SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

A DAY AT THE SEASIDE - SCARBOROUGH
Monday 18th August
Enjoy the wonderful sea air and sandy beaches or visit the Sea Life Centre, Scarborough’s most popular attraction with close-up views of marine life and a walk through dramatic, underwater tunnel. 

 

http://www.thisisscarborough.org/

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
Thursday 21st August
An historic year for Southport Flower Show, joining forces with European Capital of Culture, the city of Liverpool. The show hailed as “The Garden by the Sea” displays the finest horticulture in the north with spectacular show gardens, water features and 1 million beautiful blooms. Browse the arts & crafts and sample the best produce in the fine foods marquee. Refreshments available throughout the day.    

 

http://www.southportflowershow.co.uk/

BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND THE ROYAL MEWS
Saturday 23rd August
In 2008 for the first time ever, visitors will be able to experience the spectacle of the Palace’s Ballroom set up for a State Banquet. The horseshoe-shaped table traditionally used on such occasions will be dressed with a dazzling display of silver-gilt from the magnificent Grand Service   The Royal Mews houses the State vehicles, horse-drawn carriages and motor cars and visitors can also see the Gold State Coach which was last used during The Queen's Golden Jubilee. For most of the year the stables are home to the working horses that play an important role in The Queen's official duties.   

 

http://www.royal.gov.uk

KNEBWORTH HOUSE AND THE DINOSAUR TRAIL
Sunday 24th August
Knebworth House has been in the Lytton family since 1490.  There are 23 acres of beautiful gardens including the Dinosaur Trail, 250 acres of parkland with herds of deer, children’s adventure playground and a miniature railway plus a restaurant and gift-shop.   

 

http://www.knebworthhouse.com/

CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE – TRANSPORT EXTRAVAGANZA WEEK-END **
Bank Holiday Monday 25th August
Nestling high up in the heart of Derbyshire, Crich is home to The National Tramway Museum. The Transport Extravaganza, a celebration with hundreds of exhibits, stalls and family entertainment. There is also a choice of refreshments at Rita’s Tea room or the restored Red Lion.   

 

http://www.tramway.co.uk/

A DAY FOR LINCOLNSHIRE AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS 
Thursday 28th August
This morning we call in to the Petwood Hotel, Woodhhall Spa to view the Officers Mess, used by the famous Dam Busters 617 Squadron, also their memorial in the village. We continue to East Kirkby and The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, who own an Avro Lancaster Bomber amidst a wealth of memorabilia.  It is here we take an optional lunch (menu choice on coach). This afternoon we visit R.A.F. Coningsby for a guided tour of “The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight”   

 

http://www.petwood.co.uk/

CHATSWORTH COUNTRY FAIR
Saturday 30th August
A wonderful day for country folk with a full programme of events, including marching bands, vintage car parade, hot air balloon race, birds of prey flying demonstrations and much more. Explore the many stalls and marquees. A host of refreshments are also available.   

 

http://www.chatsworth.org

MARSH FARM AND ALREWAS MEMORIAL ARBORETUM **
Monday 1st September
A warm welcome awaits us for a delicious home made lunch at Marsh Farm in Staffordshire today. Later we take you to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, which was visited by Her Majesty the Queen in 2007.

Menu – Salmon or Chicken served with seasonal vegetable followed by Apple Pie or Trifle and tea or coffee.   

 

http://www.nationalmemorialarboretum.org/

AUDLEY END -  GRAND OPENING OF THE VICTORIAN SERVANTS QUARTERS
Sunday 7th September
Spend a day at Audley End House and Gardens and marvel at the sumptuous splendor enjoyed by royalty and aristocracy in one of England’s grandest country houses. The thriving organic Victorian Kitchen garden is especially productive this month and refreshments are available throughout the day.

 

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk

KNITTING AND STITCHING SHOW AT THE NEC **
Saturday 13th September
Whether you like cross stitch, paper craft, scrap-booking, quilting or knitting you'll find something to inspire you at the Knitting and Stitching Show.  Learn a new craft and buy great products at bargain prices!   

 

http://www.necgroup.co.uk

HARROGATE AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW AT THE GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Sunday 14th September
There are displays by leading nurserymen s, excellent indoor catering, plant market and end of show sales. 

 

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

BBC TELEVISION STUDIO TOUR  
Saturday 20th September
Tour the most famous television centre in the world where you'll see into the studios, visit BBC News, and be shown around by well-informed, entertaining guides.     

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk

“SHOWBUS” - A SPECIAL DAY FOR  BUS, COACH AND AIR  ENTHUSIASTS AT DUXFORD
Sunday 28th September
Held at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, “Showbus” is an extravaganza celebrating bus and coach transport. All air museums are also open to visitors with numerous static displays and excellent catering.    

 

http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/

DISCOVER OXFORDS UNCHANGING BEAUTY AND ITS ANCIENT COLLEGES
Saturday 4th October
Oxford, the city of Dreaming Spires, famous the world over for its Universities and place in history.  With a mix of ancient and modern, whether visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges, museums or just shopping, Oxford has it all. Take an open top bus ride for a tour of this amazing city.

http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/

THE AUTUMN GLORY OF THE COTSWOLDS AT TETBURY AND WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM
Saturday 25th October 
A morning visit to the Elizabethan market town of Tetbury with its fine old buildings and time for lunch. This afternoon we discover the wonderful collection of temperate trees and shrubs and the unforgettable Japanese Maples, all in their autumn splendour at Westonbirt. (Sensible walking shoes are recommended.)   

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS
Saturday 1st November
The Tower, the shops, the Pleasure Beach, amusements, hot dogs, candy floss, the sea breezes and most of all the spectacular illuminations.  We recommend that you view the lights either on foot or aboard one of the numerous seafront trams, thus avoiding the long queues and delays.   

http://www.blackpooltourism.com/

BEAUTIFUL CHATSWORTH AT CHRISTMAS **
Wednesday 5th November
Visit the magnificent Chatsworth House, full of Christmas treasures and surprises   Delicious food will be available too. This afternoon we take you to the farm shop which is stocked full of festive food, drinks and gifts of every kind.

http://www.chatsworth.org/

BEAUTIFUL BLENHEIM PALACE ON “STIR-UP SUNDAY”
Sunday 16th November
Blenheim Palace is decorated for Christmas with a Victorian theme and today, everyone can stir the pudding and make a wish. Estate-grown Christmas trees sparkle in the Great Courtyard and elegant decorations adorn the State Rooms.  Refreshments will be available from The Water Terrace Café and The Pleasure Gardens Café.

http://www.blenheimpalace.com/

THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR AT THE N.E.C. **
Saturday 22nd November    
 A great day for all the family with thousands of affordable gifts on offer, including crafts, toys, jewellery, festive foods, gadgets and hundreds of ideas for stocking fillers.  Experts are also on hand with advice on wrapping, decorating and entertaining.  Refreshments are also available, including roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

http://www.festivegiftfair.co.uk/

THE MAGIC OF THE BELGIAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Friday 28th November – Monday 1st December 2008

Holiday Inn Gent Expo 4*
A luxurious hotel located on the outskirts of Ghent.  All rooms are en-suite and have recently been renovated to offer air conditioning T.V., telephone, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. 

Tour includes:
Executive coach travel with hostess service, 3 nights, Bed and Buffet Breakfast, & one dinner at the Holiday Inn Gent Expo, all excursions to the Christmas Market at Brugge Liege & Gent, return ferry crossings Dover – Calais on P.O ferries.

  

http://www.visitbelgium.com

THE GOOD FOOD SHOW AT THE NEC
Sunday 30th November
An absolute must for lovers of good food and with world famous chefs under one roof, it is an amazing experience.  There are many exhibitors ranging from supermarkets, specialist food and wine shops, kitchen appliance suppliers and organic food producers, so join us to eat, drink and be merry.

 

http://www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com/

BELVOIR BY CANDLELIGHT
Friday 5th December
Join us for a truly memorable evening in the magnificently decorated Belvoir Castle by candle-light, with music and singing in every room, presented by talented musicians and choirs.  To complete this wonderful evening, a glass of mulled wine and mince pie served in the guard room, will be included.

http://www.belvoircastle.com/events.asp

THE FAMOUS LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET 
Saturday 6th December
A favourite with everyone from near and far, Lincoln Christmas Market, overlooked by the magnificent Cathedral. Come and enjoy the excitement of Christmas, there are brightly lit streets lined with shops, beautifully decorated for the festive season, street entertainers in costume, stalls crammed with Christmas fare and at Lincoln Castle, enjoy all the fun of the fair plus live entertainment.

http://www.allseasonsuk.com

AN EVENING AT THE THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR WITH DINNER AT WALSINGHAM
Monday 8th December
Join us for an evening of sheer magic.  Enjoy a mouth-watering, two course traditional Christmas dinner before we transfer you to The Thursford Christmas Spectacular, the largest Christmas show in England.

https://www.thursford.com/

SUNDAY LUNCH AT THE KNOCKERDOWN INN AND A FESTIVE CONCERT AT PIPES IN THE PEAKS **
Sunday 14th December
Your seats are reserved for a delicious Sunday lunch including sweet, at the Knockerdown Inn, in beautiful Derbyshire.  Afterwards, we get you into the festive spirit with a concert at Pipes in the Peaks.  Stephen Foulkes will be celebrating Christmas and playing all of your seasonal favourites with sherry and mince pies in the interval.     

http://www.pipesinthepeaks.co.uk/

THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR AND CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT WALSINGHAM
Monday 22nd December
Join us for an afternoon of sheer magic.  Enjoy a mouth-watering, two course traditional Christmas lunch before we transfer you to The Thursford Christmas Spectacular, the largest Christmas show in England.

https://www.thursford.com/

“OLIVER!”

A performance of the brand new production of Oliver, a much loved British musical, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, which promises to be even more spectacular than ever before.  Starring Rowan Atkinson as Fagin and an exciting new Nancy and Oliver, discovered on BBC Television.  There will be time for lunch before the show which begins at 2.30pm and we book top price seats.

http://www.oliverthemusical.com/

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