Continuum Attractions Accelerates Growth with New Senior Appointments

It’s an exciting time at Continuum Attractions as we strengthen our senior team with several new appointments across our operations, marketing, recruitment and finance teams. As we continue to grow our portfolio and enhance the experiences we create for guests, investing in talented people remains at the heart of our success.

For more than 40 years, Continuum has been a pioneer in guest experiences across the UK – from The Loch Ness Centre in the Scottish Highlands to Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower. What unites all our attractions is our commitment to award-winning, human-led storytelling. And as our business evolves, so too does the team behind it.

Strengthening Our Support Office in York

We’re pleased to welcome Sarah Kilgallon as our new Brand Marketing Director. With a career spanning leading drinks and hospitality brands including Greene King and Molson Coors Beverage Company, Sarah brings a wealth of creative and commercial experience. She will lead on shaping our portfolio of attraction brands and elevating how we bring stories to life for guests across the UK.

Joining her is Emma Searle, our new Director of Operations (North), who will oversee operations at York’s Chocolate Story, The Loch Ness Centre and Edinburgh’s The Real Mary King’s Close. Emma joins us from In2action, where she led operations across Europe, South East Asia and Hong Kong in sectors ranging from hospitality to international education. She will work closely with our existing Group Operations Director, Paul Mahy.

We’re also delighted to welcome Owen Schofield as Group Management Accountant, bringing over a decade of experience across management accounts in the construction, food manufacturing and charity sectors. Alongside him, Mel Haywood joins us as Group Recruitment Partner. Mel previously ran her own recruitment agency before moving into internal recruitment for a global firm, where she supported major venues including Ascot Racecourse, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Fulham Football Club.

Leadership Growth from Within

Our commitment to developing talent doesn’t stop at external appointments. We’re pleased to share that Alex Caley, previously Group Head of Marketing, has been promoted to Director of Marketing Services – a testament to her impact on our marketing performance across the group.

A Message from Our CEO

Reflecting on this period of growth, CEO Andrew Pawson said:

“As we continue to grow our portfolio and invest in our experiences, it’s essential that we have the right expertise driving us forward. Sarah, Emma, Owen and Mel each bring tremendous talent, energy and perspective to the business.

“Their combined experience will strengthen our capability across the board and help us deliver even more unforgettable, story-led attractions for our guests. I’m delighted to welcome them to the Continuum team as we look ahead to a bold and ambitious future.”

We’re Still Growing

The expansion doesn’t stop here. We’re currently recruiting for a Finance Director and a Marketing Executive, both based at our York Support Office. You can find out more about these roles here.

What’s happening this Christmas at Continuum Attractions?

Meet Santa in the home of chocolate, step back into a Victorian Christmas beneath Edinburgh, step into Santa’s workshop and much more this Christmas with Continuum Attractions!

The Real Mary King’s Close – A Victorian Christmas

Where: Edinburgh

When: Weekends in December

What: Step back in time for a unique Christmas experience. Explore Edinburgh’s hidden history on a tour beneath historic Edinburgh before making your way into an underground vaulted room for an exclusive Victorian Christmas interactive experience. Learn how Christmas traditions evolved in the heart of Edinburgh, hear fascinating folklore and perhaps be surprised by the customs we still cherish today. Join in a hands-on craft activity inspired by the Victorians and enjoy a jam and cream scone to top off your trip.

See another side of Christmas…


York’s Chocolate Story – Santa’s Christmas Tour

Where: York

When: Weekends in December, plus 22nd and 23rd December

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 before meeting Santa in his workshop, where you’ll create your own Christmas-themed chocolate treats.

Sign up for a sweet festive experience…


Oxford Castle & Prison – Santa’s Teddy Bear Workshop

Where: Oxford

When: Weekends dates between Saturday 29th November and Sunday 21st December, plus Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December

What: Santa Claus is coming to town… but his cheerful elves need a little help to get all the gifts made for Christmas. He’s setting up his magical bear-making workshop at Oxford Castle & Prison where little ones can make their very own cuddly bear and adopt them in time for the big day. And there’s even time for a special visit to meet Father Christmas himself! Share your Christmas wishes, snap a photo and find out whether you’ve made the naughty or nice list this year.

Join Santa’s workshop…


Coronation Street Experience – Guided Tour

Where: Manchester

When: Weekends, plus 22nd, 29th and 30th December

What: 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, while exploring the external set. The Coronation Street Exhibition is also open every day to take a trip down memory lane.

Explore TV history…


Spinnaker Tower – Santa’s Toy Maker Workshop

Where: Portsmouth

When: Weekends in December, plus selected weekday dates

08/11/2018 Spinnaker Christmas All Rights Reserved – Helen Yates- T: +44 (0)7790805960 Local copyright law applies to all print & online usage. Fees charged will comply with standard space rates and usage for that country, region or state.

What: Step into the festive magic as children craft their own cuddly toy, meet Santa, and explore a Christmas trail at the base of the iconic tower. Families can also enjoy hot chocolate and seasonal treats in the cosy Cocoa Cabin. It’s a hands-on Christmas experience where children become part of the story and take home a special festive keepsake.

Join Santa’s elves in the workshop…


Emmerdale Village Tour – Guided Tours

Where: Leeds

When: Weekends

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.

Step into the drama…


The Loch Ness Centre – The Tour

Where: Inverness

When: Daily (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)

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.

Discover the legend…


GreenWood Family Park – Soft Play

Where: North Wales

When: Wednesdays to Sundays until December 21st, plus Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd

What: A perfect retreat to let the kids burn off some energy while the grownups contemplate their final Christmas purchases. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to tuck into a hearty lunch with family favourites served throughout the day.

Book soft play here…

Celebrating Double Success at the VisitScotland Thistle Awards

We are thrilled to share that The Real Mary King’s Close has been honoured with two major wins at this year’s VisitScotland Central & East Thistle Awards.

Our attraction was named Employer of the Year, recognising the supportive, inclusive culture we’ve built for our team. Creating a workplace where people feel valued and inspired is at the heart of what we do and this award is acknowledgement of that at our Edinburgh attraction. Whether welcoming guests from around the world or working behind the scenes to care for our historic site, it’s our people who bring Edinburgh’s hidden history to life every day.

Alongside this, our General Manager, Paul Nixon, was celebrated as Individual of the Year. With more than 20 years in Scottish tourism, Paul’s leadership, vision and commitment have helped guide The Real Mary King’s Close through a period of record-breaking success. In 2024, we welcomed over 282,000 visitors from 159 countries, making us TripAdvisor’s number one visitor attraction in the UK. Paul’s award shines a light not only on his contribution, but on the strength of the whole team and the wider Continuum Attractions family.

Speaking about the wins, Paul said: “It’s an incredible honour to be recognised by VisitScotland and my peers in the industry. Tourism in Scotland is built on people – both those who work within it and those who visit – and I’m proud to represent such a talented team at The Real Mary King’s Close and across Continuum Attractions. This award is a reflection of their passion, creativity and commitment to sharing Scotland’s stories with the world.”

The Thistle Awards, hosted at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, are a highlight of the Scottish tourism calendar, celebrating the very best in our industry. To come away with two wins is a huge honour and we are immensely proud of everyone who made it possible.

The Close now goes on to represent Edinburgh at the National Final in Glasgow on 20th November!

A Sweet Slice of History: Rare Terry’s Chocolate Oranges Donated to York’s Chocolate Story

Continuum Attractions is proud to celebrate the role our experiences play in preserving the nation’s heritage – and this week, York’s Chocolate Story added a remarkable new chapter to its collection.

Former Terry’s supervisor Ian Bradshaw donated a tray of 12 Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, carefully preserved for 20 years since the closure of the Terry’s Bishopthorpe Road factory in York back in 2005. Still in their original packaging and bearing the much-loved “It’s not Terry’s, it’s mine” slogan, the oranges are among the very last ever made in York.

Ian, who worked at Terry’s for 26 years in HR and payroll, explained that the oranges were originally destined for export to Australia. When the order was cancelled, trays were given to staff as a parting gift on the day the factory closed. While many colleagues enjoyed theirs at the time, Ian kept his safe – and two decades later, has ensured they will now form part of York’s Chocolate Story’s growing collection of historic artefacts.

The story has already captured the public imagination, with coverage across BBC News Online, the York Press, and an interview on BBC Radio York with York’s Chocolate Story’s General Manager, Stuart Wood.

For Continuum, Ian’s donation is more than just a box of chocolates. It represents the importance of authentic storytelling and the role our attractions play in safeguarding history. York’s Chocolate Story will now display the oranges as part of its refreshed Terry’s exhibition launching in early 2026, continuing to connect audiences with the city’s chocolate-making heritage.

Moments like this highlight what Continuum Attractions is all about: creating places where memories, stories and heritage are preserved – and where visitors can experience the past in ways that are meaningful, memorable, and, in this case, deliciously sweet.

What’s this October half term at Continuum Attractions?

Dive into the paranormal with Ghost Fest, explore legends by the loch, discover dark history by lantern light and much more this October!

Oxford Castle & Prison – Ghost Fest

Where: Oxford

When: Saturday 24th October to Saturday 1st November

 

What: Whether you love a jump scare or something a little gentler, there’s something for everyone this Halloween. Oxford Castle & Prison’s biggest-ever Ghost Fest sees the 11th-century site host spine-chilling Spooky Tours to learn its most terrifying tales and a Potion Making Experience where kids can become Merlin’s apprentice after discovering his lost recipe book. A Paranormal Evening led by Barri Ghai where guests can get exclusive access to some of the city’s sealed tunnels will round off the week.

See what you encounter…


GreenWood Family Park – SpookWood

Where: North Wales

When: Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November

 

What: Nestled in the enchanting forests of North Wales, explore a park transformed into Halloween wonderland. Wander through its pathways adorned with spectacular giant pumpkins and terrifying spooks, making for the most amazing photo opportunities. Enjoy pumpkin carving, a costume competition for kids (and dogs) as well as sweet treats and spooktacular Halloween family shows. All this plus GreenWood’s amazing family rides – including the world’s first people-powered rollercoaster and the Solar Splash water slide.

Prepare to be spooked…


The Loch Ness Centre – Legends on Auld Hallows’ Eve

Where: Inverness

When: Friday 31st October

 

Loch Ness Centre, Drumnadrochit.

What: Celebrate the magic of Old Hallow’s Eve with an enchanting evening of live storytelling for the whole family. Jenny Johnstone from Scottish Folklore Podcast will lead the conversation that’ll ignite your imagination and bring the legends of local tales to life – all hosted in the Old Drumnadrochit Hotel, the place where Mrs Aldie MacKay first reported seeing the Loch Ness Monster.

Uncover legends…


Coronation Street Experience – Kids Go Free

Where: Manchester

When: Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October and Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November

 

What: 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 – and kids go free this half term! Use the code KIDSCOBBLES at checkout to secure up to two free child places when accompanied by a full paying adult.

Explore TV history…


The Real Mary King’s Close – Lantern Led Tours

Where: Edinburgh

When: October 11th to October 31st

 

What: Experience 17th century Edinburgh by lantern light to learn about the lives and deaths of real people who have roamed the city’s streets over the last 400 years, including the Witch Pricker and Foul Clenger. Despite the darkness, the theatrical tour is popular with families as they explore the city’s best underground experience. Plus, upgrade to A Spirited Evening: Lantern Led Tours & Dinner to enjoy a Halloween dinner at Amber Restaurant.

Be illuminated by history…


York’s Chocolate Story – Halloween Family Masterclasses

Where: York

When: Monday 27th, Wednesday 29th and Friday 31st October

 

What: A chillingly delightful Halloween experience! Create mouth-watering spooky treats under the expert guidance of chocolatiers. Mastering piping technique and skilfully craft skulls onto chocolate, this event is a true treat for your senses. To top it all off, indulge in a deliciously spooky hot chocolate that will send shivers down your spine and play Halloween games to win a taste of spook-tacular treats or tasteless tricks.

Enjoy ghoulish family fun…


Spinnaker Tower – Halloween Build-a-Teddy Workshop

Where: Portsmouth

When: Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st October

 

What: Whether you’re building a Frankenbear to cuddle, a Squishy Pumpkin to make you smile, or simply enjoying the tower views with a warming hot chocolate, this is a Halloween experience the whole family will remember. Each ticket also includes all-day admission to the tower and adults can even head to the Cauldron Cabin to enjoy and extra ‘potion’. Workshops run across daily sessions, with limited spaces available.

See the soft side of Halloween…


Emmerdale Village Tour – Star Tours

Where: Leeds

When: Weekends

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.

Step into the drama…

Investment for the future; Juliana Delaney responds to big numbers for tourism in Britain in 2020

Investment for the future

Juliana Delaney responds to big numbers for tourism in Britain in 2020

Crunching the numbers

“It has been a big month of big numbers from our national tourism agencies, VisitBritain and Visit England, not only highlighting that Britons ‘staycationing’ this year is on the rise and will add £27bn to the UK economy, but also that visitors spent £951m in Britain last year and that this is expected to also increase.

“These figures and their projected positive impact make me feel excited, encouraged, energised…and ever-more focused on the importance of staying relevant. It’s certainly not the moment for attractions to rest on their laurels with the security that visitors will come. We are operating in an increasingly broad competitive field, where screens big and small compete for people’s time, and where even a trip to the cinema is referred to as ‘light exercise’ (University College London research).

Climate disruption

“With climate change and weather disruption top of the news agenda, there is added insecurity of what the weather will do, in addition to the unknown real impact of Brexit, which undoubtedly will affect us negatively from the European visitor.”

Investing for the future

“The only matter we can be assured about is that we need to continue to invest in our offering and in our people. And we need to work collaboratively with others, such as our local tourism bodies, other attractions, accommodation providers and national organisations, to ensure that we can create the biggest impact possible not just for ourselves, but for our regions and all those who live, work and visit them.”

Already this year, we confirmed £100k investment in new interpretation of The Plague and Queen Mary exhibitions in Edinburgh, significant investment in York’s Chocolate Story to enhance the guest experience and increase our fresh chocolate production, and the unveiling of a new ‘Giant’ attraction at the sustainability focused Greenwood Family Park in Wales.

“We’ve set aside substantial budget for staff training, building on the mental health awareness campaign from 2019, where we worked together with St John’s Ambulance to train personnel at each of our eight sites as mental health first aiders. We’re prepped to embrace the challenges of 2020, we’re also braced for the highs and lows that will naturally come as part of the ride.”

That was Juliana Delaney, our Chief Executive commenting on the latest tourism news.