The popular Tobys Garden Festival is back at Powderham Castle. Cancelled last year due to the Covid outbreak the organisers have been working hard to ensure visitors can stay safe at the open air event. Festival host Toby Buckland comments:...
"If a silver lining has shone out during the Covid-cancellations, it's that our love of gardening has grown. We've always supported growers, local food-producers, makers and Mother Nature, bringing a family of the best together to create a mommorable day out for our visitors. We've been busy researching and working to stage a revitalised and secure event for 2021."
Taking a leisurely drive over the stunning Dartmoor Tors and Valleys we arrive at Princetown. Here we have organised a visit to the flagship Dartmoor Visitor Centre, once home to Conan Doyle as he wrote the Hound of the Baskervilles and now hosts a variety of exhibitions and displays. We continue with a fascinating insight into prison life at the Dartmoor Prison Museum.
Learn about ‘life inside’ one of the world’s most famous and notorious jails. Some of the artefacts and documents on display will surprise you but will certainly enable you to form an opinion about prison life. We may need to alter the date on this tour but it will be the ideal day out for all the family to enjoy some quality post lockdown time together.
Widecombe-in-the-Moor is famous for its annual fair. Sadly cancelled last year we will return to this special event, on confirmation of go ahead, to enjoy a day out for the family. Originally a livestock fair it is now a perfect blend of traditional Dartmoor life plus a wide variety of events and entertainment attracting both young and old alike.
With Maypole dancing, Family Dog Shows, Ferret Racing, vintage machinery, arts & crafts and of course the beer tent. So, join us and experience a day of rural activities in the unique atmosphere of the fair.
We travel with stops on route to our hotel The Parsonage at Escrick near York. The hotel has full bedroom, spa and pool facilities. The next few days we explore the tranquil gardens at Scampston Hall, a free day in York, try out the N. R. museum the 13th century York Minster Cathedral or see how the Vikings lived with the sights sounds and smells at the Jorvik Experience, walk the Shambles which was a 14 century open air slaughter house and meat market, or York dungeons.
We also go to Skipton for the traditional street market, steam train ride, canal boat trip and castle. Then there’s many Yorkshire villages of interest including Thirsk with the James Herriot Museum.
Visit Blackpool with its famous Tower and Promenade, seven miles of award-winning golden beaches and the magic of illuminations. It is time to take a fresh look at this favourite British seaside town.
Dinner, bed & breakfast is provided at 242 Queens Promenade Hotel with proposed provisional visits to: Cheshire Oaks, Skipton Market and the unmissable Blackpool.
Enjoy Tavistock during its annual Goosey Fair. 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. Goosey Fair is traditionally a market fair for geese and poultry ready to be fattened for Christmas time.
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. Enjoy a wander inside Longleat House, one of the country's finest examples of Elizabethan architecture, dressed up for Christmas (only ground floor accessible during the festival). As night falls the festival comes to light! 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 plus other great Adventure Park attractions.
Enjoy an Early Christmas with four days and three nights of Christmas festivities in Weston Super Mare. Dinner, bed and breakfast are provided at the Anchor Head Hotel alongside evening entertainment and local excursions.
Taking a leisurely pace to Weston Super Mare we will stop at Exeter's largest family run garden centre for coffee and then a tour around a cider works. On Saturday we travel through the Mendip Hills to Wells where you can visit the Cathedral, the stunning medieval Bishops Palace, the Vicars Close and the Wells and Mendip Hills Museum all within easy walking distance. Enjoy the outdoor market and spot the resident mute swans by the breathtaking moat surrounding the Castle. With independant shops, cafes, restaurants selling artisan goods and locally sourced food and drink you can explore the hidden gems in the heart of this beautiful city.
With a free day on Sunday to explore Weston Super Mare we return on Monday with a leisurely stop en route.
Exeter is a shopaholic's must-do destination with chic boutiques and stylish independent shops alongside the familiar big-name stores. You can browse through the stores or try the Exeter Christmas Market. It has been running for seven years on Exeter Cathedral Green and it is recognised as one of the best in the UK.
A combination of unique location with the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral alongside high quality exhibitors has established an ‘event’ which is now an integral part of the city centre festive celebrations and Christmas shopping experience. Featuring a selection of crafts, fresh food and a bustling atmosphere helped by delicious food stalls and Bavarian-style bars, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is inspired by the German Christmas markets with their traditional wooden chalets.
Bath Christmas Market is a veritable celebration of local and regional independent businesses. Weave your way through the market's chalets and discover a wealth of unique gift ideas.
From crafts and homewares to artisan food, wooden toys, clothing, jewellery and more, the shop-owners display only their best. Find one of a kind gifts or amaze your taste buds with a gourmet burger, slow-cooked pork or a fresh waffle.
The London International Horse Show offers the combination of a thrilling sporting event and wonderful festive cheer for all the family to enjoy. The 2021 Show moves to the ExCel Centre with amazing displays and world class competition.
No visit to the London Horse Show is complete without some serious Christmas shopping and with over 200 stands there is plenty to choose from. Browse the extensive Shopping Village for that extra or late Christmas present before entering the Arena for the afternoon performance. We depart early in the morning from Bodmin to make it in plenty of time to enjoy the day!
Leaving Bodmin at 3:30pm, we make a stop for a fish & chip supper (not included in the price) for those who wish. The journey will see us go through various village & town displays viewed from the comfort of your coach seat.
The illuminated spectacle this year will see us head towards west Cornwall to view lights on cottages and quayside, in the harbours and hillside. These lights take many weird and wonderful forms along with unusual festive symbols. The coach moves on to the lovely village of Angarrack, to see their spectacular 12 days of Christmas light displays.
Crufts this year, 2022, will be held at the NEC in Birmingham and we are visiting on day 3 hosting the Gun Dog section of the 4 day event. This is a new excursion for us and we are sure the Gun Dog day will appeal to all dog lovers. If you are looking for a canine but can't decide between a Labrador and a Lhasa Apso, then the Discover Dogs area, is the place to be. Discover Dogs host over 200 breeds of pedigree dog for you to meet. Talk to knowledgeable owners and breeders.
Gain first hand advice on grooming, training and whether the breed is right for you. You can be sure to find your perfect canine companion! Price includes Coach Travel but NOT Entry tickets to Crufts. We will obtain your entry ticket on confirmation of your booking. Cost of tickets will be advised here on our website as soon as we can confirm prices with Crufts.
As soon as you arrive in Chester you will appreciate the city’s unique atmosphere and sense of history. We will be staying at the Queen at Chester Hotel, a magnificent brick and stucco Italianate building with an illustrious past and some rather famous guests. The hotel is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Chester where you can browse the boutiques of The Rows, a unique two-tiered shopping gallery, tour the magnificent medieval cathedral, explore the Roman history or see the ruins of the largest amphitheatre in Britain.
We make a visit to Liverpool, and whether you're interested in History, Arts, Culture, Maritime, Films or, of course, the Beatles you will find something for everyone in this vibrant city. Liverpool's contribution to culture internationally was recognised in 2008, when it was named the European Capital of Culture. We make time too for Chester Zoo with over 35,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. Chester Zoo’s heart-warming TV series “The Secret Life of the Zoo”, has taken viewers behind-the-scenes and you could encounter some familiar animals and their keepers. We also have a a cable car journey at the Heights of Abraham and discover the dramatic vistas from seven magnificent viewpoints across the 60 acre estate high above the Derwent Valley.
We start with a train ride on the South Devon Railway, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart, between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Then by coach to Kents Cavern, a spectacular natural cave on the coast of South Devon with an incredible history that began 400 million years ago. Discover Britain's oldest home once occupied by Prehistoric man, hyenas and cave bears.
Find out how the caves were formed 2.5 million years ago and wonder at the stalagmites and stalactites. Artefacts found in the caverns reveal a human adventure that continued into the Bronze and Iron Age, through the Roman occupation to the time of Henry VIII. Walking is required; therefore, comfortable shoes are recommended. It can get quite cold so please wear suitable clothing.
Cancelled in 2021 the Badminton Horse Trials is set to return in 2022. Enjoy the thrills and spills of this most prestigious of CCI**** horse trials. Travelling early on Saturday morning to watch top world-class horses & riders tackle the formidable cross-country phase of this renowned event.
You can also enjoy shopping or just browsing among the vast array of stalls. Departing for the return journey on completion of the day's events.
Tobys Garden Festival at Powderham has become a popular annual event. Get the best advice on contemporary gardening topics or just browse the specialist nurseries and stalls selling everything you need for your little slice of heaven with West Country crafts, artisan food & drink, live music and celebrity speakers, not forgetting beautiful plants, all in the breath-taking grounds of Powderham Castle.
Weather dependant. The summer season is here and staying indoors is not an option. Have a great day out with our day trip to Exmouth, Torquay or Brixham. The coach will drop you off in Exmouth where you board the cruise boat. Sail along the South Devon coast and enjoy breath-taking views of the area.
All passengers have an option to either get off at Torquay and spend three hours there or stay on the boat and get off at the end of the line in Brixham where you get to spend two hours exploring. Board the boat for your return to Exmouth where our coach will be waiting to return you home. It is a great day trip for the family where you get to enjoy some time together, fresh air and magnificent views.
Board the ferry for a beautiful, serene river cruise with live commentary landing at Greenway House. You will be able to explore the intriguing holiday home and gardens of Dame Agatha Christie situated on the hillside in the heart of the stunning River Dart Valley.
This property has had a multimillion-pound refurbishment in recent years carried out by the National Trust to whom the house was donated. Afterwards, the ferry will take you back to Dartmouth, where you will board the coach & make your way back home.
Following a virtual festival in 2021 the largest festival of maritime music is back in Falmouth for 2022 and to make it more interesting it is hoped that at the same time as the Classic Boat Rally, Regatta. The synergy of classic boats and sea shanties produces an event which provides an ideal opportunity to bring the Town and the Sailing scene closer together.
The festival provides a platform where the heritage of storytelling through songs comes alive with live performances by groups from all over Cornwall, the UK, Holland and France. Shanty performances are scheduled throughout the town. Some are free and some require an admission fee (not included in our price). The Classic Regatta, should it coincide, will include races starting at Carrick Roads and likely to end at Trefusis Point. Some of the best places to watch the boat races are Pendennis Point, Castle Drive and Trefusis Point and the coastal footpath between Place and St Anthony's Lighthouse and St Mawes Castle. The courses are dependent on wind direction and tide. Travel by coach and celebrate true Cornish heritage at its best.
Sun, sea and good company. Staying at the Seabank Hotel in Porthcawl, Wales with the provisional itinerary: Stop for coffee break on route then to St Fagans National Museum near Cardiff before arriving in Porthcawl.
Proposed excursions include Brecon Mountain Railway, Abergavenny and Cardiff. There will also be a free day in Porthcawl to explore the many sandy beaches, wander along the Esplanade to the Marina or visit the Museum located in a 1870’s police station. On the return journey home we hope to visit the Royal Mint and stop for an afternoon tea or coffee.
Visit Trebah Gardens, a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. At the very centre of Trebah, you will discover the Water Garden built around a natural spring surrounded by a lush planting scheme. It has over 4 miles of walking paths allowing you to discover the Hydrangea Valley or the Gunnera Passage which leads beneath a great swathe of ‘Elephant’s Rhubarb’.
To top it up you can have a wander on their very own private beach on the Helford River, with views that stretch out to the open sea. We finish the day with time to explore Falmouth, crossing the Fal River to St Mawes where the coach will be waiting to return you home.
Visit Kew Gardens, the most bio-diverse place on Earth with over 300 acres to explore. From the classic woodland to the Arboretum, the Palm House, remarkable indoor rainforest, Temperate House, to the largest Victorian glasshouse, it is a great day out. And the fun does not stop here!
On day two we make our way to Hampton Court Palace for the famous garden festival. It is a wonderful day packed with gardening inspiration, stunning floral displays and workshops in a majestic setting. Expert growers will be on hand to share their tips, helping you to fill your garden with colour and scent.
Broomhill Sculpture Gardens is the place where art and culture meet in magical surroundings. Established in 1997 it has organically grown into one of the largest permanent collections of contemporary sculptures in the South West of England.
Then on to Barnstaple's renowned Green Lanes & Pannier Markets, regarded as the best indoor markets in the country. Don't take our word for it. Book now and see for yourself!
After their fantastic success in 2019 with over 17,000 visitors we return to the Taunton Flower Show at Vivary Park the show's historic home since 1866. Travel by coach to Taunton and experience a day out in the company of fellow horticulturalists.
Admire displays by professional traders and get the little ones involved with a range of activities in the Children's Village. Bask in the gorgeous fragrances, gaze at the amazing floral displays and show-stopping gardens.
The Festival of British Eventing takes place at Gatcombe Park, the spectacular home of the Princess Royal and her family. The 2021 event has been cancelled but, all being well, will return in 2022 showcasing the sport at all levels. The Festival incorporates the British Open Championship CIC3*, The Neptune Trophy for Advanced Horses & Corinthian Cup with day of SJ and XS. Spectators have a wonderful view of the cross country from within the beautiful natural bowl in the park.
Soak up the atmosphere by the Main Ring watching the competition unfold or satisfy the shopaholic and foodie in you at the Shopping and Food Village.
Step back in time at The Great Dorset Steam Fair, the leading show of its type in the world. There is something for the entire family, from traction engines to rides on the steam operated funfair, over 500 trade stands and five marquees of music and authentic 1920's style stage shows. Travel early by coach and make the most out of the day at the show. After dark the venue transforms into a magical electric city with lights from the engines and live music on stage.
This is a sight not to be missed therefore we leave the show late to experience the show in its entirety. Overnight accommodation is provided and on Sunday, we return to the showground so we can see everything we didn't on the first day.
Unfortunately cancelled in 2021 we return to Burghley in 2022.
We leave Bodmin early Friday morning to arrive at Burghley to watch the major part of the Dressage element of this most prestigious event. On Saturday after breakfast, we head to Burghley in plenty of time to watch the exciting Cross-Country phase. Sunday starts with breakfast before heading back to the arena for the final horse inspection.
We will be concluding the day with the Show Jumping and other Main Ring displays and attractions before making our way back home. For shopaholics there is also a shopping complex and demonstrations at the World of the Horse. If you are looking for any early Christmas presents Burghley's vast shopping village is sure to have something to offer.
Widecombe-in-the-Moor is famous for its annual fair. Originally a livestock fair it is now a perfect blend of traditional Dartmoor life plus a wide variety of events and entertainment attracting both young and old alike.
With Maypole dancing, Family Dog Shows, Ferret Racing, vintage machinery, arts & crafts and of course the beer tent. So, join us and experience a day of rural activities in the unique atmosphere of the fair.
We are planning our 2022 Autumn Holiday to North Wales. With our base in Llandudno with its Promenade, Pier, vibrant shopping centre and access to Great Orme by cable car there will be lots to explore. Combine that with excursions to Snowdonia National Park, Castles, Gardens, Rail and Sail this tour will have something for everyone.
You could find yourself in the grandeur of Conwy Castle or the wilds of Snowdonia National Park. With Dinner, Bed and Breakfast included along with all excursions and travel this tour will appeal to all ages and encompass a variety of things to do and see.
The annual tour to Blackpool with its famous Tower and Promenade, seven miles of award-winning golden beaches and the magic of illuminations. It is time to take a fresh look at this favourite British seaside town.
Dinner, bed & breakfast is provided at 242 Queens Promenade Hotel with proposed provisional visits to: Cheshire Oaks, Skipton Market and the unmissable Blackpool.
Book your seats for a one-day trip to Birmingham for the culmination of British equestrian events. Every year the event has something for every member of the family to enjoy including fine dining, shopping and a chance to get up close and meet some of the horses themselves.
Visitors will experience thrilling competition, breath-taking displays, unbeatable retail therapy at the shopping village and spectacular horsemanship.
Enjoy Tavistock during its annual Goosey Fair. 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. Goosey Fair is traditionally a market fair for geese and poultry ready to be fattened for Christmas time.
Leaving Bodmin at 2:45 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! You can have a wander on foot or stay in the coach and watch the procession go by. The coach will leave soon after the Carnival procession has finished.
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. Enjoy a wander inside Longleat House, one of the country's finest examples of Elizabethan architecture, dressed up for Christmas (only ground floor accessible during the festival). As night falls the festival comes to light! 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 plus other great Adventure Park attractions.
Our Turkey and Tinsel early Christmas break will see us visit Portsmouth. Whilst we are still planning this trip we believe the destination will appeal to all. A major seaport, some of Britain's best known ships can be found in the historic dockyard. Discover tales of Henry VIII and the Mary Rose, Experience the conditions on board HMS Victory and see where Nelson was hit and eventually died during the Battle of Trafalgar.
Wander along the seafront and visit the Spinnaker Tower with great views over to the Isle Of Wight, Southsea, Hayling Island and the Portsmouth Naval Dockyard. With a day excursion included, together with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, evening entertainment and good company this tour is the perfect start to the Christmas Festivities.
Bath Christmas Market is a veritable celebration of local and regional independent businesses. Weave your way through the market's chalets and discover a wealth of unique gift ideas.
From crafts and homewares to artisan food, wooden toys, clothing, jewellery and more, the shop-owners display only their best. Find one of a kind gifts or amaze your taste buds with a gourmet burger, slow-cooked pork or a fresh waffle.
Exeter is a shopaholic's must-do destination with chic boutiques and stylish independent shops alongside the familiar big-name stores. You can browse through the stores or try the Exeter Christmas Market. It has been running for seven years on Exeter Cathedral Green and it is recognised as one of the best in the UK.
A combination of unique location with the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral alongside high quality exhibitors has established an ‘event’ which is now an integral part of the city centre festive celebrations and Christmas shopping experience. Featuring a selection of crafts, fresh food and a bustling atmosphere helped by delicious food stalls and Bavarian-style bars, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is inspired by the German Christmas markets with their traditional wooden chalets.
Leaving Bodmin at 3:30 pm, we make a stop for a fish & chip supper (not included in the price) for those who wish. The journey will see us go through various village & town displays viewed from the comfort of your coach seat.
The illuminated spectacle this year will see us head towards west Cornwall to view lights on cottages and quayside, in the harbours and hillside. These lights take many weird and wonderful forms along with unusual festive symbols. The coach moves on to the lovely village of Angarrack, to see their spectacular 12 days of Christmas light displays.
As far as we know The London International Horse Show will return to Olympia this year, 2022 and offers the combination of a thrilling sporting event and wonderful festive cheer for all the family to enjoy. With amazing international displays and world class competition, each Olympia performance offers something special.
No visit to Olympia is complete without some serious Christmas shopping and with over 200 stands there is plenty to choose from. Browse the extensive Shopping Village for that extra or late Christmas present before entering the Arena for the afternoon performance. We depart early in the morning from Bodmin to make it in plenty of time to enjoy the day!
