Day Trips & Excursions

The Great Central Railway exists today because a group of determined volunteers, back in 1969, following closure by British Railways, wanted the line to be saved to recreate the experience of main line steam for generations to come.

The railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway which travels between Leicester and Loughborough. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails.

On this excursion we have organised steam travel and a two course lunch will also be served on one of the journey’s.

Adult: £85 ~ Senior £84 ~ Child: £81

Epping Ongar Railway is the award winning longest heritage railway in Essex and operates on the former end of the Underground Central Line, operating heritage trains between award winning old fashioned stations dating from 1865.

Start your visit at North Weald station before taking your first rail journey of the day on the steam locomotive train for a picturesque trip through part of Epping Forest – returning to North Weald. On this journey, you will be served your fish & chip lunch followed an ice cream dessert. Afterwards, take a return journey to Epping Underground station via Epping Forest on a Routemaster bus. On return to North Weald, a DMU (diesel passenger train) will be waiting for a return journey to Epping Forest and back. Itinerary subject to change and dependant on the availabilty of the trains & bus for we cannot be held liable.

On arrival back in North Weald, you will be given some free time to explore the station and the gift shop.

Adult: £65 ~ Senior £64 ~ Child: £61

Located in 300 acres of beautiful landscape Kew Gardens sits beside the river Thames between Richmond and Kew in south-west London. The Gardens are a World Heritage Site with six magnificent glasshouses, and are home to a remarkable collection of plants from all over the world including over 14,000 trees. Kew Gardens is a wonderful day out for all. If you haven't been to Kew before, don't miss the 19th-century Palm House, the tropical atmosphere of the Princess of Wales Conservatory, a walk to the iconic pagoda, and a climb up for a birds-eye view at the new Xstrata Treetop Walkway.

Beautiful as the 17th century Dutch-gabled country house along the River Thames is, it could hardly be called palatial, particularly by royal standards, and yet it is one of London's most notable historic royal palaces. No small feat considering Kew Palace, which is set within the grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Kew Palace earned its place in history by being exactly the opposite - retiring, modest and comfortable. In other words, it was the perfect royal retreat. Most famously, it served as just that for the prodigious family of King George III. First opened to the public by Queen Victoria in 1899, the palace was closed from 1996 to 2006 while undergoing £6.6 million of careful restoration and conservation. The money and effort have transformed Kew Palace from "a gaudy 1960s interpretation of the Georgian era" into a historically accurate study of the daily life and everyday domesticities of the palace and the royals who lived within it.

The Hive is a unique structure, inspired by scientific research into the health of bees. Designed by UK based artist Wolfgang Buttress, it was originally created as the centrepiece of the UK Pavilion at the 2015 Milan Expo. The installation is made from thousands of pieces of aluminium which create a lattice effect and is fitted with hundreds of LED lights that glow and fade as a unique soundtrack hums and buzzes around you.

These multi-sensory elements of the Hive are in fact responding to the real-time activity of bees in a beehive behind the scenes at Kew. The sound and light intensity within the space changes as the energy levels in the real beehive surge, giving visitors an insight into life inside a bee colony. 

 Adult: £57 ~ Senior £57 ~ Child: £52

ABBA Voyage is the long-awaited concert from one of the biggest pop acts of all time featuring a setlist of ABBA’s biggest, most popular hits – each handpicked with great care by the band.

Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid have created the kind of concert they always wanted, performing for their fans at their very best: as digital versions of themselves backed by today’s finest musicians. Blurring the lines between the physical and digital, see the magic of ABBA brought to life using the latest in motion capture technology. It’s the greatest ABBA performance the world has never seen. Until now…

The ABBA Arena is built around ABBA's timeless music and never-before-seen concert, so you can have the time of your life.

Located at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, the arena is purpose-built for ABBA’s never before-seen concert.

We begin our day with a visit to the beautiful Norfolk Lavender, where you will have time to wander through the fragrant gardens, browse the well-stocked gift shop, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Take the opportunity to relax with a morning coffee or light refreshment while soaking up the sights, scents, and colours of this much-loved Norfolk attraction.

From here, we continue on to the popular seaside resort of Hunstanton, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Stroll along the promenade, relax on the beach, explore the shops, or enjoy lunch in one of the many cafés and restaurants. With its distinctive striped cliffs, traditional seaside charm, and stunning coastal views, Hunstanton offers the perfect setting for a leisurely and memorable afternoon by the sea.

Adult: £25 ~ Senior £24 ~ Child: £21

Springfields Outlet Shopping Centre, hosts around 40 outlet stores offering regular and seasonal discounts of up to 75% of the standard high street prices for fashion, accessories and homeware goods, as well as Antler luggage, Hallmark cards and gifts, Body Shop treats and a range of top brand perfumes at The Fragrance Shop. Stylish clothing brands include Anna Rose, Jeff banks and Klass; as well as Double Two, catering for larger size styles for men and women.

With six different food outlets Springfields outlet centre offers a choice of refreshments for all tastes, from coffee shops and takeaways to full restaurant and cafe services. 

Adult: £26 ~ Senior £25 ~ Child: £22

After dropping you outside the V&A museum, you will be able to spend the day at your leisure either checking out the various museums (V&A, Natural History and Science) in the area or shop ‘til you drop among the vast array of designer shops in Knightsbridge – don’t forget Harrods.

Drop off/collection at the London V&A museum.  (The National History Museum and Science Museum are next to the V&A)

Free entry applies to the National History Museum, Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum (charges apply for special exhibitions). 

The V&A - is the greatest museum of art and design, a world treasure house with collections of fabulous scope and diversity. The Museum holds over 3000 years worth of artefacts from many of the world's richest cultures. The V&A will have various exhibitions on display including:

- Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature

- Faberge in London: Romance to Revolution

The Natural History Museum - First opened its doors to the public on Easter Monday in 1881, but its origins go back more than 250 years. It all started when physician and collector of natural curiosities, Sir Hans Sloane, left his extensive collection to the nation in 1753. 

The Science Museum - Be fascinated by iconic treasures, such as the world-famous Stephenson's Rocket locomotive. You can also rediscover the everyday objects of your childhood, see contemporary art in an unusual setting and learn more about the history and future of science and technology.

For more information on the museums, visit the following:

Natural History Museum - www.nhm.ac.uk/

Science Museum - www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

Victoria & Albert Museum - www.vam.ac.uk/

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The museums are free, but you may need to book a timeslot. We aim to arrive around 1200-1230 and depart around 1630-1700 dependant on road conditions. 

Adult: £34 ~ Senior £33 ~ Child: £30

Enjoy a nostalgic day out in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.

Begin your journey at Great British Car Journey, where a remarkable collection of iconic vehicles brings Britain’s rich motoring heritage vividly to life. From classic family favourites to timeless automotive legends, it’s a celebration of the cars that shaped a nation.

Then, step back in time as you board a traditional steam train for a return journey on Peak Rail. Sit back and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Peak District as the rhythm of the rails and the charm of vintage travel create an unforgettable heritage experience.

The perfect blend of history, nostalgia, and stunning countryside—your ultimate classic day out awaits.

Adult: £68 ~ Senior £67 ~ Child: £64

Join us for a wonderful day discovering the magnificent Holkham Hall, one of the finest stately homes in Norfolk and an architectural masterpiece of the 18th century.

An unforgettable part of any visit is exploring the Hall itself, renowned for its incredible architecture, stunning art collection, original furniture and classical statuary. This extraordinary treasure trove remains very much a lived-in family home for the Coke family, and knowledgeable Hall Guides bring its fascinating history to life with stories of the estate’s residents, past and present.

Step outside to discover the beautiful Walled Garden, entering through ornate Venetian gates into six acres of colour and tranquillity. Here you’ll find vibrant displays of flowers, fruit and vegetables, impressive Georgian and Victorian greenhouses, a vineyard, and even resident chickens and bees. Don’t miss the newly renovated Samuel Wyatt Vinery, a highlight of the garden.

Your visit also includes the engaging Holkham Stories Experience, an interactive exhibition revealing the estate’s 400-year heritage. Discover how the Hall was built, learn about the remarkable history of the Coke family – from prosecuting plotters involved in the Gunpowder Plot to pioneering agricultural innovation – and explore the estate’s modern commitment to sustainability and conservation.

During your free time, relax in the charming Stables Courtyard, home to the Courtyard Café and Gift Shop – the perfect place to enjoy refreshments or a little retail therapy before we begin our journey home.

This delightful day trip offers history, beauty and fascinating stories set within one of England’s most impressive country estates.

Adult: £45 ~ Senior £44 ~ Child: £41

Step into the heart of Royal Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich maritime history, magnificent architecture, and riverside charm. This remarkable area of London is packed with fascinating attractions, stunning views, and stories that have shaped British history.

Your visit includes entry to two of Greenwich’s most iconic landmarks: the legendary Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, and the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the world-famous Prime Meridian Line. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere and take in breathtaking panoramic views over London from the hilltop observatory.

Take a stroll through Greenwich Park, one of London’s oldest royal parks, or browse the stalls at the Greenwich Market, where independent artisans and food vendors add a vibrant touch to the day.

With so much to see and do, Royal Greenwich offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and charm — an unforgettable day out for everyone.

Adult: £74 ~ Senior £73 ~ Child: £56