Johnsons Day Excursions Autumn-Spring 2025-26 Brochure
DAY EXCURSIONS: AUTUMN 2025-SPRING 2026
Day Excursions: Autumn 2025Spring 2026
It gives us great pleasure to present the JOHNSONS Day Excursions brochure for 2025-2026, featuring a wide range of excursions between October and March.
Our choice is once again a diverse one with 50 Day excursions throughout the autumn, winter and spring and with 6 different themes to choose from (including a brand new one!), there is something here to interest everyone!
. 11 NEW destinations to visit
. All Excursions offer our extra legroom Club Class coaches or ‘Luxury Traveller’ Coaches
. Reserved seating on all excursions
. Option of Local Boarding Points on all excursions – see rear cover for more details
For enquiries and bookings, just call our helpful, friendly team on:
01564 797000 (option 0)
Liveridge House
Liveridge Hill
Henley-in-Arden
Warwickshire B95 5QS
(On the Birmingham Road, A3400 just north of Henley)
Reservations Office Opening Hours
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
Travel with Johnsons – Travel with Friends!
OUR 6 DIFFERENT THEMES
Luxury Traveller Day Excursions4
Autumn Adventures5-6
Countdown to Christmas7-9
Festive Feasts10-11
Winter Warmers12
Springtime Specials13-14
Rated 4.6/5 with over 10,000 reviews!
"Really enjoyable trip, timings were perfect. The house tour was excellent, and lots to see in the market, everything was well organised."
Chatsworth House & Christmas Market
Mobility Information
Please note that all our Day Excursions that feature this logo include venues and/or Guided Tours that involve steps, walking some distance, or that are deemed unsuitable for wheelchairs. Therefore customers choosing these excursions will need to have reasonable mobility to fully enjoy the day.
Join our SeeMore Loyalty Club
SeeMore Club Members receive £2 off every Day Excursion or ‘Showtime’ trip and £10 off every Holiday –plus many other benefits! Join today – call us on 01564 797000 for more information!
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LUXURY TRAVELLER DAY EXCURSIONS
We are delighted to, once again, offer our Luxury Traveller Excursions. We feature carefully chosen venues and experiences that are designed for those of you who, quite literally, enjoy the finer things in life.
In 2024, we have added a 5th Luxury Coach to the fleet. These fabulous brand-new touring coaches have all the features of our well known ‘club class’ extra legroom coaches and much more besides. Enjoy these special extras when you book a ‘Luxury Traveller’ Day Excursion:
. Just 43 ‘First Class’ seats, with even more legroom for all!
. USB charging points on all seats, plus free Wi-Fi on board
. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and a friendly courier service
. Two large TV screens – follow the route as you go along and ‘see’ our couriers and guides when they use the mic!
. An extra high passenger deck for even better sightseeing! You’ll enjoy all these features for a supplement of just £5 per person. And in line with our policy of making all our Day Excursions as inclusive as possible, this charge has been added to and included in your Day Excursion price.
EDEN PROJECT
Wednesday 1st October 2025
Depart Henley: 6.30am
Arrive Eden Project: 11.30am
Depart: 4.00pm
Return Henley: 9.00pm
Adult: £71.50
Concession: £70.50
Discover the wonders of nature at the Eden Project!
From stunning biomes to interactive exhibits, immerse yourself in a world of sustainability and beauty. Enjoy a relaxing coach journey and a day of exploration.
Includes: Admission
AVONCROFT MUSEUM “ON THE HOME FRONT”
Step into history at Avoncroft Museum's 'On the Home Front' weekend! Experience WWII re-enactments, historic vehicles, vintage shopping, live entertainment, and free dance classes. Explore immersive displays across the 19-acre site, including the Land Army, U.S. Army Training, and more. Relive the stories of the West Midlands during 1939-45!
Includes: Ticket to Event and Hot Drink Voucher
Sunday 5th October 2025
Depart Henley: 9.15am | Arrive Avoncroft: 10.00am
Depart Avoncroft: 4.00pm | Return Henley: 4.45pm
Adult: £56.50 | Concession: £55.50
EDEN CAMP
Thursday 9th October 2025
Depart Henley: 7.45am
Arrive Eden Camp: 11.30am
Depart Eden Camp: 4.00pm
Return Henley: 7.45pm
Adult: £64.50
Concession: £63.50
Autumn Adventures
AUTUMN STEAM GALA
Saturday 4th October 2025
Depart Henley: 9.00am
Arrive Loughborough: 10.30am
Depart Loughborough: 5.30pm
Return Henley: 7.00pm
Adult: £62.50
Concession: £61.50
Step back in time at the annual Autumn Steam Gala! Enjoy a packed schedule of passenger and freight services, featuring the debut of the iconic guest locomotive, 7828 Odney Manor, on our historic tracks. A must-see event for steam enthusiasts –don’t miss it!
Includes: All Day Ticket
CHARTWELL NATIONAL TRUST
Visit Chartwell, the cherished home of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore his inspiring study, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the Kent countryside. Discover the fascinating story of Britain’s wartime leader in this National Trust treasure.
A perfect day out for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!
Step back in time at Eden Camp, where history comes alive! Explore immersive exhibits that recount the stories of wartime Britain. From thought-provoking displays to engaging activities, this unique museum offers an unforgettable journey into the past.
Includes: Admission & Cream Tea
CHATSWORTH HOUSE & CHRISTMAS MARKET
Magically transformed during the Christmas season, the lower floors of Chatsworth House are all beautifully decorated. The glimmer of candles, the fragrance of decorated trees and the festive music playing, all combine to make a unique experience.
Includes: Timed entrance to the House & Grounds (featuring the Christmas Market)
Immerse yourself in the festive charm of Winchester Christmas Market! Wander through delightful stalls brimming with unique gifts and seasonal delights. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this historic city, beautifully adorned for the holidays. A wonderful day out for everyone.
Celebrate the festive season at Haddon Hall Christmas Market! Explore charming stalls filled with unique gifts and seasonal treats. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of this historic venue, beautifully decorated for the holidays. A perfect day out for all ages.
Includes: Self-Guided Hall Entrance & Christmas Market Entrance
Experience the magic of Christmas at Leeds Castle! Enjoy free time exploring the castle's festive decorations upon arrival. As evening falls, immerse yourself in the enchanting light trail, illuminating the grounds with holiday cheer.
Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Family home to British Kings and Queens for over 900 years, you’ll see the semi-state rooms and the magnificent state apartments, all festively decorated and transformed for Christmas.
Includes: All Day Admission
courtesy of Haddon Hall:Phil Sproson
YORK CHRISTMAS MARKET
Enjoy the Christmas cheer on offer in one of the UK's most festive cities as York's restaurants, shops, and attractions are beautifully decorated and provide a wonderful winter experience, with an incredible range of festive events! The famous alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, creating a festive wonderland with an array of local traders and artisan products.
Includes: Free Time in York
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
Depart Henley: 8.30am | Arrive York: 11.45am
Depart York: 4.30pm | Return Henley: 7.00pm
Adult: £41.50 | Concession: £40.50
BLENHEIM PALACE & LIGHT TRAIL
Blenheim Palace is home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and contains stunning portraits, tapestries and furniture in both the Great Hall and State Rooms. After dark, enjoy thousands of festive lights, musical trees and dancing fountain jets which will spring to life in time to much loved festive music.
Includes: Admission to the Palace & Light Trail entry slot
We start our day with a tour of the impressive cathedral, the finest 13th century cathedral in Britain & its tallest spire. Enjoy free time in Salisbury before we head back early afternoon to the Cathedral for an afternoon carol concert.
Includes: Guided Tour of the Cathedral & Tickets to Carol Concert
The French Renaissancestyle château, built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to house his collection of fine art, once again opens its doors to reveal a twinkling, merry Christmassy wonderland. The Waddesdon Christmas Fair is back with its 70 artisan stalls, as well as magical displays in the House and captivating illuminations in the grounds. Includes: Admission to House & Grounds
A festive day out in the capital! Our early afternoon arrival will take you to the famous Oxford Street with hundreds of shops for all your Christmas shopping. As the daylight fades, our journey takes us to the glittering world of Christmas at Kew. The trail will take you through fantastic displays of over 60,000 lights set around the garden, through the unforgettable Tunnel of Lights.
Includes: Admission with Timed Entry into the Illuminations
Enjoy a 3-Course festive lunch, full of Christmas cheer and seasonal music, along with a special guest appearance! Take in the scenery of the River Thames, sailing upstream to Old Windsor Lock before passing through Bell Weir Lock, on through Staines and Laleham.
Grade-I-listed Belvoir Castle crowns a Lincolnshire hilltop, overlooking 16,000 acres of sweeping countryside vistas. Marvel at the exquisite and sumptuous Christmas decorations, themed on ‘The 12 days of Christmas’. We include an afternoon tea for you to enjoy in the newly refurbished Regency-styled tearoom, ‘The Aviary’. Includes: Castle Guided Tour, Self-Led Visit of the Gardens & Afternoon Tea
Enjoy some free time on arrival in Covent Garden. Joined by your Blue Badge guide, the late afternoon coach tour takes in all the major sights and landmarks of the city, not forgetting the famous Christmas lights, as the night draws in. The day finishes with an included fish ‘n’ chip supper before we depart for home.
Includes: Blue Badge Guided Coach Tour, Fish & Chip Supper
Tuesday 25th November 2025
Depart Henley: 9.45am | Arrive London: 1.15pm
Depart London: 7.00pm | Return Henley: 10.15pm
Adult: £82.50 | Concession: £81.50
MANCHESTER FESTIVE LUNCH CRUISE
Our journey takes us north to Castlefield where we board our 3-hour circular voyage, during which, you’ll be served a 3-Course Festive Lunch. Sailing towards Salford Quays where you have free time to shop and explore before re-boarding and setting sail back along the river.
Includes: 3-Hour Cruise, 3-Course Festive Lunch & Free Time at Salford Quays
Tatton Park has something for everyone with its 18th-century mansion, historic working farm, and acres of parkland and gardens to explore. Journey to the magic of the Christmas Mansion with a brand new festive theme – new characters, decorations, treats, and surprises. Enjoy the very popular Christmas Gift Fair within the Tenants’ Hall. We also include a 2-course lunch served in the Stables Restaurant.
Includes: Admission To Mansion & Gardens, 2-Course Lunch & Hot Drink
Festive Feasts
RIVER TRENT CHRISTMAS CRUISE
Celebrate the festive season with a River Trent Christmas Lunch Cruise! Enjoy a delightful two-anda-half-hour daytime cruise featuring a traditional twocourse Christmas turkey lunch. Relax to the sounds of festive background music as you take in the scenic views along the river.
Experience a festive meal with all the trimmings as the beautiful winter Lancashire countryside passes you by. We board our train in Bury and enjoy our festive meal during the journey. There is a short stop in Rawtenstall to stretch your legs before returning.
All aboard as we head down to the port of Southampton to meet the festively decorated vessel that will take us on a 3hour cruise around the local waterways. Listen to the skipper’s commentary as you enjoy a traditional 3-course Christmas Lunch.
Established in 1834, Harrod’s is now world famous with its magnificent architecture and 5 floors of over 300 departments including the famous food halls, making it an iconic part of London. Late afternoon we head over to The Rembrandt Hotel for a traditional afternoon tea.
Includes: Free Time at Harrods, Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Rembrandt
Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms, stroll along the Christmas trail through the grounds. Enjoy an included 2-course Festive carvery Lunch in the Pavilion restaurant, before exploring further.
Includes: Admission & 2-Course Festive Lunch
Winter Warmers
VIEW FROM THE SHARD WITH AFTERNOON TEA, London
The Shard is an iconic, landmark building, visible from wherever you are in London. We travel to level 69 which offers a 360degree, 64 km incredible view over the city. After our visit to the Shard, we include a delicious Afternoon Tea at the Rembrandt Hotel in Kensington followed by a little free time before returning homeward.
Includes: Admission to the Shard & Afternoon Tea
Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Depart Henley: 8.00am | Arrive London: 11.30am
Depart London: 5.30pm | Return Henley: 8.45pm
Adult: £102.50 | Concession: £101.50
WELFORD PARK SNOWDROPS
NEW
Experience the enchanting beauty of Welford Park's Snowdrops! Join us for a delightful trip to witness the stunning display of snowdrops carpeting the grounds of this historic estate. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque park and immerse yourself in the serene winter landscape. A perfect outing for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Includes: Admission
Colesbourne Gardens is the premier place to see snowdrops in bloom. Enjoy tea/coffee and cake on arrival with a short talk about the history of the garden and its snowdrops, followed by a guided tour. We then head over to nearby Cirencester and its weekly market.
Includes: Guided Tour of the Gardens & Refreshments
Kew Gardens has the world's largest collection of living plants. Set in beautiful landscapes with glasshouses and such a vast range of rare and beautiful plants, there is plenty to see. We visit during the Orchid Festival, a spectacular display of colour. Explore the exotic world of orchids and tropical plants and find out about the importance of these beautiful and diverse species.
Travelling to London, we enjoy free time exploring Camden Market before our relaxing Regents Canal circular Cruise with commentary on board NB My Fair Lady. Commencing at Walker’s Quay, you rise 2.5 metres in the lock at Camden, before sailing through London Zoo, Regent’s Park, a short canal tunnel, through to Robert Browning’s Island at Little Venice.
Includes: Canal Cruise on board NB My Fair Lady (this boat is covered and heated)
Springtime Specials
HAY-ON-WYE TOWN OF BOOKS
Hay-on-Wye is a small market town in Powys, situated on the Wales/England border, next to the River Wye. Within the Brecon Beacons National Park, often described as the 'Town of Books,' it is the national book town of Wales and its numerous bookshops are a delight to browse at any time of year. Don’t miss the weekly market!
An enchanting 28-mile round trip through the Cotswold Hills with glorious views across the Vale of Evesham on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway over to Cheltenham Racecourse. Here our coach is waiting to take us into Cheltenham for a few hours before heading back to the station for the return journey.
Thriplow is a quiet village eight miles south of Cambridge which, since 1969, has celebrated its own Daffodil Weekend, drawing crowds from far and wide. This unique event raises money for local charities with attractions including: open gardens, Morris dancers, live music, flower festival in the village church, fun dog show, dray rides, plenty of craft, gift & food stalls... and, hopefully, thousands of beautiful daffodils!
Includes: Event Ticket
Saturday 21st March 2026
Depart Henley: 9.00am | Arrive Thriplow: 11.00am
Depart Thriplow: 4.00pm | Return Henley: 6.00pm
Adult: £49.50 | Concession: £48.50
LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE
Set amidst the concrete City of London, the WWT wetland centre brings the pristine charm of the countryside into the centre of London. Apart from its flora, this centre is also ideal for birdwatching and interacting with other animal species. We include a guided tour to discover more about the history of the Centre and its wildlife.
Used in recent films – Pride and Prejudice and The Da Vinci Code, the house boasts eighteen magnificent State Rooms and a huge collection of works and art. The Brewhouse Interpretation Centre features an excellent audio visual introduction to the house and its history, as well as an annually changing exhibition.
Includes: Admission & Guided Tour
BURGHLEY HOUSE
Making Enquiries & Booking your Excursions
INFORMATION AND ADVICE
Contact our Travel Office at Henley in Arden. Callers are welcome at our offices at Liveridge Hill, (on the Birmingham Road A3400, just north of Henley) where there is ample free parking. You will find our cheerful staff happy to answer any queries you may have.
EXCURSION & SHOWTIME BOOKINGS
To make a provisional booking, a simple telephone call is all that is needed. We will hold places for you without obligation for 7 days. You can book directly with our Travel Office, through an appointed Travel Agent, or on-line at www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk. Please note that provisional bookings will be cancelled automatically if payment is not received within 7 days.
CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING:
In order to confirm your booking, we require payment in full at the time of booking. Once payment is received, we will send your confirmation/receipt, the number and location of seats booked. Pick-up times will be confirmed within five days of the excursion departure date. Please check your confirmation details carefully, as any alterations and pick-up point changes within 8 days of the excursion will incur a £10 per booking administration charge.
METHODS OF PAYMENT:
Payment can be made via debit/credit card. If paying by cheque, please make cheques payable to ‘Johnsons (Henley) LTD’
REDUCTIONS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, STUDENTS & CHILDREN:
Senior Citizens and Students (with a valid student card) are carried at the Concession rate. Children aged 4-14 are carried at the Child rates listed in this brochure. Please note we cannot accept unaccompanied children below 14 years of age.
CANCELLATION:
(a)BY THE COMPANY – should circumstances arise where, due to less than 20 bookings, we are forced to cancel any excursion; all monies paid by all passengers for that particular excursion will be refunded. Following that, the Company shall be exempt from any further liability.
(b)BY THE PASSENGER – Excursion Bookings
You may cancel your booking at any time prior to departure, subject to the following conditions:
(i)For cancellations notified to us more than 7 days prior to the departure of the excursion, a £5.00 charge per person is made.
(ii)For cancellations for which less than 7 (but more than 1) clear working days’ notice is received, a £15.00 per person charge is made.
(iii)For cancellations made within 1 working day of the excursion, the full cost of the excursion will be charged.
(iv)Special cancellation charges may apply where admission tickets and/or meals are purchased in advance.
(c)BY THE PASSENGER – Showtime Bookings
You may cancel your booking at any time prior to departure, subject to the following conditions:
(i)Should cancellation occur at any time prior to departure, a charge will be made for the relevant show ticket cost included with your Showtime excursion, plus £10 per person to cover administration, unless the tickets are re-sold.
(ii)Where tickets are re-sold, a £10 per person administration charge will be made.
PERFORMING ARTISTS:
For some shows, it may be advertised that a wellknown personality is taking a starring role. We cannot be held liable, if on the date of our visit, the personality is unable to perform and is replaced by an understudy.
ALTERATIONS:
The Company reserves the right to alter excursions or prices, the size, seating arrangement and specification of the vehicle used, or to cancel any excursion listed in this brochure.
Also please note all departures and arrival times listed in the brochure are approximate and may be amended to suit operational requirements.
ADMISSION CHARGES:
Please see each individual excursion that will list which extras (ie lunch, admission charges etc) are included.
BOARDING INFORMATION
Notification of Boarding Times
You will be informed of your pick up time by e-mail at approximately 5 days prior to the departure date. Customers who are not contactable in this way will be notified by post. If you have not received your pick up time within 3 days of departure, please contact our Travel Office on 01564 797000 (option 0).
Group Booking
When reserving 15 or more places in a single booking, we are pleased to offer 1 pick-up from a location of your choice (Subject to vehicular access). Discounts may also be available dependant on numbers booked.
Late Booking
If your booking is made within 7 days of departure, some pick up points may not be available and payment in full is required at the time of booking. Please check with our Reservations staff who will be happy to advise you.
Feeder Vehicles
Feeder vehicles may be used to bring you to join the main coach. Please note that the feeder vehicle may be a Coach, Minibus or Taxi.
Coaches
The majority of our Day Excursions are operated by our ‘Club Class’ 49 seater or Luxury Traveller coaches which are equipped with the following luxury features:
. EXTRA LEGROOM AND RECLINING SEATS . SEAT BELTS ON ALL SEATS
. TOILET/WASHROOM
. HI FLOOR STYLE FOR EXCELLENT SIGHTSEEING
. NO SMOKING
. AIR-CONDITIONING
. RESERVED SEATING
BOARDING POINTS FOR ALL EXCURSIONS
For 2025 we are pleased to continue offering free and secure car parking and toilet facilities here at our Henley-in-Arden premises. We also offer 37 other boarding points at a small supplementary charge and these are listed below.
Please note that the charges are applicable for your return journey.
SOLIHULL DORRIDGE
FREE OF CHARGE
HENLEY-IN-ARDEN
Johnsons Depot, Liveridge Hill A3400 B95 5QS (Free Secure Parking Available All Day)
THE FOLLOWING BOARDING POINTS ARE AVAILABLE ON ALL EXCURSIONS, SUBJECT TO A £6 PER PERSON
SUPPLEMENTARY CHARGE
ALCESTER
Bus Stop, Outside The Library, Birmingham Road
ALVECHURCH
Outside the Red Lion, Junction Red Lion Street/Tanyard Lane
BALSALL COMMON
Hillier Garden Centre, Kenilworth Road B92 0LP (Formerly known as Rosebourne)
BARNT GREEN
Railway Station, Station Approach off Hewell Road
BIDFORD-ON-AVON
Bus Stop Opposite Co-op Supermarket, Salford Road
BIRMINGHAM ACOCKS GREEN
Acocks Green Bowl, Westley Road
BIRMINGHAM COTTERIDGE
Bus Stops CN/CP, Pershore Road South, Opposite Kings Norton Railway Station
BIRMINGHAM HALL GREEN
The Rug Shop, Robin Hood Island
BIRMINGHAM MAYPOLE
Bus Stop Outside Sainsbury’s, Maypole Lane
COVENTRY
Coach Lay-by, Hales Street, Opposite Old Fire Station
EVESHAM
Evesham United Football Club, A46, Cheltenham Road WR11 2LZ (Free Car Parking Available All Day)
HENLEY-IN-ARDEN
Bus Stop Outside the Three Tuns Pub (and Opposite) Henley High Street
HOCKLEY HEATH
Bus Stop, Opposite Nelsons Fish & Chip Shop, Stratford Road
KENILWORTH
The Clock, Bus Stop
LEAMINGTON SPA
Junction of Newbold Terrace and The Parade
LILLINGTON
Bus Stop Outside Tesco Extra, Cubbington Road
PERSHORE
Bus Stop by Lloyds Bank, Broad Street
REDDITCH
Church Green Bus Stop, by HSBC Bank
Bus Stop, Railway Station, Station Approach
SOLIHULL KNOWLE
Bus Stop, Junction Station Road and Warwick Road
SOLIHULL OLTON
Bus Stop, Station Entrance
SOLIHULL SHIRLEY
By ‘Barclays’, Junction of Stanway Road and Stratford Road
SOLIHULL
Bus Stand, Opposite Railway Station, Station Approach, Solihull
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Lay-by Opposite Civic Hall, Rother Street
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Bus Stop, Outside Rosebird Centre, A3400 Towards Shipston-on-Stour
STUDLEY
Lay-by Outside Co-op Supermarket, Alcester Road
WARWICK BUS STATION
Market Street, Stand E
WARWICK TESCO’S
Bus Stop, Opposite Petrol Station, Off Emscote Road CV34 5QJ
WELLESBOURNE
Outside Village Hall, School Road
WOOTTON WAWEN
Bus Stop, General Store, A3400 (and Opposite)
THE FOLLOWING BOARDING POINTS ARE AVAILABLE ON ALL EXCURSIONS, SUBJECT TO A £12 PER PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY CHARGE
BIRMINGHAM CASTLE BROMWICH
Bus Stop Chester Road/Hurst Lane Towards Chelmsley Wood
BIRMINGHAM PYPE HAYES
Bus Stop Chester Road, Junction with Tyburn Road by the former Bagot Arms
BROADWAY
Coach Lay-by High Street outside the Horse & Hounds
MORETON-IN-MARSH
Bus Stops, High Street by Redesdale Hall
SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR
Bus Stop Adjacent to Pettiphers Garage, A3400
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
Bus Stops Outside St Edwards Hall, Market Square
SUTTON COLDFIELD
Outside McDonalds, The Parade
Parking at any of the above locations is at your own risk. Johnsons cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or any charges incurred whilst parking your vehicle at any of the locations listed.
