Day Trips & Excursions

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

Enjoy a relaxing 3hr cruise aboard the Nottingham Princess sailing from the River Lodge moorings near Colwick Country Park.

You will travel under The Lady Bay Bridge, past The City Ground, The County Ground, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, under Trent Bridge, past County Hall, The Victoria War Memorial, along Victoria Embankment and under Wilford Suspension Bridge and Wilford Toll Bridge before turning at the stunning Wilford Church and then travelling downstream past Nottingham Sailing Club, Holme Pierrepont Watersports Centre before turning back.

A 2 course roast lunch is also included and will be served on board during the 3 hour sailing. Please ensure you inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Click this link for more information on the Nottingham Princess and the route she takes.

Adult: £62 ~ Senior £61 ~ Child £58

Enjoy a summers day out by the coast in the lovely town of Felixstowe.

Felixstowe has lots of things to do for all ages and interests. Experience traditional seaside amusements, a stroll along the promenade, rich flora and fauna at nature reserves and gardens, plus a wealth of historical heritage.

Adult: £24 ~ Senior £23 ~ Child: £20

Charles, Ninth Earl Spencer has been in charge for 31 of the House’s 500-year history but has striven in that time to make a positive difference, by taking an uncompromising approach to the continuing wellbeing of Althorp.

Showcasing one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics, each intriguing room of this magnificent family home has a fascinating story of its own. Visitor access now includes the state rooms, state bedrooms, and breathtaking picture gallery, as well as the opportunity to view the ‘Temple’ overlooking the island in the Round Oval - the final resting place of Diana.

If you are a member of Historic House, you can pay a travel only price of £32. Please call our travel office to book a travel only ticket and ensure you take your membership card on the day.

Adult: £59 ~ Senior £55 ~ Child: £48

Today we take a leisurly summer drive to East Ruston Vicarage Gardens.

A beautiful, 32 acre modern garden containing many garden rooms with herbaceous borders, gravel gardens, sub-tropical gardens, a box parterre, sunken rose garden, Mediterranean garden, Desert Wash and a large woodland garden — there really is so much to explore.

A cream tea is also included in your visit.

Adult: £48 ~ Senior £47 ~ Child: £44

Spend a perfect day in the historic riverside town of Ware, where great food and tranquil cruising come together for a truly memorable experience.

Your day begins with a delicious two-course lunch at a welcoming local pub set right on the banks of the river. Relax, unwind, and soak up the charming atmosphere as you enjoy freshly prepared dishes in this picturesque setting.

After lunch, your boat will arrive to meet you directly at the pub, ready to whisk you away for a leisurely three-hour afternoon cruise along the beautiful River Lee.

As you glide along the water, you’ll pass the famous Ware gazebos — unique riverside structures that overhang the river’s edge and offer a glimpse into the town’s rich history. You’ll then cruise through the contrasting town centre before leaving the bustle behind and entering the peaceful surroundings of the stunning Amwell Nature Reserve in the Lee Valley.

The cruise lasts three hours and you will experience the crew expertly take you through fully working locks for a truly unique experience.

Lunch Menu: Please ensure you inform us of your meal options and any dietary requirements.

Mains:
Hunters Chicken with chips, onion rings, peas and a dressed salad.
Hand Battered Fish & Chips with peas and tartare sauce.
Sausage & Mash with braised red cabbage, beef gravy and red onion chutney (Vegetarian sausage & mash available.
Mushroom, Caramelised Onion & Truffle Raviolo with chilli & tomato sauce, olives, spinach, roasted red onion & peppers.

Dessert:
Crumble of the Day with Custard (vegan option available)
Chocolate Brownie and Biscoff Ice Cream
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Custard (dairy free available)
Vanilla Ice Cream (non-dairy available)

Adult: £78 ~ Senior £77 ~ Child: £74

Southend offers all the traditional seaside pleasures along  seven miles of seafront. With a range of great attractions for the whole family to enjoy like Adventure Island fun park and many more.

Don't forget the longest Pleasure Pier in the world, extending 1.341 miles into the Thames Estuary.

Adult: £31 ~ Senior £30 ~ Child: £27

Held in the grounds of the royal family-owned estate, RHS Sandringham Flower Show is an exciting new RHS Show coming to Norfolk in July 2026.

Expect coastal-inspired show gardens, fruit and vegetable competitions and fabulous florals, all nestled within a countryside setting. 

Get take-home gardening tips from the Long Borders, learn about climate change mitigation at the Grow Forward Gardens and enjoy timeless picnics on the lawn... all whilst taking in the beauty of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s private retreat.

Adult: £54 ~ Senior £53 ~ Child: £50

Experience a full day of spectacular scenery as we journey through the breathtaking Peak District and Derbyshire Dales. This remarkable region offers some of the most dramatic contrasts in Britain—from rolling green hills and limestone valleys to rugged moorland and picturesque villages.

This delightful summer day out is the perfect opportunity to sit back and take in the views as we pass through charming towns and picturesque countryside.

During the day we’ll make two pleasant stops, giving you time to stretch your legs, explore at your own pace and enjoy refreshments (not included) before continuing our scenic drive.

Adult: £39 ~ Senior £38 ~ Child: £35

Join us for a delightful day out to the charming Nene Valley Railway — where you can enjoy time to explore before boarding their special dining experience, the Flying Codman.

Enjoy the Railway Before You Dine

Arriving in good time, you’ll have the opportunity to soak up the nostalgic atmosphere at Wansford Station and watch — or even travel on — some of the earlier heritage train services running throughout the day. It’s the perfect chance to explore the station, browse the facilities, and experience the sights and sounds of this beautifully preserved railway before your main event begins.

Check-in for the Flying Codman opens at 14:00 at Wansford Station.

All Aboard for Dining

Once welcomed aboard, you can visit the onboard bar where a selection of drinks will be available to purchase as you settle into your seat.

Shortly after departing Overton Station, your freshly prepared Fish and Chips will be served to your table. Then simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic countryside as you travel on the final round trip of the day — a perfect way to round off your railway experience.

A Wonderful Afternoon Escape

With time to enjoy earlier trains, followed by a delicious meal served on board a heritage railway journey, this trip offers the best of both worlds — nostalgia, scenery, and a classic British favourite served in style.

Seats are limited, so early booking is recommended.

All aboard the Flying Codman!

Meal Options:

• Traditional Fish & Chips
• Battered Sausage & Chips
• Chicken & Chips (Low Gluten Option)*
• Veggie Burger & Chips

*The chicken is oven-cooked but produced in a factory that handles gluten. Chips are cooked in oil that may contain traces of gluten. This meal is not suitable for coeliac customers.

Adult: £64 ~ Senior £63 ~ Child: £60