SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

A SCENIC TOUR OF EMMERDALE IN THE BEAUTIFUL YORKSHIRE DALES AND FISH AND CHIP TEA
Saturday 10th April
Today we travel to Yorkshire and visit some of the original outside locations for the T.V. soap Emmerdale. At the small village of Esholt call in the Woolpack and have a drink alternatively take a leisurely stroll to the delightful Church. Lunchtime finds us in Otley (Hotton) where there is a good range of shops and a market. On our journey home there will be a fish and chip tea at the Wetherby Whaler.

http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/

NEWMARKET AND THE NATIONAL STUD
Saturday 17th April
A special day for all horse lovers, beginning with a tour of the Newmarket area with our guides, to the racecourse to see the horses on the gallops, ending the morning with a visit to the Fieldon Stables to meet the racehorses and learn about their day to day living. There will be free time in Newmarket for lunch and to explore this delightful town. We rejoin our coach in the afternoon and travel to the National Stud for a guided tour..

http://www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

HARROGATE SPRING FLOWER SHOW
Sunday 25th April
The Great Yorkshire Showground is the perfect stage for this spectacular event, beautiful flowers and gardens, superb floral displays, horticultural sundries, rural craft marquees, exhibits and plant sales by Britain’s leading nurserymen. The catering facilities are provided by Yorkshire Pantry and Fine Country Foods.

http://www.flowershow.org.uk/

ARLEY HALL, GARDENS AND THE BLUEBELL WALK
Sunday 2nd May
Home to the Viscount and Viscountess Ashbrook, Arley Hall has great charm and character, originally built in 1469 by Piers Warburton, the present Hall built by Rowland Egerton-Warburton 1832-1845 in the Victorian- Jacobean style. The award winning gardens overlook a beautiful park lovingly created by successive generations of the family. The big wood near the Hall is home to vast carpets of bluebells, guided walk tours are available for good walkers, who must wear sensible footwear. Lunches, teas and light refreshments are available in the 16th century Tudor Barn.

http://www.arleyhallandgardens.com/

SPRINGFIELDS FESTIVAL GARDENS AND THE SPALDING TULIP PARADE FLOATS AND OUTLET SHOPPING
Monday 3rd May
The Springfields Festival Gardens are a beautifully landscaped area, featuring Chelsea-style celebrity showcase gardens by top designers. Today you can stroll around these stunning gardens and view the Tulip Parade Floats. The Springfields Outlet Shopping is home to 55 Outlet Stores selling famous named brands in fashion and homeware at great discounts. There are restaurants and cafes for refreshments.

http://www.springfieldsgardens.co.uk/

MALVERN SPRING GARDENING SHOW
Sunday 9th May
In its beautiful setting at the foot of The Malvern Hills, this national show enjoys the reputation of being the first and one of the finest RHS gardening events of the year. Superb shopping opportunities with hundreds of quality trade stands selling gardening sundries, exquisite crafts and delicious food and wine.

http://www.threecounties.co.uk/springgardening/

LITTLE MORETON HALL AND BIDDULPH GRANGE GARDEN NT
Saturday 15th May
This morning we travel to Little Moreton Hall, a fascinating venue, imagine life here in Tudor times, there are delightful wall paintings, W.C’s over the moat, the knot garden, as well as colorful tales of the Moreton family. Refreshments are available in the restaurant serving home cooked food. After lunch we visit the amazing Biddulph Grange Garden, designed in the mid 19th Century by James Bateman, visitors are taken on a journey of discovery to individual gardens inspired by countries around the world. A tea room serves light refreshments and a NT shop with plant sales.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

HOLT TO SHERINGHAM ON THE NORFOLK STEAM RAILWAY ‘THE POPPY LINE’
Saturday 22nd May
Today we travel to the charming market town of Holt and discover the delights of this ancient borough. After lunch we transfer you to Holt station where we will board the Stream Train and travel to Sheringham. Sheringham is made up of two parts, Lower Sheringham is an attractive seaside resort and Upper Sherringham is a pretty little village.

http://www.nnrailway.co.uk/

A SPECIAL TOUR OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS
Sunday 23rd May
We travel to London this morning with free time to explore our capital city and have lunch. This afternoon on arrival at the Queen’s Gallery, tea or coffee is served with an introductory talk about the history and uses of the gardens, followed by an hours guided tour of the gardens.

A DUO OF WELSH BEAUTY – LLANDUDNO AND BODNANT GARDENS - NTSaturday 29th May
Spend the day at Llandudno, the most popular resort in North Wales with beautiful beaches, a pleasant promenade, an elegant pier, The Great Orme Tramway and a host of other wonderful attractions.

Alternatively visit Bodnant Gardens, 80 acres of sheer delight. Discover magnificent displays of Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Camellias, Azaleas and the famous Laburnam Arch, which is at its best this time of the year. There is a restaurant serving a selection of refreshments, a plant centre and a gift shop.

http://www.greatorme.org.uk/Bodnant.html

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY TO WHITBY
Monday 31st May
We travel to Pickering, home to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It is here we board our *steam train and start our exciting journey through the heart of the National Park terminating at the quaint old town of Whitby. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with shops clustered around the busy Harbour and overlooked by the ruined Abbey, why not use the opportunity to take a boat trip out to sea or an open-top bus tour and for tea, the best fish and chips to buy, are here at Whitby.

A CELEBRATION OF D-DAY AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM ALREWAS AND A CARVERY LUNCH
Sunday 6th June
This morning we visit the National Memorial Arboretum comprising 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to the concept of remembrance of our Armed Forces. In the restaurant an included carvery lunch is served (sweets and drinks are extra).

THE GRAND TUDOR HOUSE CHARLECOTE PARK AND GARDENS - NT
Saturday 12th June
One of the finest Tudor Houses in Warwickshire, Charlecote Park is the family home to the Fairfax-Lucy’s with the present baronet and family living in a part of the house. Landscaped by Capability Brown, the balustrade formal garden opens on to a fine deer park by the River Avon. The Orangery is a licensed restaurant serving hot meals and light refreshments, there also is a shop

THE BBC GARDENERS WORLD LIVE AND THE GOOD FOOD SUMMER FESTIVAL AT THE N.E.C.**
Saturday 19th June 
A unique double event - Gardeners World Live has everything, floral displays, glorious show gardens, live demonstrations and the Good Food Summer Festival is an absolute must for lovers of good food.

FATHERS DAY SPECIAL - THE EAST OF ENGLAND SHOW AT PETERBOROUGH
Sunday 20th June
The East of England Show is the region’s leading farming and countryside show featuring some of the best of British livestock, displays of country sports, working steam and vintage machinery, plus a huge range of trade stands, craft stalls and a food hall serving mouth watering temptations. A great family day out.

THE MAGNIFICENT RABY CASTLE AND STAINDROP VILLAGE
Sunday 27th June
Today we travel to Raby Castle, home to Lord Barnard’s family since 1626. The castle was mainly built in the 14th century by the Neville family who lived there until 1569 when after the failure of the “Rising of the North”, the castle and lands were forfeited to the Crown. Before we arrive at the Castle we call at the lovely village of Staindrop to visit the Church of St Mary’s which is rich in monuments to the Neville family. The stables at the Castle are now a gift shop and tea rooms serving lunches and teas.

WADDINGTON AIR SHOW
Saturday 3rd July
An unforgettable day, with a 7 hour international flying display featuring The Red Arrows, The Battle of Britain memorial Flight, supported by a full line up of RAF and foreign military air craft, over 100 air craft static displays, two Exhibition Hangars, Craft Marquees and Classic Cars. Many food courts and bars will enhance an excellent day out.

WADDESDON MANOR, GARDENS AND PLANT CENTRE - NT
Sunday 11th July
Built for the Rothschilds in the late 19th century, Waddesdon Manor is home to a world-renowned collection of furniture, paintings and decorative arts, while the landscaped park has shady walks, beautiful panoramas, fountains and grottoes, with a rococo-style aviary, housing colourful exotic birds. Refreshments are available in the Manor and Stables restaurants and the shop sells a wide range of gifts and Rothschild wines.

KINGDOM COUNTRY SWAFFHAM-WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA AND WELLS AND WALSINGHAM LIGHT RAILWAY
Saturday 17th July
In the summer of 2006, location filming for the ITV series, Kingdom, starring Stephen Fry, began in the old market town of Swaffham.
This morning we visit this ancient town steeped in history and after lunch we travel to Walsingham and board the Light Railway which transports you to the small resort of Wells-Next-The-Sea. Great fish and chips to buy for tea here.

THE WENSLYDALE RAILWAY TO LEYBURN IN THE BEAUTIFUL YORKSHIRE DALES
Saturday 24th July
We travel to the Wensleydale Railway Station where we board a *steam train which takes you on a scenic ride to Leyburn.  Explore the delights of this old market town situated on the banks of the river Ure.

THE EVER POULAR SANDRINGHAM FLOWER SHOW 
Wednesday 28th July
Opened by H.R.H. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, the show has 200 trade and horticultural stands, craft marquees, a  steam fairground and a full programme of arena events including The Central Band of the RAF, dog and falconry displays. Refreshments are also available all day.

HAMPTON COURT CASTLE AND GARDENS
Monday 2nd August
This morning we visit Bromyard a traditional market town, with a charm all of its own. Visitors will find many fine buildings, a range of individual shops and restaurants and cafés for lunch. This afternoon we have a guided tour of Hampton Court Castle which is situated on the meadows of the river Lugg surrounded by woodland and extensive grounds. There is free time to wander in the spectacular gardens with a restaurant for afternoon refreshments.

THE BAKEWELL COUNTRY SHOW ** 
Thursday 5th August
Bakewell Show is a celebration of all aspects of rural life.  Set in the picturesque Peak District, the event offers the perfect day out for the whole family.

HANDBURY HALL NT AND THE DELIGHTFUL WORCESTER 
Sunday 8th August
Handbury Hall was completed in 1701 and is famed for its fine painted ceilings and staircase by Sir James Thornhill. The stunning garden includes an orangery, ice house, pavilions and mushroom house. The tearoom serves light lunches, tea, coffee and snacks. This afternoon we continue to Worcester where you can enjoy an array of shops, cafes and the beautiful Cathedral.

HEREFORD, CAPITAL OF THE WYE VALLEY AND THE BLACK AND WHITE VILLAGE TRAIL
Wednesday 11th August
Hereford is the historic capital of the Wye Valley; visit the Cathedral with the world famous Mappa Mundi and Chained Library.  After lunch we take you on a scenic drive following the black and white trail, stopping at the some of the picturesque villages.  

THE SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW
Saturday 14th August
The Shrewsbury flower show is held in the beautiful Quarry Park, a fitting location for one of the top horticultural shows of the year including show jumping, massed bands and so much more in the Arena throughout the day.

MORETON-IN-MARSH MARKET AND STOW-ON-THE-WOLDS
Tuesday 17th August
Set in the traditional Market Place of the picturesque Cotswold town of Moreton-in-Marsh, this popular market has a great atmosphere with bargains for all. This afternoon we continue to Stow-on-the-Wold full of old world charm and steeped in history.

KETTLEWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL AND PATELEY BRIDGE
Thursday 19th August
Come with us to the Yorkshire Dales and see over 100 life-size scarecrows in the beautiful village of Kettlewell, all made by local people and for refreshments visit the traditional tea rooms. We continue to charming Pateley Bridge with something for everyone.

WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK
Tuesday 24th August
Join us for an unforgettable experience at the West Midlands Safari Park, with an exciting 4 mile drive where you will see an impressive variety of wild animals. There are shows and attractions throughout the day also restaurants and cafes for refreshments.

A GEORGIAN DAY AT STUDLEY ROYAL & FOUNTAINS ABBEY – NT + EH
Sunday 29th August

HOLDENBY HOUSE, GARDENS, FALCONRY DISPLAY AND HOLDENBY FOOD SHOW
Monday 30th August
The beautiful Holdenby House, has grade 1 listed gardens, is steeped in history and today plays host to the Holdenby Food Show. There are falconry displays, a huge range of goods to purchase, live cooking demonstrations and delicious food and drink available.

CHATSWORTH COUNTRY FAIR
Saturday 5th September 
A wonderful day for country folk with a full programme of events, including marching bands, vintage car parade, birds of prey, flying demonstrations and much more. Explore the many stalls and marquees or visit the house and gardens. Refreshments are also available all day

NEW EXHIBITION AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE “THE QUEEN’S YEAR”.
Sunday 12th September
We travel down to London this morning where there will be free time to explore our capital city and have lunch. This afternoon we visit Buckingham Palace to view the exciting exhibition “The Queen’s Year”, giving a lively insight into key events in Her Majesty’s diary. Later enjoy refreshments at the new Garden Café on the West Terrace.

SPECIAL DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

SPRING TIME ON THE ISLAND OF JERSEY – April 2011
The stunning island of Jersey has some of the best beaches and the most spectacular scenery with enchanting country lanes and secluded coves. For our 6 day tour (half board) we will be staying at the Merton Hotel located in the district of St Savior in St Helier, only a 10 min walk from the beautiful sea front and town centre. The hotel has a range of facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room, bar, restaurant and lounges. Enjoy an included coach tour programme operated by the hotel with a Coastal Island Tour and visiting Jersey War Tunnels, Hamptonne Museum, La Hougue Bie, Mont Orgueil Castle and much more!
If you are interested in this holiday please contact our office, costs and April dates to be advised.

Due to popularity, all of our Day Excursions must be paid for within 14 days of booking.

All excursions that are marked ** will not have a courier on board