We specialise in unique and personalised special interest tours of Europe for groups large and small. For 40 years we have been creating tours for groups that focus on subjects and special events throughout Europe
Educational Tours
We offer tailor made itineraries for school travel, universites and alumni. Whether it is 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 for students
FIT Groups
Small independent group tours. Whilst most of our tours are larger groups we also provide services for FIT travellers. From attraction and theatre tickets in London to private transfers and rail tickets throughout Europe
Special Events
Over the past 40 years we have arranged for groups to attend many world class events and exhibitions in Europe such as the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, ANZAC Day Remembrance, Goodwood Festival of Speed, Oberammergau, Edinburgh Tattoo and just recently the 2015 Rugby World Cup
Why us? - Due to the excellent lasting relationships we have built over the past 40 years we can offer special touches and extras that we promise you will not get anywhere else. We work in consultation with you and keep in regular contact in order to create the itinerary for your tour. Our staff take all the stress out of organising a tour and ensure everything runs smoothly
About US
We create special 'one of a kind' tailor made group tours
We are experts in creating unique and personalised special interest tours of Europe for tailor made groups, conference and incentive programmes and FIT travellers. With a proven track record of providing specialist ground arrangements throughout Europe, we have arranged and continue to arrange 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 more recently the Rugby World Cup 2015.
celebrating 40 years
Established in Poole, Dorset in 1976
Round the clock support
We offer a 24 hour on call emergency service for all groups
100% commitment
We work alongside you taking the stress out of organising the tour
Personable and approachable
Independent company with a core team of 9 staff. We pride ourselves on the fact that you can speak with any one of us directly
Proud members of
Our Team
Personable and Approachable
David
Director
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.
Karen
Director
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.
Tom
Sales and Marketing Manager
I enjoy developing business relationships and have an extensive knowledge of special interest locations throughout Europe. I’ve travelled the world at both ends of the spectrum, from being a backpacker and slumming it to staying in some of the best luxury hotels.
Hazel
Programme Manager
I started work in the travel industry after leaving school and have amassed a huge knowledge of the industry over many years – too many to mention! I quickly rose through the ranks to run a very successful high street travel agency. I have been working for Barton Hill Travel since 2008.
Miriam
Programme Manager
I have worked in the travel industry for many years starting in British Airways Engineering in 1989, since which time I have enjoyed many of the thrills of tour operating both inbound and outbound to where I am today. Working for Barton Hill Travel is challenging and exciting and everyday is different, which keeps me on my toes.
Celia
Programme Manager
Born in Paris, I was educated in both France and the UK. I worked in hotels, before moving into travel and have lived and worked both in London and Paris for a number of years.
I have a passion and enthusiasm in everything I do and enjoy taking good care of any visitors with charm and elegance!
Testimonials
The service and support we received for this trip was amazing. Karen and Miriam delivered incredible support, insight and logistics management.
I am going to London prior to our next trip. I have promised myself that I will come to Barton Hill Travel and thank everyone personally.
We are beyond pleased and would love to engage Barton Hill Travel again.
The Australian Youth Choir has worked with Barton Hill Travel for over 20 years. During these years, Barton Hill Travel provided quality ground arrangements and choral performance venues on every occasion. Choristers in the Australian Youth Choir have toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe and Barton Hill Travel have ensured these young performers gained invaluable experiences. I have no hesitation in recommending their services
We have worked with Barton Hill Travel on a number of different school projects over the last 15 years and have always been impressed with their attention to detail and ability to meet our clients’ specific requests. We have no hesitation in recommending their services as a provider of quality, cost-effective ground arrangements in the UK
2018 was our first year exhibiting at ITB alongside Visit Britain. It was great to meet so many clients new and old and an interesting event compared to the World Travel Market in London. The UK and Ireland was well represented by tourist boards, tour operators and service operators and attractions all promoting the best[…]
We will be attending ITB on the 7th, 8th and 9th of March and will be based on the Visit Britain stand, Hall 18. If you are visiting ITB this year please let us know, we would love to meet with as many clients as possible. You can click below to email us directly and schedule[…]
Wishing you and your families health and happiness throughout the festive season Thank you to all who worked with us this year and all our clients and suppliers that we have met at events such as World Travel Market, ITB, Explore GB and Destination Britain North America. We look forward to working on more exciting[…]
After many years of working at Armchair DM and Barton Hill Travel Marina is retiring at the end of 2017. Dear Colleagues, After many years working at Armchair DM and Barton Hill Travel, I have now decided to enjoy more free time and retire at the end of December 2017. This has been a very[…]
Remember that everything we do is tailor made. We have created special interest tours for a large range of clients with many varying themes so the chances are we have probably arranged something similar in the past. Get in touch with us to discuss how we can help you plan and sell special interest tours to your clients