We specialise in unique and personalised special interest tours of Europe for groups large and small. For over 40 years we have been creating tours for groups that focus on subjects and special events throughout Europe
We offer MICE groups specialist tailor made programmes from concept to completion. Backed by over 50 years of expertise of handling MICE groups within the UK we offer a seamless and professional service
Full destination management services for groups, FIT travellers, Incentive groups, alumni groups and more
Bespoke itineraries for schools, university and alumni groups. Whether it's literature, history, language, architecture, religion, sports, music or geography we know where to go and what to see and do to create a completely unique experience
We provide services such as hotel reservations, attraction and theatre tickets to private transfer and rail tickets throughout Europe for small groups and FIT travellers
We create tours around many world class events and exhibitions in Europe such as the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Goodwood Festival of Speed, F1 Championship Races, Oberammergau and more bespoke events like the Great Dorset Steam Fair and Miniatura
We are experts in creating unique and personalised special interest tours of Europe for tailor made groups, meetings and incentive programmes and FIT travellers.
With a proven track record of providing specialist ground arrangements throughout Europe, we create a diverse range of tours with varying themes such as vintage machinery, collectable miniatures, embroidery, industrial heritage, religious pilgrimages, historical events, trams, cars and literature. We also create specialist educational tours for schools such as language or history, performance group tours for visiting choirs and also specialist sports tours for sporting events such as the Silverstone Grand Prix and the Rugby World Cup.
Barton Hill Travel and Armchair Destination Management have been sister companies under the same ownership for many years, always working in tandem with each other. We now work from the same office and have evolved to combine our logos and websites.
We look forward to many more years of working with all our clients both from Barton Hill Travel and Armchair Destination Management
Established in 1976, 45+ years of creating special interest tours of Europe
Established in 1950, one of the oldest and most reputable DMCs in London
With a core team of 11 staff. We pride ourselves on the fact that you can speak with any one of us directly
I’ve worked in travel for far longer than I would care to admit. My passion is to enable others to travel the world by organising their travel arrangements and encouraging the all-round learning experiences that come from exposure to other cultures.
I've worked in different parts of the travel industry in many different roles but I love that, even now, most days I learn something new. Working on clients’ itineraries is challenging and fascinating in equal measure. I've been lucky enough to travel widely and this remains one of my favourite pastimes.
After I graduated university with first-class honours in International Tourism Management with Spanish, I joined Barton Hill as a passionate and driven professional. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I thrive on building meaningful connections with clients and showcasing the charm of the UK and Europe through thoughtfully designed experiences. Alongside my role in tour operations, I also contribute as Co-Marketing Manager, where I develop engaging social media campaigns and a monthly newsletter.
I have worked in travel for 40 years, starting as a trainee in a travel agency. I went on to manage a very successful high street travel agency for over 20 years. At the beginning of 2008 I moved to Barton Hill Travel at its office in Poole and managed the team there when the then owner moved back to his native Australia. At the end of 2008 Barton Hill was sold and I was part of the deal!
17 years on and I’m still here, enjoying the challenges and variety that working in Group Travel brings! I tend to work on the larger groups and have a lot of regulars. I take pride in delivering programmes with keen attention to detail.
Leisure time is largely spent walking my two dogs and making jewellery. The odd gym session takes place now and then, but the good work is usually offset by a good wine and cake!
I've been passionate about travel all my life and, although it has taken me a while to get here, I now have my dream job.
I have travelled extensively throughout the UK and Europe and have gathered a wealth of knowledge about hotels, restaurants and places to visit which I am always happy to share.
Research is my speciality, and I love being able to work with clients to create exciting, interesting and unusual itineraries. If you have an idea, I'll do my very best to turn it into a reality.
My passion for travel began after leaving school and was further fuelled during my university studies, where I graduated in 2023 with a first-class BA Hons in International Tourism Management. Throughout my studies, I gained in-depth knowledge of the tourism industry, including sustainable travel and destination management. Since joining Barton Hill, I have managed a variety of bespoke group tours for a range of interests across the UK and Europe, as well as FIT tours.
Alongside my role as Programme Manager, I have taken on Marketing Manager responsibilities with my colleague Annabelle. This involves attending trade shows and running marketing campaigns to promote our offerings and strengthen our brand presence.
Based in the North West of England, I spend a lot of time in Manchester, Liverpool, and hiking in the Lake District. Though still early in my career, I am excited to share my expertise and contribute to creating exceptional travel experiences.
I trained as a travel agent after leaving school and have since had a diverse career, including roles in retail management and more recently caring for family members. However, my passion for travel has never gone away! I am delighted to now be working as part of a team who have such a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I love the fact that I learn something new every day. I enjoy working on the operational side of the business and having the opportunity to meet clients face to face at trade shows.
I’ve had the privilege of working in the travel industry for many years, starting with British Airways Engineering in 1989, where I stayed until 2007. It was an incredible foundation for my career, but I later decided to explore a different side of travel - arranging outbound tours for school groups across the UK.
In 2011, I joined Barton Hill Travel, and I’ve loved every moment since. My role as Programme Manager is both exciting and challenging. I take pride in creating bespoke itineraries and ensuring that every detail of a tour, from start to finish, is seamless and enjoyable.
I especially enjoy visiting destinations across the UK and Europe, gathering inspiration and fresh ideas to make our itineraries even more special. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people discover new places and create lasting memories, and I feel fortunate to be part of a team that shares this passion!
With years of experience in the travel industry, I specialise in creating bespoke itineraries tailored to each client’s unique preferences.
My extensive travels have allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and landscapes; I’m fortunate to combine my passion for travel with my career.