Escorted Day Trips in the UK

Month
 

Stately Homes,
Castles and Museums

Gardens

Towns, Cities
& Seaside

Miscellaneous
Shopping, Shows,
River Cruise

Date

Destination
Links are provided in the table below to external web sites that will provide more detailed information about destinations than we can provide on our website. Caltours of Birmingham Ltd. is not responsible for these sites and cannot guarantee their content.

Terms and conditions

Newstead Abbey  – home to Lord Byron (Nottingham)

Originally the site of an Augustinian Priory it was bought by Sir John Byron after Henry VIII dissolved the monastry. It was made into a home but retained much of its monastic structure and layout, retaining its medieval character. The former Monastic Chapter House was retained and converted into a chapel by the Byron family. When the poet Lord Byron sold the house in 1818 the new owner Thomas Wildman kept the medieval building as it was and enhanced the interior with tapestries, armour and antique furniture.

Today the medieval exterior survives whilst inside the house has taken on a Victorian feel. Visitors interested in the Poet Byron can visit his private apartments and see letters, objects and furniture that belonged to him,

Outside there is 300 acres of parkland. The River Leen feeds the lakes ponds and cascades that ornate the gardens. The Great Garden is a rare survival of a plan of the late 17^th century walled and terraced garden on the east side of the house. Other gardens to explore include the Fern Garden, Rockery, Sup-Tropical Garden, Spanish Garden and Japanese Garden all created towards the 2^nd half of the 19^th century.

The National Memorial Arboretum

This visit will arrive at the National Memorial Arboretum in time for passengers to join the Service of Remembrance held in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. There will then be free time to wonder around this vast living memorial to those that have given their lives for our Country

The Arboretum is divided into various areas depicting different regiments and disciplines. If you wish to visit a particular regiment then please look at the list of memorials and use the map on the National Memorial Arboretum Website before you depart as the Arboretum covers a large area.

Coach Fare only. Entrance to the National Memorial Arboretum is free but they would appreciate a donation from those that visit.

Boscobel House and Boundary Mill

Originally a timber framed farm house it was converted into a hunting lodge in the 17th century. It is thought that the owners, a Catholic Family, used the lodge as a secret hiding place for Catholics that were being persecuted. Charles II took refuge here after an unsuccessful attempt to regain the monarchy from the parliamentarians.

The visit includes a guided tour of the house and outbuildings which has been used as a farm for most of its working life.

In the afternoon we will call at Boundary Mill for a little retail therapy before returning home.

Price includes: coach fare only

Please note: Boscobel House is owned by English Heritage entrance fees for non members are Adults £5.50 Snr Citizens £4.70

There are no refreshment facilities at Boscobel House

Lichfield Cathedral and The National Memorial Arboretum

Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval Cathedral with 3 spires. It has been a centre of Christian Worship and pilgrimage for over 1300 years. To learn more about this magnificent Cathedral we have included a guided tour (approx 1 hour) to take you around and show and tell you about its interesting features.

After the tour there will be free time where you can revisit parts of the Cathedral or wonder into Lichfield for Lunch.

In the afternoon there will be a visit to the National Memorial  Arboretum; a living tribute to those that have fought and died for their country. The Arboretum is divided into various areas depicting different regiments and disciplines. If you wish to visit a particular regiment then please look at the list of memorials and use the map on the National Memorial Arboretum Website before you depart as the Arboretum covers a large area.

Price includes: Coach Travel to and from Birmingham, Guided tour of Lichfield Cathedral.

Please note: The National Memorial Arboretum is free to enter, however they would appreciate a donation from visitors

Gloucester Docks

The Historic Docks have been transformed into a major tourist centre. The docks retain their traditional waterside front packed with local history. You can wonder around the Docks or take a stroll down the canal side waterfront.

There is something for everyone. In one of the Grade II listed warehouses you will find the National Waterways Museum where you can discover the history of the growth and importance of the English canal system.

To one side of the Docks is Gloucester Quays a major retail centre specialising in designer clothes.

Within half a mile of the docks is the centre of the City of Gloucester with its magnificent Cathedral.

Price includes: coach travel only

Please note that there is an admission charge to enter the National Waterways Museum

£13.75

Woburn Abbey

One of the best known stately homes in England owned by the Marquis of Bath. The current house dates from the 17th century; though many additions have been made through the years. The buildings and some of the more colourful occupants n to tell many interesting stories. A must see item is the set of paintings showing scenes of Venice, painted by Canaletto, commissioned by the 4th Duke.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the completion of the landscaped gardens designed by Humphrey Repton. His original plans can still be seen in the Abbey.

Price includes: Coach travel and entry into the Abbey and Gardens. Please note this tour does not include the Safari Park

Snr Citizens £24.00

Children (under 16) £16.00

Calke Abbey

Our journey first takes us to Ashby De La Zouch a charming litttle market town on the border of Leicestershire and Derbyshire. The ruins of the 15th century castle, now looked after by English Heritage, lies to one side of the Main Street and is well worth a visit (admission price not included). Alternatively you can explore St Helens Church containing the heraldic stained glass windows which formerly graced the Castle's chapel. St Helens also has a rare finger pillory, thought to be the only one remaining in England, that was used to restrain anyone who should be foolish enough to interrupt a service. You can also trace the dramatic history of the town in the small museum (small entrance charge not included) voted best museum in Leicestershire in 2010.

In the afternoon we cross into Derbyshire to visit Calke Abbey. Hidden from the road it sits hidden within an 18th century park insulated from the world by thousands of trees framing a chain of ornamental lakes and the imposing 3 story baroque house. Behind the Baroque exterior are substantial remains of an Elizabethan building around which the current building has been sculpted. Inside there is a treasure trove of
artefacts that in any other building would have been thrown away.   Near to the house is the late 18th century walled garden, a combination of the ornamental and the
practical. Whilst the borders that surround the house and the geometrical beds in the lawns echo Victorian planting schemes.

Price includes: Coach Travel and admission to Calke Abbey (NT members enter free with their membership cards).

Adults:  £22.25

Snr Citizens £22.25

Children: £12.25

(NT members):

Adults: £14.75          

Snr Citizens £14.75

           Children: £10 

09:30 King Norton, 
09:35 Bournville,
09:40 Selly Oak,
09:50 Harborne,
10:05 City Centre,

National Trust AGM - Steam Swindon

The National Trust AGM this year is being held at "Steam" in Swindon. Only National Trust members will be allowed into the AGM. However anyone who wants a day in Swindon to visit the Steam Railway Museum or Shopping outlet may join the coach for the journey

Price includes: Coach Travel only arriving in Swindon 10-10:30 and departing at 16:15

Chatsworth House at Christmas

Chatsworth House has origins going back to Elizabethan times it has been a home to many generations of the Devonshire family and a prison to Mary Queen of Scots. The current building dates from the 17th century when the 4th Duke carried out extensive alterations. 

Each year the house is decorated up for Christmas becoming a magical place to visit. This year the theme takes its inspiration from the rich cultures of Russia. The lower two floors of the house will be decorated in a festive celebration of the country drawing on the opulence of Russian art, folk tales and customs. 

 Price includes: Coach fare and entrance to Chatsworth House

Snr citizen £23.50

09:00 City Centre,
09:20 Harborne,
09:35  Selly Oak,    09:40 Bournville,
09:45 Kings Norton

Following the successful trip last year we will be re-visiting this hugely popular shopping venue near Street in Somerset.

 Originally built around the Clarks factory outlet for shoes and luggage this
complex now boasts over 60 retail outlets with names that can be found on most High Streets selling well known brands at discounted prices. 

If ever there was a destination where you can truly “shop until you drop” this is it! Loads of designer clothes and accessories on offer plus a sprinkling of shops selling anything from stationary to pots and pans. If it is all too much for you there are also cafes, restaurants and coffee shops where you can rest your weary legs.

08:45 City Centre, 09:00 Harborne,
09:10 Selly Oak,
09:15 Bournville,
09:20 Kings Norton

The annual Christmas celebration at the Royal Albert Hall has become a favourite part of the Yuletide season for audiences of all ages. Join the inimitable John Rutter for a festive selection of choral pieces and orchestral works, not forgetting sing-along carols.

Once again we have reserved seats in the "Choir area" of the Royal Albert Hall for the matinee performance of this concert. Please note there are a few steps to negotiate to get to your seats in the Royal Albert Hall; the choir seats are behind and to one side of the orchestra

Price includes: Coach travel to and from London, Seats in either the Upper Choir or Mid Choir and a complimentary programme.

Upper Choir Seats £28

Mid Choir seats £31

return time in Birmingham approx 21:00 -21:30

Upper Choir

Mid Choir seats
 

Blists Hill Victorian Town
(part of Ironbridge Gorge Museum)

Witness a host of traditional celebrations from the 1800’s. Find out what life was like over 100 years ago, do some last minute shopping in some of the old shops.

At the Rolling Mill there will be a traditional ‘workers Christmas party’ where you can enjoy some festive food and seasonal entertainment, listen to Christmas stories, join in with some carol singing. For the adventurous you can help Bob Cratchet find the 12 days of Christmas that Scrooge has hidden around the town.

Price includes: Coach Travel and entry to Blists Hill Victorian Town (please note that this does not include other venues that are part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums)

Adults and Snr Citizens: £19.50
           Children: £15.00

10:15 Kings Norton
10:20 Bournville,
10:25 Selly Oak,
10:35 Harborne,
10:50 City Centre,