“Bluebell Special” on the Bluebell Railway

 Wednesday 2^nd May

Visit the only steam standard gauge railway in the country, operating trains through the heart of the Sussex Weald. We will join a “Bluebell Special” observation car and ride through the woods carpeted in bluebells. Travel through time from the Victorian age at Sheffield Park to the 1930’s at Horsted Keynes and to the 1950’s at Kingscote. A truly delightful tour.

£49.00 per person.  Includes train ticket. 

Thursday 3rd May   ******* Additional Date*****

With the excitement now building for the forthcoming London Olympics, there is huge interest in seeing the area where the athletes will be going for gold in 2012. A vast regeneration programme has transformed East London and you can now see the dramatic changes. After an early stop where you will have a chance to get lunch, our Blue Badge Guide will join our coach and take you on an informative tour around the edge of the Olympic Park before making a stop for a terrific view of the Olympic Stadium, The ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower and the Aquatics Centre. Clearly visible will also be the Olympic Village, Velodrome, Basketball and Handball arenas. We continue our tour through the Docklands and on to Woolwich to see the venues for many of the other sports.

£44.00 per person.

Saturday 5^th May

Brugge is a beautiful, dreamy, medieval city, famous for its cobbled squares, narrow streets, canals, gabled houses and gothic buildings and of course its chocolate, lace and beer! Wander the streets or take a trip on the canal to see this delightful city at its best.

Please note that you will be dropped at a point that is approx. 10 minutes walk to the centre. It is also possible to catch the local bus. However, coaches can no longer drop right in the centre of Brugge.

A short stop will be made for passengers to purchase tobacco products.

£59.00 per person.

Full passport required for this tour. Please note it is the passenger’s responsibility to comply with current customs requirements.

Wednesday 9th May

Join us on a scenic tour around the beautiful Cotswolds stopping first at “The Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester. A busy town with a good range of shops, pubs and restaurants or you may prefer a visit to the Corinium Museum or ancient Parish Church. After travelling through pretty villages, we will again stop, this time at Bourton-on-the Water, often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” as the River Windrush runs right through the centre. The combination of this clear sparkling water and attractive low bridges crossing it create a charming scene. Bourton-on-the-Water has more than its share of Cotswold stone houses and cottages, many over 300 years old.  A delightful day out.

£38.50 per person.

Saturday 12^th May 

Held annually at the Brighton Centre (previously in February), this show is extremely popular amongst those interested in needlework and creative crafts of all kinds. Discover all the latest ideas and innovations in the world of creativity from hundreds of new and established crafts.  With up to 150 exhibitors, you can enjoy a variety of lively workshops, demonstrations and talks whilst finding a superb range of supplies for all your creative pastimes.

£42.50 per adult, £41.50 per senior.   Including admission.

Sunday 13^th May

A great day out at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham beginning with a river trip on the paddlesteamer, Kingswear Castle. Enjoy a 30 minute cruise on this wonderful old vessel before visiting the many attractions of the Dockyard. These include three historic warships, the Royal Dockyard Museum, The Victorian Ropery and the RNLI historic lifeboat collection. Explore the exciting maritime galleries and attractions and meet the costumed guides who bring 400 years of history to life.

£54.00 per adult, £52.50 per senior, £51.00 per child (5-15 yrs). Includes admission to the Dockyard and river trip on the Kingswear Castle. 

Wednesday 16^th May

Travelling first to Winchester, England’s ancient capital, popular for its shopping streets and architecture.  In the afternoon we travel the short distance to the Mid Hants Railway, affectionately known as the Watercress Line. Enjoy a ride aboard the steam train and watch mile after mile of beautiful Hampshire countryside pass you by as you enjoy a delicious cream tea!

£54.50 per adult, £53.50 per senior. Including train ride and cream tea.

Thursday 17^th May

Travelling though the delightful New Forest, we arrive at the ever popular Exbury Gardens late morning. Exbury will need no introduction to most garden lovers. The magnificent displays of azaleas and rhododendrons are a riot of colour during springtime. Visitors will also delight at the magnolias, camellias and irises, the water gardens and ponds, trees and wildlife. Discover Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways or let the train take the strain on a 20 minute journey through the gardens.

£45.50 per person. Including Admission.

Picture courtesy of Royal Horticultural Society re Chelsea Flower Show

www.rhs.org.uk

Thursday 24^th May 

Every year the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea are transformed into a plant paradise with thousands of glorious blooms, a selection of spectacular show gardens and the finest examples of horticultural excellence in the world.  New for 2012 are the Fresh Gardens and Tradestands - a whole new zone at Chelsea where you'll see the very latest in garden technology and innovation.

We are including admission, however, RHS members can purchase tickets at a reduced rate so we are also offering a limited number of travel only tickets.

£85.50 per person.  Including admission.      £36.50 per person. Travel only.

 For those who opt for Travel only, you must purchase your admission ticket in advance as none are sold on the day.