August 2026

Belvoir Castle - Castle, Gardens & Retail Village
Thursday 2nd July 2026

A warm August morning stretches out ahead as we arrive at Belvoir Castle, its towers rising above the rolling countryside. The air feels alive with summer—bright skies, long views, and the sense that we have a full day ahead to explore one of England’s most impressive stately homes together.

We begin by stepping inside the castle. The interiors are richly decorated, full of history and grandeur that we can take in at our own pace. In the Guard Room, displays of arms and armour give us a glimpse into centuries of heritage, while the elegant Elizabeth Saloon glows with opulent Regency style. One of the real highlights for us is the picture gallery, where paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries line the walls, making the whole space feel like a living museum.

Outside, August brings the estate to life. The gardens are at their peak—lush, colourful, and full of movement. We wander along paths framed by flowers and ancient trees, occasionally turning back to admire the castle rising behind us like something from a storybook. The sweeping views across the Vale of Belvoir give us plenty of moments to pause together and take it all in.

We're off to Bury St Edmunds just as Market Day is getting underway. The square will be full of activity, and from the start, we will be able to choose how we want to spend our time, depending on interests and pace. Some of us will head straight into the market, where stalls will offer fresh produce, baked goods, clothing, and crafts. We will browse, sample local food, and chat with traders, enjoying the lively and traditional atmosphere.

Others may prefer to explore the historic side of the town first. A visit to Bury St Edmunds Abbey will allow us to walk among the impressive ruins and imagine the town’s past. From there, we can wander through the Abbey Gardens, taking in the calm surroundings and seasonal flowers. For those interested in architecture and heritage, St Edmundsbury Cathedral will offer a peaceful and striking place to visit. Inside, we will find space for reflection, while outside we can admire its grand presence over the town.

If we are looking for something more relaxed, we will have the option to settle into one of the cafés or pubs around the town centre. Some of us might enjoy a long lunch, while others may prefer to pick up street food from the market and eat outdoors, soaking up the atmosphere.

There will also be opportunities for shopping beyond the market. We can explore independent boutiques and small shops, where we will find unique gifts, local produce, and handmade items. For a slower pace, some of us may simply choose to wander—moving between the market, gardens, and historic streets, taking time to enjoy the character of the town without a fixed plan.

We will begin with our visit to the castle, one of the most iconic royal residences in the country. As we make our way through the State Apartments, we will see richly decorated rooms filled with fine art, armour, and historic treasures, each space reflecting centuries of royal history. One of the highlights will be St George's Chapel, where we will admire the stunning Gothic architecture and learn about its role as the resting place of monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II.

After exploring the castle, we will head into Windsor itself for some free time. The town offers a variety of options, allowing us to shape the rest of the visit to suit our interests.

Some of us may choose to stroll along the River Thames, enjoying the views and perhaps stopping to watch the boats pass by. Others might prefer to explore the shops in the town centre or visit Windsor Royal Shopping, where a range of boutiques and cafés are set within a charming historic setting.

For those interested in something more relaxed, there will be plenty of cafés, pubs, and restaurants where we can enjoy lunch or a drink, taking time to unwind and soak up the atmosphere. Alternatively, we may continue sightseeing with a walk across the bridge towards Eton, or simply wander through Windsor’s streets, discovering its character at our own pace. With a mix of history, culture, and free time, our five hours in Windsor will offer something for everyone, combining the splendour of the castle with the charm of the town itself.

Springfields; Located just on the outskirts of Spalding, Springfields offers a fantastic mix of big-name brands and designer outlets, all with great savings. Whether you’re hunting for fashion, gifts, homeware or something special, there’s plenty to browse with a relaxed, open-air feel that makes shopping here a real pleasure.

The beautifully landscaped Springfields Festival Gardens are a highlight in their own right. With colourful seasonal planting, peaceful pathways and lovely spots to sit and relax, it’s the perfect place to take a break between shops or simply enjoy the scenery.

All Aboard for another European Adventure... this time to Lille; after an early start you'll be ready to explore a city that blends French and Flemish influences, with a full day ahead offering plenty of choice for everyone.
You could wander through the charming streets of Vieux Lille (the Old Town), where cobbled lanes, boutique shops, and traditional architecture will create a relaxed and picturesque atmosphere. We will be able to browse independent stores, pick up local delicacies, or simply enjoy a coffee while watching the world go by.

For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille will be a highlight. As one of the largest art museums in France, it will offer an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artefacts. Alternatively, we may explore the Citadel of Lille, a star-shaped fortress surrounded by green parkland, perfect for a scenic walk. If shopping is more appealing, we will find plenty of options throughout the city centre. From large department stores to smaller boutiques, there will be opportunities to browse fashion, gifts, and French specialities. Food will, of course, be an important part of the day. We will have the chance to enjoy local cuisine in one of Lille’s many restaurants or brasseries—perhaps trying regional dishes or simply relaxing with a drink and watching the city’s lively rhythm.

 We begin at Norfolk Lavender, where the lavender fields will be in full bloom during the summer. You could wander through the colourful gardens, browse the gift shop for locally made products, and enjoy a coffee in the café while soaking up the fragrant, peaceful atmosphere.

From here we head off to the seaside town of Hunstanton. In August, the promenade and sandy beach will be lively with visitors, giving the town a summery buzz. You could stroll along the promenade, take in views of the iconic striped cliffs, or try traditional fish and chips while watching the waves. For those interested in history, a walk around the town will reveal Victorian architecture and charming streets.

On the return journey we head back through the Burnhams, a series of small villages along the Norfolk Coast, visiting Burnham Deepdale and the small collection of shops on the way through.

If time allows, we'll take a scenic drive between the villages, stopping at Burnham Market, where yuou could enjoy Walking, shopping, photography, or simply relaxing.

By the end of the day, you could reflect on a perfect August visit, combining fragrant gardens, seaside charm, and riverside tranquillity for a memorable experience along the North Norfolk Coast.

We start the day in the historic town of Stamford on Market Day in the morning, when the streets will be full of colour, bustle, and energy. You could wander among the stalls, browsing fresh local produce, baked goods, crafts, and antiques. Sampling some of the local specialties and chatting with the stallholders could be a highlight, giving you a real sense of the town’s character. The cobbled streets, historic buildings, and charming shopfronts will make for a picturesque backdrop as you explore at your own pace.

Later, we head to Burghley House, one of England’s most magnificent stately homes. A visit to the house will include seeing  the opulent State Rooms, where you could see grand reception rooms, elegant furniture, and fine art spanning centuries. The Picture Gallery will allow you to admire portraits and paintings, while the Marble Hall and the grand staircase will showcase the architectural splendour and attention to detail that make Burghley so remarkable. You could also enjoy wandering the gardens and parkland, which provide beautiful views and a peaceful setting.

While at Burghley, you could explore the Fine Food Market at your leisure, tasting local cheeses, meats, baked goods, and other artisanal treats. You might choose to pick up something special to take home, or simply enjoy sampling as you wander the grounds.

A visit to Warwick Castle is a pleasure for everyone... A visit starts Inside the State Rooms and grand halls, where you could admire period furniture, paintings, and medieval architecture that showcase centuries of history. The castle’s towers will offer panoramic views across Warwick and the surrounding countryside, providing plenty of photo opportunities. You could also visit the dungeons, where interactive displays and live actors will bring the castle’s darker history to life.

For those seeking more active experiences, you could wander through the extensive grounds and gardens, which will offer peaceful walks and scenic spots to relax. The Castle Walls Walk could give you a unique perspective on the fortifications, while the expansive ramparts could allow you to explore at your own pace.

Throughout the day, you could enjoy a variety of live shows and demonstrations. Jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and archery demonstrations could all be on the schedule, giving you the chance to see history in action. There will also be seasonal and special events, so you could plan your visit around something extra exciting if it coincides with your trip.

Alternatively; you could visit Warwick City itself, and explore at your leisure experiencing the history, culture, shops and food and drink establishments on offer.

For our Summer visit to Skegness, we're including Drop-offs at the seafront and near Skegness Market and Fantasy Island, giving you the flexibility to explore the areas that interest you most.

Starting at the seafront, you could take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the fresh sea air. The wide sandy beach will be perfect for walking, relaxing, or even paddling if the weather is warm. You could stop at traditional seaside cafés, ice cream kiosks, or fish-and-chip shops to enjoy local treats while taking in the views of the North Sea. There will also be opportunities to take photos of the iconic Skegness Pier and the colourful beachfront.

Alternatively, you could begin your visit at Skegness Market, which will be bustling with activity. You could browse a variety of stalls offering fresh produce, crafts, souvenirs, and local specialities. The market atmosphere will give you a taste of the town’s character and charm. For fun and entertainment, Fantasy Island will offer a variety of rides, attractions, and games. You could enjoy rollercoasters, fairground rides, and family-friendly amusements, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere with refreshments or snacks from the cafés and stalls. If you prefer a quieter pace, you could combine a walk along the seafront with some time browsing the shops in the town centre. You could also relax in one of the parks or seating areas along the promenade, watching the activity around the pier and beach.

We're splashing about on the river... A day in Ware, enjoying the unique experience of a canal cruise along the River Lee. Travelling with Lee and Stort Boat Co., we board the boat and begin a scenic journey through the Hertfordshire countryside.

During the cruise, you could take in the peaceful surroundings, watching wildlife along the towpaths and admiring the traditional lock systems and historic buildings that line the river. The gentle motion of the boat will provide a calm and leisurely way to enjoy the scenery. A highlight of the trip will be a Cream Tea served on board the Hidden Hertfordshire Canal Cruise. You could relax with scones, clotted cream, and jam, accompanied by a pot of freshly brewed tea or coffee, while taking in the views from the deck. This will provide a perfect opportunity to unwind, chat, and savour the flavours of a traditional English treat.

There'll also be ample time before the cruise to explore Ware, with its charming streets, independent shops, and historic architecture. Whether browsing local boutiques or strolling along the riverbank, there will be time to enjoy the character of the town at a gentle pace.

We're off to Kew gardens in the Summer Sunshine - and here's our top tips for you...

You could begin by entering the Palm House, where tropical plants from around the world will surround you with lush greenery and exotic flowers. Nearby, you could explore the Temperate House, which will showcase rare and endangered plants in one of the largest Victorian glasshouses in the world. Both glasshouses will provide stunning photo opportunities and a chance to admire the diversity of Kew’s botanical collection.

You could then wander through the Princess of Wales Conservatory, which will feature ten different climate zones, including desert and rainforest environments. Moving outside, you could explore the Treetop Walkway, which will allow you to enjoy views from above the gardens and spot wildlife among the trees. Throughout your visit, you could take time to stroll through the extensive gardens and themed areas, including the Waterlily House, the Japanese Garden, and the Rock Garden. You could also admire the beautifully maintained lawns, flowerbeds, and seasonal displays that will be at their peak in August. For a mid-visit break, you could stop at one of the cafés or restaurants within Kew Gardens to enjoy refreshments, or even have a light picnic on the lawns while taking in the scenery. There will also be opportunities to browse the gift shops for botanical-themed souvenirs or books.

You could finish your visit with a walk along the paths by the lake, visit the Hive, or relax in one of the garden’s quieter corners. With approximately five hours, you could enjoy a well-rounded experience that combines stunning architecture, diverse plant collections, scenic walks, and leisurely breaks, making your August visit to Kew Gardens both memorable and enriching.

From the moment you board, you could feel the excitement of an evening designed for fun, music, and beautiful scenery.

During the cruise, you could dance along to the music, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and soak up the views of the Broads as the sun begins to set. The boat will glide along the waterways, passing peaceful reed beds, charming villages, and wildlife, providing a scenic backdrop to the evening’s entertainment.

You could also take time to relax on deck between dances, enjoying a drink from the onboard bar and chatting with friends while watching the reflections on the water. The combination of music, movement, and the gentle motion of the boat will make for a memorable and energising experience.

For those who enjoy taking photos, you could capture the beauty of the Broads at sunset, or simply relax and enjoy the sights without distraction. The boat’s crew will help ensure the evening runs smoothly, allowing you to focus entirely on the atmosphere and enjoyment.

By the end of the night, you could reflect on an evening that combines the charm of the Norfolk Broads with lively entertainment, music, and socialising. A Boogie on the Norfolk Broads with Broads Tours and Wrights Coaches will offer a fun, unique, and unforgettable Saturday night in August.

You could spend a full day exploring York, discovering its rich history, charming streets, and lively atmosphere. As you wander through the city centre, you could choose from a variety of activities to suit your interests.

You could begin by visiting York Minster, one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe. You could admire the stunning stained glass windows, explore the medieval architecture, and, if you wish, climb the central tower for panoramic views across the city.

From there, you could stroll along the historic The Shambles, where narrow cobbled streets and overhanging timber-framed buildings will transport you back in time. You could browse independent shops, pick up souvenirs, or stop for a coffee in one of the quaint cafés lining the street. For history enthusiasts, you could explore the Jorvik Viking Centre, where interactive exhibits will bring the Viking era to life, or visit the York Castle Museum to see recreations of streets, shops, and homes from different periods.

You could also enjoy a relaxing walk along the city walls, taking in views over the rooftops and the River Ouse.  For a slower pace, you could explore some of York’s beautiful gardens, such as the Museum Gardens, or simply enjoy wandering the streets, discovering hidden corners and historic architecture.