Bristol Hot Air Balloon Festival Mass Ascents: Saturday 10th August 2024. At the heart of the experience of this unique event, is a game of chance – will these majestic hot air balloons take flight. With mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled, visitors have the chance to see the compact central arena awash with a rainbow of colour at dusk (approx. 6pm) to mark the closing of the day before the start of evening celebrations. During the day, a programme of entertainment, traders, exhibitors, caterers, and activities allow visitors to experience the magic of ballooning and this unique day out even when the weather prevents them from taking flight. (Field is approx. 10 minute walk from the coach park) Price Adults £28.00, Children £20.00. Coach will depart Stevenage at 10.00
Clacton On Sea Airshow: Thursday 22nd August 2024. This free, two-day event, includes a good mixture in the flying display including RAF participation along with display teams, aerobatic aircraft, and historic aircraft. On the ground there will be exhibits from the Army and RAF, children’s activities, simulator, climbing and entertainment areas along the Clacton seafront. Price: Adult £22.00 – Child £12.00 . Price is for Coach Travel – Coach will depart Stevenage at 08.30
Thursford Collect Steam Back in Time: Wednesday 21st August 2024. Come and see the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs, hear Robert Wolfe one of the world’s leading Theatre organists play the mighty Wurlitzer, ride on fairground carousels and the gondola and watch silent movies (Rides are not included in the admission price) The Mighty Wurlitzer is the centrepiece of the Collection! There is a half hour shows with our resident organist, Robert Wolfe, performing each day during the Summer Season at 12.30pm. In the days of silent movies, when there was no soundtrack on film, the atmosphere was created “on the spot” by the pianist improvising a mosaic of mood music. In due course the pianist was replaced by the more chic, up market cinema organist, and the cinema organ par excellence was undoubtedly the Mighty Wurlitzer. Enjoy lunch in the Barn Café and shop in the ‘Olde Worlde’ shopping village.1.45pm we rejoin the coach for the drive to the town of Holt and the North Norfolk Railway. Board your train of beautifully restored carriages, settle into your seat, listen for the sound of the guard’s whistle, then see and hear the whoosh of steam as the train sets off on its 11 mile return journey! Enjoy the attractive scenery and listen for the characteristic sound of the powerful steam engine as you journey between the attractive Victorian resort of Sheringham and the smart Georgian town of Holt. . Price £49.00 per Person coach departs Stevenage at 08.00
Thursford behind the scenes Tour: Monday 22nd July 2024. One of the UK’s leading Christmas shows and undercover the secrets behind its success. The Thursford Christmas Spectacular has been entertaining Theatre lovers for over 45 years with its seasonal show becoming an annual fixture for many during November and December. Each year, thousands flock to this must-see event, with many travelling across the country. Last year’s show was the biggest showcase and most immersive yet. But now, the Thursford Collection is welcoming guests on a exclusive backstage tour, offering the chance to uncover what goes on behind the scenes, including a look inside performers dressing rooms and getting up close in the costume store, which houses over 2000 costumes. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own questions to find out everything about the show and more. The behind the scenes tour is followed by an afternoon tea. Tickets also include entry to the museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of steam engines, organs, fairground carousels and tractors. Price £59.00 per Person coach departs Stevenage at 08.00
Belvoir Castle & Gardens Friday 28th June 2024. The land at Belvoir was a gift from William the Conqueror to the family’s first recorded ancestor Robert de Todeni. One of his Norman barons, Robert de Todeni was William’s Standard Bearer in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Crowning a hill, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir like an illustration in a romantic fairy-tale. The name Belvoir – meaning ‘beautiful view’ in French, and pronounced today as ‘beaver’ – dates back to Norman times. Today, Belvoir Castle is said by experts to be one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country. In addition, the gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries – the latest being a two-year restoration programme by the present Duchess to bring the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition in 2016. For lovers of the outdoors, there are many new walks through the formal gardens on the castle terrace and into the woodland through the Japanese, Duchess’s and Hermit’s gardens. The Duke’s Walk is three miles and allows you to take in all the gardens with stunning views. This trip offers coach, castle guided tour, Cream Tea and admission to the gardens. Price £49.00 per Person coach departs Stevenage at 10.00
