Two hundred years ago Enys was a busy living Estate. The ancient buildings have changed little over time and have been largely abandoned since the mid-20th century although they are gradually awakening from their long slumber. The Gardens at Enys are perhaps the oldest in Cornwall and are famous for its bluebells. Within the 30 acre gardens lie the open meadow known as Parc Lye, where the spring show of native bluebells is breathtaking. The Gardens also have a wonderful collection of trees including over a hundred trees of veteran age. One of the cottages behind the Mansion House contains a small cafe serving teas, cakes and light snacks and nearby is the History Room which explains some of the background to the Estate. There will be an Art Exhibition to see as well. Enys Gardens offer a unique, tranquil and unspoilt experience, presenting a wide variety of peaceful garden vistas. It features a number of distinct but linked areas, each with its own individual character, flowing from one theme to another. On our return we will stop off at Carnon Downs Garden Centre where you can pick up some wonderful plants and shrubs for your garden.
The picturesque town of Melrose is located next to the River Tweed at the foot of the triple peaks of the Eildon Hill, a distinctive landmark of the Scottish Borders.
The Waverley Castle Hotel is located near Melrose, just a mile from the centre. Set in five acres of parkland in the Scottish Borders, the hotel offers the perfect base to explore its incredible surroundings. There will be day trips including Edinburgh and boat trip to Farne Island.
Step into the home of Feel Good Thrills at the UK’s most thrilling theme park with over 25 rides and attractions to experience. Find Your Fearless on the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, Hyperia. Brave the incredible launch of the UK’s fastest accelerator coaster, Stealth or experience the wettest water rides in the UK. There’s something for everyone at Thorpe Park! IMPORTANT!! Rider Requirements can be found on the Thorpe Park Website for each Ride. Trip subject to ticket availability and interest, therefore please book early to avoid disappointment.
This magical and very special 20 acre private garden with three lakes is set in a valley tucked away in North Devon only 4 miles from Barnstaple. The gardens are a wonderful haven in which to relax and enjoy the impressive collections of plants, shrubs and trees and experience the views and peaceful atmosphere. Since 2004, Marwood Hill Gardens has also been a Camellia Garden of Excellence, awarded by the International Camellia Society.
We will visit Barnstaple on our return, time permitting.
One of only three Grade I Listed gardens in Cornwall, the landscaped 860 acre park with fallow deer, the National Camellia Collection, woodland, coastal walks and marvellous views combine to make Mount Edgcumbe one of the most spectacular attractions in the West Country.
Mount Edgcumbe House is a Grade II listed building. It was completely gutted during World War II by German bombs with the restoration process beginning in 1958, with the interiors being restored to 18th-century styles. With shops, galleries, activities, workshops and cafes, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful place.
River Cruise We set sail across the Plymouth Sound flanked by the beautiful Devon and Cornish coasts. Passing Plymouth Hoe, the famous Drakes Island, spectacular views of Mount Edgcumbe, Royal William Yard and heading for the river Tamar, pulling into one of the largest Naval Dockyards in Western Europe.
The North Hill Good Companions, together with Group Travel, are going to visit Chester for their 2025 Summer Holiday.
Staying at The Queen at Chester Hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Chester, you can visit The Rows, tour the magnificent medieval cathedral or see the ruins of the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain.
There will be day trips including
Chester Zoo
The most visited zoo in the UK with over 31,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens to explore. Discover the beautiful animals from aardvark to zebra in their natural habitat.
Boat trip on the River Dee
Escape the city and drift along Chester’s beautiful River Dee on this tranquil, idyllic cruise. Pass the picturesque waterfront, the elegant Georgian townhouses and riverside gardens.
Port Eliot is a stunning stately home and priory. Once home to Augustinian monks and having survived confiscation by Charles I, the Estate is a unique treasure trove with the rare distinction of being a Grade1 listed house with Grade1 listed gardens.
The House at Port Eliot has been lived in for over 1000 years and believed to be the oldest continually inhabited dwelling in the UK. The many varied rooms includes works by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Van Dyck as well as a vast mural by South West England’s most celebrated 20th century artist, Robert Lenkiewicz.
We return home with a short visit to Kernow Mill.
Experience a truly environmentally friendly Horse Drawn Boat Trip along the tranquil Grand Western Canal. Listen to the gentle clip clop of hooves, the birdsong and the occasional call from waterfowl as you gently glide along the canal at 2 miles an hour. Following the boat trip we will make our way to Bickleigh Mill.
For an awesome day out for all the family we visit the Legoland Windsor Resort and experience the ultimate Lego adventure. There is something to inspire kids of all ages with over 55 rides, live shows and attractions set in 150 acres of parkland.
The British Firework Championships is a must-see event showcasing the incredible talent and artistry of six top pyrotechnic companies as the evening turns dark. With three displays on each of the two nights these experts will compete for the coveted championship title, presenting their ten-minute display. We will be there for the first night where you can see the fireworks from the Plymouth Hoe vantage point. Beyond the fireworks, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Hoe where you can enjoy live music and refreshments whilst enjoying the stunning displays above Plymouth Sound.
Sit back and enjoy a scenic train journey from Dawlish around the Exe Estuary to Exmouth. Experience the wonders of the dramatic South Devon Coastline with this circular cruise which will pass Dawlish Warren and head towards the Parson and the Clerk.
Discover the hidden coves, secret tunnels and tales from times gone by whilst taking in the breathtaking scenery of this ancient coastline.
Paradise Park was established over 50 years ago and is now a leading wildlife sanctuary. You’ll meet amazing rare and colourful birds and animals. Learn about the conservation breeding programmes taking place including Operation Chough, World Parrot Trust, Red Panda Project and the recent Red Squirrel Project aiming to restore the species to Cornwall. Enjoy this leisurely day out for all the family. Look out for the feeding and flying times of the resident, colourful wildlife.
Leaving early Friday morning to arrive at Burghley for the major part of the dressage element of this most prestigious event with other ring attractions available. Saturday we head to Burghley in plenty of time to watch the exciting cross country phase. Sunday starts with early breakfast before heading back to the arena to watch the final horse inspection and concluding show jumping phase or, if you wish, other ring displays, competitions, shopping and attractions before making our way back home.
Staying at the Bank House Hotel near Worcester this stylish hotel has everything you need for an Autumn visit to Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Nestled in the heart of the countryside between Great Malvern and the city of Worcester our Hotel features a luxury spa and an 18 hole Florida style golf course.
Our excursions, subject to confirmation, will include a visit to Hampton Court Castle, Severn Valley Railway, a Safari Park and a boat trip in the Wye Valley.
The Tavistock Goose Fair is one of only two held in England, the other being in Nottingham. It has its origins in the 1100s, growing up as a social event around bringing geese to market. The event attracts over 200 market traders and showmen from across the country filling the streets with stalls and side-shows. Treat yourself to a tasty goose lunch or enjoy the rides at the showground.
Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the start of the oyster-dredging season. Devoted to the mighty mollusc, the Festival highlights the traditional methods of harvesting, using only sail and oar, and champions the native Fal oyster.
Wander around Falmouth to find cookery demonstrations, live music, food stalls, Cornish food produce, arts and crafts marquee, real ale, wine and Champagne bars and the oyster and seafood bars.
With the Festival, the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth Lifeboat Station and the Town Centre all within close proximity there will be something for everyone to enjoy on this autumnal day out.
Leaving Bodmin early afternoon we make our way to Bridgwater. The Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is a spectacular event and it is regarded as one of the world's largest illuminated carnivals. The floats can be up to 100ft long, 11ft wide, 18ft high and contain up to 250,000 lights.
The carnival procession can take over two hours to get through the streets on the two and half mile route. Seeing really is believing so don't miss this fantastic illuminated carnival! The coach will leave soon after the Carnival procession ends.
The ever popular Longleat Festival of Light for all the family. Enjoy animal encounters from the comfort of your coach on a drive through the famous Safari Park. See the impressive animals move freely across hundreds of acres of land. Wander inside Longleat House, one of the country's finest examples of Elizabethan architecture, dressed up for Christmas. As night falls the festival comes to light and Longleat transforms into a glowing wonderland. Discover more than 30 acres of illuminations all set against the beautiful backdrop of Longleat House and its landscaped gardens. Find the giant Christmas Tree with hundreds of dazzling lights dancing to favourite festive tunes.
The elegant, Grade II listed Royal Hotel in Weymouth is situated right on the seafront placing you at the heart of this classic seaside resort.
The Royal Hotel is an impressive building of intricate architecture and boasting fantastic views over the beach and bay. Just a short stroll to the shops, seaside attractions and the famously beautiful harbour and marina, the location could not be better for exploring all that Weymouth has to offer.
Birmingham’s Christmas Market is a firm fixture in the city’s annual calendar and comes alive every winter with the arrival of the Market, a clear sign that Christmas is just around the corner. The stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street offer something for everyone.
Gifts for family and friends with everything from handcrafted wooden decorations and delicate glass baubles to crystal lamps, toys, jewellery and much more besides.
The smell of chestnuts cooking on steam engines will waft through the streets bringing excitement to children and adults alike. Shops will be open late, and the town will come alive with entertainment on every corner.
There will be stilt walkers, choirs, bands, street entertainers all performing throughout town. Festive Craft, Food & Drink and gift stalls can be found around town and in Butcher’s Hall. While you're in town, you can take in the festive scenes in St. Eustachius Church.
Christmas Train of Lights, the multi award-winning and the UK's first ever steam train of lights, is now the must-see event in the South West festive calendar and of course the 2025 show will capture the magic and feature lineside displays and surprises that can only be viewed from the train.
Your festive illuminated journey starts at Paignton, where the train with vintage carriages await you, decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out.
You will be propelled through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads you to the enchanted forest which will be transformed by a multitude of lights with brand new feature displays
The stunning show ends as you leave the forest only to be greeted by the twinkling lights of Dartmouth reflected on the river Dart. After a turnaround at Kingswear and with the opportunity to disembark and take photographs from the platform, you will be on your way back to Paignton to experience the spectacle from a different direction.
Please Note: This tour is for Train of Lights only and does not include Santa visit.