SEPTEMBER City of Wells ROUTE Z Tuesday 1st Wells is one of Britain's secret gems and a fabulous destination for a day out; proof that the country still has much to admire! Sheltered beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, it combines a wealth of historic interest and beautiful architecture. Wells qualifies as England's smallest, and Somerset's only city because of its amazing 12th century Cathedral. The wells are located within the grounds of the Bishop's Palace, which is still the residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Also of interest are Vicars' Close, claimed to be the oldest complete medieval street in Europe, and the historic market place. Come and have a look. Adults/Over 60 £17.00, Child £5.00 Tuesday 1st Historic Guildford with optional Cathedral visit ROUTE A This county town has a vibrant historic centre retaining its traditional cobbled high street and riverside walks along the River Wey. The town has superb shopping with three covered shopping centres offering the best shopping in Surrey. There is also a wide choice of cafes, restaurants and bars. There is plenty of history to explore around the town or why not take a river boat trip on the River Wey. We also include the option to visit the amazing Cathedral with its celebrated design. Limited time back in the centre of town for those who visit the Cathedral. GREAT PLACE TO VISIT FOR A DAY. Adult/Over 60 - £17.00 Child £10.00 Tuesday 1st Cheltenham ROUTE A Cheltenham is a beautiful spa town located on the edge of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire. The town is renowned for it's Regency town houses characterised by intricate ironwork balconies and painted stucco facades which line the historic Promenade, squares and terraces. With its award-winning gardens, impressive range of stylish shops and restaurants Cheltenham is a great place to explore. Adult/Over 60 £19.00, Under 16 £10.00 Wednesday 2nd Bletchley Park - STATION X ROUTE A Once Britain's Best Kept Secret, today Bletchley Park, Home of the Codebreakers, is a heritage site and vibrant tourist attraction. Visitors can explore and experience the top secret world of iconic WW2 Codebreaking Huts and Blocks set within the atmospheric Victorian estate nestled in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Discover the secret world! A day at Bletchley Park now includes an exciting, complimentary new multimedia guide in order to explore the site at your own © Visit England/Visit Surrey pace and in your own time. Exhibitions include The Life and Works of Alan Turing, the only reconstructed Bombe machine and the largest number of Enigma machines on public display in the world. Tasty hot and cold menu available in the Hut 4 Café. Price includes entrance. Adult/Over 60 £35.00, Child £15.00 Thursday 3rd The Poppy Factory For over 90 years, The Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey, has been making poppies, crosses and wreaths for The Royal Family and The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. As well as providing work for disabled veterans at its HQ in Richmond, The Poppy Factory uses its unique expertise to help its clients find work with many commercial organisations all over the UK. We shall enjoy a fascinating presentation and introductory film about the Factory and its history and then visit the 'shop floor', giving you the opportunity to meet some of the people and see how poppies and wreaths are made. The tour is free and includes tea and biscuits! Donations would be appreciated. Afterwards, we shall drop in the centre of Richmond for free time. Adult/Over 60 £18.00, Child £10.00
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Wednesday 9th Buckingham Palace - The State Rooms ROUTE A In the Summer months the magnificent London residence of Her Majesty The Queen is opened to the public. The State Rooms are used extensively by The Queen and members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. The rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculpture by Canova and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. This year the Palace will recreate the detailed preparations made before special events through the year - ‘A Royal Welcome’. We suggest you bring a packed lunch to have before entering as catering is limited in the area. The Garden Café overlooks the magnificent lawn and offers a selection of refreshments as you leave the Palace. Limited places available. Price includes entrance. Adult £38.50, Over 60 £37.00, Under 17 £25.00. Transport only £20.00 Thursday 10th Kensington Palace ROUTE A Kensington Palace is one of central London's royal residences and recently underwent a £12million refurbishment. Formerly the home of Princess Diana, it is now the official residence to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – Kate and Wills. Built in 1605, it has roots in Jacobean architecture and is one of London's most exquisite palaces. Inside, there are exhibitions exploring the lives of Kensington's inhabitants, whilst outside there are acres of manicured gardens and the world famous Orangery. A new lift makes the Palace accessible to all. Price includes entrance. Adult £34.00, Over 60 £33.00, Under 16 £15.00 Thursday 10th RHS Wisley Flower Show ROUTE A Come along to this popular event as over 50 exhibitors including award-winning nurseries and tradestands will be on display. Wisley is the flagship garden of the RHS, and captures the imagination with richly planted borders, rose gardens and the state-of-the-art Glasshouse. Gifted to the Society in 1903, Wisley has evolved over time into a world-class garden and is a must-see for the avid gardener at any time of year. In the trial fields, the finest flowers and vegetables are identified from the countless new introductions. Facilities include a restaurant serving hot & cold food and a lovely gift shop. Price includes entrance. Adult/Over 60 £28.50 Child £10.00. RHS Member £18.00
© RHS Wisley Gardens
Friday 11th City of Winchester ROUTE C Often ignored (or driven past!) Winchester has much to offer the visitor. Discover England's ancient Capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. The city is packed with historic buildings and museums including the 11th Century Cathedral combined with tranquil green spaces and an array of interesting independent shops. Adult/Over 60/Child £10.00 Wednesday 16th Buckingham Palace - The State Rooms ROUTE A In the Summer months the magnificent London residence of Her Majesty The Queen is opened to the public. The State Rooms are used extensively by The Queen and members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. The rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculpture by Canova and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. This year the Palace will recreate the detailed preparations made before special events through the year - ‘A Royal Welcome’. We suggest you bring a packed lunch to have before entering as catering is limited in the area. The Garden Café overlooks the magnificent lawn and offers a selection of refreshments as you leave the Palace. Limited places available. Price includes entrance. Adult £38.50, Over 60 £37.00, Under 17 £25.00. Transport only £20.00 Friday 18th London - Shopping & Museums ROUTE A Amazing value day excursion to the Capital. We drop at Knightsbridge near the world famous Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores. Also in the area are the amazing Natural History Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum which have free entrance. A great day out. Book now! Adult/Over 60 - £18.50, Child £7.50
© Andrew Holt/Royal Collection Trust/Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2014
Saturday 19th Shepton Mallet Antiques & Collector's Fair, Somerset ROUTE A For one of a kind finds, look no further than the Shepton Mallet Antiques and Collector's Fair. As the West Country's premier antiques event, the fair is housed in four halls and over 40 shopping arcades at the Royal Bath & West Showground. It features up to 600 stands, with everything from paintings and antique furniture to vintage teddies and luxury leather luggage. The fair attracts many of London's top dealers, many of whom will have their purchases back in their shops ready to sell the following day! Price includes entrance. Adult/Over 60 - £20.00 Child £12.50