champion Tourism and all who work in it.
English Tourism Week 2023 is an excellent opportunity to discover all the wonderful things England has to offer, while supporting businesses and organisations that are committed to sustainability and responsible tourism. So why not get involved and join in the festivities? Whether you visit a Continuum attraction, explore one of England’s many stunning landmarks or simply indulge in some of the country’s delicious food and drink, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
To celebrate English Tourism Week we are running a competition for one lucky winner to receive free tickets to each of our 5 English Attractions: Coronation Street The Tour, Emmerdale Village Tour, Oxford Castle & Prison, The Spinnaker Tower & York’s Chocolate Story. These tickets will be valid for a full 12 months, so you can spread out the celebrations and tour the best of the UK over the next year. We will even provide a £100 spend towards train tickets, helping you to travel more sustainably when visiting our attractions.
To enter just follow Continuum Attractions and each of the attractions listed in the post on either Facebook or Instagram. Then comment and tag a friend/family member who you would like to take with you if you win. On Monday, the 27th of March, we will pick a winner at random.
Please read the terms and conditions of the competition here.
We are delighted to announce that Continuum Attractions has now signed a long-term lease to take over one of Scotland’s most famous visitor attractions, The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition in the Highlands of Scotland, near Inverness.
L – R Robert Bremner, Juliana Delaney Chief Executive of Continuum, Paul Nixon Continuum and David Bremner. PhotoCredit: Paul Campbell Photography
Our plan over the next 12 weeks will be to spend £1.5 million transforming the attraction into a world-class visitor attraction, ready to re-open in Spring 2023, as the new ‘The Loch Ness Centre’.
We are award-winning, authentic storytellers, and what a story we have to tell here. The transformation will engage, entertain and inform guests, focusing on telling the globally renowned story behind the legend of Loch Ness, exploring the myths, alongside the scientific research, that has turned Nessie into one of Scotland’s most famous icons.
The concept image above shows the first Prologue Room in the new Loch Ness Centre where we will excite our guests and spark their imagination for what is to come. This room features a series of curiosities to whet the visitors’ appetite.
The Loch Ness Centre will become the 8th attraction within Continuum’s UK-wide portfolio alongside; The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh. York’s Chocolate Story in York, The Emmerdale Village Tour in Leeds, Coronation Street The Tour in Manchester, Greenwood Family Park in North Wales, Oxford Castle & Prison in Oxford, and the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
The first Loch Ness exhibition was founded in May 1980 by Ronnie Bremner and designer Tony Hamsworth. The following winter, in conjunction with naturalist Adrian Shine, leader of the Loch Ness Project a lifelong partnership was formed between the Loch Ness Centre and the Loch Ness Project which continues to this day with the Projects laboratory and research centre on site. Continuum’s investment in a new five-star attraction will further unlock the mysteries and history of the world-famous destination and its many year-round activities and attractions.
Juliana Delaney, chief executive of Continuum Attractions, said:
“Continuum tells the real stories in real places about real people. The search for Nessie encapsulates all three. Having had tremendous success with the award-winning Real Mary King’s Close on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, I was keen to seek out another great Scottish story to tell. We found it on Loch Ness. This is a magical place – it could be our Jurassic Park, and if a monster hasn’t been found here yet, this is the place in which it will be discovered! So I will encourage everyone to ‘keep looking’.”
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said:
“Loch Ness is renowned the world over for its most elusive resident, Nessie, and indeed the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition has and will continue to attract visitors from around the world each year.
In Scotland’s Year of Stories, it is great to hear that this investment will mean that even more people will have the chance to learn all about Nessie – the subject of so many myths, tales and stories over the years. Tourism is a force for good. It creates jobs, sustains communities and contributes significantly to the economy. The impact of tourism spreads far beyond the industry itself – it benefits our economy, our community and our wellbeing.”
Michael Golding, CEO at Visit Inverness Loch Ness added:
“We are delighted to welcome Continuum Attractions to the destination and are working with them to ensure the story and experience are authentically local for our 1.6M visitors annually. The destination continues to attract significant investment and collectively this ensures the area remains a must-visit destination in any visit to Scotland.”
Outgoing Managing Director, Robert Bremner, added:
“This is an exciting time for the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Retaining the authenticity of the attraction was always our priority and we know we’re in safe hands working with the award-winning team at Continuum, who have outstanding capability in authentic storytelling and creating an exceptional visitor experience, with a focus on tourism operators; while retaining the families ownership of this historic site.
“As a family we have been in control of the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition for over 40 years and my brother David and I felt the time was right for us to hand over the reins to Continuum to develop the new and improved offering which will allow visitors to experience the history of the Loch Ness Monster by exploring Scotland’s geological past and folklore like never before.”
“It is with a great deal of pride, excitement and pleasure that I welcome Tony and the team from the Spinnaker Tower to Shaping Portsmouth as our latest Patron. The venue is iconic and one of the most recognisable in the city. Tony and his team are excellent ambassadors for the city and represent the very best of our businesses.” – Stef Nienaltowski, CEO of Shaping Portsmouth
We are excited to be joining other businesses, education centres, and cultural groups in promoting our home city. What makes our attraction so great is the view of our favourite city, Portsmouth, and our island’s beautiful coastline.
Shaping Portsmouth’s mission is to boost all things Portsmouth! Working with organisations to create sustainable partnerships and make Portsmouth the UK’s premier waterfront city to invest, learn and visit. They are well known for their work with The University of Portsmouth, The Armed Forces Covenant, and South Western Railway.
You can learn more about Shaping Portsmouth’s mission on their website.
By working with such a great group we are part of a movement dedicated to pushing projects we love. Shaping Portsmouth supports green space initiatives, education programs, and exploring and discovering Portsmouth’s vibrant cultural heritage.
We are proud to be Shaping Portsmouth and look forward to continuing to work in the heart of the community.
Learn how Spinnaker Tower also works with local Portsmouth suppliers read more in our blog post here.
The ghostly story of the young girl Annie and her lost doll is just one of the many stories shared at leading Edinburgh visitor attraction The Real Mary King’s Close, and is the main reason why the attraction has chosen to support Cash for Kids in 2020.
In the 1990s, a Japanese psychic visited the attraction and told of feeling the ‘presence’ of a child’s unhappy ghost, whom she pacified with a real toy doll. Since then, visitors to the Close have brought hundreds of gifts for Annie, mainly toys, sweets, letters, children’s jewellery, and money.
Whilst the attraction has temporarily closed as part of the preventative measures against the spread of COVID-19, prior to closing their doors the team at The Real Mary King’s Close added up the donations in Annie’s Room, and presented a cheque for £2,000 to the Cash for Kids Charity this week.
Paul Nixon, General Manager, says
“We’re delighted to be working with Cash for Kids this year, a charity benefitting children in and around Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk. We’ve an abundance of fascinating stories that relate to the very people who lived and walked these streets, most notably the story of the child Annie, and it felt very fitting to choose Cash for Kids, a charity we can not only fundraise for, but also engage with on a deeper level.
“Being able to present an initial sum of money at the beginning of a new campaign has been extremely joyful, and we know it will be used to help children in need right now during this challenging time.”
The partnership runs for one year from March 2020. The Real Mary King’s Close is part of a group of eight attractions run by tourism specialists Continuum Attractions, whose commitment is to create engaging experiences with purpose for visitors to enjoy. Charity partnerships have been a core part of the organisation for over ten years, with the Group raising over £100,000 during that time. The driving vision for these partnerships is to create people-focused, interactive opportunities that bring staff teams together to have a positive impact on society.
Ian Robertson, Corporate Fundraising Manager, Cash for Kids, says
“What an amazing way to start the new campaign, a donation of this size is fantastic. We’re so pleased to have The Real Mary King’s Close on board as a charity partner, and the positive feedback so far has been great. Our aim is to respond to the needs of children, and this is a really important time to work together, as we all feel the impact of the current climate. We’re definitely looking forward to developing this relationship over the year ahead.”
The safety and wellbeing of you, our guests, and our team is our priority and we will take all necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s continued welfare.
As you plan your visit to us we want to assure you that we are actively monitoring the situation with regards to Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and are reviewing and following the guidelines of Public Health England. The advice from the health authorities has not changed, so our attractions are operating as normal and standard terms and conditions on bookings continue to apply.
So firstly, we will welcome all our guests with a warm smile, rather than a handshake!
During your visit, we wish to reassure you that we are taking all possible steps to minimise risk, including the implementation of enhanced cleaning regimes.
We ask you to observe high standards of personal hygiene. There are simple things you can do to help prevent the spread of the virus, including:
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
Putting used tissues in the bin immediately
Washing your hands with soap and hot water regularly, or using hand sanitiser gel
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
We have placed additional hand sanitisers at the entrance and in convenient locations for guests, and we politely ask that you use them regularly.
We want to welcome everyone to our attractions with a warm smile and the reassurance that we have your health in mind, so you can enjoy time with your friends and family.
It has been a bumper year for our award-winning Edinburgh visitor attraction, The RealMary King’s Close, as over a quarter of a million people visited, the attraction won a handful of awards, and we announce plans for new investment in 2020.
Must-do attraction
Right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and underneath the streets of the bustling Royal Mile, The Real Mary King’s Close has long been included on the ‘must-do’ list of any Edinburgh visit and is working hard to keep that the case in the coming year.
A great year!
“It has been a great year for The Real Mary King’s Close, as we ended the year with awards, including winner of ‘Best for Big Kids in Scotland’ said Paul Nixon, General Manager.
‘In 2019 we launched a new gin tasting tour and our family-friendly tours, and we’ve plenty of new ways to try and ensure we retain an important spot on peoples’ wish-list for any Edinburgh visit.’
Planned investment
There is a planned investment of over £100K in several key areas of the attraction this spring, including an extension to The Plague story and a reinterpretation of Mary Queen of Scots’ visit. Digital technology will form a large part of the reinterpretation, working with set designers and talented Guest Experience Managers to create a highly appealing and quality experience for visitors.
Visitors to the Close already visit the popular Plague room where they discover Dr Rae, boils and ‘miasmas’
Full details will be announced in early 2020, with new photography and assets available.
We are truly celebrating the season of awards here at Continuum Attractions – with another win for two of our beautiful attractions in the Tourism South East ‘Beautiful South Awards.’
The Clouds Café at 105m high on the second viewing deck of Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth received silver for ‘Café/Tearoom of the Year’, whilst Oxford Castle & Prison is celebrating a silver for ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’.
“We’reheading towardsour best year yet for celebrating successes as these beautiful accolades come swiftly on the heels of our hat trick of recognition” says Juliana Delaney, our Chief Executive, referring to our triple win at the British Travel Awards last month.
“We’re thrilled that both attractions are able to celebrate this recognition for the contribution they make to the tourism offering in the south and we’re very proud of the teams working behind the scenes to ensure the best quality, innovative and purposeful visitor experiences.”
Organised by Tourism South East, the Beautiful South Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements for businesses and professionals in the tourism industry over 18 months. This year saw 40% more entries across 23 categories, with an awards ceremony held at the Grand Brighton on the 10th December, and was hosted by Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster.
Oxford Castle & Prison collect their award: Laurie Byrne, Marketing Manager; Chris Abbot, General Manager; Olivia Scammel, PR Manager
The story doesn’t end here…
Why not visit one of our attractions and see for yourself how we create award-winning visitor experiences, take your pick here.
Or, if you’re looking for attraction expertise to turn your idea or attraction into an award-winner, why not find out more about collaborating with us?
We were delighted to receive British Travel Awards at two of our leading visitor attractions this week.
York’s Chocolate Story claimed Silver in the Best Leisure Attraction and Bronze in the Best Heritage Attraction, whilst Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth took home Bronze in the Best Leisure Attraction.
Our CEO, Juliana Delaney comments;
“This is a fantastic way to approach the end of the year and we’re delighted with the recognition of two of our attractions, by the visiting public themselves.
“York Chocolate Story has gone from strength to strength this year and has seen the history and heritage of chocolate presented and explained in the most creative ways. Its recognition is well deserved for the team who work relentlessly to connect people with the stories and many benefits of chocolate. And Emirates Spinnaker Tower has truly established itself as a ‘must see’ on the south coast, from Afternoon Tea to abseiling, it stands as a beacon for the sector. This is a great achievement for everyone involved.”
The British Travel Awards are the largest consumer awards in the UK. Over 400,000 Brits cast over 860,000 votes for every category of travel, and a gala dinner was held in London this week, attended by over 1,000 people from the travel industry.
The story doesn’t end here…
Why not visit one of our attractions and see for yourself how we create award-winning visitor experiences, take your pick here.
Or, if you’re looking for attraction expertise to turn your idea or attraction into an award-winner, why not find out more about collaborating with us?
Continuum Attractions are delighted to announce a partnership with USA- based start-up, The VOID, to bring a Star Wars TM themed, hyper-reality experiences to the UK, opening in London in December 2017.
Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, the highly anticipated hyper-reality experience produced in collaboration with Lucasfilm and ILMxLAB, will launch at Westfield, London in December and is available for pre-booking at www.thevoid.com.
“The guest experience will blow your mind,’ said Kevin Smith, Group Attractions Director at Continuum Attractions, who recently travelled to The VOID headquarters in Utah. ‘We expect guests to visit because they love the Star Wars brand and leave having experienced something absolutely brand new.
This is an experience that everyone will be thrilled by. Forget virtual reality or even augmented reality, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire opens up the new immersive world of hyper-reality with touch, sounds and smells. This will be the must-do event this Christmas and in 2018.”
Continuum Attractions will operate the pop-up experience in Westfield, Shepherd’s Bush.
Sarah Marsh, Chief Experience Officer of The VOID commented, ‘Continuum Attractions are our trusted operating partners for this exciting new adventure here in the UK. It has been a fast-paced design, build and development of the operation here in London, with a very short lead into the launch of tickets and opening date. Continuum Attractions was able to deliver this for us. There are now plans forming to take the attractions across Europe.’
The VOID is simultaneously opening Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida.
Continuum Attractions previously operated the Emirates Cable Car in London, an exhibition for EMI and helped develop The Crystal, a Siemens brand attraction in London’s Royal Docks.
March 25th marks the 10th anniversary of the WWF Earth Hour campaign, the world’s largest demonstration of support for action on climate change. The teams across our attractions will be joining in to raise awareness and take part in the ‘switch-off’ at 8.30pm. We’re challenging our teams to have not just an electric-light free hour – but an hour with no electricity at all! No lights, no computers, no TV…
The Tower goes dark
Throughout the year we light up Emirates Spinnaker Tower for various charities (most recently we went blue for World Water Day), but on March 25th Emirates Spinnaker Tower will go dark, as all non-essential lighting is turned off to mark Earth Day.
All our attraction’s websites will also feature a ‘black-out’ banner to raise awareness.
Our commitment to green
Across Continuum Attractions and our support office, we have been working hard to improve our commitment to fighting climate change. We now have a nominated Green Ambassador at each attraction, led by a central Green Champion. This committee work together to help us in this endeavour and come up with new green initiatives. We’re working to reduce the amount of energy we produce as well as buying less environmentally damaging goods and reducing or recycling waste wherever we can.
Get Involved
There’s lots of ways to get involved in Earth Hour, including turning your lights off for an hour at 8.30pm on Saturday. For more information see: EarthHour.org.
We are pleased to announce our plans to take Coronation Street’s iconic sets on tour around the UK, premiering at the SECC in Glasgow from 27th August 2016.
A bespoke 2000 sqm show dome – the biggest of its kind in the UK – will showcase iconic sets, props and costumes from the world’s longest-running TV soap opera.
The touring experience follows the resounding success of Coronation Street The Tour in Manchester, which welcomed over 850,000 visitors to the soap’s original Quay Street sets during its 18 month run.
Juliana Delaney, our Chief Executive comments:
“After we closed the doors to Coronation Street The Tour in December 2015, we recognised a huge unfulfilled demand from elsewhere in the UK. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to take Corrie on tour to allow more fans to get closer to their favourite television show.”
Coronation Street On Tour will subsequently relocate to Belfast next spring, subject to planning permission.
In our 31-year history, we’ve worked with over 100 world-class attractions and currently operate several visitor experiences across the UK, including the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh.
“On behalf of our industry and Continuum Attractions I have been clear that we should remain inside the EU; leaving the European Union was a sad decision that has the potential to damage our business, Britain’s economy and Europe’s stability. Democracy has given us a decision and we accept and respect the majority vote.
“To quote Sir Richard Branson: ‘Now is not the time for further complaints and anger. Now is the time to come together as a nation and heal the wounds created by the divisive tone and aggressive rhetoric that has dominated this campaign. The UK and its amazing, resilient people have weathered many storms – with determination, resolve and sense of what is right. Those qualities will be needed over the testing months and years to come.’
“To put it in the words of the late Jo Cox, “’we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us. It’s time to build on that as the UK navigates the choppy waters ahead.’
“The reason why tourism is so successful in this country, is because our country has so much to offer. People come to Britain because of our extraordinary heritage, our beautiful landscapes, our great sporting events, our art, some of the finest museums in the world, and our music.
“All of these are why people come to visit Britain. It was the case last week, it is the case this week, and it will be the case next week.”
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