July 2026

Ely in the Morning, and Afternoon in Cambridge
Thursday 2nd July 2026

In the morning, we will travel to Ely, a small cathedral city set among the flat landscapes of the Fens. As we arrive, the magnificent Ely Cathedral will rise above the town, its huge stone tower visible from miles away. If you wish, you could walk through the cathedral’s vast interior and admire the famous Octagon Tower, whose intricate wooden lantern will filter soft light down into the nave. You'll also have ample to to stroll along the peaceful riverside near the River Great Ouse, where boats will glide slowly past the quayside cafés and historic buildings. Dont forget the town centre and perhaps visit Oliver Cromwell's House to learn about the life of the famous English leader.

In the afternoon, we will head to Cambridge, a city renowned for its academic heritage and beautiful architecture. Here you could wander through the historic colleges of University of Cambridge, including the impressive King's College Chapel with its spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling and famous stained glass windows. Or you could take a walk beside the River Cam, where elegant bridges and college gardens will line the banks. Fancy something a bit different? Why not try punting along the river, passing landmarks such as the beautiful Mathematical Bridge. By the end of the afternoon, we will have experienced two of the most charming and historic places in eastern England.

We're off to Waddesdon Manor, a magnificent country house built in the style of a French Renaissance château. As we approach the estate, we will see the grand building set among beautifully landscaped gardens, reflecting the wealth and taste of the Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild who created it in the nineteenth century.

Inside the manor, we will be able to explore richly decorated rooms filled with fine furniture, paintings, and porcelain. Visitors will have the chance to admire works of art collected by the Rothschild family, including French decorative arts and portraits by famous painters. We will walk through elegant galleries where guides will explain the history of the house and the remarkable collections it contains.

Outside, we will wander through the extensive gardens, where carefully designed flowerbeds, sculptures, and fountains will create beautiful views in every direction. We will have the option to stroll along woodland paths, relax on the lawns, or enjoy the colourful seasonal displays. From certain viewpoints, we will look back at the manor and appreciate its impressive architecture.

Our day trip will begin in Maldon, a historic riverside town on the banks of the River Blackwater. As we arrive, you'll will notice the peaceful waterfront and the famous sailing barges that often lie at anchor along the quayside. One of the highlights of the town is Promenade Park, where wide green spaces, flower gardens, and views across the estuary will create a relaxing atmosphere. From here you will be able to see traditional Thames barges and enjoy the fresh sea air.

While exploring the town, we will discover Maldon’s long history and its connection with the well-known Maldon Sea Salt, which has been produced in the area for many years. You could stroll through the charming high street, where independent shops, cafés, and historic buildings will give the town a welcoming character.



Later in the day, we will travel to the village of Tiptree to visit the delightful Tiptree Jam Museum. This small but fascinating museum will tell the story of the famous jam-making company Wilkin & Sons, which has been producing fruit preserves in the area since the nineteenth century. Inside the museum, we will see old jam jars, traditional equipment, vintage advertisements, and displays explaining how fruit has been grown and turned into jam for over a century.

A highlight of the visit will be learning about how the strawberries, raspberries, and other fruits are grown locally before being turned into the well-known Tiptree jams. After exploring the museum, we will have the chance to visit the shop and tea room, where we will be able to taste freshly baked scones served with the famous jams.

We're off to the charming seaside towns of Herne Bay and Whitstable on the north coast of Kent. This part of the coast will offer a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful sea views, and a mixture of traditional seaside attractions and local culture.

In the morning, we will arrive in Herne Bay, where the wide seafront and long promenade will create a peaceful setting for a walk beside the sea. One of the highlights will be seeing the remains of the historic Herne Bay Pier, which once stretched far into the water and was famous for having the longest pier head in England. Nearby, you can admire the distinctive Herne Bay Clock Tower, a well-known landmark that stands close to the beach. The seafront gardens, cafés, and colourful beach huts will add to the welcoming charm of the town.

Later in the day, we will continue along the coast to Whitstable, a town famous for its maritime heritage and artistic character. As we explore the harbour area, we will see fishing boats and traditional huts at Whitstable Harbour, where local fishermen still bring in their daily catch. Walking through Whitstable’s narrow streets, you'll get plenty of time to discover independent shops, art galleries, and cosy cafés that give the town its creative and friendly atmosphere. We will have the chance to enjoy fresh seafood, browse handmade crafts, or simply relax on the shingle beach while looking out across the Thames Estuary. By the end of the visit, we will have experienced the gentle seaside charm, history, and local flavours of both Herne Bay and Whitstable. With their coastal scenery, welcoming communities, and delicious seafood, these neighbouring towns will offer a memorable and relaxing day by the sea.

A Mystery Tour in style... We board our Executive Coach - formerly the West Ham Team Coach - to a mystery location or two.
A Member of Staff will be on board to serve food and drinks on the go!

Please note this coach is seated around tables, and some passengers will have to travel facing backwards.

Your day on the Suffolk coast will begin with a visit to Aldeburgh, a charming seaside town known for its artistic heritage and peaceful shingle beach. There'll be plenty of time for you to stroll along the seafront, enjoying views across the North Sea. One of the most famous sights will be Scallop, a striking steel sculpture created by Maggi Hambling in tribute to the composer Benjamin Britten, who lived in the area.

While exploring the town, you could walk through the attractive high street, which will offer independent shops, art galleries, and traditional bakeries. Aldeburgh’s fishing heritage will also be clear, with colourful boats pulled up onto the beach and small huts selling freshly caught fish.

Later, we will continue to the nearby village of Thorpeness, a unique and slightly whimsical seaside destination. The village is known for its storybook character and unusual buildings. One of the highlights will be the famous House in the Clouds, a water tower cleverly disguised as a house standing high above the village.

At Thorpeness, we will be able to explore the delightful Thorpeness Meare, a large boating lake inspired by the imaginary world of Peter Pan. Here we will have the chance to hire rowing boats or small sailing boats and explore the islands scattered across the water. Walking around the village,  you could also notice the charming cottages, peaceful green spaces, and views of the nearby beach.

After enjoying the coastal scenery and attractions, the day will finish with a visit to Flora Tea Rooms in the historic village of Dunwich. Here we will sit down to enjoy a classic seaside meal of fish and chips, freshly prepared and served in a relaxed and friendly setting. Surrounded by the quiet countryside and the nearby coast, it will be the perfect way to end a day exploring some of the most charming places along the Suffolk coast. 

A visit to the new RHS Flower Show Sandringham will offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy gardening, nature, and a day outdoors in the beautiful grounds of Sandringham Estate, the country retreat of the British royal family. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, the show will bring together stunning gardens, expert advice, and a wide variety of plants.

As you arrive at the show, you will be able to explore beautifully designed show gardens created by talented designers and horticultural experts. These gardens will display creative planting ideas, imaginative landscaping, and colourful seasonal flowers. Walking through the displays, you will have the chance to gather inspiration for your own garden and learn about new planting styles.

Throughout the showgrounds, you will find large floral marquees filled with prize-winning plants, including roses, shrubs, and rare varieties grown by specialist nurseries. If you enjoy gardening, you will have the opportunity to talk with expert growers, ask questions, and perhaps purchase unusual plants to take home.

During your visit, you could also attend gardening talks and demonstrations where professionals will share advice on topics such as planting techniques, garden design, and seasonal care. These sessions will provide practical tips and inspiration for gardeners of all levels.

The show will also feature food and drink stalls offering regional produce, artisan treats, and refreshments. You will be able to relax in seating areas, enjoy lunch outdoors, or sample local delicacies while listening to live entertainment.

If you wish, you could spend time browsing garden tools, outdoor decorations, and handcrafted goods in the shopping areas. There will also be opportunities to walk around parts of the scenic Sandringham Estate itself, where the surrounding parkland will provide a beautiful backdrop for the event.

Located near the historic town of Colchester, the zoo will be known for its large enclosures, conservation work, and the wide variety of animals that visitors can see.

As you enter the zoo, you will have the opportunity to explore many different themed areas representing habitats from Africa, Asia, and South America. Along the pathways, you will be able to see impressive animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos living in spacious environments designed to reflect their natural homes. A visit to Kingdom of the Wild will give you the chance to observe the majestic African lion up close, while the elephant habitat will allow you to watch the large and intelligent African elephant. During the visit, you could spend time watching feeding sessions and keeper talks, where zoo staff will share fascinating information about the animals and their behaviour. These presentations will provide an opportunity to learn about conservation projects and how the zoo helps protect endangered species. There will also be the option to visit indoor tropical areas such as Komodo Dragon House, where you could see reptiles including the impressive Komodo dragon. In other sections of the zoo, you might encounter playful monkeys, colourful birds, and exotic creatures from rainforests and deserts around the world.

For a different perspective, you could take a ride on the Colchester Zoo Road Train, which will travel through parts of the park and provide a relaxing way to see some of the larger enclosures. Throughout the day, you will be able to stop at cafés, restaurants, and gift shops within Colchester Zoo. Here you could enjoy refreshments, browse souvenirs, or simply relax while watching the animals nearby.

A visit to Highgate Cemetery will offer a unique experience combining history, architecture, and the stories of some of Britain’s most notable figures. Famous for its Victorian grandeur, Gothic monuments, and beautifully overgrown pathways, the cemetery will provide both a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the past.

As you wander through the cemetery, you will see elaborate tombs, ornate mausoleums, and ivy-covered statues that create a striking and atmospheric setting. The cemetery will be particularly well known for the graves of famous individuals such as Karl Marx, whose resting place attracts visitors from around the world, and other notable figures from literature, politics, and the arts. Walking among these memorials, you will gain an appreciation for Victorian funerary art and the care taken to commemorate lives in a lasting and symbolic way.

A visit to Highgate Cemetery is important because it offers insight into the social and cultural history of London. The cemetery reflects changing attitudes toward death, remembrance, and architecture over centuries, making it a place for learning as well as reflection. We benefit from a guided tour to hear stories about the people buried there, their lives, and the myths and legends that surround some of the more mysterious tombs. Photography enthusiasts could capture the striking contrasts of sunlight and shadow among the stonework, while those seeking contemplation could simply sit and absorb the tranquil atmosphere.

After the success or last year (just not the thunder storm!) we're off for a relaxing three-hour cruise on the River Orwell aboard the elegant Orwell Lady. As you step on board, you will be able to settle into comfortable seating while the boat will glide along the river, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside, historic waterfronts, and charming riverside villages. During the cruise, you could watch the riverbank wildlife, enjoy the fresh air, and perhaps take photographs of picturesque landscapes and the passing boats as we head further along the river down to Felixstowe & Back.

Onboard, you will have the option to relax and enjoy refreshments from the small café or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Informative commentary will guide you along the journey, highlighting the history of the River Orwell, the port of Ipswich, and notable landmarks along the way.

We will also have free time at the Suffolk Food Hall, a popular stop for food lovers. Here you could explore a wide selection of local produce, from freshly baked breads and pastries to regional cheeses, meats, and preserves. The market-style hall will offer artisan gifts, homemade treats, and seasonal specialties, giving you the chance to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a light snack.

During your visit to the food hall, you could also relax in the café, sampling freshly prepared meals or enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the activity in the bustling hall. The combination of a scenic river cruise and the lively atmosphere of the food hall will provide a perfect balance of relaxation, sightseeing, and local flavour.