Excursions

A shopping special to the Belgian village of Adinkerke for the purchase of cigarettes and tobacco at heavily discounted prices. Then on to Cite Europe for lunch and more shopping.

A shopping special to the Belgian village of Ostende for the purchase of cigarettes and tobacco at heavily discounted prices. Then on to Cite Europe for wine, beer, chesses etc. Passport required

Discover the myths, legends and fascinating landscapes of North Somerset on this interesting guided tour. We head over the Mendip Hills to the intriguing town of Glastonbury for a lunch stop - alais the 'Isle of Avalon' - complete with its famous tor and impressive ruined abbey. During the afternoon we travel over the mysterious Somerset levels via Meare, Wedmore and Brent Knoll to the pleasant little seaside town of Burnham on Sea for a tea stop and stroll along the promenade, with lots of fine views over Bridgewater Bay. Includes guided tour

Unlock the secret world. The Kennet and Avon Canal is Bath's forgotten gem, built in the early 1800's and tucked away beyond the Georgian facades. The canal is the gateway to a secret world few visitors to Bath even glimpse. Join us on Bath's most luxurious floating restaurant 'The John Rennie' a broad beam canal boat with ample space, flexible seating and glass sides affording delightful views. There is also an open decj at the front. As we cruise along the wooded side of the Limpley Stoke valley, enjoy the John Rennie platter lunch. Includes cruise and lunch.

During World Wat II, Bletchley Park housed 12,000 people working in complete secrecy. Their mission was to break the Nazi Enigma cipher and be able to read the German intelligence code. You take a self-guided audio tour of the grounds, the famous huts and the nre interactive exhibition centre as well as the (Alan) Turing Bombe, the world's first programmable computer and Engima machines, made famous by the film 'Enigma'. There are more than enough different activities and exhibitions to occupy most families for a whole day, from wartime toys to working computers. There is a wartime cinema and an oustanding Churchill collection. Have a look through the ornate Victorian mansion that was headquarters to intelligence staff during the war. Includes admission and audio guide.

Enjoy a summer's day in this always delightful Dorset coastal resort

A full day to the cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth with shops, restuarants, gardens and the land train to Boscombe Pier

To the Shropshire town of Bridgnorth with its cliff railway, historic buildings and views across the River Severn, followed by a ride on the Severn Valley Railway through beautiful countryside past Bewdley to Kidderminster. Includes train ride.

Enjoy a morning trip to the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway through the Sussex countryside followed by an afternoon visit to Brighton. Includes single train ride

To the maritime city of Bristol and its annual harbour festival, featuring entertainment both on and off the water, music, dance, street theatre and water displays. There are over 250 ships and boats lining the historic quayside in the centre of the city.

To the Cotswolds village of Broadway with its stone cottages, broad greens and tea rooms, and an afternoon visit to Snowshill Manor House with a colourful and intimate Arts and Crafts inspired garden. Includes admission

Enjoy 5 hours in this beautiful Flemish city, often described as the Venice of the North. You may decide to take a leisurely canal cruise or a horse and carriage ride through the City's cobbled streets or you may prefer just to wander around the many squares and churches of this stunning city. There are many pavement cafes and restaurants for a delicious lunch. Passport required

Starting with a guided tour of Clarence House, the former home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, with many rooms remaining much as they were during her time in residence. After freetime for lunch we include admission into the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. For 2009 there will be a special exhibition of dazzling dresses and spectacular jewels worn by Her Majesty the Queen on official visits to Commonwealth countries. Includes entry & guided tour at Clarence House & entrance to Buckingham Palace.

A guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, including the Commons and Lords debating chambers and the Queen's Robing Room. During the afternoon we visit the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. For 2009 there will be a special exhibition of dazzling dresses and spectacular jewels worn by Her Majesty the Queen on offical visits to Commonwealth countries. Includes guided tour of Houses of parliament and admission to Buckingham Palace.

Starting with a coffee stop in the Crypt Cafe at St Paul's Cathedral, before starting out on our guided coach tour exploring ancient and modern London looking at birthplaces, residences, scandals and successes. After a lunch stop on the South Bank the coach will take you to Buckingham Palace for a visit to the stunning State Apartments. For 2009 there will be a special exhibition of dazzling dresses and spectacular jewellery worn by Her Majesty the Queen on official visits to Commonwealth countries. Includes guided coach tour and admission to State Apartments

A market with a difference, spread over a large area there are indoor and outdoor stalls and shops selling clothes, antiques, food from around the world, furniture and jewellery... the list is endless.

A day's visit to this fascinating Kent city with its Norman cathedral, city walls, Canterbury Tales attraction, Dane John Gardens and several museums, plus the new Whitefriars shopping centre.

Situated in Enfield, North London, it is a beautiful 30 acre estate with themed gardens surrounding a 13th century Georgian manor house and Victorian stables. Its gardens include a Japanese Garden, Kim Wilde's Jungle Gym Garden, Italianate Maze, a New Faith Garden and many historic gardens. There is a restaurnat serving a variety of refreshments

A midsummer visit to the Cotswolds hills with stops in pretty Bourton on the Water and Moreton in Marsh and stunning scenery on the way.

To the Kent village of Westerham and Chartwell, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill (the BBC's Greatest Briton) from 1925 until the end of his life. The rooms and garden remain as much as they were when he lived there. The beautifully terraced gardens contain the lakes he created and Lady Churchill's rose garden. The garden studio contains many of Churchill's paintings and you will also see many of the walls he built. There is a restaurant, kiosk and shop. Includes admission

Lunchtime in Chichester with its cathedral and city walls, and an afternoon boat trip around Chichester Harbour from Itchenor, taking in the wildlife and bird habitats together with an ever-changing shoreline. Includes boat ride.

To Christchurch with its Priory church, good shops and cafes, followed by an afternoon to Hengistbury Head and a ride on the land train with spectacular views out to sea

A popular day out with a surprise destination on the coast with time for lunch and a paddle! Coffee and tea stops along the way.

Concorde 216, known by her call sign 'Alpha Foxtrot' made her spectacular final flight home into Filton on 26th November 2003 where she remains on display. During our visit to Filton, we will enjoy an unforgettable tour on board Concorde and an explanation of the exterior of the aircraft and the principles of supersonic flight. Our visit also includes a guided tour of the Airbus UK site and airfield. After our exciting visit we journey to the restored Bristol waterside area for free time to stroll around and enjoy this rejuvenated area of the city. Includes admission

A summertime visit to Suffolk and the landscapes made famous by the artist John Constable. Stops along the way are made in medieval Lavenham with its wool church, Deham with its tea room and church and Flatford Mill in its pictursque setting.

Join us for a great day out for all the family, firstly we journey to Toddington to join the Gloucester & Warwicjshire Steam Railway for a 1 hour return jounrey through glorious Cotswold countryside to Cheltenham Racecourse station. We then continue on to the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gradens at Burford to spend the afternoon, set in 160 acres of parklands and gardens, it is home to a fascinating and varied collection of animals including lions, leopards and rhinos. Includes train journey and admission

A morning visit to the pretty village of Bourton on the Water then a scenic drive through the Cotswolds to Lechlade to board the 'Adventuress' which is a canal style wide beam passenger boat, for a 2 hour cruise on the upper reaches of the Thames near its source. Whilst cruising, enjoy a traditional cream tea. Includes cruise and cream tea.

Join our Thames boat at Chertsey Lock for a rwo and a quarter hour cruise to Hampton Court through the beautiful reaches of Chertsey and Sunbury followed by an afternoon at Hampton Court. Visit the palace, stroll through the 60 acres of internationally celebrated gardens or get lost in the world famous maze. Our coach will then return you to your local pick up point. Includes cruise and admission

Through the Southern Counties to Thomas Hardy's Dorchester with its huge weekly market, followed by an afternoon drive through Dorset and across Blackmore Vale to Shaftesbury with its often-photographed Gold Hill.

A journey through 2000 years of history, from the Iron Age to 20th century warfare, taking in Henry VIII, 13 th century sieges and the Dunkirk evacuation. Includes admission

A spectacular free air show held off the Eastbourne seafront with areobatic stunts, flying displays and attractions all along the promenade.

A tour of the Cambridgeshire fenland with its fertile landscapes, plus a visit to Ely noted for its cathedral with lantern tower, Oliver Cromwell's house and other historic buildings.

Join us for a visit to Hartley Park Fam in the heart of the Hmapshire countryside. There are over twenty four acres of Lavender growing that is harvested during July and August. We journey firstly to Alton to enjoy some freetime browsing the colourful weekly market. Then on to the Lavender Farm for an afternoon visit which includes a short talk, a walking tour of the lavender fields, distillery and more, followed by a traditional cream tea. After tea you will have ample time to visit the newly opened lavender shop at the farm.

Join us for a unique maritime experience, during the late afternoon of Bank Holiday Saturday, fine liners will depart the port of Southampton simultaneously, jpin us aboard a Blue Funnel vessel for a three hour cruise on Southampton water as we witness close up the departure of these giants of the sea. Queen Maty 2 - Independence of the Sea - Grand Princess - Oceana - Black Watch Our Blue Funnel vessel offers ample deck space and covered facilities, onboard drinks/snacks and toilet facilities. Price includes Return coach travel from the local area - Selected cruise as described - Services of driver.

A full day to the Royal Forest of Dean with a lunch break in Coleford, a drive through the historic hunting forest, and a drive along the Wye Valley to Tintern with its Abbey and Mill.

Frogmore House is located in the Windsor Great Park, and your guided tour will take you through this delightful house, telling the story of past residents. In the afternoon the coach transfers you to The Savill Garden, developed by Sir Eric Savill in 1932, where you can delight in the vibrant summer colours of the garden. You can also enjoy the excellent facilities of the Savill Building, including a gift shop, plant shop and restaurant. Includes admissions

A drive along the Meon Valley to Gosport with its Millennium promenade and views across Portsmouth Harbour. We then drive through Lee on the Solent to Hamble for time in this pictursque riverside village.

Encircling the long-water and with the palace as a back drop, the Hampton Court Flower Show offers an idyllic setting for a perfect summer's day out. Combining inspiration, innovation, quality and creativity, this lifestyle event showcases an abundance of ideas to take home. Wander through a spectacular collection of show gardens, horticultural exhibitors, and garden accessories all demonstrating accesible ideas to take home and enhance your garden. Including admission

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is an enchanting 13th century double moated castle set in 40 acres of gardens and parkland. Our day is completed with a visit to Chartwell, the family home where Churchill, Britain's greatest Prime Minister lived for more than 40 years. Rooms are furnished the way they were in his day. Includes admission to Hever and Chartwell.

In 1666 the Great Fire swept away much of London of our ancestors, but left one corner untouched. With a walk and a coach tour that takes you from one side of London to the other and a relaxing canal cruise through Regents Park, this is a day of great contrasts and interest. Meet the guide at the Museum of London for a coffee stop. Then walking from Aldersgate to Newgate via a maze of narrow streets and bygone alleyways you will see a Tudor gatehouse, visit a plague pit, see the stately Charterhouse and homes of Hercule Poirot and Sir John Betjeman. Then we travel onto the Barbican Arts Centre for a lunch stop, before the relaxing 50 minute narrow boat cruise on London's hidden waterway. Includes guided tour and canal cruise.

Best known for its fine gardens, Hinton Ampner is an alegant country house with an outstanding collection of furniture, paintings and objects d'art. The gardens are widely acknowledged to be a masterpiece of 20th century garden design with manicured lawns, topiaries, innovate colour schemes, scented plants and glorious views over the unspoilt Hampshire countryside. Tea room is available. Includes admission.

The dockyard at Chatham is famous for being the birthplace of many British warships from nelson's 'Victory' through to the more modern 'Cold War' submarine 'Ocelot'. With restored warships dating from 1878 available for you to tour, and a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of the dockyard. See the skills that were used in the building, maintaining and operation of the Royal Navy, and enjoy all there is to see and do. The visit ends with a one and a half hour River Medway cruise aboard the paddle steamer 'Kingswear Castle' to see the sights of Upnor Castle and the Napoleonic Forts at Hoo. Includes admission and paddle steamer cruise.

A guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, including the Commons and Lords debating chambers and the Queen's Robing Room. During the afternoon we include a flight on the London Eye with spectacular views over the City of London. Includes guided tour of Parliament and London Eye flight

To Southampton for the one hour Red Funnel sailing along Southampton Water to Cowes, and a drive around this holiday island with its pretty villages, breathtaking scenery and stops in Godshill and Shanklin.

A relaxing drive along the varied and interesting coastline from Whitstable to Dover.

Enjoy a day in this elegant French seaside resort of Le Touquet with its sandy beach, pavement cafes, sophisticated shops and an excellent choice of restaurants

We travel to the London Docklands in the company of an informative guide, where we include a ride on the Docklands Light Railway, and take in the historic and ultra-modern buildings in this vibrant ever-changing area. Includes guided tour and train ride

A full day visit to this world famous zoo including the Gorilla Kingdom and rainforest, and new for 2009, the transformed and updated Children's Zoo. Includes admission

Set in the Wiltshire countryside, our visit to the Marquis of Bath's estate includes the magnificent mansion, famous safari park, the world's longest hedge maze, railway and safari boats and much more.

Situated in the south west of Dorset, Lyme Regis is an historic unspoiled seaside and fishing port on the world famous Cobb Harbour. The resort is surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside. We return home via the picturesque seaside village of Charmouth.

A morning visit to the beautiful Georgian market town of Lymington where there will be time for a coffee and a wander down to the Old Town Quay. Then we drive through the New Forest for an afternoon in Bournemouth.

Into Wiltshire and the historic town of Malmesbury with its Norman Abbey and Cotswold stone houses, and a visit to the preserved village of Lacock, reckoned to be one of the country's most beautiful villages with a 14th century barn, Gothic-arched houses and abbey.

To Kent and a visit to the resort of Margate with its beach, seaside attractions and museum, and an afternoon to Broadstairs with its Charles Dickens Museum, harbour and bandstand.

Enjoy a wild day out for all the familty at this 100 acre zoological park. Wander into the bush in the company of wallabies, step into Africa for an encounter with giraffes, visit lemurs from Madagascar, listen for the roar of a tiger, come face to face with a penguin underwater and much more. Includes admission

We spend the morning and lunchtime at Melton Mowbray, a town famous for its pork pies and stilton cheese. There has been a Tuesday market here for over 1000 years abd here you will find farmers markets, fur and leather auctions, an antiques fair, livestock markets, horse sales, car boot sales and more. In the afternoon we visit nearby Barnsdale Gardens made famous by Geoff Hamilton as he presented BBC 2's Gardeners World. Barnsdale is a collection of 37 individual smaller gardens with an enormous variety of plants and gardening styles. Includes admission

A day to Dorest and Monkey World, as featured on television and with a collection of primates of all shapes and sizes housed in spacious surroundings with superb viewing areas. Includes admission

We will be joined by an Oxford Blue Badge Guide, a Morse specialist, and on the coach visit a number of the outlying locations used in the Morse and Lewis filming. These include the Oxford Canal at Thrupp, with The Boat Inn and canal basin, Woodstock and by Blenheim Palace, The Trout Inn at Lower Wolvercote, and a look at the ruins of nearby Godstow Abbey, Wytham village and jericho again by the canal. After lunch we go into Oxford centre, where our Morse guide will take us around the colleges, squares and taverns where much filming took and takes place. Includes guided tour.

An early start to beat the crowds for a visit to this wonderful country show with hundreds of stalls, arena action, country pursuits and fun for all the familty. Includes admission

Always a popular daybreak, this leisurely and scenic ride out to the New Forest includes afternoon cream tea at the Forest Tea Rooms, Burley. There will be time to explore this delightful village, and then we take a journey through the forest stopping at Lyndhurst. Includes afternoon cream tea.

Join us for a nostalgic cruise from Southampton around the Isle of Wight, making stops at Portsmouth and Yarmouth, this promises to be a very special day. Our cruise boat is the Waverley, the last sea going paddle steamer in the world - magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish and brass. The ship boasts two comfortable lounge bars, a traditional tearoom, an observation suite, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. The famous steam engines are open for passengers to view. Waverley's promenade deck is a fantastic viewing platform. Includes Waverley paddle steamer cruise.

Journey with us as we cruise up the Thames in style, aboard the last sea going paddlesteamer in the world, the PS Waverley. Built on the Clyde in 1947 the Waverley was latterly operted by Caledonian MacBrayne ferries until the completion of the service in 1974. Facing an uncertain future she was gifted to the Paddlesteamer Oreservation Society for £1, who would determine for her to continue to sail around her native waters. we travel to Southend enjoying some free time in this popular seaside reort before boarding the Waverley, as we cast off from the pier you can settle back and enjoy the sights of the Thames including passing through the Thames Flood Barrier we continue upstream to Greenwich passing the O2 Dome, as we approach Canary Wharf the new face of the Docklands is revealed. Our route takes us to the heart of London through the Docklands with historic Wapping and Limehouse to the north and Bermondsey and Rotherhithe to the south. As we approach Tower Bridge you can savour the unique experience as the lower bascules lift, allowing us to pass beneath the bridge before our journey comes to an end. Our passage in total should take 3 hours 15 minutes, on docking we board our waiting coach for the return journey home. Includes paddlesteamer cruise from Southend to Tower Bridge

A 3.5 hour cruise up the western reaches of Poole Harbour, cruising up the lazy River Frome to the historic Saxon market town of Wareham. With freetime in Wareham and Poole. Includes cruise.

Along the Regents Canal from Little Venice to London Zoo Includes cruise and admission

This inspiring garden near Chelmsford is an oasis of calm and serenity, featuring the Rose Rope Walk, shrub roses, dry garden, water features, herbaceous borders and much more, together with restaurant, plant centre and shop. Includes admission

Lunchtime in Charles Dicken's Rochester with its castle, cathedral and river views, followed by an afternoon cruise on the River Medway oboard the paddlesteamer 'Kingswear Castle' taking in views of Upnor Castle, Hoo and Darnett Ness Includes 3 hour cruise

A morning and lunchtime visit to the enchanting East Sussex town of Rye with its cobbled streets, medieval church and beautifully preserved historic houses. Rye is perched on a hill and has a uniquely unhurried atmosphere. During the afternoon we drive to the small Cinque Port of Hythe where we join the world's smallest public steam railway for a 13.5 mile ride to the Fisherman's Cottages and lighthouse at Dungeness. Includes train ride

Time for lunch and sightseeing at this picturesque small hilltop town, the setting for the famous 'Hovis' television advertisement before making our way to the scenic spendour of the Dorest heritage Coast, where towering white cliffs surround an almost circular cove.

A visit to this Elizabethan mansion set in the Kent countryside, together with an internationally celebrated garden. This is a National Trust property, so admission is free to members with a card. Includes admission

A terrific story which is hilarious and uplifting. Directed by Whoopi Goldberg star of the original film. London Palladium. Stalls seats. Evening Performance.

To Stratford upon Avon with its historic buildings, canal basin and admission included to Shakespeare's Birthplace, a medieval house in the centre of the town with rooms furnished in 16th century style, and an exhibition about the life of the Bard. Includes admission

held at the NEC Birmingham, the exhibition has earned a reputation as the largest, most inspiring quilting event in Europe, boasting a gallery from leading international artists, workshops and many sralls selling all the latest equipment. Includes admission

Held near Blandford Forum, this huge event features steam funfairs, traction engines, ploughing, threshing and agricultural techniques. An early start to beat the crowds - come prepared for the English weather. Includes admission

Join us on our annual trip to Alexandra Palace for the definitive event for anyone with a love of stitch. The show features supplies, workshops and cutting edge textile art. Includes admission

Join us for an interestingscenic five plus hour cruise, sailing from Clevedon up the River Avon through the stunning Avon Gorge, under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and onto the entrance to the Bristol Docks, return back down the Avon and then across the mouth of the Severn into the River Wye sailing under the Wye M4 bridge as far as Chepstow, finally returning downstram you cruise up the River Severn and under the magnificent Severn Road Bridges returning to Clevedon. MV Balmoral was built in Southampton in 1949 and operated under the Southampton Red Funnel Fleet for 20 years. She then moved round to the Bristol Channel where she became the last member of P&A Campbell's famous White Funnel Fleet. When they ceased operation in 1980, Balmoral moved to Dundee to become a floating restaurant and there she stood, unsuccessful and gradually falling into disrepair, until she was rescued by the friends & supporters of the Waverley. She returned to service in 1986. There is an onboard restaurnat and two bars serving meals and snacks.

Arrive at Biddenden Vinyard at midday and enjoy a Ploughman's Platter served with a glass of wine in the fascinating surroundings of Kent's oldest commercial vineyard. After lunch, take a tour of the vineyard and winery to see how wines, traditional Kentish ciders and apple juices are produced - with time for a little tasting. At approx 2.40pm rejoin your coach and take the short transfer to Tenterden in time for the 3.30pm steam departure. Once onboard the Kent and East Sussex Railway you will sample nostalgia and service from a bygone era on a leisurely round trip through the beautiful Rother Valley, arriving back in Tenterden shortly after 5.00pm. Includes ploughmans lunch, wine tasting and return train journey.

The castle is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Perhaps the most well known warden is the late Queen Mother who made regular visits to the castle. Some of the rooms used by the Queen Mother are open to visits as is her magnificent gardens given to Her Majesty for her 95th birthday. The gardens also include a commemorative lawn, woodland walk and a working kitchen garden. Following our visit to the castle,enjoy some free time in the medieval town of Sandwich, stroll around the old town with the many period houses or perhaps take a leisurely river trip. Includes admission

Waverley is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass. See and hear the mighty engines - they will provide a whiff of nostalgia for some but are sure to impress all. Sail from Weymouth on a three hour scenic cruise, view the magnificent coastline of England's first natural world heritage site as you steam along Dorset's Jurassic coast to Lulworth Cove passing such features as St Aldhelms Head and Muse Bat before turning off the entrance to beautiful Lulworth Cove.

Set in the heart of the glorious countryside of the South Downs, this wonderful museum depicts six centuries of traditional rural life with reconstructed buildings, country crafts and much more. Includes admission

Into Somerset and a visit to Wells with its magnificent cathedral and Bishops Palace, and a visit to Clarks Village with its wide range of retail outlets including Marks & Spencer.

Beneath the arch, behind the scenes, beyond your dreams, stroll into the dressing room like a superstar. Limber up in the world's most exclusive warm-up zone. Stride through the tunnel towards the hallowed turf. Climb 107 steps, stand triumphantly in front of the Toyal Box to the roar of the crowd. Until your dream of playing at Wembley Stadium comes true, there is only one way to experience all this and more. This tour is your chance to enjoy privileged access behind the scenes at the world's most magnificent stadium. Walk the footsteps of legends and feel what the world's greatest sports stars and musicians feel during the build-up to a big match or major concert. Includes tour.

Enjoy a day in this west country resort with its extensive beach, seafront and gardens

Home to the 2012 Olympic sailing events, Weymouth has a fine beach and promenade and an interesting harbour area to explore.

Enjoy a day in either of these South Coast resorts.

Your choice of resort on the day. Our coach will drop you off at your chosen destination

A visit to the battlefields of Flanders, starting in Passchendale, with stops at some of the many war cememtaries. With time in Ypres for the Last Post. Passorts Required