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Monday Mystery Drive

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The driver will take you, at a leisurely pace, on a country route through attractive countryside, towns and villages. There will be a morning refreshment break and a longer stop at lunchtime (cost of refreshments is not included).

Kew Palace and Gardens

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS at Kew is more than just a garden. It is home to stunning vistas, an impressive arboretum, and ornate glasshouses and listed buildings, not to mention some of the rarest plants on the planet. Kew has over 30,000 species, including the world's oldest known collection of orchids. Set within the Gardens, KEW PALACE was the family country home of King George III between 1800 and 1818. This small, elegant and intimate building was one of the places the King convalesced during his illness.

Simply Canterbury

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CANTERBURY is a fascinating place to visit. The City was the cradle of Christianity in Saxon England, and stands on a site that had already been occupied for 350 years when the Romans arrived there in AD43. The long cathedral that dominates the city is the Mother Church of Anglicans throughout the world. It dates from Norman times and in the Middle Ages was the destination of countless pilgrims. Its stained glass is among the finest in the country, and it has the largest Norman crypt in Britain. There will be plenty of time to explore the Cathedral, the narrow streets and modern shopping area.

Simply Newbury

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Situated in the Kennet Valley, in the beautiful county of Royal Berkshire, NEWBURY is a delightful blend of old and new. Famous for its racecourse and two Civil Wars, Newbury has managed to retain its old Market Town atmosphere. In the 15th century it was a centre for cloth-making and its prosperity allowed Jack of Newbury to partly build the present St. Nicholas Church in 1520. Part of Jack of Newbury's house remains in Marsh Lane, and there is a fine Elizabethan Manor House, Shaw House, built by Thomas Dolman, another clothier, in 1581. The High Street is traffic-free and there are small individual shops tucked away in pretty niches. There are many pubs and restaurants so you will have no difficulty in choosing somewhere to eat. The Kennet & Avon Canal runs right through the centre of Newbury and provides attractive walks along its banks. Our return route will take us via Andover and the pretty village of Wherwell in the Test Valley.

Buckingham Palace

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After time to find lunch in Victoria or enjoy a picnic in St.James's' Park you will visit The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, by timed entry ticket. The State Rooms are the heart of the working Palace, lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto; sculpture by Canova; exquisite Sevres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture. Included is an audio tour, providing a lively introduction to centuries of royal history. This year the Summer Opening of the State Rooms will present the panorama of the Queen's year, showing how the Sovereign's working year is made up of seasonal fixed points of high ceremonial (such as Trooping the Colour, the State Opening of Parliament, Garter Day and Royal Maundy) and the weekly routine of investitures, receptions and audiences. The display will include ceremonial robes, uniforms and jewels as well as archive photography and film to evoke key events in Her Majesty's diary.

Waddesdon Manor

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We drive to WADDESDON MANOR near Aylesbury. This amazing French Renaissance-style chateau was built for Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 19th century to display his vast collection of works of art. It has one of the finest Victorian gardens in Britain, famous for the parterre, seasonal displays, shady walks and views, fountains and statuary. At its heart lies the aviary stocked with exotic species that were once part of Baron Ferdinand's collection. There will be time to enjoy lunch in one of the two restaurants before timed admission to the House in the afternoon.

A 'Sussex Quiz' How well do you know West Sussex?!

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The second in our series of new Sussex Quizzes takes a look at the western half of the County. The questions have been compiled by Mark, who will be your driver and host for this educational and entertaining day out. The route will take you through Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Littlehampton and Bognor to CHICHESTER with its graceful and soaring Cathedral spire. If you would like to take part in the quiz please bring a pen, but if not you are welcome simply to relax and enjoy the country tour. As usual there will be prizes for the winners.

'The Waverley'

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For this cruise aboard the world's last ocean-going paddle steamer, the famous WAVERLEY, we make for Portsmouth. You will literally sail back in time on this magnificently restored ship and recapture the romance of the great steam age. There is always plenty to see on the cruise over the Solent to The Isle of Wight, with naval ships, ferries and sailing yachts. Waverley will take you to the attractive little town of YARMOUTH, which has a Castle built by Henry VIII and is a good place to explore. If you choose you can stay aboard and enjoy the trip as far as the Needles and its Lighthouse (extra charge applies for this). The Waverley returns to Portsmouth, arriving at about 5pm.

Stitch and Creative Craft Show

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With hundreds of exhibitors, THE STITCH & CREATIVE CRAFTS SHOW covers all aspects of stitch crafts such as cross stitch, hand and machine knitting, sewing, embroidery, tapestry, patchwork, quilting and other needlecrafts. It is also relevant to anyone with an interest in other crafts like cardmaking, papercraft, scrapbooking, stamping, beading, ribboncraft and many others. At Sandown Park you can see, try, compare and buy all of the latest knit, stitch and creative products under one roof. There will also be demonstrations, workshops and lectures. Refreshments are available.

'Time' in Greenwich

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you haven't been to GREENWICH it's about TIME! Greenwich is home to the Prime Meridian - longitude 0º - the spot from where world time, Greenwich Mean Time, was first calculated. There is plenty to see and do in Greenwich. The ROYAL OBSERVATORY was established here in 1675. The OLD NAVAL COLLEGE, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, started life as a sailors' hospital in 1705. The NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM (free admission) is the best of its kind in the world. There will be about 4 1/2 hours in Greenwich.

Tyntesfield

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We travel to North Somerset to visit one of the National Trust's latest acquisitions, TYNTESFIELD. Inspired and remodelled by John Norton in 1865 for William Gibbs, Tyntesfield sits on a ridge overlooking the beautiful Yeo Valley. The mansion bristles with towers and turrets and houses an unrivalled collection of Victorian decorative arts, an insight into life below stairs, and a sumptuously decorated private chapel. It is surrounded by 500 acres of land including formal gardens and a walled kitchen garden. Tyntesfield was saved for the nation by the Trust in 2002 and with the recent grant of £20 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, extensive conservation and building work is underway. New for 2010 is the opening of several bedrooms and bathrooms for the first time which visitors will now be able to view. Refreshments are very limited at the property. We shall be stopping en-route so that you can buy lunch, and you are very welcome to bring your own food to eat on the coach.

Eastbourne

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Visit one of our finest seaside towns, with its 3-mile long promenade, pleasure pier and attractions. On arrival in Eastbourne you can choose to be dropped in the town centre or on the seafront.

Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning (Coach 1)

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This year for our annual fundraising for the Macmillan Cancer Research, we have decided to change the venue for lunch! After some years at the Barnsgate Manor we are going to keep you guessing as to where we are going this year. Rest assured you will enjoy another super day out with Roadmark and all in a very good cause. Details of the lunch will be given at the time of booking.

Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning (Coach 2)

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wimpole Hall and Home Farm

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This will be Roadmark's first visit to Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire and this weekend Wimpole travels back in time to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Join the Home Guard at their drill, see the Land girls at work on the Farm. Meet the civil defence wardens and civilians that kept the home fires burning, but watch out for the Spiv! Displays and demonstrations throughout the day and keep an eye out overhead for our brave boys in the sky. Hear the music and taste the food of the period or browse the trade stalls with 40s 'stuff' to buy. A truly great day out so book early to avoid disappointment.

Queen Elizabeth Maiden Voyage

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After time for lunch in Southampton we take you to Ocean Village to join one of the Blue Funnel fleet of boats. This will then take you to view the Queen Elizabeth as it departs Southampton Docks on its maiden voyage. This magnificent ship recalls the rich heritage of the first Cunard ship to bear the name. There will be commentary whilst the captain of your vessel gets you to the best position for viewing this great Ocean Liner on this once in a lifetime opportunity.