Fresh ideas for group visits in The National Forest

Groups looking for fresh ideas for in the New Year can discover a wealth of new attractions and activities in The National Forest.

Bosworth Battlefield has a new 1.25 mile trail which includes an audio and visual interpretation about the battle and surrounding area. Bosworth Battlefield is one of the UK's leading historical attractions with an award-winning heritage centre which captures the essence of medieval England, the Wars of the Roses and the birth of the Tudor Dynasty. A programme of events and guided tours runs throughout the year.
Sharpe's Pottery Museum has been renovated with new displays that trace the town's fascinating local industrial heritage. It also has a display on The National Forest - the area's heritage in the making. Talks and tours within the museum are available.

YHA National Forest has launched a package that combines a stay in this modern eco-friendly four-star hostel with sno-tubing, tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding at Swadlincote Ski Centre or activities at Conkers. Staff can help groups build their own trip itinerary and the 74-bed hostel can be booked for sole use. If groups do not want to stay overnight Swadlincote Ski Centre also offers half or full day packages which can include lunch in the Alpine Lodge.

Within The National Forest are industrial heritage attractions, stately homes and exciting discovery centres including the stunning National Memorial Arboretum, Calke Abbey, Conkers, the brilliant National Brewery Centre (formerly the Bass Museum), Snibston, Great Central and the Battlefield Line Railways and Moira Furnace. And with 700 miles of paths to explore across 400 woodlands, it is the perfect setting for walking, wildlife watching or lively outdoor activities.

At the heart of all this is one of Britain's boldest environmental initiatives to create a new Forest for the nation across 200 square miles and embracing parts of Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

The National Forest & Beyond Group Visits Guide is packed with ideas for anything from a day visit to a weekend trip. It also has tips for wet-weather days, drivers' perks, group discounts, where to stay, mealstops and even space for group organisers to write their own notes!

For more information on both the guide and group packages available, visit the website www.visitnationalforest.co.uk/groups

To order a copy of the Group Visits Guide email groups@nationalforest.org