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First for Bridge Holidays

Overview

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. 


34 Holidays available from £235pp

Premier Bridge

This indulgent escape is based at the luxurious, adults-only La Quinta Menorca by Portblue Boutique, with its first-class facilities and service.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 2 weekly seminars
  • Return transfers between Mahon Airport and the hotel
  • 7 or 14 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink and canapés
  • Spa
    Facilities
  • New
    Venue
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2025 26th September 3rd October
  • 2026 25th September 2nd October
Travel
  • By Air
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EBU Overseas Congress
New Tour

The Green and Blue-pointed EBU Congress in autumn 2025 will take place on the beautiful turquoise Turkish coast, close to the old town of Side.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Bridge fee for the EBU Congress
  • Green and Blue Masterpoints awarded
  • Return transfers between Antalya Airport and the hotel
  • 7, 8 or 9 nights all-inclusive accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Sponsored drinks reception and prize giving
  • Excursion with included visits
  • All
    Inclusive
  • Excursions
    Included

Availability:

  • 2025 5th October
Travel
  • By Air
Premier Bridge
New Tour

Enjoy a wonderful location just a few minutes from the beach and seafront of Bournemouth on this delightful bridge break.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Complimentary car parking
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2025 6th October
Travel
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Premier Bridge

Join us in the heart of Torquay and enjoy a fantastic location just five minutes away from the stunning seafront.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Devonshire cream tea
  • Welcome drink
  • Complimentary car parking
  • No Single
    Supplement
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2025 20th October
  • 2026 23rd March 4th May 19th October
Travel
  • Join Direct
Relaxed Bridge
New Tour

Staying at the 4-star BG Caballero Hotel on Majorca, known for its stunning beaches and clear waters, you'll enjoy a blissful bridge holiday!

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions and interactive seminars
  • Return transfers between Palma Airport and the hotel
  • 7 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursion, visits and coach travel as described in the itinerary

Availability:

  • 2025 1st November
Travel
  • By Air
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Premier Bridge

With excellent dining in the beachfront restaurant and an ultra all-inclusive package, the 5-star Raga Side Hotel is a Mediterranean dream.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 2 weekly seminars
  • Return transfers between Antalya Airport and the hotel
  • 10 nights ultra all-inclusive accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Complimentary weekly laundry service
  • All
    Inclusive
  • Low Single
    Supplement
  • Spa
    Facilities

Availability:

  • 2025 2nd November
  • 2026 1st November
Travel
  • By Air
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Premier Bridge
Festive Bridge
New Tour

On this yuletide bridge holiday in Oxfordshire, welcome in the festive season with visits to Blenheim Palace and Windsor Castle.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursions and visits with coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2025 30th November
Travel
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Premier Bridge
Festive Bridge
New Tour

Join us at the beautiful Vila Gale Lagos resort hotel, ideally located on the seafront, for an overseas Christmas bridge holiday to remember!

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Return transfers between Faro Airport and the hotel
  • 10 nights half-board accommodation
  • A Christmas Day buffet lunch
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursion with lunch and coach travel as described in the itinerary

Availability:

  • 2025 18th December
Travel
  • By Air
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Premier Bridge
Festive Bridge
New Tour

Staying at the 4-star Cadbury House Hotel, nestled in the rolling North Somerset countryside, this Christmas bridge holiday is sure to be merry!

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • A light lunch on Christmas Eve
  • Christmas lunch with a glass of Prosecco and an evening buffet
  • Canapés and a buffet finger sandwich lunch on Boxing Day
  • New
    Venue

Availability:

  • 2025 23rd December
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Premier Bridge
Festive Bridge
New Tour

Join our Twixmas holiday on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds, surrounded by rolling countryside and a charming backdrop of the Cotswold Hills!

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 3 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2025 27th December
Travel
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Premier Bridge
Festive Bridge
New Tour

Situated in the Derbyshire countryside, elegant Makeney Hall has all the special ingredients needed for the perfect New Year bridge holiday.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • 4 evening meals with a glass of house wine
  • Prosecco and canapés on New Year's Eve
  • A light lunch on New Year's Day
  • Coaching for the excursion
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2025 29th December
Travel
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Premier Bridge
New Tour

Play bridge under the winter sun in beautiful Gran Canaria, with its sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, traditional towns, and lush greenery.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 2 weekly seminars
  • Return transfers between Las Palmas Airport and the hotel
  • 7 or 14 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink

Availability:

  • 2026 6th January 13th January
Travel
  • By Air
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Premier Bridge
New Tour

Discover our winter sun bridge venue on the sunny north side of Tenerife, the 4-star H10 Tenerife Playa Hotel, and enjoy an all-inclusive stay.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 2 weekly seminars
  • Return transfers between Tenerife South Airport and the hotel
  • 7 or 14 nights all-inclusive accommodation
  • All
    Inclusive
  • Masterpoints
    Awarded
  • Spa
    Facilities
  • New
    Venue

Availability:

  • 2026 21st January 28th January
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
EBU Overseas Congress

The 2026 Green and Blue pointed, winter EBU Congress will take place on the beautiful island of Madeira, close to the town of Funchal.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Bridge fee for the EBU Congress
  • Green and Blue Masterpoints awarded
  • Sponsored drinks reception and prize giving
  • Return transfers between Funchal Airport and the hotel
  • 7, 8 or 9 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursion with included visits, lunch and coach travel
  • New
    Venue
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 31st January 1st February 2nd February
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge

Staying at the 4-star Db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, enjoy a varied bridge programme and a full-day excursion to the island of Gozo.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Return transfers between Malta Luqa Airport and the hotel
  • 7 nights all-inclusive accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursion and visits as described in the itinerary
  • Local tourist tax

Availability:

  • 2026 5th February
Travel
  • By Air
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Premier Bridge
New Tour

Chase away those winter blues with a warming bridge holiday based at the 4-star Dunston Hall Hotel, tucked away in rural Norfolk.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Complimentary car parking
  • New
    Venue
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 23rd February
Travel
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge

Soak up the sun and play bridge and bowls in gorgeous Paphos, staying at the luxurious 4-star Athena Royal Beach Hotel.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 3 morning seminars
  • 5 bowls sessions
  • Return transfers between Paphos Airport and the hotel
  • 10 nights half-board accommodation
  • Wine and fruit on arrival
  • Complimentary dance lessons twice weekly

Availability:

  • 2026 25th February
Travel
  • By Air
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Premier Bridge
New Tour

Join us on this early spring bridge holiday, staying at the Hotel Carlton in Bournemouth, set in an excellent location with views across the bay.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Complimentary car parking at the hotel
  • New
    Venue
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 16th March
Travel
  • Join Direct
Play Bridge & Explore

Join us on a very special bridge tour to the Azores, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world with breathtaking natural beauty.

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 weekly seminar
  • Return transfers between Ponta Delgada Airport and the hotel
  • 7 nights half-board accommodation
  • Drinks package with dinner
  • 2 lunches
  • Excursions and visits as described in the itinerary

Availability:

  • 2026 7th April
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
Play Bridge & Explore
New Tour

On this springtime bridge holiday based in Oxfordshire, you'll cruise through the scenic 'Wind in the Willows' country and visit Windsor Castle.

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursions, visits and coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 19th April
Travel
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge
New Tour

At the 5-star Rodostamo Hotel & Spa, enjoy superb facilities, excellent service and delicious dining, as well as a varied programme of bridge.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 2 weekly bridge seminars
  • Return transfers between Corfu Airport and the hotel
  • 10 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursion and visits as described in the itinerary

Availability:

  • 2026 1st May
Travel
  • By Air
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The Spring Foursomes, one of the greatest events in the English bridge calendar, will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Bristol City Centre.

  • 3 nights bed and breakfast or half-board accommodation

Availability:

  • 2026 1st May
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Relaxed Bridge
New Tour

The setting for this Relaxed Bridge holiday is the Avisford Park Hotel, a quintessential Georgian Manor House set in 89 acres of Sussex Parkland.

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions and an interactive seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursion and coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 10th May
Travel
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge

At the entrance of Boka Bay where the Adriatic Sea meets the mountains of Montenegro, the Carine Hotel Kumbor boasts a truly stunning location.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 3 seminars
  • 11 nights all-inclusive accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursions, visits and coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • All
    Inclusive
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Spa
    Facilities
  • New
    Venue

Availability:

  • 2026 17th May
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
Play Bridge & Explore

Experience ultimate relaxation at the popular and charming Château des Comtes de Challes, set within truly beautiful surroundings.

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions and interactive seminars
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 7 nights half-board accommodation
  • Fine wine with dinner
  • Excursions and visits as described in the itinerary
  • Coach travel for excursions
  • All local taxes and porterage
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Drinks
    Package
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 7th June
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge
New Tour

Staying at the Royal & Fortescue Hotel in the historic town of Barnstaple, North Devon, you'll enjoy a wonderful, summer bridge holiday.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • New
    Venue
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 15th June
Travel
  • Join Direct
Play Bridge & Explore

Within the heart of the Rhine Valley, relax, explore and play bridge in the delightful winemaking town of Boppard.

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions and interactive seminars
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 7 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Free use of local public transport
  • Entrance to Boppard Castle and Museum
  • Excursions and visits as described in the itinerary
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 21st June
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge
New Tour

From our base in heart of Harrogate, we enjoy a walking tour of this Victorian spa town and visit the wonderful Newby Hall & Gardens.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge programme with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Excursion with coach travel and guided walk as described in the itinerary
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 21st June
Travel
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge
New Tour

From the Sprowston Manor, Golf & Country Club, play bridge and visit Sandringham, ride the Bure Valley Railway and cruise the Norfolk Broads.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 morning seminar
  • 5 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursions, visits and coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Complimentary car parking
  • Excursions
    Included
  • New
    Venue
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 5th July
Travel
  • Join Direct
Play Bridge & Explore
New Tour

Staying at the luxury 4-star Grange Hotel, combine relaxed bridge with the delight of exploring the beautiful Lake District National Park.

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions and a seminar
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursions and visits with coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Excursions
    Included
  • New
    Venue
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 14th September
Travel
  • Join Direct
Play Bridge & Explore

Visit Westport, Achill Island and Connemara’s Kylemore Abbey, and take a cruise on Killary Fjord, as you discover Ireland’s west coast.

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Return transfers between Knock Airport and the hotel
  • 5 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursions, visits and coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Spa
    Facilities
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 20th September
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge

Staying at the lovely Acacia Marina resort, enjoy the beautiful gardens and a short level walk along the seafront promenade.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 7 nights half-board accommodation in your chosen hotel of either Acacia Marina or Acacia Palace
  • Excursions, visits and coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Excursions
    Included
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 7th October
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
Relaxed Bridge
New Tour

Staying at the 4-star Kernos Beach Hotel on the beautiful island of Crete, this relaxed bridge holiday is not to be missed!

  • Services of our friendly hosts
  • Relaxed bridge sessions and interactive seminars
  • Return transfers between Heraklion Airport and the hotel
  • 7 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursion and coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Local tourist tax

Availability:

  • 2026 17th October
Travel
  • By Air
  • Join Direct
Premier Bridge
New Tour

The 4-star Nottingham Belfry Hotel is our base for this Premier Bridge holiday, with just a 15-minute drive from the city centre of Nottingham.

  • Services of an EBU-qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Varied bridge sessions with Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • 1 seminar
  • 4 nights half-board accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • Excursion and coach travel as described in the itinerary
  • Excursions
    Included
  • New
    Venue
  • Half
    Board

Availability:

  • 2026 26th October
Travel
  • Join Direct

Meet the
Team

We’ve assembled a fantastic team of directors, hosts and teachers, all dedicated to providing an engaging and supportive bridge-playing environment.

Meet the Team
Hilary and David Powell

Hilary and David Powell

Married for over 50 years, Hilary and David are bridge duo with a shared love for the game and a passion for creating memorable holidays. Welcoming, approachable, and always ready with a smile, the couple are dedicated to making your bridge holiday as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
Maggie Pyner

Maggie Pyner

Maggie started learning bridge in 1980. She played with my future husband, John Pyner, at Congress level for several years and reached the level of Life Master – and will hopefully become a Premier Life Master.
Gary and Lesley Conrad

Gary and Lesley Conrad

Gary is a Senior EBU Panel Director and Chief Tournament Director for Hertfordshire. He’s also a trainer for EBED, having helped over 200 players gain the skills to direct bridge in their own clubs. Lesley is the team’s social expert, always on hand to support solo travellers, keep the bridge room beautifully prepared, and handle all scoring and hand preparation.
Chris and Linda Benneworth

Chris and Linda Benneworth

Chris learned bridge from his mother at the age of nine, first playing Nottingham Club before moving to Acol at university and has been directing at his club since the mid-1980s. Linda started playing bridge at college, after growing up with family card games, and went on to become a county-qualified tournament director and bridge host in the mid-1990s.
Mark Hooper

Mark Hooper

Mark learned the basics of bridge in his early teens from his father, and later played informally at school. It wasn’t until university that he began playing regularly in clubs. Remarkably, Mark is entirely self-taught, having never taken formal lessons – instead learning through books and conversations with fellow enthusiasts. With over 50 years of experience at the bridge table, he has played continuously since university, including at EBU congress level and as part of his county team.
Ilona Buttinger

Ilona Buttinger

Ilona learnt to play bridge as a child round the kitchen table, but really started to adopt conventions during lockdown. She went on her first bridge holiday in March 2024, which was the Majorcan Congress.
Christine and Stewart MacFarlane

Christine and Stewart MacFarlane

Christine and Stewart MacFarlane started their own Bridge School and Club in Bath. Together, they have taught and introduced many people to this wonderful game and started running weekends away for their students in 2009. This progressed to running bridge holidays and working on cruise ships as the bridge instructors.
James and Jane Tullett

James and Jane Tullett

Jane brings her organisational and interpersonal skills to the forefront to make an excellent hosting team with her husband James. James has been playing bridge for over 30 years and is regularly picked for his county. Jane and James have travelled extensively in recent years to explore exotic parts of the world, such as Peru, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Anne Wright

Anne Wright

Anne is a host who works alongside our directors with the aim of ensuring that everyone enjoys their bridge holiday. She is friendly and approachable and enjoys her bridge, playing in several competitions near her home in Leicestershire. Anne is a qualified bridge director, and she looks forward to welcoming players of all standards.
Gary Conrad

Gary Conrad

Gary is a Senior EBU Panel Director, Chief Tournament Director for Hertfordshire, and a dedicated trainer for EBED.
Julia Brown

Julia Brown

Julia teaches bridge to beginners and runs a supervised play session once a week. It is important to her that people learn in a friendly, welcoming environment at the pace they feel happy with.
Michael Green

Michael Green

Originally from Hertfordshire, Michael began his bridge journey at just 15-years-old while attending Welwyn Garden City Grammar School – and he’s never looked back! Now, with over 60 years of experience at the table, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a true passion for the game to every event.
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