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

Escape to the Oxfordshire countryside and enjoy some of the top UK designer names at heavily discounted prices. Outlet shops include Fred Perry, Dior, Cath Kidston, Armani, DKNY and Pandora. There are also a variety of restaraunts and bars to relax in.

Adult: £37 ~ Senior £36 ~ Child: £33

Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world.  

The 45 rooms on view combine the highest quality French furniture and decorative arts from the 18th century with superb English portraits and Dutch Old Masters.  

The Victorian garden is considered one of the finest in Britain with its parterre, seasonal displays, fountains and statuary. At its heart lies the aviary, stocked with species once part of Baron Ferdinand's collection.

Adult: £60 ~ Senior £59 ~ Child: £48

National Trust members can take advantage of our travel only price from £37 per person. Please call our bookings team to book travel only and ensure you take your membership card on the day.

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

We meet our Blue Badge Guide in Long Melford at 10.30am for morning refreshments before our coach tour of beautiful rolling East Anglian landscapes dotted with quintessentially English thatched villages and the great cloth towns of mediaeval Suffolk including Clare and Cavendish - each as pretty as a picture postcard.

Back to Long Melford for a two-course lunch.  After lunch stretch your legs with a little free time to explore the long high street of this engaging Suffolk village. Long Melford has one of the richest of the East Anglia wool churches - there’s time to take a look.

To round off a great day out we visit Lavenham. Looming above the horizon the tower of St Peter and St Paul heralds our arrival in this immaculately kept town of crooked and timbered weavers’ cottages.

Lunch Menu:

Mains:
Beef Lasagne - served with garlic ciabatta & salad
Sausage & Mash - Served with onion gravy
Macaroni Cheese - Served with garlic ciabatta & salad

Dessert:
A Trio of Desserts - to include chocolate brownie, cheesecake and ice cream
Teas/coffees will be served after the meal.

Adult: £68 ~ Senior £67 ~ Child: £64

Enter a world of splendour, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment, Moulin Rouge! The Musical blends revelry and romance onstage like never before. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular.

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and - above all - love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind.

Winner of 10 Tony awards including Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Choreography, the breath-taking Moulin Rouge! The Musical is now playing at London’s Piccadilly Theatre.

Age Guidance: 12+ (UNDER 12'S WILL NOT BE PERMITTED)

Venue: Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street

Start Time: 14:30

Duration: 2hr 45min

Seating Information:

TBC

Adult: £95 ~ Senior £95 ~ Child: NA

We often save a few seats on our London excursions for passengers who just want to head to the Capital to spend time at their own leisure. Today the coach is shared with our trip sets down at Haymarket. Perfect for Piccadilly, Regents Street, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square and National Gallery.

We aim to allow 5 hours free time on arrival.

Adult: £34 ~ Senior £33 ~ Child: £30

The celebrated and award-winning Cromer Pier Show is back with a rip-roaring show for 2024. The production team are working hard behind the scenes to create an eclectic blend of the finest variety entertainment on the planet in one enthralling theatre show. Expect all the usual West End production values, including a jaw-dropping 8-meter video wall, traditional scene sets, bespoke costumes, spectacular lighting effects, and so much more.

You can be sure of laughs by the bucket load, thrilling specialty acts, traditional seaside innuendo, powerhouse vocals, music, and spellbinding dance routines. Of course, all will be delivered in their special trademark way, worthy of the only full-season end-of-pier show in the world!

Show starts at 2.30pm for which we aim to allow you free time for lunch & refreshments beforehand.

Please Note: The coach will set down in Cadogan Road coach park which is approximatley 10 minutes walk which also included a steep hill to and from the pier.

Adult: £51 ~ Senior £50 ~ Child: £47

Enjoy a delightful summer day exploring two of Suffolk’s most charming coastal spots, beginning in the historic village of Dunwich. Once a thriving medieval port, today Dunwich offers a peaceful seaside atmosphere and fascinating history. During our visit, we’ll enjoy a traditional two-course fish and chip lunch, the perfect treat by the coast.

Afterwards, we continue to the ever-popular seaside town of Southwold, famous for its colourful beach huts, welcoming promenade, and classic Suffolk charm. Here you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace—take a stroll along the pier, browse the independent shops, or simply relax and enjoy the refreshing sea air.

Adult: £47 ~ Senior £46 ~ Child: £43

 

Join us for a wonderful day celebrating all things gardening at the popular BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, held in the beautiful grounds of Audley End House and Gardens near Saffron Walden.

Packed with seasonal inspiration, the fair is a must-visit for garden lovers of all levels. Discover expert tips from leading horticulturalists on the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage, explore inspiring Showcase Gardens and Beautiful Borders, and enjoy fascinating Plant Expert Tours of the famous kitchen gardens.

There will be plenty of opportunities to browse and buy, with specialist nurseries offering a wide variety of plants alongside great shopping for gardening tools, gifts and outdoor living. You can also take part in hands-on workshops, learn new skills at the Autumn Table sessions, and gather ideas to transform your own garden.

When it’s time to relax, enjoy delicious treats at the Good Food Market, sample street food, and soak up the lively atmosphere with live music throughout the day. Your visit also includes access to the magnificent Audley End House and Gardens, where you can explore the grand historic house and its beautiful, landscaped grounds.

A fantastic day out filled with gardening inspiration, expert advice, shopping and entertainment in one of England’s most beautiful historic settings.

Adult: £50 ~ Senior £49 ~ Child: £46