2022 has flown by and it is has been great to get back operating a full programme with great passenger numbers! All of our Christmas holidays sold out, but we have just added an extra one to Cornwall. We also have some availability for New Year and for holidays in the run up to Christmas. If you are interested, then please contact us for availability. This brochure covers 2023 up until October and we have a great selection of holidays with many new ideas, please see below for more details.
Our next brochure will be out 5th June 2023. Our holidays are delivered by our extremely modern fleet of coaches and, most importantly, by our great drivers. Many customers now find it easier to book their holiday online at barnescoaches.co.uk
To give you further peace of mind please also be assured that we are protected by the BCH-ABTOT bond scheme, so your money is always safe with us. Further details are elsewhere on this page.
All seats are now available on our coaches, if you are a single traveler and would prefer to have a double seat to yourself, please let us know at point of booking and we will accommodate this when possible.
We are often asked “Which holiday would we choose?” So for this brochure, some of our team have hand-picked their favourite tours to give you some holiday inspiration! Look out for tours marked with a logo.
Seating Plans: We use airline style numbering, and this runs 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A etc. A and B are door side seats and C and D being driver side seats. 1 is the front row through to 14 being the rear row.
NEW TOUR!
There are plenty of new tours marked with a logo and here is just a small selection of them.
The Scilly Isles (p7) are a firm favourite and this year we go by air rather than water. We have a London overnight (p11) with a couple of great attractions included. Based at the Kenwood Hotel (p23) we have a new holiday that combines the Peak District with South Yorkshire heritage. For train lovers we have a holiday that experiences the Great Central Railway (p24). In the Northwest we have a great holiday called Rippling Ribble Valley (p36) with three amazing experiences including BBC Young Gardener of the Year.
In North Wales we have a holiday based on Anglesey for the first time (p41) plus a new holiday Epic Heights and Depths (p42) that visits Anglesey as well as having four experiences. In South Wales we offer a different hotel to see the Gower from in Llanelli (p50).
Scotland continues to be popular, and we have a new Train Tour that travels on the Aberdonian (p54). There is also the chance to experience Scotland in Spring at a fabulous hotel (p57). Following a gap in 2021, when we couldn’t source accommodation, our Grand Tour of Scotland returns (p61). Our Outer Hebrides holiday for 2023 has already sold out (2024 will be on sale soon), but we do have an Inner Hebrides Tour staying on 2 different Islands (p64). Our Shetland and Orkney Holiday is also already sold out for 2023 (2024 date will be on sale soon! Keep an eye on our website for updates), but we do have a new holiday that gives you the chance to visit Orkney on a shorter holiday (P65)
Our Jersey and Guernsey holidays now run on separate dates to make transfers with the Condor easier and we have a new holiday this year that visits Jersey, Guernsey and Herm! (p66)
In the Southeast of Ireland we have a great holiday called Hook or by Crooke (p74) and in the far west of Ireland a holiday that takes in the Wild Atlantic Way (p78). Finally, we have a Baltic Coast Cruise (P86) that takes in some beautiful coastal areas of Germany and Poland.
Thank you as always, and we look forward to seeing you on board again soon!
The winner is Mr Hummerston of Wantage. Congratulations and please continue to return your feedback as it is invaluable to ensure we are getting everything right! Read our reviews at: barnescoaches.co.uk/reviews
Extras: Our holiday prices are per person and include all coach travel during the holiday. The itinerary for each holiday will make it clear if any entrances are included or not.
Our Drivers and Coaches: Our drivers are renowned for their care and professionalism whilst driving and their helpful attitude, which all contribute to the enjoyment of your holiday. All coaches are extremely modern, comfortable, air conditioned and will be fitted with a toilet plus a fridge.
Hotels: An important part of the holiday, so we are very careful about the hotels used. All are to a good standard with en suite rooms with televisions and are described individually under each holiday. Many hotels offer entertainment in the evenings. Any requests should be made on the booking forms.
Single Travellers: A large number of our passengers are single travellers and we of course welcome you aboard all of our tours. On some holidays, unfortunately, hotels will charge a supplement for single rooms, this is shown under each individual holiday. Where there is no mention of a supplement it means that we have some single rooms available without a supplement, these rooms tend to get booked up extremely quickly and any further rooms may attract a supplement from the hotel. To help you find holidays without a single supplement, look for this logo:
Wheelchair and Motorised Scooters:We are happy to carry conventional wheelchairs, however, motorised scooters do create a series of practical difficulties and we are unable to carry them on holidays that are to more than one hotel. They need to be class 2 and a maximum of 24” wide and 40” long. If you do wish to bring a wheelchair or a motorised scooter you must inform us at the time of booking so that we can check that there is space and that the scooter is a type that we are able to carry. From 2023 we will also ask you to get to one of our main pickup points.
The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all rights applying to packages; Barnes Coaches Ltd. will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, Barnes Coaches Ltd. have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that they become insolvent. Barnes Coaches Ltd. are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday Group, overseen by The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited. This is a government approved consumer protection scheme. This ensures that in relation to the coach package holidays described in this brochure (or website) that a Bond, which may be called upon in the unlikely event of the members Insolvency, protects the clients’ monies. Clients are recommended to inspect the current membership certificate at our registered office or alternatively go to www.abtot.com or telephone 0207 7065 5316 to confirm current membership. Your attention is also drawn to the Bonded Coach Holiday Group Trading Charter that will apply to these coach package holidays. Details of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found at The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
STAFF FAVOURITE!
We have a big team here at Barnes Coaches doing all they can to help keep everything running as smoothly as possible and to make sure our customers get the best experience. Our talented team consists of our office staff, many of whom you’ll hear on the phones & working behind the scenes, our mechanics who keep our coaches in tip top condition for the roads and of course our drivers who will take care of you whilst on your travels!
January 2023
Mon 23rd Falmouth 5 09
Fri 27th Paignton 4 11
Mon 30th Warners – Alvaston 5 39
February 2023
Mon 6th Llandudno 5 41
Fri 10th Falmouth 4 09 Torquay 4 11
Sun 12th London 2 11
Mon 20th Paignton 5 11 Snowdrops, Lincolnshire 5 25
Tue 21st St Agnes 5 08
March 2023
Mon 6th Eastbourne 5 17
Sun 12th St Patrick’s Week 5 72
Sun 19th Isle of Wight 6 16
Mon 20th Bournemouth 5 15
Fri 24th Paignton 4 11 Isle of Wight 4 16
Wed 29th Burgundy Cruise 10 85
April 2023
Mon 3rd Weymouth 5 14 Tenby 5 49
Mon 10th Isle of Wight 5 16
Thu 6th Jersey 6 68
Good Fri 7th Mystery 4 06
Sun 9th Spring in Highlands 7 57
Tue 11th Sidmouth 5 14
Sat 15th Falmouth 5 09
Sun 16th Jacobite Steam Train 7 52
Mon 17th York & Yorkshire 5 28 Scarborough 5 30
Fri 21st Looe 4 10 Tenby 4 49
Mon 24th Newquay 5 08 Pennine Explorer 5 34
Tue 25th Dutch Bulbs 5 79
Fri 28th Warners – Cricket 4 38
Sun 30th Boats & Trains Norfolk 5 21
May 2023
Mon 1st Welsh Wonder 5 47
Thu 4th St Agnes 5 08
Sat 6th Guernsey 7 67
Sun 7th Magical Mayo 7 77
Mon 8th Tenby 5 49
Tue 9th Isle of Man 5 69
Fri 12th Ilfracombe 4 12
Sat 13th Isle of Scilly 6 07
Mon 15th Grange over Sands 5 33 Waterways of Chester 5 40 Llandudno 5 41
Thu 18th Chateaux etc. Paris 5 80
Fri 19th Mystery (Singles) 4 06
Sun 21st Causeway Coaster 7 73
Mon 22nd Pennine Pleasures 5 31
Fri 26th Looe 4 10
Sat 27th Highland Fling 5 58 Jersey 7 68
Sun 28th Bronte etc. Harrogate 5 29 Costa Brava 10 81
Mon 29th Eastbourne 6 17
Wed 31st Higlands & Dolphins 7 60
June 2023
Thu 1st Scarborough 5 30
Sun 4th Suffolk Villages 5 20 Jersey,Guernsey & Herm 7 66
Mon 5th Paignton 5 13
Wed 7th Isle of Wight 7 16
Thu 8th Mystery 4 06
Fri 9th Warners – Bembridge 4 38
Sat 10th Desirable Dolomites 8 84
June 2023 continued...
Sun 11th Hook and Crooke 5 74
Mon 12th Skegness 5 26
Rippling Ribble Valley 5 36
Mon 19th Eastbourne 4 17 Barmouth 5 48
Sun 25th Dingle & Kerry 7 75
Mon 26th Weymouth 5 14 Bournemouth 5 15
Fri 30th Babbacombe 4 12
July 2023
Sat 1st Guernsey 7 67
Sun 2nd Garden of England 5 19
Mon 3rd Big Norfolk Skies 5 22 Morecambe 5 34
Sat 8th Great Scottish Railways 8 53
Sun 9th River & Rail Ireland 5 72
Mon 10th Grand Tour Scotland 10 61
Thu 13th Ilfracombe 5 12 Orkney & Far North 7 65
Sat 15th Jersey 7 68
Mon 17th The Northern Delights 5 32
Fri 21st Folklore etc. Kent 4 20 Isle of Man 6 70
Sun 23rd Lincolnshire 5 25
Mon 24th Aberdonian Tornado 5 54 Stirling Scotland 5 56
Thu 27th Legendary Locomotive 3 24
Fri 28th Looe 4 10
Sun 30th Falmouth 7 09 Gower 5 50
Mon 31st Pride of Yorkshire 5 27 Back in Tyne 5 32
August 2023
Tue 1st St Agnes 7 08
Wed 2nd Isle of Skye 6 62
Fri 4th Garden of England 4 18
Sun 6th Dambusters 5 24
Tenby 6 49
Mon 7th Isle of Wight 7 16 Warners – Corton 5 39 Shropshire 5 40
Fri 11th York 4 27
Sun 13th Legends of Sherwood 4 26 Northern Ireland 7 71
Sun 13th Guernsey 8 67
Mon 14th Wild North Wales 5 42
Wed 16th Let it be Liverpool 3 37
Thu 17th Isle of Scilly 6 07
Fri 18th Edinburgh Tattoo 4 50
Sat 19th Jersey 7 68
Swiss Alps 8 83
Mon 21st Pennine Explorer 5 34
Tue 22nd Disneyland Paris 4 79
Wed 23rd Royal Deeside 7 59
Fri 25th Mystery 3 06 Kynren 4 30
Edinburgh Tattoo 4 50
Mon 28th Llandudno 5 41 West Wales 5 48
Wed 30th North Coast 500 8 63
Thu 31st Cornish Gardens 5 10 Inner Hebrides 7 64
September 2023
Fri 1st Blackpool 3 35
Sat 2nd Irish Highlights 8 76
Sun 3rd Scottish Sensations 5 55
Mon 4th Blackpool/ Harrogate 5 35 Barmouth 5 48
Sun 10th Boats & Trains Norfolk 5 21
Mon 11th Eastbourne 5 17
Wed 13th Green Spain 10 82
Thu 14th Peaks & City of Steel 4 23
September 2023 continued...
Thu 14th Grange over Sands 5 33
Sat 16th Jersey 7 68
Sun 17th Suffolk Villages 5 20
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic 7 78
Mon 18th Luxurious Lakes 4 33
Scottish Borders 5 51
Fri 22nd Tenby 4 49
Sat 23rd Guernsey 7 67
Sun 24th Morecambe 6 34
Mon 25th Weymouth 5 14
South Downs 5 18
Thu 28th Northern Dramas 5 37
Fri 29th Ilfracombe 4 12 Isle of Wight 6 16 Blackpool 3 35 Sat 30th Baltic Cruise 10 86
October 2023
Mon 2nd Paignton 5 13 Skegness 5 26
Sun 8th Jacobite Steam Train 7 52
Mon 9th Frontline Kent 5 19
Fri 13th Blackpool 3 35
Mon 16th Falmouth 5 09
Isle of Anglesey 5 41 Jersey 6 68
Thu 19th St Agnes 6 08
Fri 20th Tenby 4 49
Sat 21st Matlock 2 23
Mon 23rd Eastbourne 5 17
Fri 27th Babbacombe 4 12 Mon 30th Warners – Thorseby 5 38
Some of our 2023 holidays have been on early presale for a little while, but there’s still plenty of new holidays and dates just added! If you do not see a holiday listed that you’ve already booked, please don’t panic, this is most likely because it’s already sold out!
Our next holiday brochure is due for release in June 2023, which includes our full schedule of Winter 2023 - Spring 2024 tours. If you’re on our holiday mailing list, you will automatically receive a copy once available!
We have a few options available to make your booking process as easy as possible!
A £40 per person deposit is required to reserve a booking, plus the premium for our travel Insurance (should you require it). A confirmation of your booking will then be sent to you by email (Or by post if requested) and will show when the remaining balance is payable.
Our opening hours are: Monday to Friday: 08:45-17:00 | Saturdays: 09:00-12:00
Find our booking form on page 43 of this brochure, or download a copy from our website: barnescoaches.co.uk/brochures
Online: barnescoaches.co.uk
You can book all of our holidays and pay your holiday balance on our website www.barnescoaches.co.uk at any time, simply follow the instructions. (If booking online, you won’t be required to fill in and complete a paper booking form!)
Phone: 01793 821303 (Option 1)
If you’d prefer to speak to our team to book your holiday, please call us on the number above and we will be happy to help. We‘ll reserve your place, give you a booking reference number and ask you to complete our booking form (Page 43) sign it and pay a deposit.
If you’re local to us and would prefer to book your holiday in person, you’re welcome to pop in and visit us at our depot in Swindon. Our address is: Unit E, Woodside Road, South Marston Park, Swindon, SN34AQ.
Home Door, to Coach Door Service!
Available on holidays 4 Days & over Start your holiday from your front door, (yes, literally!) and take advantage of our FREE* home pickup & drop off service. We have a range of smaller minibuses in our fleet which act as feeder vehicles to pickup customers and then meet the main coach at a central point en-route.
*View our free pickup area map on the reverse of this brochure to check if you live within our free pickup area or use our postcode checker online at: barnescoaches.co.uk/holiday-pickups
If you live outside of our pickup area, we may still be able to pick you up for a small surcharge OR see another option below!
If you don’t live locally but would still like to join us for a holiday, why not opt for an overnight hotel the night before your holiday that’s within our pickup area? That way we can pick you up from the hotel the morning of departure. We have teamed up with the 4-star Blunsdon House Hotel for a discounted rate. More information can be found on the back cover of this brochure.
First Day We follow the Atlantic Highway through Devon to Cornwall with a lunchtime stop in the Devon town of Bideford. Tours whilst at resort
A | To the south coast of Cornwall and we visit Falmouth in its beautiful position on the estuary. On our return we make a short stop in Porthleven, an unspoilt fishing harbour steeped in history.
B | We pass through Perranporth and travel along the north coast of Cornwall and after enjoying the scenic coastal drive we make a stop in Padstow. Padstow has a lovely setting by the Camel Estuary where narrow streets lead to the harbour. Later, we visit Truro, the county town of Cornwall.
C | We enjoy views of Mount’s Bay, overlooked by the beautiful St Michael’s Mount, before arriving at Land’s End where we make a short stop in this dramatic location. Then the coastal route to St Ives. St Ives is described as the jewel in Cornwall’s crown and has a picturesque fishing harbour.
D | We call at Charlestown, a pristine, unspoiled example of a Georgian working port. Poldark dock scenes are filmed here. Later we call at Mevagissey, a resort much favoured by artists for its great character.
Last Day We return by a different route and remain in Cornwall with a lunchtime stop in the historic fishing port of Looe, where two rivers create a tidal harbour. The bustling harbour is the hub of the town and home to fishing vessels as well as pleasure craft.
We experience the best of the North Coast of Cornwall whilst based in a hotel with fabulous Atlantic Ocean Views in a quiet part of Newquay, but with the town centre in walking distance. We even get to see some of the southern coast on our way to the hotel!
Monday Our first taste of Cornwall as we visit Polperro, where picturesque and tightly packed cottages appear to tumble down to the harbour, before continuing to our hotel. Tours whilst at Resort
A | Following a quick stop in Porthleven, we enjoy views of Mount’s Bay, overlooked by the beautiful St Michael’s Mount, before arriving at Land’s End where we make a short stop in this dramatic location. Then the coastal route to St Ives. St Ives is described as the jewel in Cornwall’s crown and has a picturesque fishing harbour.
B | To Boscastle which for many years was the only accessible harbour in over forty miles of craggy coastline and is full of history. Then to Tintagel, famous for its castle which is entwined with the legend of King Arthur and there is now an iconic bridge linking it with the headland. We haven’t included entry as it’s not advised for those with limited mobility, but we’ll be here long enough to give you time to visit. If you’d prefer to stay in the village there is a myriad of shops and cafes to explore.
C | A free morning in Newquay and later to Padstow, a charming fishing port and a foodie destination ever since Rick Stein opened his first restaurant here in 1975. Friday A different route home as we follow the Atlantic Highway through Cornwall and Devon to a lunchtime stop in the Devon town of Bideford.
First Day To Cornwall with a lunch time stop in Exeter, full of character, history and great food options.
Tours whilst at resort
A | We travel to the north coast of Cornwall and after enjoying the scenic coastal drive from Newquay, we make a stop in Padstow. Padstow has a lovely setting by the Camel Estuary where narrow streets lead to the harbour.
B | Following a short stop in Porthleven, we enjoy views of Mount’s Bay, overlooked by the beautiful St Michael’s Mount, before arriving at Land’s End where we make a short stop in this dramatic location. Then the coastal route to St Ives. St Ives is described as the jewel in Cornwall’s crown and has a picturesque fishing harbour.
C | We enjoy the seaside villages of Fowey and Mevagissey. Fowey looks over the beautiful estuary and Mevagissey has a distinctive twin harbour surrounded by a maze of streets.
D | We visit Truro, Cornwall’s cathedral city, with Georgian houses and interesting streets. On our return we make a short stop in Porthleven, an unspoilt fishing harbour steeped in history.
Last Day We return by a different route and remain in Cornwall with a lunchtime stop in the historic fishing port of Looe, where two rivers create a tidal harbour. The bustling harbour is the hub of the town and home to fishing vessels as well as pleasure craft.
the historic fishing port of Looe, where two rivers create a tidal harbour. The bustling harbour is the hub of the
and home to
The charming fishing villages, pretty harbours and rolling countryside have attracted visitors to Devon and Cornwall for years. In addition to featuring a variety of these, we also visit the iconic Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and have a Plymouth harbour cruise.
Thursday We travel to Devon and make a lunch time stop in the seaside resort of Teignmouth. Tours whilst at resort
A | We visit the world-famous Eden Project, a unique regeneration project that has transformed a scar into a global garden featuring two enormous Biomes. There is so much to see that will fill our day. B | We enjoy a one-hour cruise of Plymouth harbour and for the remainder of the day you have a choice; experience Plymouth yourself, or join the coach for a trip to Dartmouth. Dartmouth is a beautiful historic town situated on the west bank of the stunning River Dart in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
vessels as well as
craft. Friday We travel to Cornwall and visit Polperro, where picturesque and tightly packed cottages appear to tumble down to the harbour, before continuing to Looe. Tours whilst at resort
A | To Falmouth which has a beautiful position, and with its mild climate, subtropical plants bloom here. The magnificent natural harbour and interesting town add to the charm of this excellent resort. Later, we visit Truro, Cornwall’s cathedral city, with Georgian houses and interesting streets.
B | We visit Fowey, one of the most unique and beautiful destinations in England with lovely views and interesting shopping. Later we call at Mevagissey, a beautiful harbour village much loved by artists.
Monday To the north coast of Cornwall and we take the scenic road from Watergate Bay to Padstow where we make a lunchtime stop, then the homeward journey.
Portbyhan Hotel | www.portbyhan.com
3-star hotel situated in an unrivalled position, right at the heart of Looe. LIFT | BAR
C | To the Lost Gardens of Heligan, amazingly discovered in 1991 under a blanket of brambles after 70 years of neglect. Many of the original plants have been rescued. In th afternoon we visit a fantastic pair of nearby fishing villages in Mevagissey and Fowey, both of which are extremely picturesque. Monday We return home with a stop in Exmouth.
The warmest of welcomes awaits you on the English Riviera, South Devon’s Beautiful Bay. Surrounded by stunning coast and countryside, Torbay offers fantastic all yearround holidays for everyone. All with fine views over Torbay with its vivid blue sea and sky.
First Day To Devon and a two-hour lunchtime stop in Exeter, full of character and ancient history (on the 10th Feb tour we instead stop at Dawlish)
Tours whilst at resort
A | We cross the River Dart by boat and visit Dartmouth in its beautiful setting between steep hills and the picturesque harbour. Then a scenic drive takes us to Totnes, a captivating town set on one of Britain’s most picturesque waterways. We return to Torbay completing a scenic, circular tour.
B | To Teignmouth, a stunning coastal town with historic, Georgian buildings, long sandy beaches and fresh, local food. Then, in the afternoon, time in Torquay, a traditional yet thriving seaside town.
C | All day in Plymouth, one of Britain’s finest maritime cities with fine sea views from the Hoe and an atmospheric atmosphere in the Barbican area.
D | We visit Brixham and then cross the river Dart to visit Dartmouth.
Last Day We return home with a stop in Wells which has an historic centre, magnificent cathedral and a unique, moated Bishop’s Palace. (on the 10th Feb tour we instead stop in Bristol)
Belgrave Sands Hotel, Torquay | www.belgravesands.com
This beautifully renovated hotel is situated a stone’s throw from Torquay’s seafront. LIFT | BAR | POOL | SAUNA STEAM ROOM | GYM
Spend two days exploring our capital city. Our hotel is in a great location overlooking Tower Bridge and we get to experience this view in full from the top of Tower Bridge. Plus, from the river on a Thames Cruise! We also have plenty of free time to be able to explore, shop or do whatever takes your fancy! PLEASE NOTE: DINNER IS NOT INCLUDED BUT THE HOTEL HAS A RESTAUARANT OR THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER EATING OPTIONS NEARBY.
Sunday Direct to London and we arrive approximately 11:00. We will be dropped on Park Lane which is a great central point for shopping or museums. At 17:00 the coach will take us on to the hotel to check in.
Monday Following a relaxed breakfast we make the short walk to Tower Bridge for the Tower Bridge Experience which takes approximately one hour and includes the history of the bridge plus amazing views! We then have free time until 14:00 when we catch a cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster to see London from a different angle. From here we travel back home.
The Tower Hotel | www.guoman.com/the-tower 4-star hotel sits proudly on the Thames in the midst of some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as HMS Belfast, The Shard and of course Tower Bridge itself.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, tranquil holiday without the hassle of fighting through the crowds to get to the beach, Babbacombe is a great alternative to its busier neighbours in Torbay. Affectionately known as the ‘jewel in the crown of the English Riviera’, the beach resort of Babbacombe includes a great range of things to do and see in a quiet, laid-back setting.
Friday To the Devon coast and we make a late lunchtime stop in Dawlish, then we continue along the coast to our hotel in Babbacombe.
Tours whilst at Resort
A | A scenic tour of Dartmoor travelling via Moretonhampstead with a stop in Tavistock. On our return you can choose between being dropped back at the hotel or spending some time in Torquay.
B | We visit the other side of Torbay with stops in Paignton, with its great beaches, and Brixham with its famous harbour. Monday To nearby Teignmouth, a stunning coastal town with historic, Georgian buildings, long sandy beaches, and fresh, local food. From here we make our way home.
Ilfracombe has a picturesque harbour along with narrow streets and the North Devon coast is renowned for its unique character and spectacular scenery.
First Day We travel to Devon and stop in the historic city of Exeter. From here we follow the beautiful Taw Valley to Ilfracombe. Tours whilst at resort
A | Over Exmoor and via Simonsbath and Wheddon Cross to Dunster, perhaps it’s most picturesque village where we make a short stop. We then continue to a lunchtime stop in Lynmouth. Here there is the opportunity to take the cliff railway (not included) to Lynton.
B | We have a short day trip out to the historic harbour town of Bideford which is packed with independent shops, local produce and a picturesque quay. Then free time to explore Ilfracombe.
C | To Barnstaple on the River Taw, with its covered Victorian pannier market and famous ‘Butchers Row’. We then make a stop in Woolacombe where magnificent scenery meets the swell of the Atlantic waves on its famous beach. It’s also a lively place with lots of shops and cafes etc.
Last Day We return with a drive through the Valley of Rocks with its majestic skyline before making a stop in Minehead.
The warmest of welcomes awaits you on the English Riviera, South Devon’s Beautiful Bay. Surrounded by stunning coast and countryside, the seaside resort of Paignton offers fantastic all yearround holidays for everyone. All with fine views over Torbay with its vivid blue sea and sky. As well as the beautiful coastline, our tours will show us much of Devon’s enchanting countryside.
Monday To Devon and a lunchtime stop in Exeter, full of character and ancient history.
A | We cross the River Dart by boat and visit Dartmouth in its beautiful setting between steep hills and the picturesque harbour. Then a scenic drive takes us to Totnes, a captivating town set on one of Britain’s most picturesque waterways. We return to Torbay completing a scenic, circular tour.
B | To Teignmouth, a stunning coastal town with historic, Georgian buildings, long sandy beaches, and fresh, local food. Then, in the afternoon, time in Torquay, a traditional yet thriving seaside town.
Friday We return home with a stop in Wells which has an historic centre, magnificent cathedral and a unique, moated Bishop’s Palace.
This tour has evolved again and now includes an exclusive visit to Bishop’s Palace where we cross a breathtakingly beautiful moat to reach the 800-year-old mediaeval palace. Plus, a steam railway and the north and south coats of Devon. On arrival at the hotel we’re met with a Devon cream tea and we’ve also included a glass of wine with dinner each evening!
Friday We travel along the North Devon coast and make a lunch time stop in Lynmouth (if you wish, take the cliff railway to Lynton, admission not included). Then over Exmoor to our hotel.
Tours whilst at resort
A | We make a morning stop in Cheddar then great scenery as we drive up the gorge to visit Bishop’s Palace. Our experienced guide will share the stories of this mediaeval palace, which dates to the early 13th century. Hidden behind the fortified palace walls lie the ruins of the great hall, the Bishop’s private chapel and fourteen acres of RHS accredited grounds, including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name.
B | Over the Blackdown Hills to the Victorian resort of Sidmouth where we enjoy free time. Then on to Budleigh Salterton, one of Devon’s most un-spoilt and charming towns.
C | Free time in Tiverton before our ride on the famous West Somerset Railway to Minehead with tea and biscuits as we travel to the coast. We make an afternoon stop in Minehead before a scenic drive through Exmoor National Park.
Tuesday We return home with a stop in the resort of Burnham-on -Sea.
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Sidmouth
Tuesday To Devon and we make a lunch time stop in historic Exeter. We continue to our hotel by following the coastal route via Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. Tours whilst
A | Along the Jurassic Coast with stops in West Bay and Lyme Regis. West Bay is a charming fishing village that’s enjoyed a surge in popularity since Broadchurch was filmed there. Lyme Regis boasts breath-taking scenery and a special mystique, its historic Cobb and harbour are iconic features.
B | Taking in views of Torbay and the Exe Estuary with its fine views, we visit Dawlish and Torquay, two contrasting seaside resorts.
Saturday We return home with a stop in the compact city of Wells.
Looking for a holiday by the sea with beautiful scenery? Then look no further, Weymouth is the perfect holiday destination! With beautiful golden sands sprinkled with deckchairs, safe shallow waters and a pretty harbour side, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Monday Heading for Weymouth we call at Christchurch where Monday is market day.
Tours whilst at resort
A | Along the Jurassic Coast with stops in West Bay and Lyme Regis. West Bay is a charming fishing village that has enjoyed a surge in popularity since Broadchurch was filmed there. Lyme Regis boasts breathtaking scenery and a special mystique, it’s historic Cobb and harbour are iconic features. We conclude the day with a scenic drive alongside Chesil Beach.
B | Onto the scenic ‘isle’ of Purbeck and we make a lunch time stop in Swanage and a short stop in Corfe. Swanage has a promenade backed by attractions with great views and Corfe is a beautiful village topped by the famous castle. Before returning to our hotel, we take a ride onto the Isle of Portland with great views. Friday We head for home, travelling through the New Forest with a stop in Lyndhurst.
Crown Hotel | www.kingshotels.co.uk
The charm and character of the Crown Hotel lies in the warm and friendly atmosphere which always prevails. The hotel is located in an extremely favourable position at the top of the high street next to the town bridge, which overlooks the harbour. LIFT | BAR
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Renowned for its golden beaches and beautiful parks and gardens, Bournemouth blends the contemporary with the traditional to ensure you are truly spoilt for choice. We stay at the 3-star Trouville Hotel on the West Cliff which has great leisure facilities and entertainment every night. Plus, we’re full board (a packed lunch is provided to take out with us every day) and there’s an open bar for two hours each night on selected drinks!
Monday A lovely drive south and we stop in Christchurch where today is market day.
Tuesday We take a packed lunch with us and make a scenic drive west that includes a stop in Weymouth.
Wednesday We take packed lunches again and travel into the New Forest and we visit Beaulieu which is a stately home, motor museum and a 13th century abbey surrounded by picturesque gardens and 800 years of history. We have a guided tour of the Palace. On our return we make a short stop in Lyndhurst all the while viewing the fauna and flora of the New Forest.
Thursday We make a circular tour of Sandbanks, to view the harbour and the most exclusive houses in the country, before a stop in Poole. Then back to the hotel for a hot lunch with the afternoon free to explore Bournemouth.
Friday We return with a lunchtime stop in Lymington with its long high street, full of independent shops, and small harbour.
Renowned for its golden beaches and beautiful parks and gardens, Bournemouth blends the contemporary with the traditional to ensure you’re truly spoilt for choice. There are loads of extras on this holiday and we stay at the 4-star Cumberland Hotel.
Monday En-route we enjoy a lunchtime stop in Lyndhurst in the New Forest, from here we enjoy a scenic drive to Bournemouth. Tours whilst at resort
A | Three modes of transport today! Following free time in Poole, we board a boat for a sixty-minute cruise of Poole Harbour during which we enjoy a fish & chip lunch. Then onto Swanage where we board the Heritage Railway to Norden on a twenty-five-minute journey with views of Corfe Castle. Our coach returns us home to complete a fabulous circular tour.
B | We indulge in an idyllic haven of ten-acres of ornamental gardens at Compton Acres. Our head gardener guided tour will unravel the construction, horticulture, conservation and renovation behind the five themed gardens, that now boast over 3,000 plant species, some of which grow uniquely at Compton. Following free time to explore the vast shop and café we have free time in Bournemouth.
C | Along the Jurassic Coast with stops in West Bay and Lyme Regis. West Bay is a charming fishing village that has enjoyed a surge in popularity since Broadchurch was filmed there. Lyme Regis boasts breath-taking scenery and a special mystique, its historic cobb and harbour are iconic features.
Friday We return home with another drive through the New Forest and a stop in Lymington with its long high street and small harbour.
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The Isle of Wight has stunning coastlines, gorgeous countryside, vibrant towns and award-winning attractions all on one beautiful, picturesque island. Our tours to the island are based in Sandown which shelters in a beautiful bay and is famed for its golden sandy beach and the traditional British seafront and pier. Plus this year we also stay in Ryde.
Our main hotel on the Isle of Wight is the fabulous Trouville Hotel, which is centrally located on Sandown seafront with panoramic views, feedback is always outstanding! All twin and double rooms come with a sea view and single travellers have the option to upgrade for £20 per night. Our March date at the Trouville includes three free drinks and a free lunch!
We also have a holiday staying at the Royal Esplanade Hotel in Ryde which, as the name suggests, is positioned on the esplanade of town. Plus a holiday at The Sands Hotel (also in Sandown), which gives the option for a 3-night weekend break.
First Day We cross by ferry to the Isle of Wight and on to our hotel. Tours whilst at resort
A | We view the magnificent coastal scenery along the south of the island as we travel to Alum Bay overlooking the Needles. Later we call in at Yarmouth with its continental atmosphere and picturesque harbour.
B | To West Cowes, beautifully set on the estuary with its busy harbour and narrow streets, and on to Newport, the island’s attractive capital at the head of the river.
C | We visit the seaside resorts of Ryde and Shanklin. Ryde is the largest town on the Island and in addition to an expanse of sandy beaches, which stretch right along the town, it has a great selection of boutique shops, museums and galleries. If you would prefer, and if it’s open, we can drop you at the Isle of Wight Bus Museum! Then to Shanklin, a traditional seaside town that regularly tops the charts for the number of sunshine hours and has a great beach, shops and cafes. It also has an old town that’s worth exploring.
Sands Hotel, Sandown| www.sands-hotel.cco.uk Occupies an enviable position on the seafront. BAR
Royal Esplanade, Ryde | www.royalesplanadehotel.co.uk
A lovingly and sympathetically restored beautiful hotel that is a Victorian grade II listed building. LIFT | BAR
We make a morning stop in the quintessential village of Godshill. In the afternoon to Ventnor, great beaches and a long promenade plus great shops.
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Eastbourne is famous for its lush rolling landscapes, stunning beaches and iconic chalk sea cliffs and we have varied days out as well to show you the best of the surrounding countryside and towns. We have four great hotels in Eastbourne for you to choose from!
First Day We make a lunch time stop in Arundel which combines thousands of years of history with independent shops and cafes. Tours whilst at resort
A | We start our day with a spectacular drive across Beachy Head to vibrant and colourful Brighton, where you’ll find a treasure trove of things to do from seaside fun on the pier to the stunning heritage of the Royal Pavilion. Plus, great shops! We then make an afternoon stop in the small village of Alfriston in the Cuckmere Valley; an ancient village full of history.
B | A busy but fascinating day as we travel to Rye, an unspoilt town rising above the surrounding countryside with good views across the marshes. Then we make a short stop in Tenterden, one of the most charming towns in the Southeast, before our final stop in the delightful market town of Battle that grew up around the abbey and has history dating back to 1066. A packed and enjoyable day!
Oban Hotel | www.oban-hotel.co.uk
On the iconic seafront in the fashionable west end district. LIFT | BAR
C | We head west and explore Worthing and Littlehampton, which has two award-winning beaches, the beautiful River Arun and a large seafront garden.
Last Day We head home with a stop in Chichester, nestled at the foot of the South Downs.
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• Tours as indicated
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Based in a luxurious 3-star hotel, this tour explores the South Downs National Park area. This year we have added new and exciting attractions to this always popular holiday as we unearth hidden gems in the rolling landscape. We have a guided tour of glamorous Goodwood House. Enjoy an afternoon tea on a Routemaster bus, which is a chic way to see colorful Brighton. Visit Arundel Wetland Centre for a boat safari and enjoy the flora and fauna within the UK’s finest Woodlands Garden at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens with a one-hour Head Gardener tour.
Monday Travelling via Winchester and Petersfield we get our first views of the South Downs before a lunchtime stop in the historic town of Arundel, a picturesque town full of history and heritage. Plus of course the impressive cathedral. Tea and biscuits on arrival at the hotel.
Tuesday We spend the morning in the resort of Worthing, then it’s onto Arundel Wetland Centre where we can discover inspiring wildlife and connect with nature. We also have included a twenty-minute boat safari.
Wednesday To Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, reopened in 2019 after a closure of ten years after the largest garden restoration in England. The gardens are ancient and spectacular and we get the best of them with a sixty-minute head gardener tour. Later to Goodwood House for a guided tour plus tea and cake. The house combines glamour with the warmth of a family home and provides a dramatic setting for the most significant private art collection in the country.
Thursday In the morning we visit Lewes which is set in the South Downs National Park and boasts a wealth of cafes and pubs plus independent shops including its numerous antique and antiquarian bookshops. Then to Brighton for a ninety-minute ride on a Routemaster bus while we enjoy an afternoon tea. Back at the hotel we have a free drink with dinner followed by entertainment. Friday We spend time in Chichester itself before our journey home.
This tour takes us behind the scenes at the most famous cathedral in England. We have a tour of the Brogdale Collections; host to over 4,000 varieties of fruit trees. Pashley Manor Gardens is described as one of England’s finest gardens and filled with fresh, fragrant florals in a romantic landscaping. The chalky soil, and the southern English climate make Kent the garden of England too and you can reap the rewards at the award-winning Hush Heath Estate. Finally, we taste the sweet local produce at Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour.
Friday We travel to Kent with a lunch break in Guildford. Then on to Kent and our hotel.
Saturday To Brogdale farm where we have a private tractor tour around the 160-acre site that’s home to the National Fruit Collection which is the largest in the world and home to over 4,000 varieties! The orchards are bursting with history, stories, facts, and science! In the afternoon it’s to the coast for a stop in Whitstable where we can visit the harbour and explore independent shops. Sunday Canterbury Cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage site dating back to 597 and we have a behind the scenes tour learning about its significance, stained glass windows and more! After free time for lunch in Canterbury we head for the coast and Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour, we have a guided tour by the owner then get to choose a flavour to taste!
Monday The holiday is far from over and our first stop is Pashley Manor Gardens where the owner takes us on a tour of the elevenacres of beautiful borders and vistas. Then our final stop is Hush Heath Estate for a ‘grape to glass’ tour with the head winemaker and a tasting before the journey home.
Steeped in history and heritage, discover the essence of this region with its perfect blend of city, coast and countryside! Plus we visit two great attractions.
Sunday We travel to Kent with a lunch break in Guildford.
Monday In the morning we travel to Royal Tunbridge Wells and then in the afternoon we visit one of England’s most famous and romantic gardens, Sissinghurst, with its famous twentieth century garden. Throughout the day we travel through pretty Kent villages including Pluckley, the setting for the filming of The Darling Buds of May.
Tuesday Enjoy the best of the Kent Coast as we first travel to Deal, a unique and special place that’s classed as the prettiest seaside town in Kent. Then on to Margate, the original seaside destination and now home to the Turner Contemporary. Turner once said that Margate has ‘the loveliest skies in all of Europe’.
Wednesday In the morning we visit historic Hever Castle and gardens with its enchanting double-moated castle and 125 acres of spectacular gardens. In the afternoon we visit Rochester with its Charles Dickens connections and grand cathedral.
Thursday We return home with a stop in Windsor.
Kent has played a significant role in Britain’s maritime history, being on the frontline of England’s shores. Our tour includes a visit to Dover Castle and its evocative wartime tunnels, the Battle of Britain Memorial atop the White Cliffs plus a winery, brewery, and plenty of fine coastal scenery.
Monday We travel to Kent with a lunch break in Guildford. Tuesday To Dover Castle where the 1940 “Miracle of Dunkirk” is brought to life in its unique Secret Wartime Tunnels. There is also an underground hospital and Fire Command Post attraction. Later, we stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial, a peaceful spot that celebrates the heroes of the battle in a unique location high on the white cliffs.
Wednesday We visit the picturesque market town of Tenterden and enjoy a guided tour and tasting at the award winning Old Dairy Brewery which is housed in a World War II building, they brew a range of traditional English beers through to exciting craft beers. Later we have a visit and tasting at Chapel Down Winery which is located nearby in beautiful Kent countryside Thursday Enjoy the best of the Kent Coast as we first travel to Deal, a unique and special place that is classed as the prettiest seaside town in Kent. Then on to Margate, the original seaside destination and now home to the Turner Contemporary. Turner once said that Margate has “the loveliest skies in all of Europe”. Friday We return home with a stop in Windsor.
The county of Essex is full of surprises, from rustic riches to inspiring, enchanted heritage. This tour explores it all and provides the opportunity to discover the unexpected along the way.
Friday We travel towards Suffolk with a stop in St Albans, a jewel of a city with history, culture plus great food and shopping.
Saturday We begin in Saffron Waldren where we can marvel at the rich heritage of buildings, reflecting the wealth of this mediaeval town. Today is market day which has been held here since 1141. Then on to Audley End House & Gardens, one of the most opulent Jacobean Houses. We learn about life both above and below stairs, see impressive works of art and the glorious gardens re-modelled by Capability Brown.
Sunday A local guide is on board for a half day tour of the Essex coast and Blackwater estuary. We hear tales of smugglers navigating the many inlets and shifting sands under the cover of mist and darkness. Our lunch time stop is Maldon. Market Hill is lined with timber framed buildings. In the afternoon we visit Green Island Gardens, twenty acres that display a huge range of unusual trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs.
Monday We return home with a lunch time stop in Windsor with time to explore the town.
On this tour we explore the countryside that inspired two of the nation’s finest painters, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough. We have a local guide for the whole day whilst we explore the Suffolk villages and we have included entry to Lavenham Guildhall plus a two-hour river cruise.
Sunday We travel towards Suffolk with a stop in St Albans, a jewel of a city with history, culture plus great food and shopping. Monday We enjoy a guided tour of Suffolk’s pastel-coloured villages, whose timber-framed houses and thatched roofs make this area so unique, typified by the Guildhall at Lavenham. We include entrance to this historic building, now containing exhibitions of local history, farming and the woollen trade. The tour also takes in Sudbury, home to Gainsborough’s attractive townhouse, which is now the birthplace museum and gallery of Gainsborough.
Tuesday We venture into the heart of Constable country and visit Flatford Mill. Here we will find a 16th century thatched cottage that the artist regularly painted and an exhibition on his life and work. There is also free time in Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town.
Wednesday We enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Deben which is a Special Protected Area within the Suffolk Coasts & Heaths area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The on board commentary will tell of its rich wildlife and history. In the afternoon we visit the pretty coastal town of Aldeburgh, with its unspoilt beach dotted with fishermen’s huts and charming, historic high street.
Thursday We pass through the much photographed village of Finchingfield before we stop at Saffron Walden, an unspoilt town full of superb buildings. Following time for lunch (not included) we return home.
Sunday We head towards East Anglia with a lunch time stop in Ely, a city full of charm and beauty with one of the most magnificent cathedrals in England.
Monday We make a short stop in Wells-next-the-Sea before continuing to Holt for a ride on the North Norfolk Railway to Sheringham. We then have free time in Sheringham, a traditional fishing village.
Tuesday We travel to Aylsham where we board the Bure Valley Railway for a journey through unspoilt countryside to Wroxham. After disembarking the train we have free time in Wroxham for a lunch. Later, we catch a boat from Horning and enjoy a ninetyminute picturesque cruise along the Broads. We return to Norwich via a different scenic route through the Broads.
WednesdayTo the famous Sandringham Estate: the Norfolk retreat of the late Queen. There is time to explore the twenty-four hectares of stunning gardens, the house (with knowledgeable guides in every room) and the museum. Free time in Norwich on our return.
Thursday We return home with a lunchtime stop in St Albans, a cathedral city with history dating back to Roman times.
Monday Into East Anglia and we make a lunch time stop in Ely, a city full of charm and beauty with one of the most magnificent cathedrals in England. On arrival at the hotel we are treated to tea and biscuits.
Tuesday To Elgood’s Brewery where we discover the art of the brewer using traditional brewing methods and get to sample their range of beers. We are also treated to a tour of their four-acre garden which features 200 year old specimen trees, a herb garden and water features. There is also a light lunch provided before we return to King’s Lynn for a free afternoon.
Wednesday We start with a one-hour cruise with commentary departing from Blakeney Harbour, which is a National Trust nature reserve, where we will see seals and birds in their natural environment. We have free time for lunch in traditional fishing village of Sheringham. Then we board the North Norfolk Railway for a return journey to Holt via Weybourne. This is also known as the Poppy Line and this time of year we should be travelling through fields of poppies.
Thursday Houghton Hall is one of the finest Palladian houses in this country, built in 1720 and situated in traditional parkland. We have a tour with the head gardener which takes in the awardwinning five-acre walled garden which includes a spectacular double-sided herbaceous border, a formal rose parterre, a Mediterranean garden and much more. Later we visit Cromer, a traditional seaside resort with sandy beaches.
Friday We return with a lunch time stop in Saffron Walden, a delightful mediaeval market town.
We explore the peaks and some ground-breaking fascinations in South Yorkshire. We have a private tour experience at one of the largest stately homes in Europe, see what it was like to live and work in Victorian times and visit some elegant pump rooms to take the thermal mineral waters. Plus on our return we visit a museum dedicated to Sheffield’s industrial past.
Thursday We head north and into the dales for a lunch time stop in the beautiful town of Bakewell. Friday To Wentworth Woodhouse, a large stately home surrounded by fifty-acres of private gardens, a real Yorkshire hidden gem full of remarkable stories. We have a hidden tour for an exclusive look behind the scenes at parts not normally seen by the public. Following time to get lunch (not included) we continue to Elescar Heritage Centre. It’s a model industrial village and we can experience what it was like to live and work in Victorian times. Then, a circular tour of the Peaks passing through Buxton and Ashbourne.
Saturday We cross the peaks and head to Buxton where we have an immersive and interactive journey through nine rooms of the Buxton Crescent which tells the stories of the building, town and characters. At the pump room we can take the thermal mineral waters that rise over 5,000 feet and are a constant 27.5 degrees, these waters have been enjoyed since Roman times and enjoyed their peak during Victorian times. Later we have free time to explore Buxton and then return on a different route across the Peaks.
Sunday The holiday is far from over as we visit Kelham Island Museum where the ‘Steel City’ of Sheffield’s unique industrial story is brought to life through interactive galleries. We can also see the mighty River Don Engine, the most powerful working steam engine in Europe.
The highlight of this holiday is the Matlock illuminations but upon arrival we’re met with such entertainment as juggling and fire eating. At 8pm we’ll enjoy a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats on the River Derwent. Each boat is adorned with thousands of lights and darkness falls the boats disappear into the blackness, leaving the models seeming to glide above the water. After the parade, a firework display rounds off the night. We also enjoy the best of the Peak District on our return day.
Saturday Direct to Sheffield where we have tea and biscuits on arrival followed by a late lunch. Following a glass of wine at the hotel we make our way to Matlock Bath for the highlight of the holiday, returning to the hotel after the fireworks. Sunday Into the Peak District and we enjoy a stop in Bakewell followed by a lunch time stop in Buxton. All while enjoying a fabulous drive through the Peak District.
Mercure
Kenwood
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated (including Matlock Illuminations)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Thursday The Fosse Way runs all of the way from Cirencester to Leicester and we follow close to the route all of the way with a lunch time stop in the royal town of Leamington Spa. On arrival at the hotel we are met with tea and biscuits, and before dinner are treated to a small beer or wine.
Friday To the home of pork pies, Melton Mowbray and we visit Brockleby’s pork pie workshop where we can tantalise our tastebuds and learn skills from local artisan experts. We’ll be taught to ‘hand-raise’ our own pork pie, before a bakery tour and lunch. Then onto the highlight, a first class journey on the Great Central Railway rumbling through impressive Leicestershire landscapes. Satuday We return home with a lunch time stop in Stratfordupon-Avon.
Holiday Inn Leicester | www.ihg.com
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On this exciting tour we see a Lancaster plane that was used by the Dambusters plus view the lake where they trained. But there’s so much more to see here, and we have a great mix of scenery, history, and seaside as we visit the Peak District, Lincoln, and Skegness. But the highlight of the holiday may be the hotel where we stay. The 3-star Petwood Hotel enjoys a timelessly elegant setting and unique history as the home of 617 Squadron - the Dambusters. The hotel is set in acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland, and it’s just a short walk to explore the charming village of Woodhall Spa or stroll the spectacular grounds.
Sunday We call at Stamford, an ancient town of mellow stone and full of old world charm. Middlemarch was filmed here. Then onto our hotel in the village of Woodhall Spa. Monday We spend the day in the stunning city of Lincoln, crowned by the cathedral, one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture.
Tuesday Step back in time as we head to WW2 bomber command airfield and experience some of the greatest planes in history. The centre is a living and breathing history experience with the sights and sounds of a wartime airfield including a running Lancaster and Mosquito. Then to the coast and we spend the day in Skegness. Wednesday Squadron 617 practised their skills in the Derwent Valley on Ladybower Resevoir and we pass here as part of a circular tour of the Peak District. We make a lunch time stop in Bakewell.
Thursday We head to Melton Mowbray, famous for its
Rustic England at its very best: Our winter deal in the idyllic Lincolnshire countryside offers an exploration of the cathedral city of Lincoln, bustling market towns, charming villages, and an incredible viewing of the snowdrops at Easton Gardens. With entertainment on two nights plus an entertaining Lincolnshire talk, this tour has been a huge success over previous years.
Monday We call at Stamford, an ancient town of mellow stone and full of old world charm. Middlemarch was filmed here. On arrival we have tea and coffee plus the local speciality of Plum bread and Poacher cheese.
Tuesday We spend the day in the stunning city of Lincoln, crowned by the cathedral, one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. We also make a short stop at the Peace Gardens & Memorial at the International Bomber Command.
Wednesday To Boston, set in the heart of Lincolnshire’s dramatic Fenland and immersed in history where today it’s market day. Then a short stop in Woodhall Spa, famous for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Thursday To nearby Easton Gardens where we have a meet and greet followed by time to explore the estate and walled gardens that have been 450 years in the making. The snowdrops spread across both banks of the river and release wafts of perfume on sunny days. Later, we head over to the picturesque town of Newark-on-Trent, an authentic British market town, full of historic streets, castles, cakes and boutiques! You can unveil the unique character shaped by the ruins of Newark Castle, present as early as the year 1068, where Oliver Cromwell fought battles against the Royalists and King John was poisoned.
Friday We head to Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies and Stilton cheese with gardens alongside the river.
We stay at the Doubletree Hilton on the waterside in Lincoln which is within walking distance to the hotel. Lincolnshire is full of contrasts and surprises, and this is replicated in our four experiences. At the award-winning Heckington Windmill we have a tour, a baking demonstration, and a light lunch! Easton is one of the finest walled gardens in the UK and as well as exploring the gardens we meet the owner for a talk. Doddington Hall has over 400 years of unbroken family history and at Lincoln Castle we enjoy a tour and witness jousting!
Sunday We call at Stamford, an ancient town of mellow stone and full of old world charm. Middlemarch was filmed here.
Monday Through Lincolnshire countryside to the award-winning Heckington Windmill, it’s the only eight-sailed tower windmill remaining in the UK. Our tour and baking demonstration is a unique glimpse into the heydays of bakehouses, the lifeblood of many local areas and dating back more than 200 years. We also enjoy a light lunch before our return to the hotel.
Tuesday “A dream of Nirvana...almost too good to be true’ in the words of Roosevelt, join the resident owner as we explore and discover one of the finest walled gardens in the UK. Home to the Cholmeley family for generations, Easton Walled Gardens invites us to relax and embrace a 400-year-old setting bursting with vibrant colours, a stunning collection of walled enclosures, sprinkled with unique borders and stonework, with tales of passion, dedication and horticultural history. We return to Lincoln for free time to explore the city or relax at the hotel.
Wednesday We visit Doddington Hall which has over 400 years of unbroken family history resulting in fascinating collections and a wealth of amusing stories and we have a tour of the house and gardens. Then roll up your sleeves and get ready for a tour and a spot of knightly jousting at symbolic, battle-scarred Lincoln Castle. With over 1000 years of dramatic history to tell, from the days of William the Conqueror, the Battle of Hastings, home to the Magna Carta and Norman rebellions.
Thursday We head to Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies and Stilton cheese.
We walk in the flamboyant footsteps of Sherwood legends, along cobbled castle walls and cruising on the Trent. On our awardwinning Sherwood Forest tour, we are met by thigh-slapping and fables of the ‘hooded men’ before enjoying a hearty lunch. Belvoir Castle features in ‘The Crown’ and we have a head gardener tour of the gardens. Finally, a two-hour Trent river cruise with captivating live commentary ends with another included lunch. This hotel was used for a mystery tour in 2021 and the feedback was astonishingly good!
Sunday We stop for lunch in Warwick in the shadow of its famous castle. Then on to our hotel in Nottingham.
Monday To The Robin Hood Experience where Ezekial Bone will take us on an award-winning tour of discovery and intrigue in the guise of Robin Hood. As part of the tour we take in the impressive surroundings of Nottingham Castle and visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, England’s oldest pub and we’re rewarded with a lunch.
PLEASE NOTE: THE TWO-HOUR WALKING TOUR DOES NOT PASS ANY TOILETS. After a busy morning the afternoon is free to explore Nottingham at your own pace or relax at the hotel.
Tuesday Belvoir Castle is one of the most magnificent Regency houses in England and it has many acres of gardens designed by Capability Brown. The head gardener gives us a personalized tour. Then back to Nottingham where we enjoy a two-hour Trent river cruise where we float along one of the major rivers of England. This scenic journey will have you feeling relaxed and revitalised as you thread past all the notable sights of Nottingham. We’ll also enjoy a tasty lunch before our return.
Wednesday We return with a lunch time stop in Stratford upon Avon.
This seaside resort comes with the classic English seaside holiday activities: the donkey rides on the beach, the pier, the crazy golf, but there’s more to this Lincolnshire town. ‘Skeggy’, as it’s affectionately known, has rollercoaster rides and a seal sanctuary plus a Blue Flag beach. Skegness has something for everyone! We enjoy a day out in Lincoln and also view the Wolds, a nationally important and cherished landscape. The Quorn Hotel receives excellent feedback!
First day We call at Stamford, an ancient town of mellow stone and full of old world charm. Middlemarch was filmed here.
Tours whilst at resort
A | All-day in Lincoln, a lovely city, overlooked by its cathedral and where cobbled streets are lined by mediaeval houses. On our way we travel via Horncastle and skirt the edge of the Wolds.
B | A choice today, you can visit the nearby Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Museum (entry not included) where you can experience the largest Bomber Command Museum in the country and there is also a Lancaster bomber on site. Or stay on the coach to visit nearby Boston, a gem set in the heart of Lincolnshire’s dramatic Fenland. Later we follow the A153 across the Wolds, which are designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, to Louth. Louth is a historic town which retains a natural charm with its narrow, winding streets and marketplace.
C | Free day to explore Skegness.
Last day Heading home we stop at Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork
Few British cities offer the magical charm and beauty of York. Outstanding architecture and 2,000 years of history combine with bustling shopping streets and award-winning attractions. Our hotel is central so we can enjoy the city whenever we like from our hotel. We have a great day out of York as well as we enjoy a visit to one of Britain’s finest homes.
Friday We head north with a lunch time stop in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire and market.
Saturday We have a morning visit to York’s Chocolate Story where we learn all about chocolate and how to taste it like an expert! Plus learn the secrets behind York’s greatest products such as the chocolate orange and kit kat. The rest of the day is free to enjoy York.
Sunday We travel to nearby Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest stately homes. It is a magical place so take your time to explore the glorious gardens and the unique and theatrical architecture of the house.
Monday We return with a lunch time break in Bakewell, with fine views across the Peak District.
This is now a firm favourite of ours based in a British city that offers magical charm and beauty. Outstanding architecture and 2,000 years of history combine with bustling shopping streets and award-winning attractions. This holiday also has four great added attractions including two famous stately homes, one with a guided tour, a steam railway, and a fascinating collection. Our 4-star hotel is also superb with full leisure facilities including two indoor pools.
Monday We travel north with a lunch time break in Bakewell, with fine views across the Peak District. Tours whilst at resort
A | First to the Scarborough Fair Collection which hosts a magnificent working collection of vintage cars, steam engines, vintage fairground rides and mechanical organs, topped off with a ‘Mighty’ Wurlitzer organ in a spacious ballroom. Then to Scampston Hall, one of the finest examples of a regency country house in North Yorkshire. The first house was built around 1700 and was remodelled to a design by Thomas Leverton in 1795-1800. This is the house as you see it today, with its magnificent Regency interiors and art collection, and we have a guided tour of it. The gardens, designed under Capability Brown, include 10 acres of lakes and a Palladian bridge.
B | To Pickering where we spend time before enjoying a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Grosmont. With magnificent steam engines, beautiful rural stations and smartly-uniformed staff it’s like taking a step back in time. The remainder of the day is spent in Whitby, a maritime city steeped in history with a maze of narrow streets full of shops. There is then a scenic drive via the coast to complete a great day!
C | We spend the day at nearby Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest stately homes. It’s a magical place so take your time to explore the glorious gardens and the unique and theatrical architecture of the house.
Friday We spend four hours in York itself before returning home.
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A | To Pickering where we spend time before we enjoy a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway all the way to Whitby. With magnificent steam engines, beautiful rural stations, and smartly uniformed staff it’s like taking a step back in time. The remainder of the day is spent in Whitby, a maritime city steeped in history with a maze of narrow streets full of shops. Then there’s a scenic coastal drive via the coast to complete a great day!
B | All day is free to explore York including a fourty-five-minute river cruise at 10:30.
C | We spend the day at nearby Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest stately homes. It is a magical place, so take your time to explore the glorious gardens and the unique and theatrical architecture of the house. We return to our hotel via a stop in the Yorkshire Moors market town of Thirsk, allowing us to enjoy a round trip. Friday We return with a lunch time stop in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire and today is market day.
Harrogate is a great base as a gateway to the cobbled streets and tree-lined lanes as we travel around Bronte country. We see great scenery and have four varied experiences. At Allerton Castle we have a guided tour and an afternoon tea, we have a tour and tasting at Udders Orchard Cider, we take a ride on the Keighley & Worth Railway and finally a guided tour and cooking demonstration at York Mansion House. On one evening our hotel provides a Yorkshire evening with themed pre-dinner drink, meal, and quiz.
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated (including canal ride, Harewood House, steam train & local guide)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Sunday Up the east side of the county and we make a stop in Bakewell, idyllically situated on the banks of the river Wye and famous for its puddings.
Monday The morning is free to explore Harrogate from our central hotel. Then to Allerton Castle for a guided tour of this Victorian stately home set among manicured gardens. Highlights are a great hall and ballroom complemented by awe-inspiring woodwork and vaulted ceilings. After our tour we are treated to an afternoon tea.
Tuesday The Keighley & Worth Railway is 150 years old and the original ‘The Railway Children’ railway and it takes us on a ride from Keighley to Oxenhope through beautiful Bronte country. Haworth is where we spend our lunch time stop and is a hilltop village in the heart of Bronte country and home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum (admission not included). Later to Udders Orchard Cider which was established in 2008 from a few apples picked up on the roadside! It still uses otherwise unwanted apples and pears, and we’re treated to a talk, guided and tasting.
Wednesday To York Mansion House where there lies fascinating facades, scandalous stories, and cherished collections ready for our exploration! The kitchen is a hidden gem, and we are given a cooking demonstration before having a go ourselves! The remainder of the day is free to explore fascinating York.
Thursday We head home on a different route and cross the Southern Pennines for an early lunch time stop in Hebden Bridge. Surrounded by breath-taking scenery, this market town has been voted ‘greatest town in Europe’, ‘best small market town in the UK’ and ‘fourth funkiest town in the world!’.
Visit Scarborough, the famous resort on the stunning Yorkshire coast! We’re also close to some stunning inland scenery and this tour ensures we see the best of both, including on board a heritage railway for a sixty-minute ride through the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Plus, we enjoy a private tour of Burton Agnes Hall, full of immense charm and character.
First Day We travel north and make a lunchtime stop in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire and markets. Days whilst at resort
A | To Burton Agnes Hall for a private hall tour. It dates back to 1173, has many unusual features and has suffered little from alterations or additions in its history. Then on to Beverley, a town standing as tall as its majestic Minster with pretty market squares and beautiful Georgian townhouses.
B | We make a short trip out viewing the impressive Flamborough Head before making a stop in the resort of Bridlington, a seaside favourite that’s traditional, renowned and welcoming. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Scarborough.
C | To Pickering where we spend a short time before we enjoy a sixty-minute ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway all the way to Grosmont. With magnificent steam engines, beautiful rural stations and smartly-uniformed staff it’s like taking a step back in time. The remainder of the day is spent in Whitby, a maritime city steeped in history with a maze of narrow streets full of shops. There’s then a scenic drive back to Scarborough to complete a great day.
Last Day We return home with a lunch break in the Peak District town of Bakewell.
Now a firm favourite with the highlight undoubtedly the largerthan-life Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, the UK’s ‘must see’ spectacular outdoor live action show. Covering 2,000 years of history it’s worth every single one of the hundreds of thousands of five-star TripAdvisor reviews. We also spend time in the fascinating city of Durham and on the North Yorkshire Moor’s coast with stops in Whitby and Scarborough.
Friday We travel north with a lunch break in the Peak District town of Bakewell, home of the famous pudding.
Saturday During the day we spend our day in Durham, dominated by the cathedral with over 900 years of history. After dinner we head to Auckland Castle for the show. Following an early dinner, we head to Kynren, and as dusk turns to darkness it takes you on a spellbinding voyage through history, myth and legend.
Sunday We start the day with a scenic drive over the Yorkshire Moors via Pickering to the resort of Scarborough. From here we have a scenic coastal drive to Whitby, a maritime city steeped in history with a maze of narrow streets full of shops.
Monday We travel home with a lunchtime stop in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire and markets.
Monday We travel north and make a lunchtime stop in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire and markets.
Tuesday To nearby Raby Castle which dates to the 14th century and is one of Englan’d finest mediaeval castles. We can explore the house, 18th century walled gardens and the Deer Park with ornamental lakes. There’ll be time to get your lunch here (not included). We then visit Teesdale Cheese where the husbandand-wife team guide us from the dairy to discover award-winning cheeses and of course taste some!
Wednesday We have a local guide on board for a coach tour of discovery through the spectacular Durham Dales and the North Pennines area of outstanding natural beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark. Our expert guide will enlighten you on the many gems of the area including a woodland walk leading to ‘High Force’ - one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls dropping 70ft into the plunge pool below! There is the chance of catching sight of deer, red squirrels and soaring birds of prey.
Thursday One of the highlights of the holiday as we enjoy a ride on the South Tyne Railway, through the beautiful South Tyne Valley. It’s England’s highest heritage railway at 875ft. Following time to get food in nearby Alston, we have a dramatic ride over the Hartside Pass and complete a circular trip with a stop in the town of Barnard Castle. It’s a historic market town in the Durham Dales, but has been famous recently for other reasons.
Friday We return home with a lunch break in the Peak District town of Bakewell, a great small town to explore and home to the famous pudding.
All rooms at our central hotel overlook the River Tyne and It’s on the quayside for exploring in the light evenings and if you wish, you might like to cross one of the many famous bridges. During this tour we tower 150 feet above sea level at Bamburgh, England’s finest coastal castle, and gaze at the iconic coastline on a cruise to the Farne Islands which are home to England’s most abundant sea-bird and seal habitats. We also have a local guide on board for a day to explore the mighty Hadrian’s Wall, the Romans’ most remarkable monument in the UK. Finally, a guided tour of Durham Cathedral, an impressive building on a clifftop overlooking the city below. A huge success in 2022 when this holiday operated for the first time.
Monday We head north to Newcastle with a late lunch time stop in Wetherby, an award-winning floral market town dating back to 1240. The hotel welcome us with a hot drink and biscuits. Tuesday Durham’s cathedral is one of the great buildings of Europe and we have a guided tour including entry to the Open Treasure Exhibit. Later there’s time to explore the adjacent city centre that lies below the castle.
Wednesday We take a scenic drive through Northumberland to the coast and visit imposing Bamburgh for a guided tour. There is then free time to explore the lovely village and beach. From the castle there are stunning views of the Farne Islands, and now we go on a Farne Island experience cruise to Inner Farne. It’s a ninety-minute cruise where hopefully we’ll see seals as well as the abundant bird life which includes puffins, guillemots, razorbills and much more.
Thursday Our local guide takes us on a viewing tour by coach of Hadrian’s Wall, including a stop in a famous Roman cavalry fort. There’ll also be stops in Heddon-on-the-Wall, Corbridge, Hexham and the famous viewing point of Steel Rigg.
Friday We return home with a lunch time stop in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire and 800-year-old market.
Three differing days out as we visit a castle, some famous gardens and enjoy a historic city by the river. Our modern hotel is central and by the River Tyne so you can take advantage of the light evenings by exploring Newcastle and maybe cross the Tyne by one of its famous bridges to visit the Sage in Gateshead. Plus, all the hotel rooms overlook the River Tyne!
MondayWe head north to Newcastle with a late lunch time stop in Ripon, founded over 1300 years ago with a 7th century cathedral. Tuesday To Alnwick where we have an included visit to the gardens where we can explore acres of fascinating plants, water sculptures, the infamous Poison Garden and one of the world’s largest treehouses! Later we continue a scenic drive via Rothbury and Otterburn to the attractive market town of Hexham.
Wednesday To Durham and we enjoy an hour-long cruise on The Prince Bishop River Cruiser which offers spectacular views of the historic city, Cathedral, Castle and Bridges. There is then free time to explore Durham and we return to our hotel with a photo stop at the Angel of the North.
Thursday We take a scenic drive along the Northumberland coast with a stop in Seahouses. Then on to Bamburgh where we have included admission to the castle which has stunning views of the Farne Islands. Following free time to explore Bamburgh, a lovely village by the sea, we return to Newcastle.
Friday We return with an early lunch time stop in Wetherby, an attractive market town dating back to 1240 on the river Wharfe.
Be inspired by the Lake District’s famous breath-taking scenery, relaxing lake cruises and nostalgic steam train journeys all whilst based in lovely Grange-over-Sands, often called the ‘Riviera of the North’ due to its warm temperatures. Delightfully positioned, the town’s long promenade affords excellent views.
Day 1 North to our hotel in Grange-over-Sands just south of the Lake District.
Day 2 We travel through the heart of the wonderfully scenic Lake District, taking in Coniston Water, Rydal Water and Grasmere, to the ever-popular north lakes tourist town of Keswick. Following a lunchtime stop here we continue to England’s most beautiful lake, Ullswater, for a cruise on a steamer from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. We return to the hotel via the beautiful Kirkstone Pass.
Day 3 We enjoy a single journey on a steam train through the beautiful Leven Valley on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, before enjoying a delightful cruise along Lake Windermere from Lakeside to Bowness-on-Windermere. Bowness is popular all-yearround and people come here to sail on the lake or just to relax and savour the atmosphere and the town’s delightful setting. We also spend time in the bustling village of Ambleside. The town is surrounded by beautiful fells, woodland and parks and has great shopping plus the quirky Bridge House.
Day 4 Full steam ahead to the Western Lakes for a nostalgic trip back in time on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, affectionately known by the locals as ‘La’al Ratty’. Enjoy a return trip on Lakeland’s oldest and longest railway from the delightful coastal village of Ravenglass through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains. On our return we’ll make a short stop in the market town of Ulverston before returning to Grangeover-Sands for free time.
Day 5 We return home with a lunchtime stop at the Trentham Estate Shopping Centre.
The Inn on the Lake enjoys one of the most spectacular settings in the Lake District with its 15-acres of lawns sweeping to the shores of Ullswater. Evening meals are served in the AA Rosette lake view restaurant which has creative, exciting menus using fresh, local ingredients to ensure you remember the food as much as the hotel.
Monday North with a late lunchtime stop in Kendal, a market town on the edge of the Lake District. We travel to Pooley Bridge and along the shores of Ullswater to our hotel.
Tours whilst at resort
A | We begin with a fabulous cruise on a steamer from our hotel to Pooley Bridge along the length of Ullswater, then to a lunchtime stop in the ever-popular tourist town of Keswick. Then through the heart of the wonderfully scenic Lake District, taking in Rydal Water, Grasmere and Thirlmere to our second stop of the day in Ambleside. We complete the circular tour with a drive over the dramatic Kirkstone Pass, with views of Windermere. Great scenery all day and we view seven of the lakes! B | Into the Pennines and views all day as we climb all the way up to the Hartside Top, where we take a short break to enjoy the views back as far as the Lake District. Then on to the market town of Hexham. Hexham has an excellent range of specialist and independent shops to explore and is often described as one of the best places to live in the UK. We return via the B6318 from Chollerford to Gilsland which follows the course of Hadrian’s Wall. Thursday The holiday is not over as we make another drive over the Kirkstone Pass in the opposite direction and make a stop in Bowness-on-Windermere. We continue along the eastern edge of Windermere with some great views, before heading south.
Staying in a fine hotel on the edge of the Pennines, this holiday features three journeys through the hills and moors of North Yorkshire and Cumbria. Sit back, relax and watch the dramatic landscape unfold from the comfort of a steam train, canal boat, modern train and of course from your coach!
Monday We make a lunchtime stop at Trentham Shopping Village. Tuesday We make a morning stop at Bolton Abbey, the amazing ruins of a priory surrounded by the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Yorkshire’s landscapes. Then a return ride on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, an evocative ride in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages. Then to the idyllic market town of Pateley Bridge with its award-winning high street that looks as if it were designed with postcards in mind.
Wednesday Steeped in history and natural beauty, the Leeds Liverpool canal is a truly fascinating waterway. Departing from Skipton our skipper unravels the 200-year-old tale of the canal while passing through spectacular scenery, mill buildings and swing bridges. The trip includes tea/coffee and biscuits. Following free time for lunch we board a train to Carlisle which includes the famous 72-miles from Settle to Carlisle. This journey is steeped in history and it takes us through magnificent Yorkshire Dale scenery, over the twenty-four arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct and through the gentle, lush, rolling hills of the Eden Valley. Thursday Haworth’s fame is mainly thanks to the Bronte sisters, but these days it’s also known as a haven for independents ranging from handmade chocolate to art galleries plus an array of places to eat and drink whilst browsing up and down the cobbled high st. Later we stop in Hebden Bridge, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Friday To Bridgnorth for an afternoon stop and then to round the holiday off we enjoy a ride on the Severn Valley Railway.
A superb tour viewing some of Britain’s finest scenery in both the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. Our centre is Morecambe with its level, five-mile promenade and superb views across the bay to the Lakeland hills, especially at sunset. We also enjoy an evening trip to view the famous Blackpool lights which adds to all the extras on this great holiday.
First Day We travel north with a stop at Trentham Shopping Centre. Tours whilst at resort
A | The Yorkshire Dales beckon today as we travel via the beautiful Lune Valley into the Pennine mountains through lovely but remote countryside, to call at Hawes in Wensleydale. Whilst in Hawes we enjoy a demonstration and tasting at the Wensleydale Cheese Shop. Our return is through scenic Garsdale and Sedbergh to call at Kirkby Lonsdale. In the evening we have an early dinner before we view the Blackpool Illuminations. (Applicable for Sept date only)
B | A free day to explore Morecambe, or maybe catch a local bus to nearby Lancaster.
C | Into the Northern Lake District and we enjoy a boat ride from Lakeside, on the southern tip of Windermere, to Bowness. We have time to explore Bowness before continuing to our afternoon visit to Holker Hall & Gardens. The estate is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into parkland, framed by the Lakeland Hills.
D | Into the Northen lakes today and we view seven lakes in total! We pass Rydal, Grasmere and Thirlmere enroute to our lunchtime stop in Keswick, set near Derwent Water. On our return we view Ullswater and Brothers Water before a dramatic ride over the Kirkstone Pass. Last Day We return home with a stop at the famous Bury Market, previously voted the best market in the UK.
If you can’t decide between coast and country, then choose this tour which shows you the best of both whilst staying in two fabulous 4-star hotels. Blackpool is Britain’s largest holiday resort with a flat six-mile promenade and three piers. The trams on the seafront are the only survivors of their kind in England. Harrogate is a pleasant spa town famous for its tea shops, antique shops, and Turkish baths. On our change over day we’ve also included a canal boat ride in Skipton.
Monday Direct to Blackpool, with a quick toilet stop, so that we have time to enjoy the town before our evening dinner.
Tuesday We travel in to the Lake District where we pass Windermere making a short stop in Bowness. Then we pass the lakes of Grasmere and Rydal before our afternoon stop in Keswick. Great scenery all day and after dinner we enjoy a tour of the Illuminations.
Wednesday Towards the Yorkshire Dales and we make a stop in the historic market town of Skipton. Whilst here there is free time to explore plus we have an hour-long guided tour on the canal with commentary and tea/coffee. Then more fabulous Dale’s scenery as we pass through Grassington and Leyburn en-route to our hotel.
Thursday A circular tour of the Yorkshire Moors starts as we climb Sutton Bank and then offer a short stop in Pickering. We then travel high into the moors before dropping down to the resort of Whitby, a maritime city steeped in history, with its maze of narrow streets full of shops. Our circular scenic tour of the Moors continues as we return via Guisborough.
Friday Free time to explore Harrogate until 14:00 when we make our way South.
Imperial Hotel Blackpool | www.imperialhotelblackpool.co.uk
4-star hotel in an iconic Victorian building on the seafront. BAR | LIFT | WIFI
Crown Hotel Harrogate | www.crownhotelharrogate.com
4-star hotel with 300 years of history just moments from the popular Harrogate spots. BAR | LIFT | WIFI
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated (including boat trip)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Blackpool is Britain’s largest holiday destination with a flat sx-mile promenade and three piers. The trams on the seafront are the only survivors of their kind in England. Our hotel is a superb 3-star hotel with a prime location on the south promenade and it provides entertainment every night.
Friday Direct to Blackpool, with a quick toilet stop, so that you can enjoy the town before dinner. After dinner we have a tour of the illuminations.
Saturday A choice today, all day to explore and enjoy Blackpool or join the coach as we travel along the Ribble Valley to a Skipton. Skipton is the Gateway to the Dales and has a 900-year-old castle and a historic cobbled high street full of shops. From here we climb into the Dales and make a stop in Hawes, 850ft above sea level and home to Wensleydale cheese. We return on a different route through the Dales to create a wonderful circular tour.
Sunday We depart Blackpool at 14:00 and should arrive home approximately 19:00.
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family dynasties as they create intrigue on this Ribble Valley Voyage. We have three varied days out in resort, at Leighton Hall we have exclusive access to a ‘treasure chest of history’ at the seat of the world-renowned Gillow family, of furniture fame. Meet the BBC Young Gardener of the Year at Holden Clough Nurseries set among glorious Ribble Valley countryside. Plus, we visit the tastiest bakery in Ormskirk to get our taste buds tingling! All this plus seaside resorts
Monday We travel north with a lunch time stop at Trentham Shopping Centre.
Tuesday We follow the Ribble Valley to Holden Clough Nurseries which is also in the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty, where we are met by the BBC Young Gardener of the Year. The garden is renowned for growing hardy plants and is complemented by a new glasshouse, potting shed, botanical room and if you wish a scenic walk to the rich River Ribble where salmon and trout thrive. We skirt the edges of the Yorkshire Dales to our lunchtime stop in Kirkby Lonsdale, a picturesque market town. From here we return following the Lune Valley on the edges of the Forest of Bowland.
Wednesday To Leighton Hall, set in 450 acres of woodland. We have unlimited access with enthusiastic guides who have many tales to tell about the family vaults, unusual furniture and paintings on display. You can also explore the gardens and woodland walks if you would like. We return to our hotel early afternoon, or if you’d prefer you can be dropped in Blackpool for a couple of hours before being collected.
Thursday To Southport, famous for the country’s oldest iron pier, and Lord Street which is a tree lined Victorian boulevard home to shops, restaurants and quaint tea rooms. A real treat in the afternoon as we visit Mr Thompson’s Bakery for a Make & Taste Experience of their famous gingerbread delights! This addictive treat is available in a range of flavours and have been produced since Edward VII’s time who sent for more after tasting them!
Friday We return home with a stop at the famous Bury Market, previously votes the best market in the UK.
Yorkshire has rolling dales and stunning vistas, colourful towns and quaint villages, so it’s no wonder that many of the most famous settings have been used in major TV and film dramas. We take in three of the most famous TV shows plus pass plenty of other sites of interest from other shows and films.
Thursday We head north and into the Southern Pennines for a late lunch time stop in Hebden Bridge. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this market town has been voted ‘greatest town in Europe’, ‘best small market town in the UK’ and ‘fourth funkiest town in the world!’ Then across the Pennines to our hotel.
A | Emmerdale - Our guide takes us on a four-hour tour through scenic countryside where we’ll discover some of the locations used in the filming of Emmerdale. The tour includes a visit to the market town of Otley, known as Hotten in the soap. We continue to Esholt where much of the filming of Emmerdale took place before a replica village was built. The tour ends with a buffet lunch in the Woolpack Inn with a star from the show.
B | Coronation St - Our chance to explore the sensational external sets at MediaCityUK, open to the public for the very first time. Our eighty-minute experience will take in Coronation Street, Rosamund Street and the newly extended, never-before-seen Victoria Street. Wander through Weatherfield on a fully guided tour of the working set. Recall stories from yesteryear, hear filming secrets, take selfies on the street, and follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters. We will also spend time in Uppermill, surrounded by the stunning Saddleworth Moor on the edge of the Pennines.
C | Summer Wine - We have a local guide on board to enjoy a 3.5hour tour of Last of the Summer Wine country. Our tour takes in Holmfirth, where much of the filming took place and home to Sid’s Café and Nora Batty’s house. After our tour we also make a visit to Haworth in the heart of Bronte country.
Monday We head home on the opposite side of the country with a lunchtime stop in the Peak District town of Bakewell.
With its world class attractions and unrivalled musical heritage, Liverpool is the ideal destination to visit and explore. We concentrate on some of that musical heritage with a visit to the world’s only Beatle-inspired hotel and we also visit the awardwinning museum dedicated to the Fab Four. We stay at the ‘Fab Four’ star hotel, the Hard Day’s Night Hotel, the only Beatle’s themed hotel in the world!
Wednesday To Liverpool and time to explore the Albert Dock area before we check into our great hotel which is centrally located.
Thursday We have a two-hour walking tour from our hotel taking in all the important Beatles sights with plenty of photo opportunities. The stops include The Cavern, St George’s Hall, Liverpool Town Hall, Waterfront and Albert Dock, all of which have a story to tell about The Beatles. Later we enjoy mini afternoon tea at our hotel. Tea includes finger sandwiches, tea/coffee, and scones.
Friday We check out of the hotel but we don’t depart Liverpool until 14:00 so plenty more time to explore and maybe visit The Beatles Story (entry not included).
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Shropshire has so much to offer, with its remarkable heritage and beautiful towns. We’ve included a number of visits to help you get the best out of the five days of this ever-popular tour.
Monday We pass the Malvern Hills and make a lunch time stop in the city of Hereford. From here we continue through the Shropshire Hills to our hotel.
Tuesday We make a stop in the famous city of Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire with higgledy-piggledy streets set in a loop in the River Severn. Then we enjoy a cruise on the famous River Severn. After we enjoy a cream tea.
Wednesday Our first stop of the day is at Blists Hill Victorian Town where costumed staff give a fascinating insight into how life was lived in Victorian times. Then we visit Ironbridge Gorge, recently voted the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK, where there are more museums that our entry ticket is also valid for.
Thursday Tom Acton is a leading authority on Victorian farming and we visit his working farm and museum. The Historic Working Farm offers a fascinating insight into rural life at the turn of the 19th century as farm life unfolds daily and the land around is worked by heavy horses. Later we visit Ludlow, which has over 500 listed buildings and a castle at its heart, often referred to as the perfect historic town.
Friday To Bridgnorth for free time before we continue to Worcester, for a stop in this ancient city, before returning home.
Experience three very different waterways whilst staying in this area which has so much to offer and see. We also have time to explore Chester and have a guided tour of Ness Botanic Gardens.
Monday North with a lunchtime stop in Bridgnorth, with its high and low town separated by a Victorian funicular railway. The clear River Severn also flows through.
Tours whilst at resort
A | To central Chester for a thirty-minute cruise taking in the city’s rich Roman, Mediaeval and industrial heritage. Later, we visit Ness Botanic Gardens with over sixty-four acres of gardens located on the Wirral peninsula with stunning views of the River Dee and North Wales.
B | To Wales and a ride on a canal boat over the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or ‘Stream in the Sky’, on a brightly covered narrowboat with on-board commentary. Following free time for lunch in Llangollen, we complete a circular route back to our hotel with a drive over the spectacular Horseshoe Pass.
C | We take a ride on the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift. Originally built in 1875, the structure lifts you from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal high above. There’s also time to explore the Visitor’s Centre and then free time to explore Chester itself, a real gem of a city.
Friday We return with an extended lunch time stop in Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury is full of higgledy-piggledy streets and the river
We stay on the Ilse of Anglesey for the first time, and we have chosen the captivating seaside town of Beaumaris! Its mix of mediaeval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture and is home to a castle constructed by Edward I in his bid to control the Welsh. We spend two days on the island and visit the Welsh ‘Mainland’ for a tour of Snowdonia. Our hotel is a stunning Grade I listed hotel right in the centre of town. The highlight is a boat tour to Puffin Island where we can see seals, sea birds and possibly porpoise and dolphin!
Llandudno’s immaculate seafront is gracefully framed by two headlands and is a classic seaside resort with a great retro pier. It’s also at the start of stunning Snowdonian scenery.
Monday Travelling via Bridgnorth we take a lunchbreak in Llangollen, before continuing via the scenic Horseshoe Pass. Tours whilst at resort
A | We make a morning stop in Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia, in its magical setting with a distinctly Alpine feel. We continue, viewing Snowdon from the spectacular Llanberis Pass to our lunchtime stop in Caernarfon. Caernarfon is home to Wales’ most famous castle and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its narrow town centre streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront are also worth a visit.
B | Scenic tour of the Isle of Anglesey with its stunning landscapes, unspoilt coastlines and picturesque towns and villages. Following a quick stop at Llanfair PG, the longest place name in Britain, we take a circular tour of the island including a photo stop overlooking Bull Bay. We pass through Llanfachraeth, Cemaes Bay & Amlwch on the way to our stop in Beaumaris, a beautifully positioned resort of Victorian character.
C | To Conway, a town with a castle above the river and mediaeval walls.
Friday We return home with a stop in Shrewsbury, which has nearly 800 listed buildings all built on a huge loop in the River Severn.
Monday We take a lunchbreak in Llangollen, then continue through Snowdon and over the Menai Bridge to Anglesey and our hotel.
Tours whilst at resort
A | We have an eighty-minute boat trip to Puffin Island at the entrance to the Menai Straights, it was once home to a saint and his monastery is still visible. It’s now a bird sanctuary and resting site for many species. Cormorants and shags are on the island all year round as are the resident Atlantic Grey Seals. The remainder of the day is free to explore Beaumaris.
B | Travelling via Conwy, we follow the Conwy River to make a morning stop in Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia, in its magical setting with a distinctly Alpine feel. We continue, viewing Snowdon from the spectacular Llanberis Pass to our lunchtime stop in Caernarfon. Caernarfon is home to Wales’ most famous castle, and it is a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s narrow town centre streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront are also worth a visit.
C | Scenic tour of the Isle of Anglesey with its stunning landscapes, unspoilt coastlines and picturesque towns and villages. We make a morning stop in Llanfair PG, the longest place name in Britain, then we take a circular tour of the island. Our lunch stop is the largest town on the Island, Holyhead. We pass through Llanfachraeth, Cemaes Bay & Amlwch including a photo stop overlooking Bull Bay.
Friday We return home with a stop in Shrewsbury, which has nearly 800 listed buildings all built on a huge loop in the River Severn.
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This tour brings us inspiration, mammoth mountains, visionary voyages and wildlife wonders as well as taste tantalization! A seacoast safari takes us up close to magnificent scenery and wildlife on a Puffin Island cruise. We can ‘Pass the salt’ on a behind-the-scenes tour at Halen Môn - Anglesey ‘Pure’ Sea Salt, where an age-old craft produces crunchy white flakes enjoyed worldwide, as you hear how this culinary Welsh ‘gold’ is a vital ingredient to tasty treats. We rumble up a steep climb on Britain’s only public ‘rack’ railway to the summit of stunning Snowdon. Finally, we step behind the scenes at Penrhyn castle to discover formidable architecture, Victorian grandeur and fine interiors. All this in a fantastic, scenic setting!
Monday We head north and make a lunch time stop in the city of Chester. From here we follow the North Wales coast all the way before cutting inland to our hotel and a welcome with a hot drink and biscuits.
Tuesday In the morning we visit the coast and make a stop in the seaside resort of Criccieth with its castle between two beaches. Then in the afternoon we return to Llanberis and catch Snowdon Mountain Railway for a ride which takes us up to the summit of Snowdon. On its route it crosses two viaducts and then has wonderful views of the surrounding area. Free time near the summit before we return.
Wednesday Penrhyn Castle sits dominant between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait and we immerse ourselves in a revealing behind-the-scenes tour. This medieval manor houses an outstanding collection of treasure and is set in sixty-acres of grounds. Then over the Menai Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey for an eighty-minute boat trip to Puffin Island at the entrance to the Menai Straights, it was once home to a saint and his monastery is still visible. It is now a bird sanctuary and resting site for many species. Cormorants and shags are on the island all year round as are the resident Atlantic Grey Seals.
Thursday Back onto Anglesey again but we head south this time to Halen Mon Pure Sea Salt where a trained guide shows us how Welsh ‘gold’ sea salt is used by chefs and celebrities in twenty-two countries of the world. Our final stop is Caernarfon. Caernarfon is home to Wales’ most famous castle, and it is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its narrow town centre streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront are also worth a visit.
Friday We return by a different route with a final drive through Snowdonia before we make a lunch time stop in Llangollen.
Located at the foot of Snowdon in its own thirty acres of gardens and woodland. BAR | LIFT | FREEVIEW TV | WIFI
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YOU CAN BOOK A HOLIDAY IN ONE OF THESE TWO WAYS...
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(If booking online, you will not be required to fill in and complete this paper booking form.)
Call our team to make your holiday booking on 01793 821303 (Option 1) (Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 0845-1700 and Saturdays 0900-1200) and we will then reserve your place and give you a reference number to put on this form.
We will then ask you to fill in the following booking form, sign it and pay a £40 per person deposit, plus the premium for our Travel Insurance (should you require it). This can either be paid over the phone at the time of booking (preferred) or you can send a cheque in with your form.
Please send your booking form to: Barnes Coaches, Woodside Road, South Marston Park, Swindon, Wiltshire SN3 4AQ.
Your contract is with Barnes Coaches Ltd. of Woodside Rd, South Marston Park, Swindon, SN3 4AQ. When you book a holiday with us, which does not include a flight, the money you pay us for the booking will be protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), this is a Government approved consumer protection scheme. The scheme will also ensure your repatriation in the event the company becomes insolvent. Our Trading Charter and Booking Conditions set out clearly and simply the responsibility we have to you and in turn, you have with us, when a contract is made. Please see the Consumer Guarantee at www.bch-uk.org. There is no financial protection if you purchase just transport or accommodation-only from us. We fully comply with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. The combination of travel services offered to you is a package holiday within the meaning of the Regulations. Therefore, you will benefit from all rights applying to package holidays. Barnes Coaches Ltd will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the holiday and providing assistance if you are in difficulty. Your key rights will be in the details of the tour which will be provided prior to booking.
When a booking is made, the ‘lead name’ on the booking guarantees that he or she is 18 or over and has the authority and accepts on behalf of the party the terms of these booking conditions and pays the deposit indicated in the brochure and as confirmed in the pre-contract information. After we receive your booking and all appropriate payments, if the arrangements you wish to book are available, we will send you or your booking agent a confirmation invoice within 14 days. This confirmation will include any special requests we have agreed. All monies paid to your booking agent are held by them on your behalf until we issue our confirmation invoice, thereafter your booking agent holds the money on our behalf. A binding agreement will come into existence between us when we dispatch this invoice to the ‘lead name’ or your booking agent. Please check the confirmation carefully to ensure all the information is correct. This contract is governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts.
Single occupancy of rooms, when available, may be subject to a supplementary charge and these will be shown in the brochure. You can book by paying a deposit for each person named on the booking, but our commitment is always conditional upon the balance being paid as below.
• Deposit £40.00 per person. (For cruises and longer holidays this may be higher) The balance of the price of your holiday must be paid at least 4 weeks before for tours lasting 2 – 6 days or 7 weeks before for longer tours. If a longer period is applicable to a holiday it will be shown on your confirmation. Air and River Cruises must be paid 13 weeks before. If you book within our balance due period, you will need to pay the total holiday cost at the time of booking. If the balance is not paid in time, we reserve the right to cancel your holiday, retain your deposit, and apply the cancellation charges set out in the paragraph below. The date of cancellation will normally be the date we receive your written confirmation that you intend to cancel or 15 days after the balance due date, whichever comes first.
Where optional items are purchased as part of the holiday, these are payable on the balance due date except where items, such as theatre tickets, have been specifically purchased for you. In this case the cost will be payable at a separate date notified to you and will not normally be refunded unless we obtain a refund from the supplier we use.
Although Barnes Coaches Ltd. make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the brochure information and pricing, regrettably errors do sometimes occur. You must therefore ensure you check the price and all other details of your holiday with us at the time of booking and when you receive our confirmation invoice.
Barnes Coaches Ltd endeavour to ensure that the most up to date and correct prices are shown in our brochure. Occasionally, an incorrect price may be shown, due to an error. When we become aware of any such error, we will endeavour to notify you at the time of booking (if we are then aware of the mistake) or as soon as reasonably possible. We reserve the right to cancel the booking if you do not wish to accept the price which is applicable to the holiday. Local Authorities in many towns and cities throughout Europe have introduced new tourist taxes which must be paid directly to the hotel by all guests in person. These taxes are not included in our prices, but we will notify you when applicable.
Holiday prices include all travel, hotel accommodation and meals as specified in the holiday description and VAT payable in the UK where applicable. The price of the holiday will not be subjected to any surcharges except those arising from exchange rate changes, transportation including the price of fuel, air & ferry operator fares and tolls, embarkation or disembarkation fees at terminals, duties and taxes (including the rate of VAT). Even in these cases we will absorb the cost equivalent to cost of the first 2% of the holiday price. Amounts more than this plus £1 administration fee and Travel Agents commission will be surcharged to you. If this means the total cost of the holiday increases by more than 8% then you are entitled to cancel your holiday and receive a full refund of all monies paid except any insurance premium and amendment charges. We will communicate the options with you either through email or letter, with a reminder if necessary. If you exercise the right to cancel, we must receive written notice within 20 days of the date of the surcharge invoice. The currency exchange rate used in the holiday costings are based on rates as at £1=1.14 Euro | £1=1.11 Swiss Franc. (As of 14/10/2022)
If, after our confirmation has been issued, you wish to change to another of our holidays or change departure date, we will do our utmost to make the changes, but we cannot guarantee to do so. However, notification must be received in writing at our offices from the person who signed the booking form, at least 7 weeks before departures. This must be accompanied by a payment of £25 to cover our administrative costs, plus costs we incur in making the amendment. Alterations cannot be made within 7 weeks of departure and any such request for an alteration will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and will be subject to the cancellation charges set out in paragraph below. Some arrangements cannot be changed without paying a cancellation charge of up to 100% of the ticket cost.
You can transfer your booking to somebody else, but the person must satisfy all the conditions of the holiday and you must inform us either by letter or email no less than 7 days before departure. This transfer will cost £25 plus reasonable costs to make the transfer. You will remain responsible for ensuring payment before the balance due date. This is in addition to (and does not affect) the separate liability of the transferee to us.
You or any member of your party, may cancel your holiday at any time provided the cancellation is made by the person signing the booking form and is communicated to us in writing via the office who made your original booking. You must pay cancellation charges to cover our administration costs and to compensate for the risk of us not reselling the holiday. If the holiday is resold a refund will be made. Your cancellation will take effect from the date on which we or our agent receive your written confirmation of your cancellation. You must also return any tickets or vouchers you have received. A reduction in room occupancy may increase the charges for the remaining passengers by the application of supplements for low occupancy of rooms. Where bought in supplies, such as ferries, hotel accommodation etc have been bought in on your behalf, and where the terms and conditions of the supplier are non-refundable, these products will be charged to you at the full retail rate. If this applies, the non-refundable items will be deducted from your holiday costs and the following scale of charges will be applied to the remainder:
Period before departure cancellation letter is received
You may cancel your holiday without paying any termination fee before the start of the holiday, in the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity, for instance, if there are serious security problems at the destination which are likely to affect the package.
8. Alterations to your holiday by us
We hope that we will not have to make any change to your holiday but, because our holidays are planned many months in advance, we sometimes do need to make minor changes. We reserve the right to do this at any time. We will let you or your booking agent know about any important changes as soon as possible, including the minimum number of passengers required on the trip. If after booking, and before departure, we make a major change to your holiday, you will have the option of withdrawing from the holiday without penalty or transferring to another holiday without any charge. In either case, we will pay you compensation, according to the scale set below. A major change includes the time of your departure or return time by more than 12 hours, a change in departure point, location of resort or type of hotel, a change in cross channel travel, or specification of the coach. If we tell you about any of these changes after we have confirmed your holiday booking (other than force majeure), you may either: accept the new arrangements offered by us; or • accept a replacement holiday from us of equivalent or similar standard and price (at the date of the change), if we can offer you one; or • cancel your holiday with us and receive a full refund of all monies. Either way, we will pay you compensation, using the Compensation table shown,
Period before departure in which a significant change is notified to you Amount per person
More than 42 days Nil 29-42 days £10 15-28 days £15 8-14 days £20 0-7 days £25
IMPORTANT NOTE Compensation will not be payable if the holiday is cancelled because the number of persons booked is less than the number required, or for events beyond our control, which include: war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activity and its consequences, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks and pandemics, unavoidable and unforeseeable technical problems with transport for reasons beyond our control or that of our suppliers; hurricanes and other actual or potential severe weather conditions and any other similar events. You are also advised to check with The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice Unit regularly at www.fco.gov.uk/travel prior to travel. All holidays operate if the minimum number of participants is met. However, in no case will we cancel your holiday less than 4 weeks before the scheduled departure date, except where you have failed to pay the final balance or because of force majeure (force majeure means an event which we or the suppliers of the services in question could not foresee or avoid and is therefore beyond our control).
9.
We accept responsibility for ensuring the holiday which you book with us is supplied as described in our publicity material and the services offered reach a reasonable standard and if you are in difficulty, we will assist you. If any part of our holiday contract is not provided as promised, you may terminate the contract without paying a termination fee and we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected your enjoyment of your holiday. We will, however, not be liable if there are any unforeseeable or unavoidable actions of a third party not connected with our travel services, or there were unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances, or the lack of conformity is due to a traveller in the party. We accept responsibility for the acts and/or omissions of our employees, agents and suppliers except where they lead to death, injury or illness. Our liability in all cases shall be limited to a maximum of twice the value of the original holiday cost (not including insurance premiums and amendment charges). We accept responsibility for death, injury, or illness caused by the negligent acts and/or omissions of our employees or agents together with our suppliers and sub-contractors, servants and/or agents of the same whilst acting within the scope of, or during their employment in the provision of your holiday. We will accordingly pay to our clients such damages as might have been awarded in such circumstances under English Law. In respect of carriage by air, sea, tunnel and rail and the provision of accommodation our liability in all cases will be limited in the manner provided by the relevant international convention.
If we make any payment to you or any member of your party for death or personal injury or illness, you will be asked to assign to us or our insurers the rights you may have to act against the person or organisation responsible for causing the death, personal injury or illness. This clause does not apply to any separate contracts that you may enter for excursions or activities during or outside of your holiday. If you or any member of your party suffer death, illness or injury whilst overseas arising out of an activity which does NOT form part of your holiday, we may offer guidance and where legal action is contemplated and you want our assistance, you must obtain our written consent prior to any proceedings (We limit the cost of our assistance to you or your party to £5,000 per party).
If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform your Tour Manager, your driver or the relevant supplier/resort representative immediately who will endeavour to put things right. If your complaint cannot be completely resolved locally, you must complete a Holiday Report Form which can be obtained by your driver or local representative, which you should keep. Our contact number, for unresolved complaints will be our office number on 01793 821303 (open in office hours) If you remain dissatisfied please follow this up within 14 days of your return home by writing to Barnes Coaches Ltd giving your original booking reference number and all other relevant information, including the reference of the Holiday Report Form. It is therefore a condition of this contract that you communicate any problem to the supplier of the services in question AND to our representative whilst in resort and obtain a written report form. If you fail to follow this simple procedure, we cannot accept responsibility as we have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify the problem. Should you wish to pursue the complaint further, BCH/ABTOT have an Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme and full details are available from them. Please contact them at ABTOT 117 Houndsditch London EC3A 7BT
We will always use our reasonable endeavours to provide a coach to the specification in our brochure or advert but reserve the right to substitute an alternative vehicle should there be unforeseen circumstances. There is a seating plan but, in some cases, operational reasons may require a coach with a different configuration. We reserve the right to alter a coach seating plan and allocate seats other than those booked. Single passengers may be required to share a double seat with other single passengers. When your booking is confirmed, you will be offered the best seats that are available at that time. If you feel that you require two seats, then these must be booked and paid for in advance, at the time of booking. If you fail to do this and it transpires that the seat allocated to you is insufficient for your needs and there is no alternative seating available, then you will be refused access to the coach and any payments made will be liable to forfeiture.
Specific seats will not be allocated on coaches operating a feeder service between joining points and main holiday departure points or on coaches that carry out transfers between airports, seaports etc.
Cancellation charge as % total cost
More than 56 days (91 days for air and cruises) Deposit only 49 – 55 days (49-90 days for air and cruises) 30%
22 – 48 days 50%
8 – 21 days 70%
1 – 7 days 90%
Day of departure or later voluntary termination 100% Total Cost
Some hotel facilities and entertainment may be withdrawn for routine maintenance or be subject to seasonal availability and provision of the facilities cannot be guaranteed. Single occupancy of rooms may be subject to a supplementary charge.
In some foreign countries, standards of infrastructure, safety and hygiene may be lower than those to which we are accustomed in the UK. You should therefore exercise greater care for your own protection. There may be countries that we visit that have special medical requirements for tourists. These regulations are subject to change and our clients are responsible for complying with entry and current health requirements. If you are not sure of the health requirements for the country you are visiting, you are advised to check with your own GP before travelling. You are also advised to refer to the Department of Health leaflet “Health Advice for Travellers”.
Some people may be at risk from discomfort or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if they remain immobile on a journey for a long period. If you are planning to undertake a journey of more than three hours, you should consult your doctor, if you have ever had DVT, pulmonary embolism, a family history of clotting conditions, cancer or treatment for cancer, stroke, and heart or lung disease or If you have had major surgery in the past three months.
We reserve the right to refuse any booking in the absence of a doctor’s certificate confirming that you are fit to travel. Where we provide comfort stops you are encouraged to walk around. Exercise reduces any discomfort, which may be caused by periods of immobility.
NO SMOKING is allowed on our coaches (including E-Cigarettes) and we do not allow pets or any other animals, although we accommodate registered assistance dogs, but not on overseas holidays.
For all continental holidays, you will require a full ten-year British Passport (machine readable) valid for a further six months after your holiday. If you do not hold a full British passport or have any doubts about your status as a resident British subject, you must check with the Embassies or Consulates of the countries to be visited to confirm the passport or visa requirements when you book. We cannot accept responsibility if passengers are not in possession of the correct travel documents. For full details on passport requirements, please contact ‘the identity and passport service’ on 0300 222 0000 (www.direct.gov.uk)”
You are responsible for ensuring you are at the correct departure point, at the correct time and with the correct documents. Barnes Coaches Ltd reserve the right to modify itineraries to conform with requests from competent authorities both within the UK and abroad.
Excursions which are included in the cost of your booking are detailed on the brochure page and refunds will not be made for excursions not taken. Optional excursions booked and paid for in the resort do not form part of your booking. Admission fees to buildings may not be included in the price of the holiday, please check.
All special needs and requests, if agreed, should be entered on the booking form and be included in the confirmation of the holiday. These cannot be guaranteed except where confirmed as part of our holiday commitment to you and are detailed on your holiday booking confirmation. We are keen to ensure that we plan the arrangements for your holiday so that special needs and requests can be accommodated as far as possible. If you will need assistance or may be unable to fully enjoy all aspects of your holiday you must tell us in advance so that we can maximise your enjoyment of the holiday. We will need to know if you will need special facilities in the hotel, taking part in the excursions or have difficulty boarding and travelling on the coach or other means of transport. Before booking your holiday, you should be sure that you and your party are both physically and mentally capable of completing the itinerary. If you need advice or further information either you or your booking agent should contact Barnes Coaches Ltd. If you will require a special diet please tell us at the time of booking, or as soon as you are medically advised, together with a copy of the diet.
We want everyone to enjoy our travel arrangements. We are happy to advise and assist you in choosing a suitable holiday. But, as some of the accommodation and resorts featured may not cater for even minor disabilities, it is important that, when booking, you advise us of any disability, specific need or complex need you may have and any special requirements that will make sure the holiday is suitable. If a passenger requires personal assistance (for example, assistance with feeding, dressing, toileting, mobilising) then this passenger must travel with an able-bodied companion or carer and written confirmation that such assistance will be provided for the entirety of the holiday is required at the time of booking. Coach drivers/Tour Managers are unable to provide such assistance.
Important You must tell us if you have an existing medical condition, disability or complex need that may affect your holiday or other group members’ enjoyment of it before you book your holiday. We reserve the right to request a doctor’s certificate confirming the passenger is fit to travel. If, in our reasonable opinion, your chosen holiday is not suitable for your medical condition or disability, we reserve the right to refuse your booking. You are responsible for bringing with you the proper clothing and equipment, which we advise you about in our printed trip information. We want you to enjoy your holiday and will help you select an appropriate trip.
We want all our customers to have a happy and carefree holiday. You are responsible for your behaviour and hygiene and the effect it may have on others. If you or any other member of your party is abusive, disruptive or behaves in a way that could cause damage or injury to others or affect their enjoyment of their holiday or which could damage property, we have the right to terminate your contract with us and we will have no further liability or obligation to you.
The coach driver/representative, ship’s captain, or authorised official is entitled to refuse you boarding if in their reasonable opinion you are unacceptably under the influence of drink or drugs or you are being violent or disruptive. If you are refused boarding on the outward journey, we will regard it as a cancellation by you and we will apply cancellation charges. If on your return journey, we have the right to terminate the contract with you. We also request that mobile telephones are not used on the coach.
We strongly advise that you take out personal travel insurance for the trip. We have arranged travel insurance with Wrightsure with details on the inside back cover of our brochures. You may use an alternative insurer, but you must advise us. The insurance should cover medical and repatriation costs, personal injury, loss of baggage and cancellation charges. If you do not have adequate insurance and require our assistance during your holiday, we reserve the right to reclaim from you any medical repatriation or other expenses which we may incur on your behalf which would otherwise have been met by insurers. You must advise us if you use an alternative insurer, the policy number and 24-hour contact number.
19. Luggage
Please restrict your luggage to a suitcase weighing no more than 20kgs per person. We cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to luggage unless through our negligence. Please do not leave valuable items in your suitcase when left on the coach. Please contact us for our policy on mobility scooters.
20.
We comply with the GDPR 2018 Regulations, our data controller is Matt Barnes and our data protection policy can be requested from Barnes Coaches Ltd., Woodside Rd, South Marston Park, Swindon, SN3 4AQ.
21. Emergency
Our emergency contact details are Tel: 01793821303 Email: travel@barnescoaches.co.uk
PUBLICATION DATE This brochure was printed in the UK by Barnes Coaches in October 2022.
Luggage
We ask you to keep luggage down to one medium sized suitcase per person, but a small holdall can also be taken on board the coach.
Itineraries, free days and included excursions
The itinerary, free days and included excursions for your chosen tour are summarised on the appropriate brochure page. In many cases these actually indicate the days on which certain excursions or free days will occur. If there are any known variations between the brochure and the final itinerary up to two weeks prior to the date of departure these will be notified to you before departure. In some instances, where drivers’ hours rules, local conditions, adverse weather or events beyond our control occur, the driver/courier may change the order or sequence of the itinerary or replace any excursion with an alternative excursion of equal value. Variations between the brochure itinerary and the final itinerary will not entitle you to compensation where such variations are a consequence of non-significant changes to your holiday.
In some European countries twin bedded rooms may comprise what appears to be one bed but having a double base and headboard with separate mattresses and a duvet or bedding. A three bedded room is often a twin bedded room with an extra bed added.
There is usually a limited number of ground floor or lower floor rooms available and requests for this accommodation must be made in the “Special Requirements” section of the booking form, but this type of accommodation cannot be guaranteed. If lifts are available at a hotel the facility will be shown on the brochure page.
The hotels we use have been carefully chosen and we have been visiting many of them for several years. Standards vary across the country and across the countries of Europe. Full details are given in the individual hotel descriptions, including the official rating where one exists. The absence of a rating does not mean the hotel is of lower standard, but simply that an official rating is not available in that country or has not been sought by the owners.
If you have any special requests these must be notified at the time of booking and entered on the booking form and we will endeavour to forward these but regret that such special requests cannot be guaranteed nor shall we accept any liability for failure to provide a special request.
We both acknowledge the ongoing COVID-19 global crisis and accept our obligations to comply with any official guidance from the government or local authorities, both in the UK and/or Europe and whilst on holiday. Please note that we will have no liability for any refunds, compensation, costs, expenses or other losses of any kind incurred by you (including, where applicable, the cost of medical treatment), in the following circumstances:
If you, or anyone in your booking party, test positive for Covid-19 and have to quarantine for a period of time, or are notified or otherwise become aware that you have, or suspect you may have, come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 (or where they otherwise suspect they may have Covid-19) and have to self-isolate for a period of time. If this happens within 14 days of your departure date, you must contact us as you may no longer be able to travel. We will offer you the following options where possible and subject to availability:
• Postponing your holiday to a later date. We will notify you of any impact on the price the postponement may have (please note that you may have to pay full cancellation charges on some elements of your holiday as well as any increase in cost imposed by other suppliers);
• Cancelling your holiday, in which case we will impose our standard cancellation charges as at the date of cancellation by you.
• You may be able to claim these costs back from your travel insurance.
• If this happens whilst you are on your holiday, please notify us without delay and we will provide such reasonable assistance as we can in the circumstances. However, we will not be responsible for covering the cost of any curtailment of your holiday, missed transport arrangements, additional accommodation required, or other associated costs incurred by you. You must ensure you have travel insurance which covers these costs for you.
• You also acknowledge that the Bonded Coach Holiday member providing your holiday including, attractions and excursion providers, will need to comply with national and/or local guidance and requirements relating to Covid-19, and have implemented certain measures as a result. This will likely include specific requirements regarding personal protective equipment, such as use of facemasks by staff (and you may be required to wear a face-mask as well), social distancing, maximum number restrictions on the use of certain facilities, designated alternative entrance and exit routes, mandatory hand sanitisation, limited entertainment options and limited food/drink availability. We do not expect these measures to have a significant impact on your enjoyment of the holiday and all measures will be taken with the purpose of securing your safety and those around you.
Tours really don’t get more action-packed than this with two included extras every day whilst in resort. And with visits ranging from a vineyard right through to a train to the highest mountain in Wales, there’s something for every taste. The whole week is spent travelling through superb and scenic Snowdonia. This tour has now been a firm favourite for six years!
Monday Travelling via Bridgnorth we take a lunchbreak in Llangollen, before travelling via the scenic Horseshoe Pass to our hotel.
Tuesday We climb up towards Snowdonia and stop in Llanberis where we have our first train ride which takes us up to the summit of Snowdon. On its route it crosses two viaducts and then has wonderful views of the surrounding area. Free time near the summit before we return. Following all that exertion (!) we visit Pant du Vineyard and Orchard located on the slopes of the Nantlle Valley, Snowdonia. With breath-taking views of Snowdon and the surrounding mountains, as well as spectacular views of the sea across Caernarfon Bay, Pant Du is an idyllic location and we enjoy a guided tour and tasting.
Wednesday Our first stop is at Portmeirion, a village created in 1976 with iconic architecture and surrounded by fine scenery and vast wooded gardens. Later, we round off the day with a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Thursday To one of North Wales’ best kept secrets, the hidden gardens of Plas Cadnat situated on the Isle of Anglesey. We make a short lunch time stop in the resort of Beaumaris, also on Anglesey, before taking a ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway to round off a fabulous holiday.
Friday We return home through central Wales with stops in Llandirdnod Wells and Abergavenny.
so the sunsets are spectacular.
Monday Grand scenery as we travel via Bridgnorth and a lunchtime stop in Shrewsbury. Then on through the Cambrian mountains viewing Lake Bala en route. Tours whilst at resort
A | We make a short morning stop in the small but flourishing town of Machynlleth, where Wednesday is market day. Then more wonderful scenery as we encounter the impressive Cader Idris mountain on our way to Aberystwyth. Walk along its promenade and maybe take a ride on the cliff railway to enjoy spectacular views (railway ticket not included).
B | We head into Snowdonia and enjoy views of Snowdon as we travel via Capel-Curig to our first stop of the day in Betws-y-Coed, a village nestling in densely wooded hills. We then follow the pretty River Conwy to the resort of Llandudno where we make a stop. We return on a different route through the mountains via Blaenau Ffestiniog and make our way back to Barmouth on the scenic coastal route past Harlech Castle.
C | Free day to explore Barmouth, or maybe take a ride on the Cambrian Coast Railway. Hugging the coastline, the line offers spectacular views and interesting places to see. (cost not included) Friday We return by a completely different route with more wonderful mountain scenery via Rhayader and Builth Wells to our lunchtime stop in Llandirdnod Wells.
We see the great coastal scenery in this area of West Wales and we have included two fascinating guided tours. We love the Cliff Hotel & Spa and they offer all guests an hours use of the spa each day for no additional cost.
Monday Following a lunchtime stop in Abergavenny we enjoy a scenic journey via the Brecon Beacons to West Wales where we are met at our hotel with a welcome drink.
Tuesday Into Pembrokeshire National Park and we follow the scenic coast road through to a stop in St Davids for an early lunch time stop, it’s a beautiful and unique city surrounded by some of the finest coastline in Europe. We then continue on the coastal road to visit Picton Castle and Gardens where we have a guided tour. The castle is half manor house and half mediaeval castle, set in forty acres of stunning gardens.
Wednesday Following the coast road northwards today, with its picturesque villages that cling to the sides of the hills rising above the blue waters of Cardigan Bay, we make our way to Aberystwyth, nestling between three hills and two beaches. Here we have the option (not included) of taking the Vale of Rheidol Railway on a return journey to Devil’s Bridge and back. Or spend your time in Aberystwyth itself which has much to offer including shopping, promenade, cliff railway and an observatory.
Thursday Up the Teifi Valley to Cenarth, a conservation village huddled around spectacular waterfalls. We then continue up the valley to the National Wool Museum where we enjoy an informative guided tour and let the story of wool weave its magic in this unique working museum!
Friday Home with a stop at The Mumbles, undoubtedly one of the finest seaside villages in the UK.
First Day A lunchtime stop in Abergavenny, and a lovely drive through the Brecon Beacons to Tenby.
Tours whilst at resort
A | A grand circular tour of Pembrokeshire starts as we cross the Cleddau Bridge and travel along the coast road known for its ‘Seventeen Hills in Sixteen Miles’ through Newgale Pebble Beach and the quaint little village of Solva to St. Davids, where ample time is allowed for lunch and to view the cathedral, the largest in Wales. We continue along the Irish Sea coast to Fishguard and then return to Tenby to complete a wonderful day.
B | Another day exploring Pembrokeshire as we take a beautiful morning drive along the coast through Penally and Lydstep to St Govans. We continue through Merrion, Hundleton and pass the impressive, mediaeval fortress of Pembroke Castle. Our late lunch and afternoon are spent in Saundersfoot, a fishing village at the foot of a picturesque, wooded valley.
C | We travel to Carmarthen for a lunchtime stop, where there’s good shopping and Wednesday is market day. Then on to Laugharne for a short stop in this attractive village. Our return to Tenby takes in Pendine Sands and the narrow coast road past Amroth Castle, where during the last 25 years all the houses on the sea-ward side have been washed away.
Day We head towards home with a stop in Cardiff, with
Sunday A lunchtime stop in Abergavenny and a lovely drive through the Brecon Beacons to Llanelli.
Tours whilst at resort
A | We experience the sheer beauty of the Gower including a stop at the Gower Heritage Centre which offers crafts, a watermill, and a museum. We have a tour of the mill and then a local guide joins us on our coach for a tour of the best of the Gower.
B | All day in Tenby, a historic seaside resort with natural charm, narrow streets, harbour and beautiful beaches.
C | We travel to Carmarthen for a lunchtime stop, where there is good shopping and Wednesday is market day. Then on to Gwili Steam Railway where we’re welcomed aboard a most popular steam train trip for a scenic, memorable ride! Journey through pretty fields, over sparkling rivers on this steam-powered locomotive trip.
Thursday We head towards home with a stop in Cardiff, with unique attractions and quality shopping all in walking distance.
The Edinburgh Tattoo is the most spectacular show in the world, enjoyed by an international audience of 100 million on TV. But there’s no substitute for being there as you become part of it. On the day of the Tattoo we have plenty of time to enjoy Edinburgh and on the other day in Scotland we enjoy a cruise on famous Loch Lomond!
Friday Into Scotland and our hotel in South Lanarkshire. Saturday All day to explore Edinburgh, a great and historic city with much to see. There’s also the option of visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia (entry not included). In the evening we have the highlight of the tour as we visit the Tattoo for an 18:15 performance. PLEASE NOTE: THAT THE APPROACH TO THE TATTOO IS A WALK OF 80 METRES ON A STEEP INCLINE. THERE ARE THEN A DOZEN STEPS TO REACH THE FIRST ROW OF THE VENUE.
Sunday To Loch Lomond and a lunch time stop at Loch Lomond Shores, Scotland’s premier attraction with breath-taking views and great shopping. We then make a one-hour journey across Lake Lomond on a Sweeney’s Cruise with great views all of the way. Monday Following breakfast we return south to England and onwards home with a stop in Chester.
Monday North and over the border to our hotel in Peebles.
Tuesday Our first visit is Thirlestane Castle, a 16th century five story tower house in unmissable rose-pink sandstone with fairytale turrets, where we’re met with a piper’s welcome! We are here out of hours and get a guided tour. Then free time in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.
Wednesday Dubbed the most comfortable jail in Scotland, Jedburgh Castle Jail, with the appearance of a grand castle, is a 4-star visitor experience giving a true taste of 1820’s prison life as well as being the town museum. We can walk the original cells with a storyteller who brings the experience to life. Then to the world-famous town of Hawick which is home to five premium products and where cashmere and tweed were invented! We have a tour and tasting at Borders Distillery and free time to explore the other shops including Lockies, Hawico & Lovat Mill.
Thursday To an iconic country house rather than a fortress, Floors castle is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, home to eleven generations of Duke of Roxburghe. A true fairy tale – we can discover collections of fine art, porcelain, tapestries in grand rooms set among 52,000 acres of Borders landscapes, and stunning Victorian walled gardens. After visiting the castle we have a tour of the gardens. Free time in the town of Peebles before we return to our hotel.
Friday We return home.
Spectacular Highland scenery awaits on one of the world’s most famous rail journeys and along the most infamous of lochs. We pass through The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park on our way to Fort William, and return through the Cairngorms National Park, so even our travelling days are full of scenery and interest. This year we’ve improved the holiday by staying at the 3-star Tinto Hotel in Biggar on the first night of the holiday and the 4-star Dryfesdale Country House Hotel near Lockerbie on the last night. This means we have longer to explore and enjoy Scotland.
Main Hotel: Alexandra Hotel www.strathmorehotels-thealexandra.com
Providing traditional Scottish hospitality this 3-star hotel has a great location with everything nearby and full use of the
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• Return coach travel
nearby Ben Nevis Hotel.
at Ben Nevis Hotel
• Tours as indicated (including train ride and boat cruise)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Sunday We head north to the border and make a stop at Gretna Green before continuing to our hotel, the 3-star Tinto Hotel in Biggar.
Monday We travel by Edinburgh, over the Forth Estuary and into the Highlands. We make a short lunchtime stop in Pitlochry with its clear sparkling air, beautiful scenery, and rich clan history. From here we have great Highland scenery as we travel through the Cairngorms National Park to our hotel for four nights in Fort William.
Tuesday We board the Jacobite Steam Train for a four-hour return journey on what’s regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys to Mallaig and back. This was the route used by the Hogwarts Express and there are views of the mighty Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and we travel over the famous twenty-one arch Glenfinnan Viaduct. A truly magical experience and we have free time in Mallaig before our return.
Wednesday To Fort Augustus, a lovely town where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness. Following free time, we board our boat for a wonderfully relaxing cruise on Loch Ness with stunning views of Urquhart Castle and possibly Nessie!
Thursday Into the northern Cairngorms and we make a stop in Aviemore. We return in time for you to spend time in Fort William. Friday We return south on a different route with more superb Highland scenery including Ben Nevis. We make a short stop in Glencoe and then at Loch Lomond shores with shops, eating options and walks on the banks of the loch. Our overnight hotel is the 4-star Dryfesdale Country House.
Saturday We return home.
Maybe it has heightened due to Harry Potter, but the idealistic riding on trains is synonymous with Scottish Highland scenery. On this tour we take three train rides, two in the highlands and one near Edinburgh. But that’s not all! We also have a 90-minute loch cruise and visit some of Scotland’s beautiful scenic spots and traditional towns. Our main hotel is in Kingussie, a lovely town beside the river Spey in the midst of the beautiful Cairngorms. We travel to and from Kingussie on a circular route, so you get to see as much Scottish scenery as possible!
Saturday Into Scotland and on to our overnight hotel, the 3-star Watermill in Paisley.
Sunday We travel up the west side of Scotland taking in Loch Lomond, Glencoe & Ben Nevis before finally climbing into the Cairngorms to our hotel for four nights in Kingussie. We make stops on Loch Lomond and in Fort William.
Monday A dramatic day in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Harry Potter and the Jacobite rebellion! To Loch Sheil, Hogwart’s Lake in Harry Potter, for a ninety-minute cruise. As part of this cruise we get to witness the famous scene in the film where the Hogwart’s Express crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Hogwart’s Express is in fact The Jacobite. Later we travel on that famous train line, from Mallaig to Fort William, on a diesel train experiencing the great scenery.
Tuesday A well-deserved free day in our resort of Kingussie. If you wish to explore further afield there is a trainline that travels to either Inverness or Newtonmore.
Wednesday Along the Spey Valley to Aviemore, a year-round destination with beautiful scenery. Here we catch the Strathspey Steam Railway to Broomhill, a ride that enables you to travel back in time to an era when steam whistles blew, carriage doors slammed and there was a familiar click-clack rhythm on the rails. Later we travel further into the Highlands and visit Grantown on Spey.
Thursday A wonderful day’s drive through the Cairngorm mountains. We travel via Tomintoul to our lunch time stop in Braemar, known as the “Royal Village” due to its proximity to Balmoral. We also make a short stop in the village of Balmoral itself. We continue later through the Pass of Glenshee to the Station Hotel in Perth, our base for the next two nights.
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated (including three train rides and one cruise)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Friday Across the Firth of Forth and our final train ride on the Bo’Ness & Kinneil Steam Railway. Afterwards we have free time in the city of Edinburgh.
Saturday We return home.
The Aberdonian whisks us away and lets us take in some of the best that Scotland has to offer, both on train and off. It is a fourhour steam journey both ways and whilst in Aberdeen we visit a famous distillery. We have premier dining for the journey, so we enjoy two silver service meals cooked by onboard chefs. A bubbly breakfast on the way and a 4-course dinner on our return. There are also inclusions on our other days in resort as we visit a famous house and a seabird centre.
Monday North and over the border to our hotel in Peebles. Tuesday We visit Abbotsford House for a guided tour. It’s the former home of Sir Walter Scott and our tour will uncover an extensive woodland estate with amazing gothic architecture. Then to the world-famous town of Hawick which is home to five premium products and where cashmere and tweed were invented! We have a tour and tasting at Borders Distillery and free time to explore the other shops including Lockies, Hawico & Lovat Mill.
Wednesday The Scottish Seabird Centre is a 5-star attraction and allows us a unique view of the marine environment through interactive cameras showing wildlife in its natural habitat. We also spend time in the charming seaside resort of North Berwick before returning to our hotel.
Thursday We board the Aberdonain Tornado steam train in Edinburgh for the four-hour journey to Aberdeen. We cross the UNESCO world heritage Forth Bridge, then along the Fife coastline as we enjoy a bubbly breakfast. In Aberdeen we visit Glen Garioch for a tour and tasting, it’s true what they say – you can never fully enjoy a dram until you’ve seen how and where it is made. Then we return to our train for the journey home and enjoy a four-course meal while scenic lush countryside, rugged cliffs and coastal panoramas open out through the large picture windows.
Friday We return home.
Sunday North to our hotel in that lies between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Monday To Pollok House, a grand country house in the heart of Glasgow with an impressive collection of Spanish art. We have a private tour and afterwards are treated to a cream tea. Later we cross the famous Erskine Bridge and visit Loch Lomond where we make a stop at the Loch Lomond Shores Centre, with shops, eating options and walks on the banks of the loch.
Tuesday In the morning we experience the Falkirk Wheel, one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions that will leave us stunned at the staggering feat of engineering. The world’s first rotating boat lift is an engineering marvel which connects the Forth and Clyde canal with the Union canal. Then we make our way to the unique sight of The Kelpies, the world’s largest, equine sculptures which are monumental tributes to the horsepower heritage vital to the early industries of central Scotland. During our time here we have a 30-minute guided tour where we can see the sculptures up close. Wednesday To Edinburgh for a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia to follow in the footsteps of not only the late Queen Elizabeth II, but Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and many more. The remainder of the day is free to explore Edinburgh. Thurday We return home.
A sterling journey through the natural wealth of Scotland, exploring the grand volcanic Stirling Castle, a steam ride on the Bo’ness and Kinneil railway, cruise on the lovely Loch Katrine and a spectacular Highland safari. This really is a great, fully packed itinerary and all whilst staying at a fabulous 4-star hotel with full leisure facilities!
Monday We head north and over the border to our 4-star hotel in Stirling.
Tuesday We take a ride pulled by a heritage, steam locomotive through the Scottish landscape on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. Stunning landscape soars pass us, from the Firth of Forth to the marvellous Ochill Hills before we whistle into the Museum of Scottish Railways for an exploration through the ages. The rest of the day is spent in Edinburgh which really does have something for everyone.
Wednesday The highlight for many as we take a glorious 2.5-hour exploration of the stunning Scottish wilds with a kilted ranger taking us on a Highland safari from the comfort of our Land Rover. We see the beauty of the natural world in an unforgettable experience, finishing with a hot drink and traditional Scottish shortbread at a private mountain Bothy. There will be a max of six persons per land rover and everyone will have their own binoculars. There is a chance you will see red deer, grouse, mountain hares or even golden eagles! The afternoon is free in Stirling which you can explore from our hotel.
Thursday In the morning we experience one of the largest and grandest castles in Scotland. Stirling Castle’s walls are full of secrets such as the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots and guarding the land astride an extinct volcano, the castle overlooks the battlefields of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce’s fierce defeat of the English. Then onto Loch Katrine where we take an awe-inspiring hour-long journey on the steamship Sir Walter Scott, with over 100 years sailing to her name. We travel to and from the loch via a different route seeing great Trossachs scenery.
Spring is a great time to see the Highlands and we take a different route north and south through Scotland, so beautiful and different scenery seen throughout. Hopefully there’ll still be some snow on the mountains despite the fields coming to life. Whilst at the 4-star Palace hotel we have full board, wine with dinner, free bar (selected drinks), tea and scones every afternoon and two nights of live entertainment! On days in Inverness our lunch will be soup and sandwiches and on days out we are given a packed lunch.
Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness www.invernesspalacehotel.co.uk 4-star central hotel that was built in 1890, it combines the best of the past with contemporary style. Plus full leisure facilities!
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal plus lunches whilst in Inverness.
Sunday We head north across the border and on to Stirling for an overnight stop at the King Robert Hotel.
Monday Free time to explore Stirling and then we head to Inverness through the Cairngorms with spectacular Highland scenery.
Tours whilst in resort
A | A great circular tour taking in parts of the Cairngorms, Moray Speyside and views of the Moray Firth. We make stops in Grantown on Spey and Elgin, which is rich in history with a castle, cathedral, and cashmere!
B | Another circular tour as we weave through the Highlands and have great views of the Isle of Skye as we near Kyle of Lochalsh. Throughout, crystal clear lochs mirror the forests and mountains on this wonderful journey. We then cross onto the Isle of Skye for free time in Kyleakin before enjoying another scenic journey back passing Lochs Duich, Cluanie, and most famously of all, Loch Ness.
C | A free day to relax and enjoy Inverness.
Friday Towards Fort William, where we make a lunch time stop, with wonderful Highland scenery and views of Ben Nevis. Then we pass through Glencoe and pass by Loch Lomond on the way to our overnight hotel, the Holiday Inn in Dumfries.
Saturday We return home.
Saturday Over the border, passed Glasgow and then into the Highlands towards our base for four nights in Kingussie.
Sunday To Fort Augustus, a lovely town where the Caledonian canal meets Loch Ness. Following free time, we board our boat for a wonderfully relaxing cruise on Loch Ness with stunning views of Urquhart Castle and possibly Nessie!
Monday We travel to Inverness, the cultural capital of the Highlands. Stroll along the banks of the River Ness or browse the indoor Victorian market. In the afternoon we visit Speyside Cooperage at Craigellachie, home of the ancient art of coopering for over seventy years. Our tour takes us on the journey “from acorn to cask” and includes a whisky tasting.
Tuesday Strathspey Railway will transport us back in time on a ten-mile-long branch line where little has changed since 1863 when the Victorians first built the railway. The first stretch of the line will be known to many fans of the TV series Monarch of the Glen as Glenbogle Station. At Boat of Garten Station wander around the station to grasp the full sense of British Rail as it was in the 1950s and 1960s, before disembarking at Aviemore station. Later we visit the open-air Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore. There are over thirty historical buildings showing how Highland people lived from the 1700s to the 1960s.
Wednesday We return home.
It was 1848 when Queen Victoria first visited this region. She fell in love with the place and it’s been known as Royal Deeside ever since. One can only say that she had good taste as the Deeside is a stunningly beautiful area and the late Queen Elizabeth’s favourite place, Balmoral, is also situated here. We are based in the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen and from our overnight hotel we take a different route to and from Aberdeen making a circular tour of interest with scenery that includes the Scottish Highlands. And with five experiences this is a tremendous tour!
Wednesday We make our way north and stop overnight high in the Lake District at the 3-star Shap Wells Hotel.
Thursday Into Scotland and we cross the Firth of Forth, with views of the famous bridges. Then onto our late lunchtime stop in Dundee via another bridge over the river Tay. Dundee is enjoying a great resurgence as UNESCO City of Design and is home to the only V&A Museum outside London. It’s also home to Captain Scott’s ship the RRS Discovery. From here we continue to Aberdeen and our hotel for four nights. Friday Travelling via Inverurie, we visit Dean’s Shortbread Factory where we can see the famous product being made. Then we visit Fyvie Castle, an imposing 800-year-old fortress with Raeburn portraits on the walls and wildfowl in the loch. The estate has its own ghosts, legends, and folklore! We complete a circular route for the day by following the coast road back to Aberdeen with views over the North Sea.
Saturday With a backdrop of lush rolling hills, Crathes Castle and gardens is this morning’s destination. Discover the history of the turrets, towers, oak panels, and painted ceilings of this magnificent Disney-esque 16th century house. We also have time to spend in the lovely gardens. Later we have a return journey on the Royal Deeside Railway. Although the track is only a mile long it has a beautiful setting running alongside the river Dee.
Sunday We have a two-hour guided tour of Aberdeen by coach including some walking parts. Then the remainder of the day is yours to explore the city, spend time in the merchant quarter or relax in one of the many parks and award-winning gardens.
Monday We depart Aberdeen and head for the Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorm National Park. We pass Balmoral before making a short, early, lunch stop in Braemar, a lovely village surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, beautiful glens, and ancient pine forests. Then on through the national park before dropping down to Perth and on to the same overnight hotel.
Tuesday Across the border and back home south.
Wednesday We head north to the border and make a stop at Gretna Green before continuing to our hotel in Lockerbie. Thursday Past Glasgow and we make a stop at the Loch Lomond shores, with shops, eating options and walks on the banks of the loch. Lovely landscape all the way from here as we travel through wonderful Highland scenery, including views of Ben Nevis, then along the shores of Loch Ness towards our base for four nights in Beauly.
Friday We enjoy a memorable two-hour ride on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys from Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh. After weaving through the Highlands, we have super views of the Isle of Skye as we near Kyle of Lochalsh. Throughout, crystal clear lochs mirror the forests and mountains on this wonderful journey. Our coach meets us at the end of the journey, and we cross onto the Isle of Skye for free time in Kyleakin before enjoying another scenic journey back, passing Lochs Duich and Cluanie.
Saturday We experience an unforgettable boat cruise on the Moray Firth to hopefully see the world’s most northerly population of bottlenose dolphins. There’ll also be great views and hopefully more wildlife including otters and seals. We then head north along the coast to visit Dunrobin Castle, with its fairy tale spires and turrets plus great gardens.
SundayA free day to relax and enjoy Beauly, or maybe catch the local train for the fifteen-minute ride into Inverness (not included). Inverness is the Capital of the Highlands and has a thriving old town with a river setting.
Monday More Highland scenery as we head south via the Cairngorms National Park. We make a lunch time stop in Pitlochry with its clear sparkling air, beautiful scenery and rich clan history. Our overnight hotel is in Lockerbie again.
Tuesday We return home.
Monday Over the border and we spend our first night in Stirling at the 4-star Highland Hotel, in a charming Victorian building providing a perfect base for exploring the city. The hotel has a pool and a gym, and we are met with hot drinks and biscuits.
Tuesday Through the Trossachs and passing Loch Tay we make a lunch time stop in Pitlochry with its clear, sparkling air, beautiful scenery, and rich clan history. Then it’s into the Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorm National Park on our way to Grantown on Spey, our hotel for the next three nights. It’s a fine Scottish country town, not far from the famous Spey River in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park and our hotel specialises in bird watching and wildlife.
Wednesday After two days of travelling we stay local today but still have two great experiences. First, we delve into the past and discover Highland living at the Highland Folk Museum which is set over eighty acres with live actors plus restored buildings bring Highland history to life. Then a completely unique experience as we see up to eight sheepdogs working as a team maneuvering sheep through various obstacles over a forty-five minute demonstration, all amidst beautiful scenery.
Thursday To Inverness for free time in the capital of the Highlands where the river Ness flows into the Moray Firth. The afternoon is spent on Loch Ness, and we take a one-hour cruise from Dochgarroch to Urquhart Castle with breath-taking scenery. We then have entry to Urquhart Castle, magnificently situated on the shore of the loch, with over 1,000 years of history. We return by a different route so we can travel the length of the loch and thus complete a wonderful circular tour.
Grant Arms Hotel | www.grantarmshotel.com
3-star hotel in the heart of the Highlands that provides a modern standard of comfort. It dates from 1765 and Queen Victoria stayed here in 1860. LIFT | WIFI
Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel www.all.accor.com
Elegant 4-star hotel overlooking the famous Union Terrace Gardens in the centre. LIFT | BAR | WIFI
Riverside Lodge Hotel Irvine
www.theriversidelodgehotel.co.uk
4-star hotel just outside Irvine with its own golf course. GROUND FLOOR ROOMS (PLEASE REQUEST) | BAR | WIFI
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated (including ten experiences)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
If you’re not sure what part of Scotland to visit, then take this tour! It includes four bases and allows the completion of a figure of eight tour taking in lots of highlights. It’s also action-packed with 10 included visits ranging from boat cruise to whisky and castles to sheepdogs! All hotels are either 3 or 4-stars, so we’ll always be able to relax in comfort in the evenings and reflect upon all that we have seen. This tour was a huge success in 2021, but we couldn’t get accommodation in 2022, so take advantage in 2023!
Friday We have a relaxing morning with time to explore Grantown on Spey before our early afternoon departure. We make a stop at Whisky Castle which has been selling whisky from the same shop for over 100 years. It is based in the highest village in the Highlands, and we have a brief talk followed by a tasting. Then we drop down to the coast and Aberdeen, our base for the next two nights at the 4-star Mercure Caledonian Hotel.
Saturday Two National Trust of Scotland properties today as we first head to Fyvie Castle for a guided tour followed by hot drinks and Shortbread. Fyvie is an imposing 800-year-old fortress with Raeburn portraits on the walls and wildfowl in the loch, all brought to life by our guide. Then to Pitmedden Gardens, a re-created Scottish Renaissance walled garden with unique floral designs and over 30,000 bedding plants making up the colourful designs. Following a guided tour of the gardens we complete a circular route for the day by following the coast road back to Aberdeen with views across the North Sea.
Sunday We leave Aberdeen and head south to Dundee where we make a lunch time stop. Dundee is enjoying a resurgence and is UNESCO City of Design and home to the only V&A Museum outside of London. It’s also home to Captain Scott’s ship the RRS Discovery. From here we cross the Forth and continue to our final hotel, The Riverside Lodge in Irvine, where we have drinks and shortbread on arrival.
Monday Wonderful costal views of the Isles of Bute and Arran, then to Loch Lomond for a one-hour cruise on this famous loch immortalised by writers, poets, and artists. It’s one of the most enchanting and romantic beauty spots in the British Isles. Following free time for lunch at Loch Lomond Shores, we have a guided tour of the Glengoyne Distillery including a tutored tasting of two Highland style malt whiskies with complex flavours. Tuesday We don’t venture far today and our first stop is Culzean Castle where we have a guided tour followed by drinks and biscuits. The castle is a cliff-top masterpiece which rises above beaches, and secret follies. On our way back up the Ayrshire coast we make a short stop in Troon, most famous for its golf course but also a popular seaside town with a bustling harbour and beach.
Wednesday Our final enjoyment of Scottish scenery as we travel across Dumfries and Galloway to Gretna Green and then home.
Wednesday We head north to the border, and make a stop at Gretna Green before continuing to our hotel in Biggar, the 3-star Tinto Hotel.
Thursday We cross the Forth on the Queensferry Bridge and on to a lunch stop in Pitlochry with its clear, sparkling air, beautiful scenery, and rich clan history. We’re now in the Highlands and pass the Cairngorm National Park plus numerous lochs before crossing the famous Skye Bridge and onto our hotel for three nights in Broadford.
Friday A circular tour of the far north of Skye with plenty of photo opportunities of other islands and towards the Outer Hebrides. We visit Skye Museum of Island Life at the very north of the island where we step back over one hundred years. The museum offers a unique experience and a true insight into island life and is an award-winning attraction. We then make a late lunch time stop in the Islands capital of Portree. Portree lies in a picturesque, sheltered natural harbour with great views to sea.
Saturday Another circular tour as we travel via Skeabost to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. This was the seat of the Clan Macleod and is the oldest continually occupied castle in Scotland. The castle has won visitor awards and it is a Highland estate steeped in history and clan legend which also has beautiful formal gardens. We return via the west coast of Skye and in the afternoon there’s a choice; free time at Broadford, where our hotel is, or join the coach for a short trip to the town of Kyleakin which has great views of the Skye Bridge across the water.
Sunday We leave the Isle and head south with great scenery throughout including views of Ben Nevis and Glencoe. After a late lunch time stop at Loch Lomond shores, we continue to our overnight hotel, the 4-star Dryfesdale Country House Hotel.
Monday The holiday is still not over as we make a ride through the Lake District with a stop in Bowness-on-Windermere before we continue south and home.
Showcasing Northern Scotland with all its beautiful beaches, historical ruins and pretty fishing villages, the North Coast 500 coastal road is a journey like no other. Scotland’s answer to Route 66 is now a designated tourist route around the Northern Highlands taking in amazing coastal scenery full of lochs and uninhabited islands. We also travel to and from the most northern part of Scotland on different routes to see as much as possible. Heading north we head through the Cairngorms National Park and on the way south we pass Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond. A fabulous “Bucket List” tour that was hugely successful in 2022 when it operated for the first time.
Wednesday Into Scotland and on to our overnight hotel, the 4-star Courtyard by Marriott Glasgow Airport with free WIFI & gym. Thursday Beautiful scenery today as we pass Stirling and Perth, then climb into the Highlands with views of the Cairngorm National Park. We make a stop in Pitlochry and then a lunch time stop in Aviemore, a highland base with plenty of shops and food options. Then onto Strathpeffer and our hotel for two nights, the Ben Wyvis Hotel.
Friday We stay local today and have free time in Inverness before skirting the banks of Loch Ness to the Visitor Centre. There’s a multi-media presentation leading you through seven themed areas and 500 million years of history and mystery. Then we take a cruise on the famous Loch so have your camera ready!
www.strathmorehotels-thebenwyvis.com
Situated in idyllic woodland in the Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer, this 3-star hotel is a grand Victorian mansion full of character and charm. BAR | WIFI
Royal Hotel Ullapool | www.royalhotel-ullapool.com
Located in a breath-taking location on the shores of Loch Broom offering unspoilt views of the surrounding landscape. Plus, just 5 minutes from the town centre. BAR
• Return coach travel
• Tours as indicated (including Dunrobin, Attadale, Loch Ness Visitor Centre, and Cruise)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Saturday We start our journey on the North Coast 500 enjoying stunning scenery from the start. En route we make a stop at Dunrobin Castle, the most northerly of Scotland’s great castles and with a resemblance to a French chateau. There is time to enjoy the castle and the gardens with fantastic views over the Moray Firth. Later on, to Thurso and our hotel for the night.
Sunday Miles and miles of costal scenery as we head along Scotland’s most northern coast and enjoy dramatic ocean views. We’ll take plenty of photo stops where the impressive white sand beaches are at their most impressive. Our hotel for the next two nights is the Royal Hotel in Ullapool, a pretty fishing village.
Monday A final part of the North Coast 500 takes us by more dramatic scenery on our way to Attadale Gardens. The gardens were built in 1755 and its gardens include a water garden, rhododendron walk, sunken garden and a Japanese garden.
Tuesday We return to the Courtyard Hotel taking in the west of the country and passing Ben Nevis, Glencoe and Loch Lomond.
Wednesday We return home with a final stop at Gretna Green.
We spend two nights on Skye and then on Mull on this fabulous Island-hopping itinerary which provides the opportunity to view some of the best scenery that the west coast of Scotland has to offer. Mull offers peace in its outstanding countryside and unspoilt landscapes untouched by mass tourism. On Skye dramatic vistas of jagged mountains and sweeping moors await us. The final island is Iona, burial place of forty-eight Scottish kings and home to an abbey that we visit. Our journey to and from the Isles is a circular route that allows us to see the Highlands and the Cairngorms on our way north, and then Loch Awe and Loch Lomond on our return south. Including Duart Castle, Iona Abbey & four ferries! NEW TOUR!
Thursday We head north to the border, and make a stop at Gretna Green before continuing to our hotel in Motherwell, the 4-star Alona Hotel.
Friday Across the Forth on the Queensferry Bridge and on to a lunch stop in Pitlochry with its clear, sparkling air, beautiful scenery, and rich clan history. We are now in the Highlands and pass the Cairngorm National Park plus numerous lochs before crossing the famous Skye Bridge and onto our hotel for two nights.
Saturday A full day tour of the Isle of Skye with a local driver/ guide. The tour will include the stunning Cuillin Hills and the island’s main town of Portree.
Dunollie Hotel, Broadford www.bespokehotels.com/dunolliehotel
3-star hotel set by the serene waterside at the foot of Skye’s mountains. BAR | WIFI
Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa www.crerarhotels.com/isle-of-mull-hotel-spa
• Return coach travel
• Ferry crossings
• Tours as indicated (including Duart Castle, and Iona Abbey)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Sunday We catch the morning ferry from Armdale back to Mallaig on the mainland, then we travel south on the famous ‘Road to the Isles’ with non-stop views of hills, coastline and lochs. We cross on to the Isle of Mull via the ferry from Lochlaine to Fishnish and visit Duart Castle which is spectacularly positioned on a cliff overlooking the Sound of Mull. Then to our nearby hotel for a twonight stay.
Monday We cross to the South West of Mull, with some photo stops on the way, and from Fionnphort we catch the passenger ferry to the Isle of Iona. Iona has a long and illustrious history and is well known as being ‘The Cradle of Christianity’ in Scotland and home to just 160 residents. We have entry to Iona Abbey. Later on, we have the choice between relaxing back at the hotel, or staying on board the coach to visit Tobermory in the north of the island. The town is much photographed due to its colourful buildings. Tuesday The morning ferry takes us back to the mainland via Craignure to Oban, then a scenic drive along Loch Awe, with views of Kilchurn Castle, Loch Lomond and onto our overnight hotel, the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries with full leisure facilities.
Wednesday Across the border and home.
A fantastic journey right up to the northern tip of the Highlands and including a day on Orkney. Orkney is a group of seventy islands and we spend 6.5 hours on the island with a local guide. We visit the world heritage sites of Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. Plus, Scapa Flow, the Churchill Barriers, the Italian chapel, and the island’s capital Kirkwall with its magnificent cathedral. Whilst in the far north we also spend another day enjoying the Castle & Gardens of Mey plus John O’Groats. We travel through Scotland on different Highland routes, one way taking in the Cairngorms and on the other Loch Ness and Glencoe.
Family run hotel nestled in the heart of this picturesque village with first class food. BAR | FREEVIEW TV
• Return coach travel
• Ferry crossings
• Tours as indicated (including local guide on Orkney, entry to Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness, Castle of Mey)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
the north coast, our base for three nights.
Saturday We catch the sixty minute ferry from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope where we are met by our guide for the day. We have a full tour of Orkney taking in amongst other things Skara Brae, an amazing Neolithic village that lay buried by sand for 4,000 years; the stone Ring of Brodgar, the delightful chapel built by Italian POWs and the sunken remains of battleships scuppered at Scapa Flow. Our return ferry has us back on the mainland by 18:00.
Sunday A relaxing day as we visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey, once the much-adored home of the Queen Mother, who saved it from ruin in 1952. We also visit the famous John O’Groats and then views north back to the Orkney Islands as we visit Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on mainland Britain.
Monday We return on a different route along the banks of Loch Ness and then views of Ben Nevis as we pass through Glencoe. Our lunch time stop is in Fort William and we return to our overnight hotel in Stirling.
Tuesday We travel south and home.
Sunday A relaxed start before catching the mid-afternoon Condor to Guernsey arriving at 18:00. On the island you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Whilst on Guernsey
A | A half day tour of the island is included plus a good selection of others are available through your representative.
B | We transfer to the port for a twenty-minute boat ride to Herm. Herm Island is a peaceful oasis with long stretches of unspoilt beach, sandy cliff paths, local pods of dolphins and Europe’s most southerly puffin colony, this small island is an escape like no other. Wednesday Interisland transfer at 17:00 to Jersey where we arrive at 1900 and transfer to our hotel in time for dinner.
Whilst on Jersey
A | A full day Island Coastal trip is included plus a good selection of others are available through your representative.
B | A free day to explore how you wish.
Saturday There will be a transfer to the Condor from the hotel for our crossing at 14:30 back to Poole where we arrive at 19:00 and are transferred home.
Jersey is an island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle the coast and feed the land. It’s an island that’s small on size, but big on personality, where country lanes open to cliff top views and the sea is never more than ten minutes away. We used the Monterey Hotel for the first time in 2022 and it was great success. All holidays include a fullday island coastal tour. We travel with Condor on one of their high-speed vessels so the journey time to Jersey is just four hours and ten minutes. Everyone is guaranteed a seat on board and there’s a restaurant, bar, duty-free shop and Wi-Fi.
Tuesday We make our way north to Heysham and the three-anda-half-hour ferry crossing to the Isle of Man.
Wednesday To Ramsey, a bustling town with a busy shopping street, harbour and beach. Then to Peel, an old world fishing port noted for its kippers. Lovely scenery all day.
Thursday We catch the unique Manx Electric Railway from Douglas to Laxey. The line still operates with most of its original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. In Laxey we transfer to the Snaefell Mountain Railway for a ride to the summit. The ride takes about thirty minutes and offers amazing views of Laxey Glens and the surrounding countryside. We return via the Mountain Railway and the Electric Railway and have the rest of the day free to explore Douglas.
Friday We enjoy an hour-long, single journey you will never forget on the Isle of Man Victorian Steam Railway, described as “perfectly frozen in time”, from Douglas to Port Erin with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful setting and we spend some time there. We then view the Calf of Man (look out for the seals!) before visiting Castletown which was the island’s former capital with its narrow streets, quaint houses, and a mediaeval castle.
Saturday We return to the mainland and the journey home.
The Isle of Man is shrouded by mystery, a sea-bound kingdom with its own captivating story to tell and rich history that echoes through the ages. On this tour we explore a large part of this secret in the Irish Sea, with an amazing range of scenery including an abundance of rivers and streams, reservoirs, and hidden glens. Our base is the island’s most popular resort, Douglas at the superb 3-star Rutland Hotel.
Friday We make our way north to Heysham and the three-and-ahalf-hour ferry crossing to the Isle of Man.
Tours whilst at resort
A | To Laxey, home of the largest water wheel in the country and where there is the opportunity to take the Snaefell Mountain Railway (not included) with magnificent views of the island.
B | To Ramsey, a bustling town with a busy shopping street, harbour and a beach. Then to Peel, an old world fishing port noted for its kippers. Lovely scenery all day.
C | South Island tour visiting Castletown, the island’s former capital with its narrow streets, quaint houses, and mediaeval castle. Onward to view the Calf of Man (look out for the seals!) and a visit to Port Erin with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful setting.
D | A free day to explore Douglas. Wednesday We return to the mainland and the journey home.
Sunday We head to Chester for free time before checking into the 4-star Queens Hotel.
Monday We make the short journey to Liverpool for the 10:30 ferry to Belfast arriving at 18:30. Then we have a short journey to The Malone Hotel for four nights.
Tuesday A great start to Northern Ireland as we visit Tracey’s Farmhouse where we can ‘make a friend, not just bread!’ Tracey herself gives us a fine welcome to her 17th century farmhouse with freshly baked bread, sweet treats and a hot drink before a demonstration and tour. Then tie your apron strings for a chance to make local bread with only the finest ingredients from the garden outside. Finally, we get to taste our creations! We complete the day with a circular tour of Strangford Lough including a crossing on the Strangford ferry and a journey across the Ards Peninsula.
Wednesday More scenery as we pass Lough Neagh to visit Tyrone Crafted Glass for a ‘cut and keep’ workshop. At the artisan craft studio, former staff from the famous Tyrone Crystal Factory reveal the intriguing stories behind Tyrone Crystal before we can try our hand at marking and cutting glass and creating our own takehome souvenir. Free time on our return to explore Belfast.
Thursday The head gardener of Mount Stewart takes us on an enlightening tour of what’s been voted one of the top ten gardens in the world. Lavishly designed gardens housing an exceptional plat collection earns this world-class status. Then to Echlinville Distillery, which uses botanicals sourced from Mount Stewart Gardens, to make its gin. We see this process, taste a drop of two and then enjoy a light lunch at the country’s only ‘field to glass’ distillery.
Friday A relaxing drive as we enter the Republic of Ireland and continue to Dublin for our 11:45 ferry to Dublin. From Holyhead we continue back to the Queens Hotel in Chester for a late dinner.
Saturday The holiday isn’t over as we spend time in Shrewsbury, set in a loop of the River Severn with beautiful timber-framed
We see many different aspects of Ireland from our base at the excellent 4-star Riverside Park Hotel. We are away for St Patrick’s week and so we get to experience the build-up to this day. We have a themed Irish dinner one evening and entertainment on another!
Sunday We take the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare and the short drive to our hotel in Enniscorthy.
Days whilst in resort
A | To Waterford which is said to be the oldest town in Ireland where we see 1,000 years of history in 1,000 steps! Enjoy the historic streets and local atmosphere of this harbour town and then in the afternoon we have guided tours of both the Medieval Museum and Bishop’s Palace by costumed actors. The Mediaeval Museum is in a stunning modern building and the Bishop’s Palace is an authentic 18th century Georgian grand residence.
B | All day in Kilkenny, Ireland’s mediaeval capital. It has a mixture of rich cultural heritage, beautiful street-scapes and great shopping to offer.
C | We head into the Wicklow Mountains National Park, known as the Garden of Ireland, and visit Glendalough. For thousands of years people have been drawn here for its spectacular scenery, rich history and abundant wildlife. We return by a different route to complete a circular tour, and we have free time in the afternoon to explore Enniscorthy.
Thursday We have a take away breakfast from the hotel and catch the morning ferry back to Wales. The holiday isn’t over as we make a lunch time stop in Carmarthen.
NOTE: We will not be in Ireland for St Patrick’s Day.
This short break to the east coast of Ireland is filled with treats including a guided rail tour and a scenic river cruise. We also include a visit to Kilkenny, where the modern and the mediaeval fuse. This year we stay at the Summerhill House Hotel in Enniskerry where glamour and the countryside blend in one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. It also has one night of entertainment and a quiz on another evening.
Sunday We take the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and on to our hotel in Enniskerry where we are met with a welcome drink. Monday We make our way to Kilkenny. As Ireland’s mediaeval capital, it has a mixture of rich cultural heritage, beautiful streetscapes, and great shopping to offer. On our return we travel through the scenic Wicklow Mountains via Glendalough. Tuesday We begin today with a journey on Ireland’s oldest railway, following the coast from Bray, through Dublin to Malahide. We are accompanied by a local tour guide and enjoy a panorama of city, coast and countryside. Upon arrival at the seaside resort of Malahide we are served tea and scones. Following free time in Malahide we return on a scenic journey via Howth. Wednesday To Dublin for a one-hour river cruise that glides under Dublin’s historic bridges whilst we gaze at iconic buildings from a unique vantage point and our expert guide describes the highlights of Irish history. In the afternoon we are free to enjoy Dublin. Maybe visit the home of a monumental Irish success story, The Guinness Storehouse which is a seven-storey visitor experience dedicated to Ireland’s world-famous stout, and has itself become Ireland’s most popular visitor attraction with over a million visitors a year (entry not included). Our evening meal is followed by an Irish coffee.
Thursday Time for the morning ferry from Dublin back to Holyhead. Breakfast will be served on board and then home.
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A fine tour exploring the north of the Island of Ireland combining the beautiful scenery of the Inishowen Peninsula, the Walled City of Derry, and a classic coastal rail journey to the Giant’s Causeway. Plus, we get the best out of Belfast with a 2.5-hour city tour by coach and entry to the Titanic Museum. Our main stay is in Buncrana, a town on the shores of Lough Swilly with a rich culture and history.
Sunday To Holyhead for the crossing to Dublin and an overnight stay at the 4-star Pillo Hotel and Spa in Ashbourne.
Monday In to beautiful local countryside as we travel through The Boyne Valley and on to visit the award-winning Ulster American Folk Park. One of Northern Ireland’s major museums, it brings to life the powerful story of mass emigration as millions of people sailed to America in search of a ‘better life’. Then on to Buncrana for a 3-night stay at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel.
Tuesday We enjoy a tour of the Inishowen Peninsula with a local guide onboard. The region is a protected national park, with wonderful ocean views and rare species of flora and fauna. First, we go to Ireland’s northernmost point, Malin Head and then to Derry/Londonderry on the banks of the River Foyle, the only completely walled city in Ireland.We have a walking tour that takes in the walls and the peace bridge.
PLEASE NOTE: ONLY ONE NIGHT IS SPENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND SO EUROS ARE NEEDED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE HOLIDAY.
Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana www.inishowengateway.com
3-star hotel located in an area of outstanding natural beauty with stunning views. BAR | POOL | SAUNA STEAM ROOM | JACUZZI
• Return coach travel
• Ferry crossings
• Tours as indicated (including Ulster American Folk Park, Local Guide in Derry and Belfast, Train Ride, Giant’s Causeway & Titanic Belfast)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Wednesday A free day to explore Buncrana. Thursday Michael Palin described the train trip from Derry to Coleraine as ‘…one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world’ and we take this delightful train that winds its way past pretty beaches, taking in historic landmarks along the way. Then to the UNESCO world-heritage listed Giant’s Causeway, a series of volcanic stone columns created by the force of nature and surrounded by more stunning coastal scenery. PS If you require the bus from coach park to Giant’s Causeway then it’s payable on site at approx. £1 each way. Then to our 4-star hotel for one night, the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, just opposite Stormont Castle.
Friday We enjoy a 2.5 hour guided tour of this fascinating city by coach. Following free time for lunch we visit Titanic Belfast. This is one of the world’s leading attractions and we can explore the shipyard, walk the decks and travel to the depths of the ocean to uncover the true legend of Titanic. Afterwards, we continue on to the Pillo Hotel again for our last evening.
Saturday Our ferry is at 08:00 from Dublin to Holyhead, so breakfast is included on the ferry.
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Riverside Park Hotel and Leisure Club www.riversideparkhotel.com
Holiday Inclusions
Ferry crossings
Tours as indicated (including Huntingdon Castle & Gardens, Johnstown Castle, Waterford Crystal & Dunbrody Famine Ship)
Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Sunday We take the ferry from Pembroke to Rosslare and the short drive to our hotel in Enniscorthy.
Monday Back to the 1840s with a guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship with its insights and interpretations of the Irish emigrant experience. Then onto the Hook Headland and a lunchtime stop at the world’s oldest operational lighthouse. Looking across the bay we can see the village of Crooke and may be able to see dolphins. Then to Johnstown Castle for a guided tour of this Gothic-Revival Castle plus time to explore the ornamental gardens.
Tuesday To Waterford which is said to be the oldest town in Ireland, and we have a tour of Waterford Crystal where glowing balls of molten crystal are blown in front of your eyes. The afternoon is free to explore the town where you can see 1000 years of history in 1000 steps!
Wednesday Huntington Castle was built in 1625 and is still in the same family! We have a guided tour by a family member of the castle and gardens with plenty of tales as we go. We then follow the Mount Leinster Heritage Trail through Fenagh and Bagenalstown to Kilkenny. Kilkenny, Ireland’s Mediaeval capital. It has a mixture of rich cultural heritage, beautiful streetscapes, and great shopping to offer.
This tour boasts great scenery with an exciting boat cruise with dolphin-watching experience on Dingle Bay! Our base is the busy market town of Castleisland, famed for the width of its high street. We take a different ferry route to and from Ireland which allows us to travel on different routes across Ireland to see more of its scenery. To make the return more relaxing the final evening of the tour is spent in North Wales, which allows a scenic drive through Wales on the last day. Whilst in Castleisland we have included a drink
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Sunday To Pembrokeshire for our ferry crossing to Rosslare and on to Waterford. Our hotel is the superb 3-star Dooley’s.
Monday We cross Ireland and make an extended lunchtime stop in the town of Killarney, a vibrant little town surrounded by incredibly beautiful countryside. We then move on to Castleisland, our base for four nights.
Tuesday A full-day on the Dingle Peninsula. We enjoy a scenic tour of this precious Irish landscape with ancient beehive huts surrounded by an intricate coastline - a region that has captivated poets, writers and film-makers for generations. In the afternoon we have a boat cruise with dolphin-watching experience.
Wednesday A free day to explore Castleisland.
Thursday A fabulous circular tour of the Ring of Kerry. Formed during the last ice age, this picturesque peninsula offers traditional villages, lush countryside, and ocean views.
Friday A relaxing journey to Dublin for our afternoon crossing to Holyhead and on to our overnight hotel in North Wales.
Saturday We drive through Wales enjoying the scenery and making suitable stops before our return home.
Unwind and enjoy the endless, beautiful scenery and excellent hospitality of our neighbours across the sea in the Ireland, a land full of charm, contrasting beauty and natural scenic wonder. We stay in two different areas, use two different ferry routes, and there are lots of included entries to make this an unforgettable round trip. We spend our final evening of the tour in North Wales, which allows a relaxing final day of the holiday as we make a scenic drive through Wales. There is entertainment on one night at both main hotels.
Saturday To Pembrokeshire for our ferry crossing to Rosslare and on to Waterford. Our hotel is the superb 3-star Dooley’s for the next three nights and we’re met with a welcome drink. Sunday Free day to explore wonderful Waterford, with its exciting mediaeval flavour, and we have a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory (walking distance from the hotel). We can also catch one of the regular, local buses to the nearby resort of Tramore. Monday We visit Cahir, a scenic town overlooking the banks of the river Suir in south Tipperary. It is also home to one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles that sits proudly on a rocky island in the river (entry not included). Later we visit Mount Congreve Gardens which have seventy acres of intensively planted woodland gardens and a four-acre walled garden. The entire collection consists of over 3,000 different trees and shrubs, 2000 Rhododendrons, 600 Camelias, 300 acers and much more!
Tuesday We cross to the West Coast of Ireland and visit the fantastic Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, which recalls the nostalgic era when Foynes became the centre of the aviation world between 1937 and 1945. The museum also has its own restaurant (not included). Then on to our hotel for the next three nights, the 3-star Falls Hotel in Ennistymon where, on the first night, we have an included drink with dinner.
Wednesday We call at the Burren Visitor’s Centre for an introduction to the Burren, a large limestone cap with lunar landscapes, stretching for miles, and home to all manner of flora and fauna. We then embark on a tour of the Burren which includes a lunchtime stop at Burren Smokehouse where we’re given a masterclass in how salmon is smoked and how it tastes! We also have a soup and sandwich lunch. Later we visit the renowned Cliffs of Moher and stand in awe at the sheer might of the Atlantic Ocean, which over hundreds of years has carved the 230-metrehigh cliffs which are some of the highest in Europe.
• Return coach travel
• Ferry crossings
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Thursday To Galway City. It has a splendid mediaeval past and today is a thriving city with beautiful beaches, a long winding promenade and a cosmopolitan city centre.
Friday A relaxing journey to Dublin for our afternoon crossing to Holyhead and on to our overnight hotel in North Wales.
Saturday We drive through Wales enjoying the scenery and make a lunchtime stop in Welshpool whose main streets are lined with fine Georgian buildings.
Sunday To Holyhead and our crossing to Dublin. We spend the first night at the 3-star Rochestown Lodge Hotel in nearby Dun Laoghaire with full leisure facilities.
Monday We continue through central Ireland, with a lunchtime stop in Athlone on the banks of the River Shannon and then on to the 4-star Ellison Hotel, our base for four nights.
Tuesday To the Knock Shrine and Museum to discover this historic venue and major pilgrimage site. We’ll be met by our experienced and friendly local guide and accompanied through the Shrine complex while the guide narrates the story of Knock in fascinating detail. We also have a separate thirty-minute guided tour of the beautifully landscaped Knock Shrine grounds. Later we visit the National Museum of Ireland where Victorian and contemporary architecture combine.
Wednesday Along the Wild Atlantic Way to Connemara National Park, which has long been regarded as the real Emerald of Ireland with its stunning vistas of scenic mountains, valleys, lakes, and spectacular coastline. We have an exclusive tour at the iconic Kylemore Abbey, home to the Benedictine nuns and one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Surrounded by acres of woodland and lakes, the impressive castle sits at the base of a mountain. We enjoy a VIP thirty-minute head gardener tour followed by a twenty-minute guided tour of the house after which we enjoy a light lunch comprising soup and sandwiches followed by tea or coffee. On the scenic drive back through Connemara, we take in Killary Harbour, situated on the southern shore of Ireland’s only fjord on the Wild Atlantic Way, with unrivalled views of the spectacular bay and across to the northern shore and the Mayo mountains.
Thursday We have a local guide onboard all day for a tour of Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island! Experience some of the most spectacular scenery on the west coast of Ireland. Once on the Island, enjoy the spectacular, twenty-three-mile Atlantic Drive that takes you on a journey of scenic splendour. Later, we visit charming Westport, and at Westport House we have an exclusive VIP visit. We’re greeted by the owner of the house before relaxing and enjoying a afternoon tea served in the restored, original kitchens of the house. This is followed by a thirty-minute ‘out of hours’ private, guided tour of the house led by a knowledgeable guides. Later, take a stroll in the wonderful gardens, absorbing the magnificent views overlooking Clew Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Friday We cross back across the country and have a couple of hours in central Dublin for free time before we check back into the Rochestown Lodge Hotel.
Saturday Morning ferry to Holyhead and we return home.
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This is one of the world’s most dramatic scenic routes where we can feel the power of the Atlantic on an exhilarating discovery of spectacular Irish coastline. Uncover Scattery Island with truly unique panoramic views of the Shannon Estuary. Embark on a dramatic tour of the Aillwee Caves, where caverns meet thunderous waterfalls. Generations of expertise are on display at Caherconnel Sheep Dog demonstrations, a glimpse into a culture very much part of life in the region. And we of course visit the Cliffs of Moher, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark and special protection area.
Sunday Through Wales and we catch the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare and on to our overnight hotel, the 4-star Talbot Hotel in Wexford. The hotel is at the heart of the town’s impressive Quay front. The hotel also has full leisure facilities.
Monday We cross Ireland with a lunch time stop in Cahir, a scenic town overlooking the banks of the river Suir in south Tipperary. It’s also home to one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles that sits proudly on a rocky island in the river (entry not included). Then on to our hotel for the next four nights, the 3-star Falls Hotel in Ennistymon where we’re met with a welcome drink. The hotel is nestled in a wooded vale, has won various awards for sustainability and has been declared carbon neutral.
Tuesday After two days of travelling we have a relaxing morning to enjoy our hotel and Ennistymon. Then in the afternoon we travel via Ballyvaughan for a Wild Atlantic drive to the Cliffs of Moher, which feature on every Irish bucket list. These iconic rocks soar to 230 metres and are home to twenty species of seabird. The eco-friendly visitor centre hides in the hillside, minimising it visual impact whilst bringing the story of the cliffs to life.
Wednesday Into the Burren today, a large limestone cap with lunar landscapes, stretching for miles, and home to all manner of flora and fauna. Caherconnell is home to the Burren’s leading sheepdog demonstrations, and we see the combined skills of the Border collie and his master. Since the age of 16, John, our demonstrator, has been training dogs to work with both sheep and cattle to preserve the culture that has been a part of Burren life for generations. Then to Ailwee Cave, a special place in the heart of the Burren with amazing views overlooking Galway Bay. Knowledgeable guides welcome us on a tour through beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms and alongside the thunderous waterfall. Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the hibernation chambers of the long-extinct brown bears.
Thursday The uninhabited island of Scattery offers a tranquil environment to explore, despite taking its name from the local mythical monster. Awarded the European Destination of Excellence for Cultural Tourism in 2017 and framed within the calm waters of the Shannon Estuary, it’s a truly unique experience, with highlights including panoramic views of County Kerry and County Clare, a 5th Century monastic site, an imposing round tower and the homes of the last islanders who lived there. It’s a thirty-minute ferry ride each way and we have an hour-long guided tour of the island.
Friday We return across Ireland and have time to explore Wexford before checking back into the Talbot Hotel.
Saturday The ferry to Fishguard and we return home through Wales.
• Return coach travel
• Ferry crossings
• Tours as indicated (including Waterford Crystal, Mount Congreve Gardens, Burren Visitor Centre plus Smokehouse and lunch, Foynes Flying Boat Museum and Cliffs of Moher)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Disneyland Park is a world that inspires the imagination, where wonder and enchantment fill the air! With Sleeping Beauty Castle at the heart of this fairy-tale setting, the attractions, shows, parades and restaurants will immerse you in the Disney magic we know and love! At Walt Disney we can dive into the breath-taking worlds of Disney and Pixar, where fantastic shows and attractions will make you feel you’re not watching the movies but living them!
Tuesday We travel via Calais and then onto our hotel.
Wednesday We take the thirty-minute journey to the Disneyland parks (staying for approximately twelve hours) and we’ll leave the park later so can stay until the fireworks.
Thursday Another day to enjoy the Disneyland parks (staying for approximately twelve hours) Friday We return home.
Our hotel is off-site, but our coach will transport us each day to the park. This is a bed & breakfast board basis. Evening meals aren’t included but you can choose to eat within the parks for the full Disney experience, or the hotel does have a restaurant. (please book direct with hotel).
This beautiful tour gives you the opportunity to see some of the best the Netherlands has to offer. There is no better bulbfield than Keukenhof and Amsterdam is one of the most exciting and accessible cities in the world. We also visit The Hague, one of the most extraordinary cities in Holland and home of the Dutch Royal Family. Our hotel is in the village of Made near Breda, it is in a rural location but with great access to our three destinations.
Tuesday We make our way via to The Netherlands via France and Belgium and our hotel near Breda. Tours whilst at resort
A | We spend the day in Keukenhof, the best day out among flowers! Over seven million bulbs will bloom this spring with a total of 800 varieties of tulip. A unique, unforgettable experience!
B | All day in the fabulous city of Amsterdam. There are world class museums, scenic canals, great outdoor spaces and so much more.
C | We visit The Hague which has countless historic buildings and the most historic sites per square metre in the Netherlands. The Hague oozes culture and history! On our return we make a short stop in Breda near our hotel, it is a wonderful fun-loving city where royal history and street art meet.
Saturday We return home with a short stop in Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage city that will capture your heart.
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Thursday To Calais and we head south to our hotel in Saclay after a lunch time stop in the seaside town of Boulogne. We’re met with a welcome drink on arrival.
Friday We have a half day guided tour of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, considered to be one of the most magnificent achievements of the 18th century. Highlights are the awe-inspiring Hall of Mirrors and the astonishingly beautiful palatial grounds. Then into central Paris for a seventy-minute ‘cruise across the capital’ on the River Seine.
Saturday Relax in the hotel this morning or take a short walk into the village before we enjoy lunch at our hotel. We then visit the quaint, medieval market town of Dourdan where we can witness first-hand its architectural heritage and rich past as a royal town. Then to Vaux le Vicomte, where we spend the evening exploring this magical estate by the flickering of more than 2,000 candles. There is a restaurant on site (not included) and the night concludes at 23:00 with a gold and silver firework display.
Sunday A mid-morning departure to Monet’s country retreat in Giverny and we visit the impressionist’s charming pink house and iconic gardens where we can admire the Japanese bridge and famous waterlily pond. We then spend time in nearby Vernon, with over two hundred half-timbered houses, cobbled paths, and a castle.
Monday We return to Calais via a short stop in Rouen, a mediaeval city with cobbled streets and a famous cathedral on the banks of the Seine.
Sunday To Calais and we continue through France to our overnight hotel, the IBIS in Nuits Saint Georges.
Monday We continue south into Spain and on to our hotel in the resort of Roses for seven nights where we’re met with a welcome drink.
Tuesday A free morning to enjoy Roses before we join the Roses Little Town Train for a trip to the Cap de Creus National Park with wonderful views of wild coastline and vertiginous cliffs.
Wednesday We have a guide on board today as we make an excursion to the historic town of Besalu. We have a ride around the town on a little train and we also have a boat trip on Lake Banyoles.
Thursday A free day to explore Roses.
Friday Into the Spanish Pyrenees and a wonderful trip through the Vall de Nùria with commentary by our on-board guide. Part of the return journey is made by train on the Val de Nùria Rack Railway where you will experience a world of sensations! The breath-taking beauty of the landscape is unmissable and can only be accessed by this train. We drop over 1000m in just 12.5km.
Saturday A guide is again on board as we travel to Rivesaltes in France for a scenic journey on the Red Train to Axat in the mountains. Opened in 1908 to service the quarries, this train is now run solely for tourists as the views are so spectacular. On our return we make a stop in La Jonquera.
Sunday We have a boat trip from Roses along the scenic coastline passing the Cap de Creus National Park coastline to Cadaques. Cadaques is a picturesque coastal town with a bohemian ambience and we’re met on our arrival for a walking tour. We return later to Roses by boat.
Monday We return to our overnight hotel.
Tuesday To Calais and home.
We take the ferry to Northern Spain and enjoy Cantabria’s stunning coastline, range of historic villages & ports and the beautiful Picos de Europa Mountains. This year we stay at the Hotel Olimpo in the coastal village of Isla, in a stunning area of breathtaking beauty. The village has two beaches, and all rooms boast wonderful views of the sea, mountains, or surrounding area. Whilst at the hotel there is free water and house wine with evening meals and on the final evening we have a farewell dinner with seafood, wine and Porters Liquor!
PLEASE NOTE: The standard price includes an inside cabin without a window. And if there are two of you in the room then one will be on a top bunk. If you would like 2x lower bunks or an outside cabin with a window, then this is available for a supplementary charge as shown.
PLEASE NOTE: Breakfast and evening meals are included in resort, but not on the ferry. Onboard there is a choice of three restaurants, a café, a self-service restaurant and an a la carte option.
Wednesday We journey to Plymouth and board the 12:15 Brittany Ferry for the twenty-one-hour crossing to Santander. We have included an inside cabin on board and there are restaurants, bars, a spa, Wi-Fi and even an outdoor pool, weather permitting.
Thursday We arrive into Santander at 10:30 and make the short journey to our hotel in Isla where we’re met with a welcome drink and canapes.
Tours whilst in resort plus two free days to enjoy the resort
A | We travel to the world heritage mediaeval village of Santillana del Mar where most houses were built between the 14th and 18th centuries, and all can be explored by foot. Later we stop in Comillas, one of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria with cobbled streets, open squares and two beaches.
B | A full day in the Picos De Europa Mountain Range. First, we make a stop in San Vincente de la Barquera, a picturesque town on the coast with the astonishing backdrop of the Picos de Europa. Then we follow the River Deva Valley up into the mountains and visit the town of Potes, a mediaeval town with traditional buildings, wooden balconies and surrounded by mountains.
C | To the traditional fishing village of Castro Urdiales with its pretty harbour and attractive centre. Then on to Santona where we enjoy a boat tour of the pretty bay.
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• Channel crossings
• Tours as indicated (including boat trip)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast, three evening meal and a cabin on the ferry.
D | We spend the day in Bilbao which has the renowned Guggenheim Museum. There is also a historic quarter with seven pedestrianised streets running perpendicular to the river.
Thursday We make our way to Santander and board our ferry at 13:30 for the return journey. Again, an inside cabin is provided. Friday We arrive into Plymouth at 10:00 and make the journey home.
This excellent tour includes a journey on the awesome Bernina Express railway from Filisur high into the Alps and past lakes and glaciers to Tirano in Italy. We are based in Davos, a high-altitude health resort of long tradition and great shopping. We have included a Davos Pass which gives you free access to the local transport network including the mountain railway and cable cars! The route to resort takes us through mountains with views of lakes. On one night in resort, we are treated to a Swiss farmer’s buffet dinner.
Saturday To France and our overnight hotel, the 4-star Mercure Forbach Centre.
Sunday Through France to Switzerland and we pass Basel and Zurich, with views of its famous lake, on our way to our hotel for five nights where we’re met with a welcome drink.
Days whilst at resort
A | A free day to explore Davos and use your Davos Pass. The hotel will organize a ride on the Schatzalp Funicular Railway for great views from 1861m above sea level.
B | A superb circular tour today with stops in Klosters and Chur. Klosters is the winter holiday destination of the royal family and Chur is a charming, historic town with cobbled streets, secret courtyards, and a large cathedral. Great scenery all day but especially on our return from Chur as we travel via Thusis and over the Alpine pass to Frauenkirch.
C | We board the Bernina Express Railway for the fantastic journey through the mountains to Italy. Enjoy the lakes, gorges, glaciers, loops and tunnels that make this one of Europe’s greatest train journeys. Our coach meets us in Tirano and returns us to our hotel over the Bernina Pass.
D | We visit St Moritz, an elegant and chic resort lying in the middle of a lake-dotted landscape. We return for more free time in Davos in the late afternoon.
Friday We return to our overnight hotel.
Saturday To Calais and home.
The Dolomites is an Italian region bursting with natural beauty and diversity. Our wonderful packaged itinerary not only includes a free bar at the hotel each evening, but you’ll also experience the best of the area with wine tastings, a typical Trentino dinner and a Grolla evening, plus, of course, fantastic views and scenic drives! With stunning scenery, incredible inclusions and hospitality that is second to none, this will make for an unforgettable holiday which you will be talking about for years to come! We operated this tour for the first time in 2022 and the feedback was amazing regarding all aspects.
Saturday To France and on to our overnight hotel in Germany. Sunday We continue through Austria and cross the Alps into Italy and our hotel for five nights, where we are met with a glass of prosecco.
A | A day to enjoy our resort and to help us the owner of our hotel will play host and take us out for a gentle walk around this friendly village. We enjoy a picnic with great company, food and wine... and start to get into the relaxed ‘Paganella way of life’ in the mountains!
This intimate, friendly 3-star hotel is run
and his family who ensure a warm welcome in this typically Austrian chalet-style hotel. There is a cosy bar, a traditional restaurant serving excellent homemade fare, a comfortable lounge and seating areas.
• Return coach travel
• Channel crossings
• Tours as indicated (including wine tasting)
• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal. Plus lunch with wine on one day.
B | Into the Lagorai chain of mountains and we make a short stop at Cavalese which lies in a sunny location and is dominated by the church and its famous bell tower. From here it’s just a short drive to get to the ‘Sella Pass’ with its incredible viewing platform, where we can enjoy a lunch time stop and appreciate the amazing 360-degree views across the Dolomites’ spectacular, jagged peaks. We continue down into the alluring Val Gardena, an historic valley known for its wood-making traditions and unique and ancient language Ladin, which is only spoken here. We take a final break in the picturesque village of Ortisei famous for selling a local speciality – handmade cuckoo clocks!
C | A scenic drive and we make a short stop in Fondo, a small town in a picturesque setting. Later we visit St Micheal-Eppan Vineyard for a guided tour and a six-wine tasting. The wine is made close to the vines where the grapes grow, and these wines are renowned as being impeccably perfect, intriguing, and fruity.
D | To the lesser known but incredibly scenic Lake Molveno where we make a short stop on the banks of the river. From here we enjoy the relaxing route to Lake Garda. Riva del Garda offers a lakeside historic centre and is the most northerly point in Europe where olive trees grow! We have free time to explore Riva before returning to our hotel.
Friday We return to the hotel in Germany.
Saturday To Calais and we return home.
PLEASE NOTE: We’ll require a £100pp deposit to book this holiday and final balances are due in full by 28th December 2022.
Cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers over eight days on the luxury 5-star MS Amadeus Provence with the sights, sounds and tastes of the vineyards of Burgundy all the way to the lavender fields of Provence. Food, wine, art, architecture, scenery and history, it all comes together in glorious harmony in the South of France.
Boat: The MS Amadeus Provence is truly a floating luxury hotel with elegant interiors, excellent facilities and inviting accommodation. The atmosphere is intimate, friendly and allows its guests to relax and enjoy their river cruise to the fullest.
Breakfast is sumptuous while there are à la carte menus for lunch and dinner offering excellent choices made with fresh ingredients. Take a seat in the ship’s stunning restaurant to choose from an array of great dishes, with vegetarian options available. Quality European wines are served with your dinner while tea and coffee are included after every meal and there is a twenty-four-hour tea and coffee station. Hosted in the ship’s panorama bar are lectures and various events showcasing the best local highlights and culture. Guests can enjoy a good workout in the ship’s well-equipped fitness room or, if you prefer sensual relaxation, head to the massage parlour for a treatment. The hair salon allows guests to pamper themselves with a new style.The MS Amadeus Provence has a panorama lounge where guests can relax and enjoy the activities hosted there and there’s also the smaller and more intimate Amadeus Club. You can also grab a lounge chair on the sun deck or enjoy the giant chess board or shuffleboard.
• Return coach travel
• Channel crossings
• Cruise amenities, itinerary and sightseeing excursions as stated, transport for excursions where necessary
• Full board on the boat and dinner, bed and breakfast at the overnight hotels.
Day 1 To our overnight 4-star hotel in France. Day 2 On to Lyon where we board our boat before a welcome cocktail and welcome dinner and we leave at 22:00.
Days 3 - 8 On board and we enjoy the following excursions:
• Mâcon & Europe’s first wine theme park
• Guided tour of Cluny Abbey
• Burgundy excursion with wine tasting
• Brancion and Cormatin
• City tour of Lyon
• Avignon walking tour and Papal Palace
• Pont du Gard and Uzès
• Arles walking tour
• Camargue Nature Park
• Ardèche Gorge
Day 9 Disembarkation after breakfast in Lyon and we return to our 4-star overnight hotel. Day 10 We return to the UK.
PLEASE NOTE: We’ll require a £100 deposit to book this holiday for you and balances will be due by 23rd June 2023.
The Baltic Coast of Germany and Poland is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe, but many are unaware of its existence, so it remains almost a secret, although that is fast changing. It has calm shallow waters, pristine sandy beaches, islands, and cities to explore. We begin the cruise in Stralsund, Germany, with its perfectly maintained old town. Other German highlights include Rugen Island, Germany’s largest with traditional seaside resorts and world-famous chalk cliffs. The famous Cape Arkona, with its lighthouse dating back to 1826 and Heringsdorf, a famous seaside resort on Usedom Island. In Poland we visit seaside spa town of Swinemunde and also Szczecin, one of Poland’s most popular tourist towns with medieval walls, Monument of the Three Eagles, a famous castle and Haken Terrasse, one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Boat: MS Swiss Diamond was newly renovated in 2020 and you can experience cosy and relaxed moments on this fully air conditioned 3-star ship. Enjoy gourmet meals in the main restaurant and after dinner drinks in the panoramic lounge.
• Cosy lounge with bar
• Whirlpool on sun deck
• Wellness area with sauna
• Lift between Emerald and Diamond decks
The boat has 61 cabins for 123 guests, and all are at least 13m2 with partially opening windows. All cabins are equipped with flat screen TV, minibar, Nespresso Machine, beauty products by RITUALS, hairdryer, safe, AC, shower, and toilet.
• Full Board – Multi-course gourmet menus for breakfast, lunch dinner and snacks.
• All-Inclusive drinks (re-filled mini bar, all day soft drinks and high-quality alcoholic drinks)
• ‘Welcome Aboard’ cocktail reception and captain’s farewell gala dinner.
• High tea on one day with a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies.
• Welcome bottle of sparkling wine in cabin.
Day 1 To France and on to our overnight 3-star hotel in Western Germany.
Day 2 On to Stralund for embarkation at 17:00. Day 3 – 8 on board and we enjoy the following excursions:
• Zingst Island tour
• Greifswald city tour
• Rugen Island tour to Konigstuhl Mountain and Jasmund Peninsula
• Bus and carriage tour of Cape Arkona
• Usedom Island tour including Heringsdorf
• Szczecin city tour including Renaissance Castle and Haken Terrace
• Swinemunde city tour by light rail
Day 9 Disembarkation after breakfast in Stralund and on to our overnight hotel.
Day 10 We return home.
• Return coach travel
• Channel crossings
• Cruise amenities, itinerary and sightseeing excursions as stated, transport for excursions where necessary
• Full Board on the boat and dinner, bed and breakfast at the overnight hotels.
A client holiday travel insurance scheme is available to eligible passengers travelling on our holidays which is arranged by Wrightsure Services (Hampshire) Limited and underwritten by ERGO Travel Insurance Services Ltd (ETI) on behalf of Great Lakes Insurance SE (GLISE).
Great Lakes Insurance SE is a German insurance company with its headquarters at Königinstrasse 107, 80802 Munich. UK Branch office: 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, EC3M 5BN, company number SE000083. Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, is authorised and regulated by Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht and deemed authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Details of the Temporary Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based firms to operate in the UK for a limited period while seeking full authorisation, are available on the Financial Conduct Author ity’s website. ERGO Travel Insurance Services Ltd (ETI) is registered in the UK, company number 11091555. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, register number 805870 and registered office: 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, EC3M 5BN.
Details about the extent of GLISE’s authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Au thority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from insurers upon request.
This insurance is available only to residents of the United Kingdom who purchase their cover before they travel.
Wrightsure Services (Hampshire) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 311394) and is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts. You can check these details online using the Financial Services Register (accessible from https://register.fca.org.uk) or by contacting the Financial Conduct Authority Consumer Helpline on 0800 1116768.
Should you wish to take out this travel insurance please include the appropriate premium when booking your holiday.
This insurance policy will suit the demands and needs of an individual or group (where applicable) who have no excluded medical condition(s), are travelling in countries included within the policy terms and who wish to insure themselves against unforeseen circumstances/events detailed in the cover section below. Subject to the terms, conditions and maximum specified sums insured.
We will not provide you with advice about the suitability of this product for your individual needs but will be happy to provide you with factual information.
We summarise below the details of the insurance cover provided which also includes 24-hour emergency service from Mayday Assistance Limited. The following is a brief summary of the cover available. Full details of cover and exclusions will be forwarded with your confirmation of booking. In any event you may ask for a specimen copy of the policy wording before booking should you wish to examine this in advance.
Personal
hours) Up to £100
Personal Property & Money £35 Delayed Baggage - Excess 12 hours
Loss of Passport
Travel Delay
Personal Liability
Up to £100 UK & £300 Europe No Excess
Up to £200 No Excess Missed Departure
Travel Delay up to £60 Cancellation (holiday abandonment) up to £1,500
Travel Delay Excess = 12 hours Holiday adbandonment excess as per Cancellation
Up to £2,000,000 No Excess
Legal Expenses Up to £25,000 No Excess Covid-19 As Per Cancellation & Medical Section As Per Cancellation & Medical Section
We shall not be liable for claims WHERE AT THE TIME OF TAKING OUT THIS POLICY AND BETWEEN THAT TIME AND YOUR DEPARTURE:
a) You are aware of any medical condition or set of circumstances that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim (for example the state of health of a Close Relative, Business Associate or any person on whom Your travel plans depend).
b) The Insured Person whose medical condition gives rise to a claim:
i) Is receiving, or on a waiting list for, surgery, in-patient treatment or investigations in a hospital, clinic or nursing home.
ii) Is travelling against any health requirements stipulated by the carrier, their handling agents or other public transport provider.
iii) Is travelling against the advice of a Medical Practitioner or for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment abroad.
iv) Has been given a terminal prognosis.
Please note: If you are on medication at the time of travel, Your medical condition(s) must be stable and well controlled. If you are travelling outside of the UK You must notify the Change in Health helpline immediately if a change in health occurs (including any change to medication) between the date this policy is issued and your scheduled date of departure.
If you or anyone else named on this policy has not been a resident in the UK for the past 6-months this policy cannot cover you.
In addition to the above the policy also contains the following main exclusions:
• Any costs of repatriation or evacuation as a result of You taking part in any excluded Haz ardous Activities and Sports including dangerous expeditions or from an area which is consid ered by Insurers to be a War Risk or Civil Hazard area.
• Loss of or damage to money and valuables whilst left unattended or in/from luggage in transit.
• Loss of or damage to telecommunications and motor vehicle related equipment and accessories.
• Travel against the advice of the carrier, any other public transport provider, the Foreign Office or the World Health Organisation.
• Any insurance event arising from You being the driver, rider or passenger of a quad bike, allterrain vehicle or motorcycle when the insured person is not wearing a crash helmet, whether legally required locally or not.
Claims arising from any epidemic or pandemic as declared by the World Health Organisation. (This exclusion does not apply to Section 9).
Examples of these and other conditions and exclusions are contained within the policy wording, a specimen copy of which is available upon request. If after purchasing a policy from us should you find it does not meet your requirements you have 14 days from the date of issue or prior to travel, whichever is sooner, to cancel the policy and receive a full refund of your premium.
We will only use your personal details in line with our Privacy Notice. This can be found on our website or is available in hard copy format upon request and you should read this carefully and contact us immediately if you have any queries. Your personal information includes all of the details you have given us to process your insurance policy (we will not ask for more information than is necessary). We may share your data with Third Parties for the provision and ongoing performance of your insurance policy. Your data may be transferred outside the UK. All of the personal information you supply to us will be handled strictly in accordance with the applicable Data Protection regulations and legislation. Barnes Coaches Limited are an appointed Representative of Wrightsure Services (Hampshire) Limited who are authorised and regulated by the FCA (their registration number is 311394) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts. You can check these details online using the Financial Services Register (accessible from www.fca. org.uk) or by contacting the Financial Conduct Authority Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.
