The history of Inghams

InghamsService

The story of Inghams - We know how, then and now

Inghams was founded by Walter Ingham in 1934, and has now been running for 90 years, hosting holidays that all celebrate our love for the great outdoors.

Walter was passionate about sharing all that our amazing planet has to offer with others from around Britain, be it cruising down a slope on skis, chasing the Northern lights on a sleigh or walking to the best view points across Europe.

We aim to carry on that sense of adventure in all our holidays to this day. 

Skiing holidays Walking holidays  Lapland holidays

 

1934

1935History

Walter Ingham began advertising his private ski party to the Austrian Tyrol in national newspapers at a cost of 12 guineas for 14 nights! The first group travelled out over the Christmas holiday. That same winter he organised four or five more trips to Austria.

1936

Summer1930s

Walter extended operations into the French Alps in winter and French seaside resorts in Summer.

 

 

 

1939

1939History

When the war broke out, Walter joined the army, serving until 1948. Walter later re-started his travel business in New Bond Street. Copy right - https://alchetron.com/Walter-Ingham 

1948

1948History

Christmas that year, it was time for celebration! The first post war ski party in the Dortmund Chalet of the Austrian Alpine Clun in Kuethai, Tyrol.

 

 

1950

1942History

The First snow trains to the Alps began and introduced 'dancing cars' in which customers would party the night away as they rattled across the continent.

 

1962

1963History

Walter sold the business to Hotelplan Ltd so he could get out from behind the desk and get back onto the slopes in the winter and sailing on his boat in the summer. By this point he was sending 14,000 people skiing per year.

1971

1971History

Inghams started to focus its attention on Austria, Italy and Switzerland, with prices from just £34-36 for eight days of skiing. Wouldn’t that be nice these days!

1977

1977History

Business was booming from Inghams Head office in Putney

 

1980

Summer1980s

By the early 80's Inghams was carrying 52,000 passengers per year, of which 25,000 passengers were for summer.

1984

1984Skier

The golden year, Inghams celebrates their 50th Anniversary! Carrying 27,000 passengers for winter holidays. 

 

1988

1980History

Between 1988-1993, Inghams voted Best Winter Sports Operator by Travel Agents

1997

LaplandHolidays

Towards the end of the 90's, Inghams launched their holidays to Lapland, offering customers a unique travel experience. 

 

 

1999

1990History

Ahead of the game, Inghams was the first UK ski company to take bookings online.

2008

InnTravel2008

2008 - Hotelplan purchased the award-winning walking holiday specialist, Inntravel, who are the UK's leading provider of self-guided walking.

SantasLapland2010

2010- Hotelplan acquired the Enigma Travel Group, comprising of Santa’s Lapland.

Explore2014

2014 - Inghams celebrated its 80th anniversary, and by 2015 Hotelplan took acquisition of Explore Worldwide.

 

 

2023

Inghams2023

Inghams rebranded with a renewed celebration of their passion for the great outdoors to encourage their guests to ski the slopes, walk the walks and explore the Lapland wilderness with a new feel and look to the brand.

2024

Inghams90Years

Today, we have 90 years of experience in providing specialist holidays to a global market. We aim to celebrate out past, but also our commitment to the future, with sustainability initiatives that measure our impact, reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate negative impacts. We hope to be operating holidays in the great outdoors, for many more years to come! Join us in celebrating our ski, walking and Lapland holidays and book today. 

 

Celebrate 90 years of Inghams with an extra £90 off all holidays!

Ski deals Walking deals  Lapland deals

How to book your holiday

Simply give us a call to book your holiday. Flights, hotel and transport? We’ve got you covered.

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