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First for Bridge Holidays

18 tours from £290pp

Arena Travel’s First for Bridge collection offers an extensive selection of quality holidays expertly created for Bridge players who love to travel. With over 20 years’ experience of organising bridge holidays and cruises in the UK and abroad, First for Bridge is proud to continue offering the professional service and high standard of holiday we’re renowned for.

All First for Bridge holidays combine a varied programme of seminars and bridge sessions with good quality hotels and fascinating destinations. Experienced directors and friendly hosts accompany every holiday. We are pleased to welcome solo travellers on all our holidays and will always find partners in the bridge room for those travelling alone. 


Christine and Stewart MacFarlane
NEW

Join us for this bridge break at the idyllic Kernos Beach Hotel, looking out on the shining Sea of Crete. We include visits to the legendary Knossos Palace, the islet of Spinalonga and more.

  • Flights from London Luton to Heraklion – flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh available at a supplement
  • Return airport transfers
  • 7 nights’ half board accommodation in the 4-star Kernos Beach Hotel
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Welcome drink
  • Services of our friendly bridge hosts and EBU qualified director
  • Tours around the famous Island of Spinalonga, Knossos the Minoan Palace and Heraklion city

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
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NEW

Enter the great English Bridge Union Spring Congress in the well-located 4-star hotel, Mercure Holland House, and enjoy 4 days of competitive Bridge located in the heart of Bristol.

  • Excellent bridge Facilities
  • 4 days of competitive bridge
  • Half-Board accommodation at the 4-star Mercure Holland House Bristol

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Barry & Maggie Watts
NEW

On this unique bridge and heritage rail holiday, enjoy our included excursions as we explore the historic Peak District.

  • 5 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Services of EBU qualified director
  • Tours around Cromford Mills, and the Peak District Bakewell

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Eddie & Kathy Williams
NEW

Join us for a Bridge holiday on Devon’s English Riviera in the heart of Torquay. You’ll stay in a fantastic location, just 5 minutes from Torquay’s seafront.

  • 4 nights' half board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Varied bridge sessions
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Services of our EBU qualified bridge director
  • Services of director Colin Simcox in February, and Eddie & Kathy Williams in May and October

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Chris and Linda Benneworth
NEW

Come with us on a Bridge holiday to Harrogate and Newby Hall & Gardens, within walking distance from the train station and town centre.

  • 4 nights Half-board Accommodation
  • Welcome Drink
  • Bridge sessions every evening and two afternoons and one morning
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Services of our friendly bridge hosts
  • Walking Tour of Harrogate with a Blue Badge Guide
  • Visit to Newby hall & Gardens with a guided House tour

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Mark Hooper

Join First for Bridge at the ever-popular Chateau des Comtes de Challes in the Rhone Alps where a full programme of...

  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Geneva (Manchester available at a supplement)
  • Airport transfers from Geneva airport on our arrival and departure dates
  • 9 nights' half-board accommodation
  • Full bridge programme directed by Mark Hooper with our friendly Bridge hosts, with seminars and varied bridge sessions
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Services of EBU qualified director

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Barry & Maggie Watts
NEW

Visit the 4-star Telford Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Ludlow for a fantastic 5 days of bridge and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge which the resort looks over.

  • 5 nights Half board Accommodation
  • Welcome Drink
  • Relaxed bridge session with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Services of our friendly bridge hosts

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
James & Jane Tullett
NEW

Join us for our third bridge holiday in beautiful Kaprun in the Austrian Alps. Our guests love the fantastic value of the included summer card, giving free access to amazing local attractions.

  • 7 nights' half board accommodation at the Hotel Toni
  • Welcome drink
  • Summer card pass
  • Relaxed bridge sessions
  • Services of EBU qualified director
  • Services of our experts James and Jane Tullett

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
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    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
James & Jane Tullett
NEW

Come and play Bridge with us at a charming hotel, enjoy countryside walks in your free time, and visit the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon.

  • Bridge sessions every evening and two afternoons and one morning
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Carvery on final evening
  • Welcome Drink
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Services of our friendly bridge hosts

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Sarah Amos

Formerly the Hotel S’Algar, the adult-only AluaSoul Menorca, has for many, many years been a firm favourite of First for Bridge.

  • Full bridge programme directed by Sarah Amos and hosted by Barry and Maggie Watts, with seminars and varied bridge sessions
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Airport transfers from Mahon airport on our arrival and departure dates
  • 7 or 14 nights in 4-star accommodation on an all-inclusive board
  • Complimentary use of the Turkish Bath, Jacuzzi and sauna in the spa at the AluaSoul Hotel

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Christine and Stewart MacFarlane
NEW

Stay in the lovely Acacia Marina resort where guests can enjoy the beautiful gardens, and a short flat walk along the sea front promenade leads into the centre of Marina di Ragusa. This small seaside resort offers a selection of cafes, bars and shops and its beautiful golden beach has been awarded a Blue Flag.

  • Return flights from Gatwick to Catania (Manchester available at a supplement)
  • Return airport transfers
  • 7 nights half board accomodation
  • Varied Bridge programme with masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Seminar
  • Services of our EBU qualified director and friendly bridge hosts
  • 2 excursions

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Christine and Stewart MacFarlane
NEW

Stay in the lovely Acacia Palace resort where guests can enjoy the beautiful gardens, and a short flat walk along the sea front promenade leads into the centre of Marina di Ragusa. This small seaside resort offers a selection of cafes, bars and shops and its beautiful golden beach has been awarded a Blue Flag.

  • Return flights from Gatwick to Catania (Manchester available at a supplement)
  • Return airport transfers
  • 7 nights half board accomodation
  • Varied Bridge programme with masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Seminar
  • Services of our EBU qualified director and friendly bridge hosts
  • 2 excursions

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Mark Hooper
NEW

For many years the idyllic island of Corfu has been a favorite destination for British holidaymakers, and the picturesque capital, Corfu Town reflects this in its diverse history.

  • 7 or 14 nights half-board accommodation
  • Return airport transfers
  • Varied bridge programme with masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 2 weekly seminars
  • One excursion to Corfu Town

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
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    • Dec
NEW

Join us on this EBU bridge holiday and enjoy a stay at the beautiful Villa Pace Park Hotel, with an included excursion to Bassano del Grappa.

  • 7 nights half-board accommodation at the 4-star superior Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese
  • Drinks package with dinner
  • Included excursion to Bassano Del Grappa, and a distillery visit with a tasting
  • Return airport transfers from Venice Marco Polo (On the 15th and 22nd Oct ONLY)
  • All EBU fees for bridge sessions
  • Green Points for Swiss Pairs and Swiss Teams events

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
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    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
James & Jane Tullett
NEW

Stroll the cobbled medieval streets of Cervo, admire the stunning coastal scenery, and visit Dolceacqua, Monaco and more during your holiday in Diano Marina, the perfect place to combine play and exploration.

  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Nice (Flights from Manchester available at a supplement for October)
  • 7 nights’ accommodation at the boutique Hotel Palace on a half board basis
  • 7 course Ligurian candlelit dinner
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Services of our EBU qualified bridge director
  • Services of experts Barry and Maggie Watts in March
  • Services of experts James and Jane Tullett in October

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Colin Simcox
NEW

We return to the superb 5-star adult only ultra all-inclusive Hotel Raga Side for our third bridge holiday. Our bridge guests cannot fail to be impressed with the excellent dining and facilities included in this holiday.

  • 7 or 14 nights accommodation
  • Complimentary weekly laundry service
  • Return airport transfers from Antalya
  • Varied bridge programme with masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Seminars twice weekly
  • Ultra all-inclusive board
  • Services of our EBU qualified director and friendly Bridge hosts

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Eddie & Kathy Williams
NEW

Join us for an idyllic bridge retreat in gorgeous South Devon, The Dartmouth Golf & Spa Hotel nestles in 225 acres of glorious South Devon countryside, and offers a tranquil setting and perfect location to explore.

  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Services of our EBU qualified director and bridge hosts
  • One seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome cocktail

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
Sarah Amos
NEW

Return to Athena Beach Hotel with us to experience it's excellent service and superb dining, with so much to do including a range of both Bridge, and Bowls sessions.

  • 7 or 14 nights half-board accommodation
  • Return airport transfers from Paphos airport
  • Varied bridge programme with masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Seminars twice weekly
  • Services of our EBU qualified director and friendly bridge hosts
  • 3 weekly bowls session
  • Complimentary dancing lessons twice weekly
  • Fruit & wine in room on arrival
  • Gala dinner on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve

Availability:

  • 2023
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec

Planning your trip

With so much on offer, you might need some inspiration! We’ve hand-picked a selection of favourite destinations and provided an overview of the very best highlights...

First for Bridge European escapes

First for Bridge European escapes Highlights

If you want to play Bridge in some of Europe’s most fascinating and beautiful places, our First for Bridge collection of European holidays has just the holiday to suit you!

Spain’s ever-popular Balearic Islands, along with the islands of Sicily, Cyprus and Malta are the perfect choice if you are looking for some Mediterranean sunshine. For a winter escape the warmer climes of Madeira or the Canary Islands may appeal. You’ll be staying in first-class, resort-style hotels and when you’re not playing Bridge there’s a whole range of facilities for you to enjoy. If you still want to follow the sun but prefer smaller, more intimate hotels, you’ll love our holidays to the Italian Riviera.  

Our collection of Bridge holidays abroad also includes lakes and mountains. Whether it’s the Italian Dolomites, the Austrian, Swiss or French Alps, you’ll be holidaying in idyllic surroundings – perfect if you want to relax and immerse yourself in Bridge. At First for Bridge we believe Bridge and cruising go hand in hand, and on our ocean and river cruises you can play Bridge between stepping ashore to explore a host of intriguing destinations.

First for Bridge European escapes cater for everyone looking for a short break to a fortnight’s holiday. On some holidays you can choose between a 7 or 14-night stay and it may be possible to fly from your local airport. Our Club Standard Bridge Holidays and Refresher’s Bridge always include the services of a qualified Bridge director and a friendly Bridge host to take care of all your travel arrangements. So, whether you’re travelling alone or as a couple, with First for Bridge you can relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be holidaying with people who share your mutual interest, enjoying amazing destinations and of course stimulating sessions of Bridge.

First for Bridge Festive Breaks

First for Bridge Festive Breaks Highlights


If you love to play Bridge and are looking to get away for the festive season, why not join us on one of our First for Bridge Christmas and New Year holidays? Whether you’re looking for some winter sun, or want a cosy hotel break closer to home, let us take care of all the trimmings so you can relax and enjoy the festivities with plenty of time for Bridge.

You’ll be staying in first-class, comfortable hotels celebrating Christmas Day with a traditional feast and seeing in the New Year in sparkling style. Whether holidaying with a partner or alone you’ll be warmly welcomed by our friendly Bridge hosts, who’ll be on hand throughout your stay and sharing the festivities. As with every First for Bridge holiday our Christmas and New Year festive breaks include a full programme of Bridge and the services of one of our qualified Bridge directors. 

First for Bridge Winter Escapes

First for Bridge Winter Escapes Highlights

Whatever your level of play, First for Bridge has a wonderful selection of winter Bridge holidays. 

Our winter sun Bridge holidays head south to the Mediterranean, Madeira and the Canary Islands where you can enjoy all the facilities of first-class, resort-style hotels. They’ve been carefully chosen to appeal to the age of our Bridge guests and their popularity means we return to many of them year-on-year. Situated in prime positions, often right on the seafront, your First for Bridge sessions may well be in a room with a view! If you want to get out and about, you’ll find local shops, bars and restaurants either within walking distance or on a good public transport route close to our hotel.

With the services of a qualified Bridge director, a full programme of Bridge and a friendly First for Bridge host on hand throughout your stay, these fantastic holidays are the perfect winter escape.

English Bridge Union Congresses

English Bridge Union Congresses Highlights

First for Bridge are pleased to announce that we will be working in partnership with the English Bridge Union for both their UK and overseas congresses from 2021. Our carefully chosen accommodation packages will cover the EBU events, meaning you can relax and unwind in comfortable surroundings, in between an exclusive EBU managed Bridge programme. We will also organise and sponsor the two annual Overseas Congresses for the English Bridge Union for the next 5 years.