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01883 713633www.skinners.travel

Day ExcursionsJanuary - August 2017

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For bookings call (01883) 7136332

Welcome......to our 50th anniversarySpring/Summer 2017 Day Excursionsbrochure, combining old favouritesand some exciting new destinations,with trips to tantalise your tastebuds, stimulate your senses, and take you backin time. To get you in the mood, we are going to Lacock Abbey in Februaryto see the snowdrops. As this year is the 200th anniversary of JaneAusten’s death, we are visiting her house in Chawton, combined with a rideon the Watercress Line. To commemorate 100 years since Passchendaele,we take a day trip to the Passchendaele 1917 Museum, including seeingthe Last Post at the Menin Gate in Ypres. We are also going to Ashwell fortheir annual Ashwell at Home event, when the whole village is open tovisitors; Gloucester to see the Tall Ships and take a tour of the RNLICollege in Poole and a guided tour of the churches of Romney Marsh. For all this and more, read on…

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For bookings call (01883) 713633 3

For timings, see page 42

OXTED The Coach Yard 15 Barrow Green Road, Oxted

Chalkpit Wood Shops Chalkpit Wood

Cycle Shop/Opp. Station Road East, Oxted

The Council Offices/Opp. Station Road East, Oxted

The Bell/Opp. High Street, Old Oxted

Tandridge Golf Club Lay-by at entrance, Godstone Road

LIMPSFIELD Tennis Club/Opp. Detillens Lane

HURST GREEN Pollards Oak Shops Pollards Oak Road

Old Holland Post Office Holland Road

LIMPSFIELD CHART The Carpenters Arms Tally Road

EDENBRIDGE The Old Post Office Main Road, Crockham Hill

The Old Unigate Dairy Main Road, Edenbridge

Station Road North of zebra crossing by junction Four Elms Road Opp. leisure centre, just north of zebra crossing

St. Brelades Court Crouch House Road

BLETCHINGLEY White Post Junction A25 and Rabies Heath Road

White Hart Bletchingley Village

Overdale Overdale – lay-by at A25 end

GODSTONE Hare & Hounds P H Off the Green

Baptist Church Lay-by Godstone Hill

CATERHAM Caterham Station/Opp. Station Avenue

High Street Junction with Court Road

Clifton Arms P H Bus stop in Chaldon Road

The Village/Opp. Bus stop by Tesco/Opp. Old Guards Chapel

Home Build Centre/Opp. Home Build Centre, Banstead Road/Opp.

WHYTELEAFE Business Village/Opp. Whyteleafe Hill

CHELSHAM Sainsburys/Opp. Junction Crowborough Drive/Opp.

WARLINGHAM Church Hall/Co-Op Warlingham Green

HAMSEY GREEN Good Companions P H/ Lay-by outside the Good Companions/ Opp. the Dry Cleaners Lay-by opp. Watermans Dry Cleaners

SANDERSTEAD Limpsfield Road Junction Wentworth Way/Opp. Pond/Opp.

Sanderstead Hill The United Reform Church/Opp.

Mayfield Road Entrance to Sanderstead Station

Essenden Road Junction Croham Mount

Elmfield Way Outside the Shops

Upper Selsdon Road Junction Wisborough Road Junction Langley Oaks

SELSDON Selsdon Library Slip road junction Old Farleigh Road/Addington Road

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Anglesey Abbey or Cambridge 11

Arundel & Corpus Christi Flower Festival 23

Ashwell at Home 17

Bath 11

Bexhill or Hastings 30

Black Friday at Gunwharf Quays 39

Brighton, Hove or Worthing 28

Brighton Ice Show – Believe 6

Buckingham Palace 37

Buckler’s Hard Cruise 21

Canterbury 10

Chatham Historic Dockyard – Festival of Steam 13

Chatham Historic Dockyard – Salute to the '40s 38

Clarks Village & Wookey Hole 27

Compton Acres, Poole Harbour Cruise & Cream Tea 36

Crafting Live! Sandown Park 7

Eastbourne 13, 25

Eastbourne & Airbourne 34

Eurotunnel to Passchendaele & The Last Post 25

Eurotunnel to Sluis 18

Flying Legends Air Show, Duxford 27

Gloucester Tall Ships Festival 19

Godinton House & Gardens 34

Great Comp Gardens 26

Hall Place House & Gardens 20

Hampton Court & Afternoon Tea Cruise 24

Hatchlands Park 14

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) 12, 36

Jane Austen’s House & The Watercress Line 16

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival 8

Knitting & Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace 38

Lacock Abbey Snowdrops & Crocuses 9

Littlehampton or Bognor 31

Margate, Broadstairs (Dickens Festival) or Ramsgate 23

Marlborough & Horse-Drawn Boat Trip 31

Moreton-in-Marsh 35

MV Pocahontas 21

Oxford or Blenheim 33

Painshill Park 16

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Scotney Castle & Bateman’s 18

St Mary’s House & Arundel 33

Star Wars at the O2, with Boat Trip on the Thames 12

Strictly Live at Wembley 7

Sussex Prairies Gardens 29

Theatres:

Dead Simple at the Mill, Sonning 8

Evita at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford 20

Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre, London 6

Don’t Dress for Dinner at the Mill, Sonning 22

Improbable Fiction at the Mill, Sonning 14

Weald of Kent Handmade Fair at Penshurst Place 15

Wisley Gardens 19

Wisley Gardens – Butterflies in the Glasshouse 9

Wisley Gardens’ Flower Show 37

Woburn Abbey & Gardens 32

Wrest Park 30

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Perrywood Garden Centre & Layer Marney Tower 32

Petworth House 29

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 35

River Thames Cruise & Windsor 17

Riverside Lunch & Cruise 28

RNLI College Tour 24

Rochester Dickens Festival 22

Romney Marsh Churches Tour 31

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway & the Landscape of Romney Marsh 26

Rye with Lunch & Afternoon Tea 10

Scenic Countryside Tour with Cream Tea 15


Saturday 7th January

Brighton Ice Show – Believe Depart Oxted 9.15am (Route A) for Brighton, giving timeto explore the town and have lunch before making yourway to the Brighton Centre for the 1.00pm performanceof the new Holiday on Ice production, BELIEVE. In thismodern rock version of Romeo & Juliet, the two classesvisualized by two very different worlds collide. TheUnderworld, which keeps the wheels of industry turningis home of Antonio, who has a vision about the girl of hisdreams. In the High Society, where every day is a partyand money is king lives Clarissa feeling alienated andlonging for true love. When the leader of both worldsgets into a fight with Antonio, the two meet for the firsttime and fall in love. In that setting, against the odds, aforbidden love grows. It withstands rejection, hurt andtears by using love and passion. However unlike theclassic Romeo & Juliet this story has a happy end.Olympic champion Christopher Dean is the creativeforce behind this new show. As director andchoreographer Dean will, using his expertise of the icystage, orchestrate Olympic level choreographies with thebest live music, beautiful decors, glamorous costumesand hi-tech special effects. Believe is destined to becomea show that will truly conquer hearts. Return afterperformance. Arriving back at Godstone approx. 5.30pm.

Adult £48.95 Child £29.75(Inclusive of Coach/South Stalls Seats at Show)

Tuesday 17th January

Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre, LondonDepart Oxted 4.30pm (Route C) for the drive toLondon, where we will have time to find something toeat before the 7.30pm performance of Kinky Boots atthe Adelphi Theatre. Inspired by true events, this joyousstory of Brit grit to high-heeled hit takes you from thefactory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan in afeel-good and heart-warming tale of friendship, filledwith joy, laughter, stunning costumes and heart-stopping choreography. Starring Killian Donnelly asCharlie Price, the shoe factory owner struggling to liveup to his father's expectations and continue the familybusiness of Price & Son, and Olivier Award winner MattHenry as Lola, a fabulous performer in need of somesturdy new stilettos. With songs by Grammy® andTony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this “dazzling,fabulously sassy and uplifting” (Time Out) musicalcelebration is about the friendships we discover, andthe belief that you can change the world when youchange your mind. Return after performance. Arrivingback at Sanderstead approx. 11.30pm

Cost £55.15(Inclusive of Coach/Stalls Seats at Show)

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Saturday 28th January

Crafting Live! Sandown Park

Depart Oxted 10.00am (Route A) for Sandown Park,Esher and Crafting Live! This is a new show, run by newpeople. With an array of exhibitors stocking stamps,dies, decoupage, fabric, ribbon and much more, you canstock up on all of your craft essentials and findinspiration from brand new products. A number of well-known crafters will be running “make & take” sessions,(booking is essential and must be done on the day). SeeCreate and Craft shows broadcasting live from the mainstage – a chance to watch some crafty celebritiesdemonstrate brand new products live. Keep your eyespeeled as there may be a chance to meet some of yourfavourite presenters after the show! Refreshmentsavailable. Return leave 4.30pm. Arriving back inGodstone approx. 5.15pm.

Adult £23.95 Sen Cit £22.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Exhibition)

Thursday 9th February

Strictly Come Dancing Live at SSE Wembley ArenaThe 10th Anniversary TourDepart Oxted 4.30pm (Route A) for the drive to the SSE WembleyArena. Here we shall have time to find something to eat before takingour seats for the 7.30pm performance of Strictly Come Dancing Live.The live stage show spectacular promises to be bigger and bolder thanever, with Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood returning to thejudging panel. Joining them as a new judge will be former Strictly ComeDancing professional Karen Hardy, with Countryfile’s Anita Rani takingover hosting duties. Celebrities and professional dancers taking parthave yet to be announced, however we can hope most of this year’sline up will step up to the challenge. Kick off the new year in style,reliving some of the magical moments from the Strictly Come DancingBBC1 TV series, performed on a supersize dance floor! Withbreathtaking dance routines; celebrities and professional dancers all setto dazzle; and judges who bring their own Strictly-something to everyshow, this is a night out not to be missed. So grab that sparkly jacket,dust off those dance shoes and waltz your way into the show sure toput a smile on your face! Return after performance, arriving back atGodstone by approx. 11.15pm.

Cost £73.15(Inclusive of Coach/Block N7 seats)


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Wednesday 15th February

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival

Depart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for the drive to KewGardens, where the Princess of Wales Conservatory willbecome home to a mass of tropical colour as it’s filledwith orchids, bromeliads and other tropical plants fromaround the world. Inspired by the vibrant colours, cultureand magnificent plant life of India, this year’s festival willfeature giant floral displays created using exotic orchids,decorative rickshaws, Indian soundscapes, films andmuch more. Wander through Kew’s collection of over35,000 different types of plants and discover inspirationin every corner, or take advantage of the ‘Kew Explorer’,(cost not included) a hop-on/hop-off “train” whichcircles the gardens all day. Refreshments available. Returnleave 4.30pm. Arriving back at Godstone by approx5.30pm.

Adult £32.95 Sen Cit £32.10Child £16.50(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Gardens & Orchid Festival)

Saturday 18th February

Peter James’ Dead Simple at the Mill, SonningDepart Oxted 9.45am (Route A) for the drive to The Mill, Sonning, aformer 18th-century Flour Mill which has been converted to provide acentre of entertainment and comfort beside the Thames. With much ofthe original structure still retained, the Dinner Theatre gives theopportunity to have a drink by the river and view the working wheel inthe Cocktail Bar. The oak-beamed restaurant is the ideal setting inwhich to enjoy a freshly home-cooked lunch before taking our seats forthe matinée performance of Peter James’ Dead Simple. MichaelHarrison has it all - good looks, charm, a successful career and to top itall he is about to marry the most beautiful girl in the world. But whenMichael’s friends decide to pull the ultimate wedding prank, thegroom-to-be finds himself buried alive in remote woodlands withabsolutely no way of getting out. But the joke backfires. The friends areinvolved in a car crash. Who is going to release Michael? No-one knowshe is there! Detective Superintendent Roy Grace investigates Michael’sdisappearance. The mystery deepens as the Detective unravels atangled web of deceit. Grace begins to fear that Michael’s chances ofsurvival are slim. And getting slimmer and slimmer with each passingmoment… It’s simple – if the thought of being buried alive fills youwith fear, then Dead Simple will scare you to death! Arriving back atGodstone by approx. 6.15pm.

Cost £71.50(Inclusive of Coach/Two Course Lunch/Show)

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Thursday 23rd February

Wisley Gardens – Butterflies in the GlasshouseDepart Oxted 10.00am (Route A) for our drive to the RoyalHorticultural Society Gardens at Wisley, where at this timeExotic butterflies are taking flight among tropical plants in theGlasshouse, a huge cathedral-like glass structure that covers anarea equal in size to 10 tennis courts and rises to 40ft in height.With three climatic zones, recreating tropical, moist temperateand dry temperate habitats, the Glasshouse showcases theRHS’s extensive tender plant collection, including difficult togrow, rare and endangered species as well as hundreds of orchidspecies. World renowned as a centre for gardening excellence,Wisley offers a wealth of inspiration with many different stylesof planting and garden design in a variety of settings within its240 acres. The Plant Centre has on offer thousands of plantvarieties, together with a wide selection of bulbs and seeds,shrubs and trees, houseplants and garden accessories. The WisleyShop offers a wide range of merchandise including crafts andtextiles, china, toiletries, jewellery and fun children’s gifts, atantalising range of food and beverages and an extensivecollection of books including one of the finest selections ofhorticultural publications in the world. Refreshments available inthe Conservatory Café and the Terrace Restaurant. Return leave3.30pm. Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 4.15pm.

Adult £31.50 Child £21.25 (RHS members & companion less: Adult £11.00 but must bringcard)

Thursday 2nd March

Lacock Abbey – Snowdrops & CrocusesDepart Oxted 8.30am (Route A) for the drive to theWiltshire village of Lacock. The picturesque village, withits many lime-washed, half-timbered stone houses, datesfrom the 13th century and has been seen in many TVand film productions. The Abbey, located at the heart ofthe village within its own woodland grounds, is a quirkycountry house of various architectural styles, built uponthe foundations of a former nunnery. Experience theatmosphere of the medieval rooms and cloister court,giving a sense of the Abbey’s monastic past. We hope tocatch the snowdrops and crocuses at their peak -weather permitting of course. Refreshments available inthe village. Return leave 4.00pm, arriving back atGodstone approx. 6.30pm.

Adult £37.75 Child £27.75(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Lacock Abbey & Grounds)(Nat Trust Members less Adult £11.50, but must bringcard)


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Wednesday 15th March

Canterbury on Market Day

Depart Oxted 9.15am (Route A) for the drive to Canterbury, awalled city full of medieval character and history. Visit thecathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meander through thenarrow streets or experience Chaucer’s famous tales of medievalmisadventures at the “Canterbury Tales”, a fabulous recreation ofmedieval life; a unique introduction to Canterbury and its famousliterary connection (entry not included). Canterbury boasts a finereputation for shopping, with high street names, trendy boutiques,antique stores and picture galleries. On Wednesdays there is ageneral market in St George’s Street, so why not take theopportunity to stock up on Fruit and Veg? The mainly traffic freecity is small, less than a mile in diameter from wall to wall. Returnleave 4.15pm. Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 5.30pm.

Adult £24.50 Child £19.95

Tuesday 21st March

Rye with Lunch and Afternoon Tea Depart Oxted 10.30am (Route B) for the drive to thecharming town of Rye. Upon arrival we shall visit theWaterside Restaurant of the River Haven Hotel, wherethere will be time to purchase a drink in the bar beforeenjoying a 2 course meal in the quiet picturesquesurroundings of the conservatory restaurant. Followinglunch we shall be at leisure to explore the famousCinque Port, take a leisurely stroll through the cobbledstreets, admire the beautiful buildings, many of whichare Elizabethan and enjoy the numerous and variedshops that Rye has to offer. Returning to the hotel at3.30pm we shall indulge in afternoon tea/coffee and aselection of cakes before making our way home. Returnleave 5.00pm. Arriving back at Limpsfield Chart byapprox. 6.30pm.

Cost £41.95(Inclusive of Coach/2 Course Lunch & Afternoon Tea)(Roast Chicken in a Bacon & Cheese Sauce or CreamyVegetable Pie, Fruit Crumble with Cream or Lemon Tartwith Cream)

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Thursday 30th March

The Georgian Town of Bath

Depart Oxted 7.45am (Route A) for the Spa town ofBath, one of the oldest and best-preserved Georgiancities in Britain, famous since Roman times for its warmmineral springs. Here you can enjoy the Georgianarchitecture of which the Royal Crescent is a fineexample, visit the compact shopping centre, the RomanBaths, explore the nearby Abbey or maybe cross theRiver Avon over the shop-lined Pulteney Bridge,designed by Robert Adam in 1770. Return leave 4.45pm.Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 7.45pm.


Thursday 6th April

Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill OR CambridgeDepart Oxted 8.15am (Route A) for the university town of Cambridge, situatedon the banks of the River Cam, where you will be at leisure to explore. The townhas a long and varied history – from Roman camp and Saxon market town toNorman military stronghold. In the 13th century the first students appeared -and with them Cambridge took on the character which still exists today. OR, youmay wish to continue on to Anglesey Abbey and spend the day exploring thisJacobean style house built on the site of a 12th century Augustinian priory. Whenyou step into this elegant home, you journey back to a golden age of country-house living. The Domestic Wing shows how the staff serving the meticulousLord Fairhaven ran his household like clockwork. The celebrated garden, with itssweeping avenues, classical statuary and flower borders, offers captivating views,vibrant colours and delicious scents. A visit to the historic working watermill andfamous Winter Garden will complete your day. Return leave Anglesey Abbey3.30pm, Cambridge 4.00pm. Arriving back in Godstone by approx. 6.15pm.

Adult £37.95 Child £26.20(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to House, Gardens & Watermill)(National Trust Members less Adult £11.90, Child £5.95 but must bring card)

Adult £25.95 Child £20.25(Cambridge only)


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Tuesday 11th April

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)Depart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for the drive toHighclere Castle, home to the Carnarvon family since1679 and with a fascinating connection to ancientEgypt, as the 5th Earl, with Howard Carter, discoveredthe tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. There is an exhibitionthat commemorates this historic event. Described as thelargest occupied mansion in Hampshire and the finestinhabited Victorian residence in all England, theextravagant interiors range from church Gothic throughMoorish flamboyance and Rococo revival to solidmasculinity in the Long Library. The gardens feature greatstretches of glasshouse in a walled garden, magnificentparkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown and a SecretGarden with a beautiful curving lawn surrounded bydensely planted herbaceous gardens. Downton Abbey,the major drama series from ITV was filmed on locationat Highclere Castle. Refreshments available. Return leave4.15pm. Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 6.00pm.

Adult £39.95 Child £28.55(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Castle/Gardens)

Wednesday 12th April

Star Wars™ Identities: The Exhibition at The O2 with Return Boat Trip on the River ThamesDepart Oxted 8.45am (Route A) for the drive to seethe Star War Identities Exhibition at the O2. For almost40 years, audiences around the world have followedthe adventures of Luke and Anakin Skywalker, cinema’smost famous father and son duo. Now you canrediscover these unforgettable characters in a wholenew way with this exciting new exhibition at the O2Arena. A stunning collection of some 200 Star Warscostumes, models, props, and artwork allows you tosee these two heroes and all the other unforgettablecharacters of Star Wars in a whole new way. At thesame time, a unique interactive identity quest allowsyou to design your own Star Wars Hero, putting you inthe centre of the action, and asking... What forcesshape YOU? Following your visit to the exhibition, takea return boat trip on the Thames. Our open ticketsmean that we can get off at one of the stopping pointsand have a look around before returning to the O2.Return leave from the O2 at 5.00pm, arriving back atGodstone approx. 5.45pm.

Adult £55.95 Child £33.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Exhibition/Return BoatRide)


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Monday 17th April

Festival of Steam & Transport,Chatham Historic Dockyard

Depart Oxted 9.30am(Route A) for the driveto Chatham HistoricDockyard, one ofBritain’s leading andmost importantmaritime heritagelocations where 400years of maritime

history come alive. This weekend is the annual Festivalof Steam & Transport: a great opportunity to feelnostalgic whilst wandering through the wonderfulmaritime heritage site. See the Dockyard trains runningalong the entire site, vehicles dating from 1890 to 1990and some of the South East’s finest steam tractionengines and road rollers. There will be an array ofwalkabout entertainment, live music and a traditionalSteam Funfair: ride on the iconic Gavioli Horse Carousel,Masters of Preston Chair-O-Planes, the delights of aHelter Skelter and the Funfair favourite the FerrisWheel! Refreshments available. Return leave 4.30pm,arriving back at Godstone 5.30pm approx.

Adult £38.20 Sen Cit £36.70Child £26.50(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Historic Dockyard)

Wednesday 19th April

Eastbourne

Depart Oxted 9.15am (Route B) for Eastbourne whereyou can enjoy a day by the sea with a stroll along thepier to visit the Victorian Tea Rooms and/or visit theArndale Shopping Centre. Eastbourne is one of thelargest resorts on the South Coast, enjoying a wonderfulposition on the edge of the English Channel. Return leavethe Pierhead 4.45pm. Arriving back at Limpsfield Chartby approx. 6.30pm.



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Saturday 22nd April

Improbable Fiction by Alan Ayckbourn at the Mill, SonningDepart Oxted 9.45am (Route A) for the drive to The Mill, Sonning, a former 18th-century Flour Mill which has been converted to provide a centre of entertainmentand comfort beside the Thames. With much of the original structure still retained,the Dinner Theatre gives the opportunity to have a drink by the river and view theworking wheel in the Cocktail Bar. The oak-beamed restaurant is the ideal settingin which to enjoy a freshly home-cooked lunch before taking our seats for thematinée performance of Alan Ayckbourn’s Improbable Fiction. 'Twas the weekbefore Christmas and all through the house sat six members of Pendon Writers’Circle. All suffering the same predicament - Writer’s block! Jess writes bodicerippers. Grace creates children’s stories. Vivvi has completed her 6th crime novel –unpublished of course! Clem is a sci-fi fanatic. Brevis is adapting The Pilgrim’sProgress into – wait for it – a musical! “You’ve got your imagination, haven’t you?To fall back on? You can make up worlds of your own, can’t you?” declares Arnold,the group’s chairman. Let’s pool our ideas, he says, and create a joint work. Oh no!No! Can’t do that, is the stubborn reaction from the non-writing writers. Definitely

not! Until - in the best corny tradition of thrillers - a raging storm ensues. A dramatic clap of thunder strikes. And all thevarious fictions of the wannabe writers’ spring startlingly and vividly to life. Hold onto your hats as this hilariouscomedy zigzags from Victorian melodrama, to 1930’s detective cliff hanger, to extreme science fiction fantasy – with atouch of Sid the Squirrel thrown in! Result? A side-splitting thoroughly bonkers example of what can happen when youlet Alan Ayckbourn’s imagination run riot. You’d be mad to miss it! Return after performance. Arriving back at Godstoneby approx. 6.15pm.


Tuesday 25th April

Hatchlands ParkDepart Oxted 10.15am (Route A) for the drive toHatchlands Park, East Clandon. Originally built in the1750s for naval hero Sir Admiral Boscawen, themansion has seen many different residents includingevacuees during WWII and a finishing school duringthe 1960s. Today this Georgian country residence ishome to tenant Alec Cobbe and his collection ofpaintings, fine furniture and keyboard instrumentsowned or played by famous composers such as Elgar,JC Bach and Chopin. The house is set in 400 acres ofbeautiful parkland, designed in part by HumphryRepton. Here we shall be free to explore the parklandand perhaps walk up to the bluebell woods before wehave, at 2.15pm, a short introductory talk giving aninsight into the history of the house and the peoplewho lived there. We shall then be at leisure to explorethe six ground floor rooms that are open, on a free-flow basis. Refreshments available. Return leave4.30pm, arriving back at Godstone approx. 5.15pm

Adult £29.20 (Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Hatchlands Park &House/Introductory Talk)(Nat Trust members less £7.00 but must bring card)

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Friday 28th April

Scenic Countryside Tourwith Cream Tea

Depart Oxted 9.30am (Route B) for a scenic rideenjoying the picturesque Kent and Sussex countrysideas it awakens from the long, cold winter. We shall stopfor a leisurely lunch in Rye, completing the day with acream tea at the Llama Park, Wych Cross (entry notincluded) before making our way home. Arriving back atLimpsfield Chart by approx. 5.30pm.

Cost £29.50(Inclusive of Coach/Cream Tea)

Monday 1st May

Weald of Kent Handmade Fair, Penshurst PlaceDepart Oxted 10.00am (Route B) for the Weald of Kent Handmade Fair at PenshurstPlace. This is your chance to discover beautifully crafted British products and soak upthe atmosphere of the most prestigious craft show in the country; with 250 standsand activities to experience and enjoy. With workshops, demonstrations and live musicthroughout the day, plus the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and surroundyourself with the striking landscape of Penshurst Place, it will be a truly special day.Full details of the show weren’t available at the time of printing, but at the 2016 showthere were unique crafts and gifts, the tempus fugit garden, the birds and beastsroadshow, rural craft demonstrations, workshops, live music, luxury food & drink stallsand cookery workshops. Why not also visit Penshurst Place, with its Medieval andTudor staterooms, impressive collection of portraits, tapestries, porcelain, furniture,armour, and historic costume display. Set in 10 acres of walled and terraced gardens,Penshurst Place, one of England’s greatest ancestral manor houses and home of theSidney family since 1552 has changed little over the centuries. Refreshments available.Return leave 4.45pm. Returning to Limpsfield Chart by approx. 5.15pm.

Adult £29.50 Sen Cit £28.50 (Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Craft Fair)

Adult £35.60 (Inclusive of Coach/Combined entry to Craft Show & Penshurst Place House & Gardens)


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Thursday 4th May

Jane Austen’s House Museum & the Watercress LineDepart Oxted 8.15am (Route A) for the drive to Jane Austen’s House inChawton, where we shall be free to take a self-guided tour of the housewhere she spent the last eight years of her life, dying in Winchester on 18thJuly 1817. This year the Museum is commemorating the 200th anniversary ofJane Austen’s death. The Museum reflects the comfortable family home thatthe Austen women (Jane, her mother and sister) created, while telling thestory of their lives and Jane’s work. Visit the bakehouse and kitchen wherethe domestic side of life was managed by the ladies of the house, enjoy thepeaceful English cottage garden and imagine Mrs. Austen in her smockdigging up the potatoes (much to her daughters’ embarrassment). Followingour visit we make the short drive to Alresford, where we shall be free to findlunch before boarding the train for a one and a half hour ride from Alresfordto Alton and back. The Watercress Line is so called because, with the comingof the railway, locally grown watercress could be picked in the afternoon,taken by horse and cart to Alresford Station and be on sale in London earlythe following morning. Closed by British Rail in 1973, the railway was re-opened by a group of enthusiasts in 1977. The ten miles of track includesome of the steepest gradients of any steam railway in the South of Englandrequiring the use of large engines to haul the authentic coaches ‘Over theAlps’ as railwaymen used to call this journey. Return leave 5.00pm, arrivingback in Godstone approx. 6.30pm.

Adult £49.95 Sen Cit £48.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Jane Austen’s House Museum/Train Fare)

Tuesday 9th May

Painshill Park - a Jewel of English Culture

Depart Oxted 9.30am(Route A) for the driveto Painshill Park,Cobham, a beautifulaward-winning 18thcentury landscapegarden. After welcomerefreshments, we takea guided tour of thepark, during which weshall experience aseries of beautiful

scenes which continually change and surprise us. We will learn all about Charles Hamilton and thehistory of the landscape garden as our guide takes usto the best view points and we go inside the sparklingcrystal Grotto to see the dazzling stalactites. Followingour tour, we shall be at leisure to find lunch andfurther explore the 158-acre park. Refreshmentsavailable. Return leave 2.30pm. Arriving back atGodstone approx. 3.00pm

Cost £29.75 (Inclusive of Coach/Welcome Refreshments/Entry to &Guided Tour of Gardens)

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©Flickr - Derek Winterburn


Sunday 14th May

Ashwell at Home – Celebrating 1100 years of Ashwell

Depart Oxted 9.15am(Route A) for the villageof Ashwell,Hertfordshire for theirannual “Ashwell atHome” village open day,where we shall be freeto explore. The traditionstarted in 1983 to raisefunds for an extensionto the Ashwell VillageMuseum, and the villagehas been opened every

year since, with the profits being split between therunning costs of the museum, St Mary’s Church & theprimary school. Although gardens are the mainattraction, there are also exhibitions, music, dance, craftand business demonstrations, guided walks, aprocession, family fun and all sorts of food andmerriment. This year the village is celebrating its 1100thbirthday, with pageants and displays for each century ofits history. Return leave 5.00pm. Arriving back inGodstone by approx. 7.00pm.

Adult £35.45 Child £22.75(Inclusive of Coach/Entry)

Thursday 18th May

River Thames Cruise and Windsor Depart Oxted 8.45am (Route A) for Boulters Lock,Maidenhead, one of the liveliest locks on the RiverThames where we join a boat for a trip down the riverpassing the houses of the stars, going through Boveneyand Bray Locks, past Oakley Court and Monkey Island.The boat continues past Windsor Racecourse, withspectacular views of Windsor Castle, arriving lunchtimein Windsor, where the remainder of the day will be atleisure to maybe explore Windsor Castle; or wanderthrough the picturesque centre, perhaps to PeascodStreet and St. Leonard’s Road, with their fishmongers,bakers, delicatessens, boutiques and craft shops. Returnleave 5.15pm. Arriving back in Godstone by approx.6.30pm.

Adult £34.99 Child £23.75 (Inclusive of Coach/River Cruise)


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Saturday 20th May

Eurotunnel to the DutchTown of Sluis

Depart Oxted 6.00am(Route A) for the driveto Folkestone and theEurotunnel toCoquelles, France. Fromhere we make our wayto Sluis (pronouncedSlouse) a pleasantDutch town with anextremely rich history

and culture. Located in the border region with Belgium ithas seen trade and historic events take place for over760 years. Take a walk across the historic ramparts withtheir city gates, visit the windmill, or climb the tower ofthe only belfry in the Netherlands to see magnificentviews of the beautiful Zeeland Flanders scenery. Hereyou will find fashion for all styles, picturesque boutiques,speciality stores, fresh produce supermarkets, world-classrestaurants and cosy terraces where you can soak-up thewonderful atmosphere of this bustling city. Arriving backat Godstone by approx. 10.15pm. (Passport required).

Cost £54.50(Inclusive of Coach/Eurotunnel)

Tuesday 23rd May

Scotney Castle & Bateman’sDepart Oxted 9.30am (Route A) for the drive to Scotney Castle nr.Lamberhurst, Kent, where we shall have time to visit the house and gardens.The medieval moated Old Scotney Castle lies in a peaceful wooded valley. Inthe 19th century its owner, Edward Hussey III set about building a new house,partially demolishing the Old Castle to create a romantic folly, the centrepieceof his picturesque landscape. The house was lived in by members of the familyuntil the 70s when the estate was left to the National Trust. See the significantfurniture designed specifically for the house, giving a lovely flow of continuitythrough the home and the eclectic collection of objects gathered by the manygenerations living here. The gardens are often described as one of the mostromantic gardens in the UK with the cloud-like planting of rhododendrons andazaleas creating a fairy-tale feel, with the ruins of the Old Castle at its centre.Early afternoon we make the short journey to Bateman’s, a beautiful 17thcentury Manor House, which was the home of Rudyard Kipling from 1902-36.Rudyard Kipling loved this place; it was his personal paradise, and somewherehe could enjoy family life. Surrounded by the wooded landscape of the SussexWeald, this 17th-century house, with mullion windows, pretty secluded gardenand acres of countryside, provided a tranquil sanctuary. The atmospheric oak-beamed rooms remain much as he left them. Outside, winding paths take inmanicured lawns, a wildflower meadow and Kipling’s 1928 Rolls-RoycePhantom 1, while beside the river sits a 17th-century watermill. Refreshmentsavailable at both venues. Return leave 5.00pm, arriving back at Godstoneapprox 6.00pm.

Adult £44.70(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Scotney Castle & Gardens/Entry to Bateman’s)(Nat Trust members less £20.30 but must bring card)

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Thursday 25th May

Wisley Gardens Depart Oxted 10.00am (Route A) for our drive tothe Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at Wisley.The flagship garden of the RHS, Wisley, capturesthe imagination with richly planted borders,luscious rose gardens and of course, the state-of-the-art Glasshouse. Enjoy the 240 acres of gloriousgarden, with its wooded slopes and pinetum, rockgarden, herbaceous borders, alpine house, modelfruit and vegetable gardens and range ofgreenhouse displays. The Plant Centre has on offerthousands of plant varieties, together with a wideselection of bulbs, seeds, shrubs, trees, houseplantsand garden accessories, and whether you arelooking for garden gift ideas, the perfect present forany special occasion or simply want to treatyourself, the Wisley Shop offers a wide range ofmerchandise including crafts, textiles and toiletriesand an extensive collection of books including oneof the finest selections of horticultural publicationsin the world. Refreshments available in theConservatory Café and the Terrace Restaurant.Return leave 4.30pm. Arriving back at Godstone byapprox. 5.15pm.

Adult £32.50 Child £22.50(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Gardens)(RHS members less: Adult: £11.00, but must bringtheir membership card)

Saturday 27th May

Gloucester Tall Ships Festival– 10th AnniversaryDepart Oxted 7.30am (Route A) for the drive toGloucester Docks and the 10th anniversary Tall ShipsFestival. What makes this event so distinctive is itssetting in the UK’s most inland port surrounded bybeautifully-preserved Victorian warehouses. The eventaims to have five tall ships moored up on the quaysidefor visitors to see, with a raft of entertainment featuringmarauding pirates (including Captain Jack Sparrow),nautical activities, fun games for children and grown-ups,a food market plus two museums on the docks site.There will be a live music stage featuring an eclecticselection of local bands and singers; buskers, performersand artists on every street corner; as well as the return ofthe essential Gloucester Shanty Festival. Refreshmentsavailable. Return leave 5.00pm. Arriving back atGodstone approx. 8.30pm.

Adult £37.95 Child £32.95(Please note that full details of this event are not yetconfirmed)


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©The Press Association

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Wednesday 31st May

Hall PlaceDepart Oxted 9.45am (Route A) for the drive to Hall Place at Bexley.Sitting on the banks of the River Cray, Hall Place was once the countryresidence of Sir John Champneys, a successful merchant and former LordMayor of London. Today you can imagine genteel life in Tudor times as youwander through the beautiful rooms, including the magnificent panelledgreat hall with minstrel’s gallery, the long gallery with its decorative plasterceiling, the bell tower and the Tudor kitchen. Take a stroll in the awardwinning gardens and see the stunning ‘Queen’s Beasts’ topiary sculptures,the herbaceous borders and the romantic wildflower meadow. See thebanana plants in the glasshouses as well as fish and terrapins in the pond.Whilst here, why not visit the Butterfly Jungles Experience where you canwalk amongst stunning free flying butterflies from around the world in arainforest environment full to the brim with beautiful exotic flowers. In AllAbout Owls, meet captive owls and maybe even get the chance to holdone. Meet Jambs Owls and their visitor-friendly barn owls, eagle owls andother species. Hear how the owls survive in the wild, what they like to eatand learn about their nocturnal habits. The plant centre offers a range ofbutterfly attracting plants, shrubs and wild flowers and the tropical plantsection sells all sorts of rare and exotic plants suitable for the greenhouseand conservatory. Refreshments available. Return leave 3.00pm. Returningto Godstone approx. 3.45pm.

Adult £28.95 Sen Cit £26.95 Child £20.65(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Hall Place & Gardens, Butterfly JunglesExperience & All About Owls)(National Trust members less Adult £5, Sen Cit £4, but must bring card)

Thursday 1st June

Evita & Supper at the Orchard Theatre,DartfordDepart Oxted 4.00pm (Route A) for the drive to theOrchard Theatre, Dartford, where we shall enjoy a two-course meal before taking our seats for the 7.30pmperformance of Evita. Following its smash hit run atLondon’s Dominion Theatre, Bill Kenwright’sproduction of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’sEvita comes to Dartford and features some of themost iconic songs in musical theatre, including Don’tCry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a ThousandStars, You Must Love Me, and Another Suitcase inAnother Hall. Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife offormer Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita followsEva’s journey from humble beginnings through toextraordinary wealth, power and iconic status whichultimately lead her to be heralded as the ‘spiritualleader of the nation’ by the Argentine people. Returnafter performance. Arriving back at Godstone approx.11.00pm

Cost £71.50(Inclusive of Coach/2-Course Dinner/Show)(Stalls Seats at Show)

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Tuesday 6th June

Boat Trip to Buckler’s Hard,with Landing

Depart Oxted 8.30am(Route A) for the driveto Southampton docksto ‘Step Aboard’ ourBlue Funnel Cruiser. Aswe cruise down toBeaulieu, we shall havetime to enjoy scenicviews of the Solent anda commentary onpoints of interest, whilstenjoying a ham orcheese ploughman’slunch. We shall have upto 1½ hours ashore at

Buckler’s Hard (depending on the tides) with entranceto the Buckler’s Hard museum included in your ticketprice: gain an insight into the history of this 18thcentury shipbuilding village focusing on its vesselsincluding those built for Nelson’s Navy. Return leaveSouthampton 5.00pm, arriving back at Godstoneapprox. 7.00pm

Adult £58.40 Child £41.50(Inclusive of Boat/Ploughman’s Lunch/Entry toBuckler’s Hard Museum)

Thursday 8th June

Thames Cruise On Board MV Princess Pocahontas Depart Oxted 8.30am (Route A) for the drive to Gravesend where weshall board the MV Princess Pocahontas for a cruise up the Thamesto London. On the way we cruise past Tilbury Docks, under theQueen Elizabeth II Bridge (Dartford’s river crossing) and through theThames Barrier to Greenwich. From here we view the changing faceof the river frontage at Docklands and Canary Wharf before passingthrough the gateway to the City of London – Tower Bridge. Fromhere on, every way you look there is something of interest – TheTower of London, HMS Belfast, the replica of Shakespeare’s GlobeTheatre, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern and the NationalTheatre to name but a few. At Westminster Bridge are Big Ben andthe magnificent Houses of Parliament. If time and tide allow wecruise on, passing Lambeth Palace and the Tate Gallery to Chelseawhere we turn round and head back to Greenwich, Tilbury andGravesend. During our cruise we shall enjoy a ploughman’s lunch.Return leave Gravesend 5.30pm. Arriving back at Godstone by6.30pm.

Adult £58.90 Sen Cit £54.50 Child £40.95 (Inclusive of Coach/Boat Fare/Ploughman’s Lunch) (Please advise at time of booking if a vegetarian meal required)


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©VisitEngland - Visit Hampshire


Saturday 10th June

Don’t Dress for Dinner at the Mill, Sonning – The Hilarious Follow-up toBoeing BoeingDepart Oxted 9.45am (Route A) for the drive to The Mill, Sonning, a former 18th-century Flour Mill which has been converted to provide a centre of entertainmentand comfort beside the Thames. With much of the original structure still retained,the Dinner Theatre gives the opportunity to have a drink by the river and view theworking wheel in the Cocktail Bar. The oak-beamed restaurant is the ideal settingin which to enjoy a freshly home-cooked lunch before taking our seats for thematinée performance of Don’t Dress for Dinner. With his wife out of town, analibi from his best friend Robert, and Suzette, a Cordon Bleu cook, lined up toprepare gourmet delights, debonair Bernard thinks he’s planned the perfectromantic weekend for his glamorous French mistress, Suzanne. But whenBernard’s wife, Jacqueline, hears that Robert - ooh, la, la - is visiting for theweekend, she decides to stick around for a surprise tryst of her own. Setting thestage for a side-splitting collision course of mistaken identities. Suzanne becomes

the cook, Suzette becomes the lover, the friend is bewildered, the wife is suspicious and an evening of hilariousconfusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Following Marc Camoletti’s smash-hit showBoeing Boeing, Don’t Dress for Dinner has all the earmarks of the classic French farce: marital infidelity,misunderstandings and mistaken identities among the upper-class. A must for a fun afternoon out. Return afterperformance. Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 6.15pm.


Sunday 11th June

Rochester Summer DickensFestival & Battle of theMedway CommemorationDepart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for Rochester to enjoythe fun and atmosphere of their Summer DickensFestival, held every year since 1978. Charles Dickensspent five years of his childhood in Medway from 1817to 1822. He was a national legend when he returnedfor the last 13 years of his life, dying at Gad’s Hill in1870. Rochester was the inspiration for many of hisgreatest works. Indeed, Restoration House was SatisHouse in Great Expectations where Miss Havishamlived. The Festival is a spectacular event of colour,music, costume, drama and street theatre with paradesmaking their way through the main street. This yearMedway is commemorating the 350th anniversary ofthe Battle of Medway in June 1667. Full details werenot available at the time of going to print, but therewill be a series of exhibitions and activities and opentop bus tours linking Rochester and Chatham with onboard ‘Battle of Medway’ commentary (cost notincluded). Return leave 4.30pm. Arriving back atGodstone by approx. 5.30pm.



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©Flickr - Luke McKernan


Wednesday 14th June

Arundel and Corpus ChristiFlower Festival

Depart Oxted 9.30am(Route A) for the WestSussex town of Arundel,which nestles in a gapin the Sussex Downscarved by the RiverArun. For centuries thegap has been guardedby Arundel Castle, homeof the Dukes of Norfolk,Earls Marshal ofEngland for 500 years.The town is mainly

Victorian, but there are many 18th-century houses andan 18th-century coaching inn, the Norfolk Arms, standsin the High Street. For over 100 years the feast ofCorpus Christi has been marked at Arundel Cathedral bya spectacular Carpet of Flowers up the central aisle.Here you will be at leisure to enjoy the magnificentfloral displays in the Cathedral and explore thisattractive Sussex town situated on the River Arun and, ifyou wish Arundel Castle and the Wildfowl & WetlandsCentre (entry not included). Return leave 4.30pm.Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 6.00pm.

Cost £25.35

Saturday 17th June

Margate, Broadstairs (Dickens Festival) or RamsgateDepart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for our drive to the Kent coaststopping at the seaside town of Margate with its sandy beach, oron to Broadstairs where this week they are holding their DickensFestival. First held in 1937, the event showcases the town’s mostfamous visitor: Charles Dickens, who visited regularly between1837 and 1859. Join in the celebrations of his life, times andworks with talks, performances, fairs and walks, plusdemonstrations of what everyday life was like in the Victorianera. Highlights include spotting the marvellously costumedladies and gentleman strolling around town, the festival play, aVictorian country fair and the unforgettable, annual Dickensianbeach party. It is still the quaint town that he encouraged hisfriends to visit; or, if you prefer, journey on to Ramsgate with itssandy beaches sheltered by chalk cliffs and its busyharbour/marina. You may choose in which seaside town youwish to spend the day.Return leave: Ramsgate - 5.00pm Broadstairs - 5.10pm Margate - 5.30pmArriving back at Godstone by approx. 7.00pm.



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Monday 19th June

RNLI College Discovery Tour,Poole

Depart Oxted 7.15am(Route A) for the driveto the RNLI trainingcollege on Poole Quay.Here we shall find outhow the crews andlifeguards are trainedwith a behind thescenes tour conductedby dedicated volunteertour guides. During our90 minute tour, we

shall be given the chance to explore the RNLI Collegeand its training facilities, including their world-class SeaSurvival centre, which hosts the wave tank and Lifeboatsimulator. Following our tour we shall be at leisure toexplore the treasures of Poole's historic quayside, delvedeep into the heart of the Old Town where sea captainsand pirates once stood and immerse yourself in Poole’sfascinating history. Return leave 3.00pm, arriving back atGodstone approx. 6.00pm

Cost £47.95(Inclusive of Coach/Guided Tour of RNLI College)

Thursday 22nd June

Hampton Court & BoatCruise with Cream TeaDepart Oxted 9.15am (Route A) for the drive toHampton Court Palace, home of King Henry VIII,where we shall be at leisure to explore. See theunique Chocolate Kitchen and the King’s KitchenGarden. Learn about the enormous Tudor kitchens,discover magnificent works from The RoyalCollection in the Cumberland Art Gallery, visit theYoung King Henry VIII exhibition to find out whatturned him from pin up to grumpy old man anddon’t miss the gardens: home to the world’s oldestpuzzle maze, a record-breaking grape vine, 3National Plant Collections, over 8000 trees and 650acres of historic parkland. Early afternoon we boarda boat for a leisurely two hour cruise on the RiverThames to Chertsey Lock, where we shall be met bythe coach for the journey home. Whilst on board weshall enjoy a traditional cream tea. What better wayto spend an afternoon? Return leave Chertsey4.30pm. Arriving back in Godstone by approx.5.00pm.

Adult £59.99 Sen Cit £56.60Child £42.70(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Hampton CourtPalace/Boat Fare/Afternoon Tea)


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©Flickr - David Barry


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Saturday 24th June

Passchendaele 100 years onDepart Oxted 6.30am (Route A) for Folkestone wherewe shall board the Eurotunnel for France, and on to theMemorial Museum Passchendaele 1917. Housed in thehistoric castle of Zonnebeke, the museumcommemorates the Battle of Passchendaele, where halfa million victims fell for just an 8 km gain of ground.Get a comprehensive overview of the First World War inthe region from historical objects, life-like dioramas,photo and film material and discover dressing posts,headquarters and sleeping-accommodation in theunique dugout experience. Learn about the contributionof the different nations during this battle and visit theTrench Experience, where a network of German andBritish trenches with original shelters was reconstructed.Early afternoon we make our way to Tyne CotCemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Gravescemetery in the world and the most importantreminder of the Battle of Passchendaele. We make ashort stop at Langemark German Military Cemetery,one of only four First World War German cemeteries inthe Flanders region, before heading into Ypres town.There will be time to enjoy an evening meal (cost notincluded) before, at 8 o’clock, experiencing the hauntingstrains of the Last Post. Returning to Godstone byapprox. midnight. (Passport required).

Cost £59.20(Inclusive of Coach/Eurotunnel/Entry to PasschendaeleMuseum)

Tuesday 27th June

Eastbourne

Depart Oxted 9.15am (Route B) for Eastbourne whereyou can enjoy a day by the sea with a stroll along thepier to visit the Victorian Tea Rooms and/or visit theArndale Shopping Centre. Eastbourne is one of thelargest resorts on the South Coast, enjoying a wonderfulposition on the edge of the English Channel. Return leavethe Pierhead 5.00pm. Arriving back at Limpsfield Chartby approx. 6.45pm.



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©www.visitflanders.co.uk

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Friday 30th June

Trains & the Landscape of Romney Marsh on the Romney,Hythe & Dymchurch RailwayDepart Oxted 7.45am (Route A) for the drive to the Romney,Hythe & Dymchurch Railway at New Romney, where we shallhave a presentation about the railway’s history, its role today as amajor tourist attraction and visit their Model Railway Exhibition:possibly the largest and certainly the busiest Model Railway inEngland. We then board the train for our ride to Dungeness, wherewe shall enjoy a ploughman’s lunch in the railway’s café and havesome time to enjoy the unique delights of this National NatureReserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. A later train will thenconvey us to the railway’s Halt at the award-winning RomneyMarsh Visitor Centre, where we shall have a guided tour. See thepermanent exhibitions depicting how the Romney Marshlandscape was formed, its history and wildlife. Wander the markednature trail with its organic and wildlife gardens and buildingsunique to the Romney Marsh, including a replica “Looker’s Hut.”Local crafts, art work and produce will be on sale too! Return leavefrom the Visitor Centre 3.30pm. Arriving back at Godstone 5.00pm

Cost £53.95(Inclusive of Coach/Train Fare/Entry to Model RailwayExhibition/Ploughman’s Lunch/Entry to Visitor Centre & GuidedTour)

Monday 3rd July

Great Comp Gardens – Oneof Kent’s Finest Gardens

Depart Oxted 9.45am(Route A) for the driveto Great CompGardens, Platt, wherewe shall be free toexplore. Great CompGarden is thedelightfully quirky

creation of the late Roderick and Joy Cameron whomoved to the 17th Century Manor in 1957, with theidea of developing the garden into a plantsman’sdelight. Roderick and Joy rolled up their sleeves andcreated an eccentric hide away in Platt, complete withan Italian Garden, explorable ruins and a garden whichnow boasts one of the best displays of Magnolias,Azaleas, Salvias, Crocosmias, Dahlias and other exoticplants in the region. Curator William Dyson has been atGreat Comp for 20 years now and runs his own awardwinning Salvia nursery on site, helping to establish thegarden as the British capital for Salvias. Refreshmentsavailable. Return leave 2.30pm, arriving back atGodstone approx. 3.15pm.

Cost £27.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Gardens)

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Thursday 6th July

Clarks Village & Wookey Hole Depart Oxted 8.00am (Route A) for the drive to ClarksShopping Village at Street. With over 90 brands such asClarks, M&S Outlet, Hobbs, Radley, Molton Brown, GapOutlet, Joules, The North Face, Dartington and Osprey,there is something for everyone at prices that are up to60% lower than normal high street prices. With additionalpromotions, special offers and seasonal sales, prices canbe up to 80% off normal retail prices. Early afternoon wemake our way to Wookey Hole, Britain’s most spectacularshow caves and home to the infamous Witch of Wookey.Our tickets include a 40 minute cave tour which nowincludes Chamber 20, housing rock formations that haverarely been seen before. See handmade paper being madein the Paper Mill, see (and play) the biggest collection oforiginal Edwardian Penny Arcade machines in the country,see over 20 life-size dinosaurs ranging from the terriblechild eating Tyrannosaurus Rex to the vegetarianStegasaurus and meet the witch’s pet bat, Harold, andhelp him cast the spell to take you on an adventure of alife time in the 4D Experience! Refreshments available atboth venues. Return leave 5.00pm. Arriving back atGodstone approx. 8.00pm

Adult £55.95 Sen Cit £53.95 Child £39.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Wookey Hole)

Sunday 9th July

Flying Legends Air Show, DuxfordDepart Oxted 8.00am (Route A) for Duxford, a branch of the Imperial WarMuseum. Take your seats, sit back and prepare to be enthralled by the 24th Editionof the world famous Flying Legends Airshow! Enjoy world class, unrivalled,choreographed displays featuring unique aircraft types rarely seen together in theUK skies or anywhere else. Flying Legends culminates in the finale Balbo formationwhen all the WWII fighters take to the skies to salute you in a mass flypast. Stepback in time and enjoy the musical entertainment, enjoy a glass of Pimms, viewthe large scale model aircraft exhibits and ladies, have your vintage makeup donein the Vintage Village. Flying Legends is the Airshow not to miss. The whole of IWMDuxford, including all exhibitions, is open for you to explore and you can alsoenjoy a great shopping experience at the trade stands and take part in otheractivities across the museum. An active airfield throughout the Second World War,it has preserved hangars, a Control Tower and Operations Room which form thehistoric heart of this 300 acre site and over 180 historic aircraft on show. Theflying display will start at approximately 2.00pm and finish at approximately5.30pm, leaving plenty of time in the morning to explore the whole of themuseum, take part in activities across the site and soak up the atmosphereprovided by trade stands. Refreshments available. Return leave 5.45pm. Arrivingback at Godstone by approx. 7.45pm.

Adult £65.95 Sen Cit £59.95 Child £41.10(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Museum & Air Show)(All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments)


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Thursday 13th July

Brighton, Hove or Worthing

Depart Oxted 9.30am (Route A) for the drive to eitherthe fashionable resort of Brighton with its 3 miles ofbeachfront, the Royal Pavilion, the narrow twisting Lanes,and its extensive shopping areas; to Hove, with itsRegency terraces with bow fronts and tall pilasters, broadlawns and a refined air; or drive on to Worthing, a smallfishing village until in 1798 Princess Amelia, youngestdaughter of George III, came to stay, so giving Worthingthe royal seal of approval, resulting in rapid buildingcreating the centre of today’s resort. Return leave:Worthing 5.00pm, Hove 5.20pm, Brighton 5.30pmArriving back in Godstone by approx. 6.45pm.


Tuesday 18th July

Riverside Lunch & Cruise

Depart Oxted 9.45am (Route A) for the drive to theFish & Eels Country Pub, Roydon, Essex, where we shallenjoy a 2-course lunch. After lunch, we board the boatfor a two and a half hour cruise on the River LeaNavigation through the hidden Hertfordshirecountryside to Ware. Return leave 4.00pm, arrivingback in Godstone approx. 5.45pm.

Cost £56.95(Inclusive of Coach/2-Course Lunch/Boat Trip)

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Monday 24th July

Petworth House & Park Depart Oxted 9.45am (Route A) for the drive toPetworth House, situated in the heart of thehistoric town of Petworth. Shaped by a familyof collectors over the past 800 years, this 17th-century ‘house of art’ inspired countless artists,including England’s greatest landscape painterJ. M. W. Turner. The finest collection of art andsculpture in the National Trust, including world-famous paintings by Van Dyck, Reynolds, Blakeand Turner, is displayed in the opulent staterooms and North Gallery. In contrast, theatmospheric servants’ quarters evoke the hustleand bustle of ‘below stairs’ life. Outdoors is awoodland Pleasure Ground and acres of‘Capability’ Brown landscaped deer-park withglorious views of the South Downs NationalPark. During the day you will be able to comeand go between the House and town at will.Refreshments available both at the house andin the town. Return leave 4.30pm. Arriving backat Godstone by approx.6.00pm.

Cost £33.50(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to House & Park)(Nat Trust members less £12.00, but must bringcard)

Wednesday 26th July

Sussex Prairies Garden, Henfield Depart Oxted 9.15am (Route A) for the drive to Sussex PrairiesGarden, Henfield. From the wilds of Rajasthan, to the quiet beechwood valleys of Luxembourg, Paul and Pauline McBride have beencreating gardens for over 30 years. Now back in the fertile Wealdenplains of West Sussex they have created their beautiful Sussex PrairiesGarden, putting a very British twist on the Dutch new wave perennialstyle of planting. Surrounded by mature oak trees, the eight acregarden consists of a series of interlocking arcs of large plantedborders in a naturalistic style. The plantings consist of large groupingsof each variety, planted in a free flowing style, which contrasts leafforms, stems, stalks, flower shapes and textures. Colours are soft andmuted, and complement the natural landscape. We start our visitwith tea and cake and an introductory talk from one of the owners,followed by time at leisure to enjoy exclusive access to the gardens.We finish with a “Prairie Picnic” and a chance to visit the plantnursery which has a wealth of unusual plants, all propagated fromdivision or grown from seed from the garden. Following our visit wemake our way to the Wyevale Garden Centre at Handcross where weshall have time to browse their wares and maybe have afternoon tea.Return leave 3.45pm arriving back at Godstone approx. 4.15pm.

Cost £38.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Gardens/Introductory Talk/Tea &Cake/Prairie Picnic)


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©Flickr - muffinn


Friday 28th July

Bexhill or Hastings

Depart Oxted 9.15am (Route B) for either Bexhill orHastings to spend a day by the sea. Hastings, noted forits Battle in 1066, offers all the traditional amusementsof the seaside, yet retains the character of its past.Bexhill offers two miles of promenade and the De laWarr pavilion - an entertainment centre overlooking itsgently shelving shingle beach. Discover the hiddenhistory of Bexhill from earliest days to medieval village,smuggling, Napoleonic barrack town, Victorian /Edwardian resort and the birthplace of British motorracing in 1902 in the Bexhill Museum. Return leave:Hastings 5.00pm, Bexhill 5.20pm. Arriving back atLimpsfield Chart by approx. 6.30pm.


Sunday 30th July

Wrest Park, the SleepingBeauty of English GardensDepart Oxted 9.30am (Route A) for the drive to WrestPark Gardens, nr Luton, one of the few places in theworld where visitors can see the evolution of landscapegardening over the last 300 years. The restored ItalianGarden and French Parterre are a riot of colour andplanted up with seasonal bedding varieties such asPelargonium, Verbena, Canna, Nicotiana, marigolds,Ageratum and Salvia. Keep an eye out for hidden gemsin the gardens, including an ornate marble fountain,the 18th century Bowling Green House, a ChineseTemple and Bridge and over 40 statues dotted aroundthe grounds. Don’t miss the sub-tropical planting inthe conservatory, with striking specimens such as thedramatic climbing passion flower (Passiflora) and a 2metre-tall dahlia. Inside the mansion inspired by 18th-century Paris, two exhibitions tell the story of theestate, its evolution and its personalities. Refreshmentsavailable. Arriving back at Godstone approx. 5.45pm.

Adult £34.75 Sen Cit £33.75Child £22.75(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Gardens/Exhibitions)(English Heritage members less: Adult £8.75, Sen Cit£7.90, Child £5.27 but must bring membership card)


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Wednesday 2nd August

Marlborough & Horse-DrawnBoat TripDepart Oxted 8.30am (Route A) for Marlborough wherewe have time to find lunch before driving on toKintbury to take a step back in time to the gentle paceof 18th century England, boarding a horse-drawn bargefor a pleasant cruise along the Kennet and Avon Canal.During the cruise you will be served with tea & cake.Return leave 4.30pm. Arriving back in Godstone byapprox. 6.30pm.

Adult £39.95 Sen Cit £38.95Child £33.95(Inclusive of Coach/Boat Trip and Afternoon Tea)

Tuesday 8th August

Churches of Romney Marsh tourwith lunch & teaDepart Oxted 8.00am (Route A) for the drive to the Rose & Crown atOld Romney, where we meet our guide and have morning coffee. TheRomney Marsh Historic Churches Trust has been conducting guidedtours of the churches of Romney Marsh since it was founded in 1982and this morning we shall visit two churches before returning to theRose & Crown for a ploughman’s lunch, visiting a further twochurches in the afternoon. We end the day with afternoon teaprovided by the W.I. at Brookland. Return leave 5.00 pm. Arriving backat Godstone approx. 6.30pm.

Cost £55.95(Inclusive of Coach/Morning Coffee/Ploughman’s Lunch/AfternoonTea/Guided Tour)(Please advise at time of booking if you require a vegetarian meal)

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Friday 4th August

Littlehampton or BognorDepart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for the drive to eitherLittlehampton or Bognor to spend a day by the sea. The small,ancient port of Littlehampton, situated at the mouth of the RiverArun, with its promenade, sandy beaches and funfair is known as afamily seaside resort and yachting centre, although some of theold town survives on the east bank of the Arun. Bognor Regis, aseaside resort with a pier and five miles of hard sandy beach,began as a Saxon village, became a medieval fishing hamlet andthen, from 1790, developed into a quiet and fashionable seasidewatering place. The ‘Regis’ was added to Bognor after King GeorgeV convalesced at nearby Aldwick in 1928. Return leave: Bognor Pier 5.00pmLittlehampton 5.30pmArriving back at Godstone by approx. 7.00pm.



©Flickr - Lucy Djevdet

©John Hendy


Thursday 10th August

Perrywood Garden Centre & Layer Marney TowerDepart Oxted 10.00am (Route A) for the drive to Perrywood Garden Centre &Nurseries, Essex. Here you will find an extensive range of gifts and items for thehome, plus of course, plants. Perrywood grow three quarters of a millionbedding, basket and vegetable plants for the Perrywood Grown range – which isonly sold at Perrywood, and source high quality, great value shrubs, roses, trees,fruit, perennials, alpines, herbs and houseplants from trusted suppliers acrossthe UK & worldwide. The coffee shop serves delicious hot lunches, made usinglocal ingredients. After lunch we make the short journey to Layer Marney Tower,a Tudor Palace built as a statement house and still very much a family home.Here we shall have a guided tour, quite possibly given by one of the owners:tales of not only what has gone before, but how this amazing building hasadapted and changed to enable it to survive and thrive five centuries after thefirst Tudor brick was laid. Most of the Tower was built in the reign of Henry VIII,who believed that important people should have large buildings to reflect theirstatus. It is one of the few of that period left standing and although nevercompleted, is a truly wonderful building. Our tour includes a visit to the nearbychurch with its magnificent Marney tombs and medieval wall painting andtakes us into parts of the Tower not normally open to visitors. Following ourtour we have time to wander around the gardens and visit the Long Gallery,built to stable Lord Marney’s horses. Refreshments available. Return leave4.30pm arriving back at Godstone approx. 6.15pm.

Cost £39.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to & Guided Tour of Layer Marney Tower)

Sunday 13th August

Woburn Abbey & Gardens Depart Oxted 8.30am (Route A) for Woburn Abbey, thehistoric family home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedfordfor nearly 400 years. We shall be greeted withtea/coffee and home-made biscuits before being free todiscover tales of imprisonment, beheadings, love affairs,grand tours, political reform and Royal visits. Explore thefamily’s fascinating stories set against the backdrop ofover 250 works of art displayed in more than 20 rooms.Find out how Woburn came to display the largestcollection of Venetian views by Canaletto; what was soextraordinary about Duchess Mary; the history behindthe extensive silver and gold collections and Sèvresporcelain gift service; see the rooms Queen Victoriaused when she stayed here and where former PrimeMinister John Russell wrote his speeches. Enjoy 28award-winning acres of gardens, inspired by the designsof landscape gardener, Humphry Repton, and developedby a dedicated team of gardeners. Explore the eleganthorticultural designs, woodland glades and wildbiodiversity areas. Discover the tropical Camellia Houseand take in the splendid views from the RockeryPavilion. Refreshments available. Return leave 4.30pm.Return to Godstone by approx. 6.45pm.

Adult £47.95 Sen Cit £46.20Child £27.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Woburn Abbey & Gardens)

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Tuesday 15th August

Arundel & St Mary’s House & Gardens, BramberDepart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for the West Sussex town ofArundel, which nestles in a gap in the Sussex Downs carved bythe River Arun. The town is mainly Victorian, but there are many18th-century houses and an 18th-century coaching inn, theNorfolk Arms, stands in the High Street. Here you will be atleisure to browse and find lunch. Early afternoon we take theshort drive to St Mary’s House & Gardens, Bramber. Thismagnificent medieval house, situated in the picturesque award-winning downland village of Bramber was built circa 1470 and isstill a lived in home. Here we shall be taken on a guided tourfilled with fact and legend. The fine interiors, which include theKing’s Room with its links with King Charles II’s dramatic flightthrough Bramber to exile in France; the unique Elizabethan‘Painted Room’ with its intriguing trompe l’oeil murals; and theOctagonal Dining Room with its display of over eighty costumedolls. Take time to wander and relax in the gardens – the TopiaryGarden where you will find a variety of box and yew shrubstrimmed into shapes of amusing animals and birds and theTerrace Garden with its fine herbaceous borders, rose beds, anda mysterious ivy-clad Monks’ Walk. Following the guided tourwe shall enjoy a Country House Tea in the elegant setting of theVictorian Music Room before making our way home. Returnleave 5.00pm. Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 6.15pm.

Cost £41.25(Inclusive of Coach/Guided Tour of House & Country House Tea)

Thursday 17th August

Oxford or Blenheim Palace. ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’Depart Oxted 7.30am (Route A) for the drive to Oxford where you will be at leisure to wanderthe historic streets. Oxford’s 800 years of history have endowed the city with an astonishinglegacy of impressive architecture that soars over a vibrant city centre alive with exciting shopsand restaurants. You may like to take a tour of one of the Colleges, visit the Museum ofNational History, the Ashmolean Museum of Art & Archaeology or browse and shop in the highstreet and extensive shopping centre. OR you may wish to continue on to Blenheim Palace,Woodstock, the Oxfordshire stately home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough. Enjoy a guidedtour of the impressive State Rooms where the delicate detail of stunning portraits, tapestriesand furniture is set against the scale and ambition of the interior architecture. Explore thepermanent Churchill exhibition taking you on the journey of his life, starting with his birth at Blenheim Palace. Discovermore than 300 years of captivating stories from the Palace’s past in an animated and interactive visitor experience. Stepinto the splendour of the gardens, landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown and featuring a huge 150-acre lake. Explore theaward-winning Formal Gardens that include the Secret Garden, majestic Water Terrace and Rose Gardens or perhapsventure to the Pleasure Gardens with a miniature train (cost not included), Tropical Butterfly House and maze.Refreshments available. Return leave Blenheim 4.00pm, Oxford 4.30pm. Arriving back at Godstone approx. 6.30pm.

Adult £44.25 Sen Cit £41.55 Child £26.95(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Palace/Park/Gardens)

Adult £28.35 Child £20.10(Oxford only)


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©Anthony Capo-Bianco


Saturday 19th August

Eastbourne & Airbourne - the biggest air show on thesouth coast

Depart Oxted 9.15am(Route B) forEastbourne where youcan enjoy a day by thesea with a stroll alongthe pier to visit theVictorian Tea Roomsand/or visit theArndale Shopping

Centre. Eastbourne is one of the largest resorts on theSouth Coast, enjoying a wonderful position on the edgeof the English Channel. Over this weekend they areplaying host to four days of top flight entertainmentwith Airbourne, their annual International Air Show. No details of the flying programme were available at thetime of going to print. Return leave the Pierhead 5.30pm.Arriving back at Limpsfield Chart by approx. 7.30pm.

Adult £21.95 Child £19.95(Exclusive of any entry charge that may be incurred)(All flying is subject to weather, serviceability andoperational commitments)

Tuesday 22nd August

Godinton House & GardensDepart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for the drive to Godinton Houseand Gardens, nr. Ashford, Kent. Approached through the park, thehouse with its mellow brickwork and distinctive gables gives aninitial impression of a rather modest stately home; calm, intimate,timeless. It is however one of the most important and fascinatinghouses in Kent. From its medieval origins, many generations of Tokesand subsequent owners have embellished and added to Godintonand the result is a charming house whose history is revealed throughthe variety of its style, taste and furnishings from the 14th centuryto the present day. A wealth of carved panelling of great quality isevident, and the exceptional collection of porcelain, pictures andfurniture adds to the friendly and welcoming feel of this much lovedhouse. The gardens also reflect the care and influence of successiveowners. The yew hedges, formal topiary, pond and lawns were SirReginald Blomfield’s first garden design in the 1890s and have beensoftened and enhanced by subsequent plantings. In contrast are thewild garden, the intimate 1920s Italian Garden and the 19th-century walled garden. On arrival, we shall be greeted withtea/coffee and biscuits, before being taken on a guided tour of thehouse. We shall then enjoy a ploughman’s lunch followed by time toexplore the gardens, before setting off for home. Return leave3.00pm. Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 4.00pm.

Cost £42.95(Inclusive of Coach/Morning Coffee & Biscuits/Guided Tour ofHouse/Ploughmans Lunch)


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Friday 25th August

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Depart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for the drive toPortsmouth Historic Dockyard where we shall befree to explore. Your ticket allows entry to all theattractions, except the 36 Hours: Jutland 1916Exhibition, for which there is an additional charge.Get stunning views of the Mary Rose from all ninegalleries of the museum, along with artefacts, ropeand everyday items used by the crew. Visit theVictory, with never before seen areas now open tobe explored. Step on board HMS M.33 and learnabout the Gallipoli Campaign and explore HMSWarrior, the world’s first iron-hulled, armouredbattleship. You may also visit the NationalMuseum of the Royal Naval, Action Stations andtake a 45 minute harbour tour (subject toavailability), which offers unrivalled views ofBritain’s modern frigates, destroyers and helicoptercarriers, as well as historic buildings, sights andships (Navy ships in port vary daily). Refreshmentsavailable. Return leave 4.30pm. Arriving back atGodstone by approx. 6.00pm.

Adult £47.30 Sen Cit £45.95Child £32.95(Inclusive of Coach/All Inclusive Ticket atPortsmouth Historic Dockyard)

Tuesday 29th August

Cotswold Capers, visitingMoreton-in-Marsh Market

Depart Oxted 7.45am(Route A) for Moreton-in-Marsh where onTuesdays the main streetis a general market withabout 200 stalls, thelargest open air streetmarket in the Cotswolds.In addition to themarket, there are aplethora of antique

shops, tea shops, restaurants, inns and hotels. After lunchwe take a scenic tour through the picturesquecountryside and mellow Cotswold stone villages. InShakespeare’s day the Cotswolds was sheep country andthe centre of England’s wool industry; many of the hillsare still used for grazing. The rich wool merchants builtmost of the lovely churches and manor houses from the15th to the 17th centuries. Arriving back at Godstone byapprox. 8.00pm.



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Thursday 31st August

Compton Acres, Poole HarbourCruise and Cream TeaDepart Oxted 7.30am for the drive to Compton Acres, nearBournemouth. Mr Simpson, a margarine entrepreneurpurchased the property as a seaside residence in 1920 anddreamed of building a garden with a difference. His conceptwas to create a series of gardens to embody the vision of hisworldwide travels and interest in horticulture. Within the 10acres, there are seven distinct gardens to wander around andenjoy, including the famous Italian and Japanese Gardens. Thegardens have undergone extensive refurbishment in the pastfew years, with over 1,000 different new plants added torecapture the genius of the original gardens. As well as its tenbeautiful acres of gardens, there are two cafes, a specialistPlant Centre and Shops. Early afternoon we travel the shortdistance to Poole Quay, where we board a boat for a 90minute cruise out to Old Harry Rocks and around the islandsof Poole Harbour, including the famous Brownsea Island andits castle while the captain provides an informativecommentary, highlighting local points of interest. During ourcruise we shall enjoy a traditional Dorset Cream Tea. Returnleave 4.15pm. Arriving back at Godstone approx. 7.15pm

Cost £61.55(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Compton Acres/Boat Trip/CreamTea)

Monday 4th September

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)Depart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for the drive toHighclere Castle, home to the Carnarvon family since1679 and with a fascinating connection to ancientEgypt, as the 5th Earl, with Howard Carter, discoveredthe tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. There is anexhibition that commemorates this historic event.Described as the largest occupied mansion inHampshire and the finest inhabited Victorian residencein all England, the extravagant interiors range fromchurch Gothic through Moorish flamboyance andRococo revival to solid masculinity in the Long Library.The gardens feature great stretches of glasshouse in awalled garden, magnificent parkland designed by‘Capability’ Brown and a Secret Garden with abeautiful curving lawn surrounded by densely plantedherbaceous gardens. Downton Abbey, the major dramaseries from ITV was filmed on location at HighclereCastle. Refreshments available. Return leave 4.15pm.Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 6.00pm.

Adult £39.95 Child £28.55(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Castle/Gardens)

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Wednesday 6th September

Wisley Gardens’ Flower Show

Depart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for our drive to the RoyalHorticultural Society Gardens at Wisley. Enjoy the 240acres of glorious garden, with its wooded slopes andpinetum, rock garden, herbaceous borders, alpine house,model fruit and vegetable gardens and range ofgreenhouse displays. At this time Wisley Gardens are hostto a six day Flower Show, with flower arranging displays, asculpture trail, expert advice and, of course, plenty ofnursery and garden trade stands. Refreshments available.Return leave 4.30pm. Arriving back at Godstone byapprox. 5.15pm.

Adult £32.50 Child £22.50(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Gardens)(RHS members & companion less: Adult £11.00, but mustbring card)

Thursday 7th September

Buckingham PalaceDepart Oxted 10.00am (Route C) for London, giving time for lunch before visitingthe State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Serving as both the office and Londonresidence of Her Majesty The Queen, Buckingham Palace is one of the fewremaining working palaces in the world. Furnished with many of the greatesttreasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens andCanaletto, sculpture by Canova, exquisite pieces of Sèvres porcelain, and some ofthe finest English and French furniture in the world, the nineteen State Rooms areat the heart of the Palace and provide the setting for ceremonial occasions andofficial entertaining. A complimentary audio tour provides a lively introduction tocenturies of royal history and includes interviews with Royal Household staffabout the working Palace and the works of art on display. This year’s specialexhibition, Royal Gifts, will tell the story of The Queen’s reign through a wide-ranging display of official gifts presented to Her Majesty during the past 65 years.With gifts representing every continent, including those from world leaders suchas former US President Ronald Reagan, former South African President NelsonMandela and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, the exhibitionwill present a spectacular display of craftsmanship from across the globe.Following our tour of the State Rooms, we shall have some time to take in thepanoramic view of the lawn from the Garden Café. Return leave 5.00pm. Arrivingback at Sanderstead approx. 6.15pm.

Adult £42.25 Sen Cit £40.35 Child £26.75(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to the Palace)


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Sunday 17th September

Chatham Historic Dockyard –Salute to the '40sDepart Oxted 9.00am (Route A) for the drive toChatham Historic Dockyard, one of Britain’s leading andmost important maritime heritage locations where 400years of maritime history come alive. This weekend, re-live life on the Home Front during the Second World Warwith Military and Home Front re enactors, wartimevehicles, period fashion and an exciting programme ofwartime entertainment with humour, music and dance.Around every corner you’ll encounter bombsite urchins,‘spivs’, soldiers and sailors, coppers and Dockyard Maties.Don’t miss the other exhibitions around the museumsuch as Steam, Steel and Submarines, which tells thestory of Chatham Dockyard and the Royal Navy’s use ofthe River Medway in the 19th and 20th centuries; HMSGannet (1878), Britain’s last sloop of Queen Victoria’sRoyal Navy, the historic warship, HMS Cavalier and theSubmarine Ocelot. Refreshments available. Return leave4.30pm. Arriving back at Godstone approx. 5.30pm.

Adult £38.20 SenCit £36.70 Child £26.50(Including Coach/Entry to Dockyard/Salute to the 40s Day)

Wednesday 11th October

Knitting & Stitching Show,Alexandra Palace

Depart Oxted 8.30am (Route A) for Alexandra Palaceand The Knitting & Stitching Show - the biggest showof its kind. All specialist needlecraft disciplines arecatered for with an exciting selection of everything forthe needlework enthusiast - knitting, embroidery,dressmaking, quilting, lace-making, crochet, beading,creative crafts and much more. There are galleries ofwork from leading International textile artists andgroups, along with hundreds of exhibitors sellingspecialist supplies, plus over 100 workshops to get youstarted! Refreshments available. Return leave 4.00pm.Returning to Godstone approx. 5.45pm.

Adult £35.90 Child £24.50(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Show)


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Friday 24th November

Black Friday at GunwharfQuays, Portsmouth Calling all shopaholics, Christmas gift givers, party goersand savvy bargain hunters! Don’t miss the shoppingevent of the year with exceptional Black Friday offers atGunwharf Quays!Depart Oxted 8.30am (Route A) for the drive to thedynamic and vibrant waterfront city of Portsmouthwhere we shall be free to explore. If you love to shop,then Gunwharf Quays is the place to go, with over 90premium retail outlet stores offering up to 60% off RRPand plenty of coffee shops and restaurants. For thosewho don’t wish to shop, there is so much to see and do- you may like to visit the Historic Dockyard and see theMary Rose, HMS Warrior, HMS Victory or HMS M.33, thesole remaining British veteran of the bloody DardanellesCampaign of 1915-1916, and of the Russian Civil Warwhich followed: one of just three British warships fromWorld War I still in existence. You may wish to see theview from the Spinnaker Tower, visit the PortsmouthMuseum or the D-Day Museum and OverlordEmbroidery. With its proud naval and maritime heritageand beautiful waterfront, Portsmouth offers somethingfor everyone. Return leave 4.00pm, arriving back atGodstone approx. 6.00pm



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Did You Know.....We provide coaches for private hire....for groups, from 16-53 seats, all with seatbelts. From a simple day trip to an

extended tour in the UK or Europe, we can help with itinerary planning, hotel

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Waverley Paddle SteamerThe Waverley will be sailing again this year. As yet they haven’t released their programme, but if you are interested in sailingin her. Please contact us and we will let you have further details when we have them.

Forthcoming Day Excursions

Kent Mining Museum & East Kent RailwayDue to open Spring/Summer 2017, this new museum in Betteshanger Park on the site of the former Betteshanger Collierywill have interactive displays showing how the coal was found, how it was mined & the day-to-day lives of the miners. Therewill also be a Green Energy Centre. Please contact us if you are interested and we will let you have further details when we havethem.

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The Charterhouse, Clerkenwell – London’s Best Kept SecretDue to open in 2017, this remarkable assembly of historic buildings from the 14th century has been a religious site, a grand Tudor mansion, a school and, as it has remained for over 400 years, an almshouse. The new museum within the Tudor mansion will tell story of the Charterhouse and its role in key moments in English history. Please contact us if you areinterested and we will let you have further details when we have them.

10 - 12 March Shepton Mallet Antiques

24 - 28 March Sidmouth in Springtime

14 - 17 April Rutland & Beyond at Easter

11 - 16 May Isle of Man

19 - 22 May Lyon by Train

14 - 18 June Sidmouth

30 June - 14 July Wonders of Iceland Cruise

5 - 11 August Killarney - Jaunting Cars & the Ring of Kerry

21 - 25 August North Devon Delights

10 - 14 September Gower Peninsula

21 - 25 September Norfolk Treasures

29 Sept - 1 Oct Peterborough Antiques

4 - 10 October 3 Castles & a Wee Dram

17 - 18 November Thursford Christmas Spectacular

4 - 8 December Turkey & Tinsel in Shropshire

15 - 18 December 3 Countries Christmas Markets

Holidays for 2017

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Photo courtesy Lawrence Watson


For your convenience, we have included the table below to enable you to workout your pick up time. The pick up time, as always, will be on your ticket.To work out your pick up time, take the brochure time (which is always thecoach yard time), and add/subtract the number of minutes indicated in the

table for the relevant route. Also indicated are the coach transfer points (#) andthe scheduled last pick up point (*).

Route A Route B Route C OXTED The Coach Yard 0 0 0 Chalkpit Wood Shops +5 -5 +5 Cycle Shop/Opp. -1 +1 -1 The Council Offices/Opp. -2 +2 -2 The Bell/Opp. +10 +9 -35 Tandridge Golf Club +11 +8 -34LIMPSFIELD Tennis Club -5 +15 -5HURST GREEN Pollards Oak Shops -10 +10 -10 Old Holland Post Office -15 +15 -15LIMPS CHART The Carpenters Arms -40 +20 # -40EDENBRIDGE The Old Post Office Crockham Hill -38 +27 -38 The Old Unigate Dairy -35 +30 -35 Four Elms Road junction -30 +35 -30 Leisure Centre/Opp. -29 +36* -29 St. Brelades Court -25 N/A -25BLETCHINGLEY White Post +9 -37 -21 White Hart +10 -36 -20 Overdale +11 -35 -19GODSTONE Hare & Hounds P H +15 -32 -15 Baptist Church Lay-by +23 # * -31 -14CATERHAM Caterham Station/Opp. -5 -23 -10 Court Road/High Street -10 -18 -5 Clifton Arms P H -13 -13 -2 The Village/Opp. Old Guards Chapel -14 -12 -1 Home Build Centre/Opp. -15 -11 0WHYTELEAFE Business Village/Opp. -20 -6 +5CHELSHAM Sainsburys/Opp. -25 -15 +15WARLINGHAM Church Hall/Co-Op -28 -16 +16HAMSEY GREEN Good Companions P H/Opp. the Dry Cleaners -31 -19 +19SANDERSTEAD Wentworth Way -33 -20 +20 Sanderstead Pond/Opp. -36 -23 +23 Sanderstead Hill -38 -25 +25 #* Mayfield Road -42 -28 +22 Essenden Road -43 -29 +21

Elmfield Way -44 -30 +20

Wisborough Road -48 -33 +17

Langley Oaks -49 -34 +16

SELSDON Selsdon Library -50 -35 +15


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1 Bookings for day outings made in writing must be accompanied by full payment. Bookings will beheld for 4 days pending receipt of payment.

2 Your choice of picking up/setting down point must be notified to us at the time of booking. Pleaseensure you are waiting at the correct point in plenty of time. We cannot be held responsible forany loss or expense suffered by late arrival at a picking up point.

3 Seats on the coach are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Early booking is thereforeadvisable. You will keep the same seat throughout the day. As we have coaches with differentseating arrangements, we reserve the right to allocate seats other than those you have booked,although this will be avoided as far as possible.

4 Under British law, smoking is not permitted on the coach.

5 Unless otherwise stated, children’s fares apply under 14 years of age.

6 Should we have to make a significant change to a day trip or excursion we will notify youimmediately, and offer you the option of accepting the changes or a prompt and full refund of allmonies paid. This will be the extent of our liability.

7 Every effort will be made to operate all the outings advertised in this brochure. Should we have tomake a cancellation, we will give you a prompt and full refund of all monies paid. This will be theextent of our liability.

8 You may cancel your booking at any time prior to departure subject to the following conditions:a) For cancellations notified to us more than 7 days prior to departure, a cancellation charge of

up to 33% of the fare charged will be made. Please note that where we have had to purchasetickets in advance, we may not be able to refund the price of these.

b) For cancellations notified to us less than 7 days prior to departure, no refund can be made,unless the seat is re-sold. In this event the extent of refund will be at our discretion.

9 Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this brochure, thefacilities and displays available at the venues we visit are beyond our control, and as such we areunable to accept liability for variations.

10 By popular request we have given approximate return times for each excursion, but please notethat these can only be taken as a guide.

11 Please note that it is now mandatory to wear seatbelts on coaches.

12 We reserve the unconditional right to refuse a booking or terminate a client's booking in the eventof unreasonable conduct which in our opinion is likely to cause damage, distress, danger orannoyance to other clients, employees, property or to any third party. If you are prevented fromtravelling or continuing your excursion by such a termination our responsibility for your excursionthereupon ceases. Full cancellation charges will apply and we will be under no obligation for anyrefund, compensation or loss which you may incur.

13 We are pleased to be able to offer travel insurance for day excursions & recommend this for allcontinental & higher cost day excursions. Please see our website or holiday brochure for fulldetails. E & OE

COACH TOURISMASSOCIATION

Price of tickets at shows: Brighton Ice Show Adult £28.00 Child £15.00 | Kinky Boots £32.50Dead Simple £46.00 | Improbable Fiction £46.00 | Don’t Dress for Dinner £46.00

Evita £49.00


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