2024 Tours
“Springtime in the Lakes & Dales” (Morecambe)
Monday 1st April - Friday 5th April
£449.50
Single Supp Nil 5 Days
Summary
Morecambe is a small seaside town that appeals to all ages. There is a lovely refurbished promenade to stroll along admiring the wonderful views of the Lakeland hills across Morecambe Bay and not forgetting the statue of Eric Morecambe! The town has shops, cafes and restaurants. It is also an ideal base for trips to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales which we include in our excursions - two of the UK’s most popular national parks.
Isle of Wight Including Osborne House
Monday 8th April - Friday 12th April
£509.50
Single Supp Nil 5 Days
Summary
Come to the Isle of Wight - the ideal location for relaxation and enjoyment. Only a short ferry trip across the Solent to enjoy the sandy beaches, stunning coastline and rolling countryside - something for everyone.
Our stay will include live entertainment each evening.
Llandudno 4* Showstopper Variety Break (NEW 2024)
Monday 15th April - Friday 19th April
£499.50
Single Supp Nil 5 Days
Summary
Llandudno has become extremely popular throughout the years thanks to its enviable sheltered position beside the famous Great Orme. With a super-wide , long seafront promenade to stroll along, a popular and wellused pier offering traditional seaside delights, a beautiful long sandy beach, and of course, plenty of town shops all on the flat – Llandudno has got the lot!
Newquay Spring into Cornwall (NEW 2024)
Sunday 21st April - Friday 26th April
£659.50
Single Supp £100 6 Days
Summary
Originally a fishing port with its main industry being pilchard fishing and salting.The “new” 15th century quay was built to develop sea trade for the import of coal and export of mined ore during the heyday of the tin and copper mining industries. Today, Newquay exudes the laidback atmosphere you would expect from a town perched on Cornwall's Atlantic cliffs and is Cornwall’s most popular seaside resort. Stretching across 7 miles, a sandy beach exists for every day of the week with glorious open spaces looking out to sea. Attractions include the Blue Reef Aquarium, tropical gardens and Newquay Zoo.
Eastbourne “Springtime Special” Magnificent Motors & Bluebell Railway
Friday 3rd May - Tuesday 7th May
£479.50
Single Supp Nil 5 Days
Summary
Thanks to its sheltered position and its claim of “most hours of sunshine” in the UK, Eastbourne has an enviable reputation on the south coast. Its seafront promenade stretches over three miles. During the bank holiday
weekend, the seafront is taken over by a fabulous continental market and “Magnificent Motors” of the past. We also include a steam train journey on the Bluebell Railway.
Dorset Gems & The Jurassic Coast (NEW 2024)
Monday 20th May - Friday 24th May
£569.50
Single Supp £100 5 Days
Summary
A brilliant tour encompassing some of Dorset’s most popular places and attractions. Home to the RNLI, Poole is also one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations - a bustling waterfront, lovely beaches and a stunning natural harbour.Why not take a trip to Brownsea Island and visit Henry VIII’s castle – built to protect against enemy invasion into one of the largest natural harbours in the world.
Great Yarmouth & Great Little Trains of Norfolk (NEW 2024)
Monday 27th May - Friday 31st May
£519.50
Single Supp £60 5 Days
Summary
Renowned for its golden sandy beaches, Great Yarmouth is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a traditional British seaside escape! Stroll through the colourful floral gardens, visit the model village, sea life centre, or relax in one of the many welcoming pubs and restaurants. Enjoy the theatre’s “summertime entertainment show”
Northumbrian Delights inc Alnwick Castle & Gardens
Monday 3rd June - Friday 7th June
£499.50
Single Supp £80 5 Days
Summary
Mon – outbound via cathedral city of Durham.
Tue – Full day at Beamish - a world famous, awardwinning open air museum, telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.
Wed – Hexham (mkt day) & a scenic forest drive through the Kielder Forest to Kielder Water – England's largest forest and largest man-made lake in northern-Europe.
Thu – Alnwick Castle & Gardens. The “Windsor of the North”, Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the country and is home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family. Featured in film and television
productions such as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey and as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films. The magnificent awardwinning gardens are home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets and the world’s largest Treehouse Restaurant.
Fri – we return home via a ride on the South Tynedale Steam Railway to Alston.
Skegness & Lincolnshire Delights (NEW 2024)
Monday 10th June - Friday 14th June
£469.50
Single Supp Nil 5 Days
Summary
Home to the first ever Butlins’ Holiday Resort (1935), Skegness has been Lincolnshire’s premier holiday destination for decades. “Skeggie” is a very traditional, family-orientated seaside resort with plenty to see and
do for all ages – good shops, seafront amusements, a beautiful big sandy beach, pier, long promenade, and most importantly, plenty of deck chairs to sit in and watch the world go by!
Top Attractions of North Wales (NEW 2024)
Monday 17th June - Friday 21st June
£579.50
Single Supp £100 5 Days
Summary
New for 2024, we take a trip on some of the UK’s finest heritage railways offering stunning scenery including spectacular views from Wales’s highest mountain, Snowdon. We also visit beautiful Bodnant Gardens –
famous for its five Italianate terraces and display of rhododendrons. Finally, we get to enjoy a few hours in Llandudno – the “queen” of the Welsh seaside resorts.
Highlights of Kent “Call The Midwife” to the Garden of England (NEW 2024)
Sunday 23rd June - Thursday 27th June
£589.50
Single Supp £100 5 Days
Summary
If you are a fan of TV series “Call the Midwife” don’t miss doing this tour as we have a full day being guided around the set at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard (the world’s most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail) in
addition to the fabulous displays of warships, lifeboats, submarines and the Commissioner’s Garden.This tour is also very much based towards those who love the quintessential “English” summer garden at the same
time as loving their history too. Look at what we include!
Sidmouth
Tuesday 2nd July - Saturday 6th July
£579.50
Single Supp Nil 5 Days
Summary
John Betjeman was one of the many famous people who, over the years, implied that Sidmouth is the loveliest seaside resort in England. Indeed, Sidmouth has always been an extremely chic, elegant and genteel place and is not conformist to the modern day “glitzy party” image which other seaside resorts have. It is situated at the centre of the world heritage Jurassic Coast in Devon and was developed for the richest of Victorian aristocracy.
Tenby & delights of West Wales
Sunday 7th July - Friday 12th July
£599.50
Single Supp Nil 6 Days
Summary
Tenby is a charming walled town with plenty of independent shops, cafes and pubs. The town remains one of the most popular summer holiday destinations.
There are beautiful sandy beaches and a charming harbour from where you can take a boat trip to the peaceful haven of Caldey Island.
Isle of Man
Tuesday 16th July - Saturday 21st July
£699.50
Single Supp £80 6 Days
Summary
Douglas is the capital of the island on the East Coast. Its beautiful Victorian seafront is lined with picturesque hotels and restaurants.This year we are including a one day “Go Explore” card which allows you to use every transport mode available – so take the bus, horse-drawn tram,
electric tram and mountain railway to the top of Snaefell (highest mountain) – you can do it all!
Yorkshire Rail & Sail It’s all about Yorkshire!
Monday 22nd July - Friday 26th July
£589.50
Single Supp £80 5 Days
Summary
Mon – Travel to Yorkshire with a stop in Holmfirth where 'Last of the Summer Wine' was set.
Tue – Journey to Embsay to enjoy a return steam train journey to Bolton Abbey. Rejoin the coach for the short trip to the charming market town of Skipton with time to wander around the lovely cobbled streets and shops before taking a relaxing canal trip with hilarious cruise commentary from Dave Spikey.
Wed – Travel to the splendid city of York and enjoy the history and culture of this walled riverside city. Visit the magnificent National Railway Museum for an interesting and informative end to the day.
Thu – A full day guided excursion through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, to the pleasant market town of Appleby. Board the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway for the journey south to Settle for more wonderful dales scenery. Rejoin the coach and return to the hotel.
Fri – Morning in Harrogate before our homebound journey.
Isle of Wight “The Diamond Isle”
Monday 29th July - Sunday 4th August
£749.50
Single Supp Nil 7 Days
Summary
Come to the Isle of Wight - the ideal location for relaxation and enjoyment. Only a short ferry trip across the Solent to enjoy the sandy beaches, stunning coastline and rolling countryside - something for
everyone.
Our stay will include live entertainment each evening.
Constable Country & Suffolk Explorer
Monday 5th August - Friday 9th August
£549.50
Single Supp £80 5 Days
Summary
We visit the area made famous by the 18th-century paintings of John Constable, England’s foremost landscape artist of the time. See Flatford Mill,Willy Lott's House, the site of The Hay Wain painting, and visit the Village of Dedham, where Constable used to go to school. Including a visit to Britain’s first city, Colchester - this is a brilliant tour filled with beautiful historic scenery, art and culture.
Eastbourne “Summertime Special”
Saturday 10th August - Thursday 15th August
£589.50
Single Supp Nil 6 Days
Summary
Sat – outbound journey
Sun – Eastbourne at leisure – market day.
Mon – Eastbourne at leisure. Five miles of glorious seafront, a beautiful pier, Europe’s busiest bandstand, a lovely harbour, great shopping, a “summer seaside show” at the theatre – there is so much to enjoy!
Tue – Arundel Castle & Garden. Going back to 1067, learn from the castle guides about the finely preserved interior with its fascinating furniture, tapestries and rare collection of paintings by renowned artists including Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto. Stroll through the tranquil grounds where you will discover inspiring gardens. Plenty of time to visit the town of Arundel too.
Wed – Dungeness & Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Steam Railway - Dungeness is home to the world's smallest passenger railway as well as the largest shingle beach in Europe, and it's a haven for wildlife and over 600 species of plants.
Thu – Homeward bound, we visit Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens. Famous for its Rock Garden, Doll’s House Museum, a rare colony of wallabies and England’s first Pinotage vineyard – so much to see and do!
Cross-Counties Explorer (including Stonehenge)“A Touch of Class”
Friday 16th August - Tuesday 20th August
£589.50
Single Supp £100 5 Days
Summary
Fri – outbound via Oxford.
Sat – Salisbury & Stonehenge - included admission to Stonehenge World Heritage Site and its fabulous visitor centre exhibition - famous throughout the world and one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Europe.
Sun – Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre - travel back in time and explore the South’s working past in a former quarry and lime works, located in the heart of the South Downs National Park.With over 40 exhibit areas to discover, including a narrow-gauge railway, historic buses, rural crafts and extensive communications displays, there is something for everyone.
Mon – Denbies Vineyard - one of England’s largest single estate vineyards. With 265 acres currently under vine, it has a production capacity of 1 million bottles. Our visit includes a guided tour and tasting.
Polesden Lacey - Edwardian country retreat of socialite, Margaret Greville. Home to her extensive collection of paintings, ceramics and fine French furniture. Garden highlights include exceptional views, the walled rose garden, herbaceous border, and the Graham Stuart Thomas-inspired winter garden.
Tue – Stratford-upon-Avon (inbound journey).
Edinburgh Tattoo The Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies
Thursday 22nd August - Sunday 25th August
£549.50
Single Supp £75 4 Days
Summary
High above the skyline of Edinburgh’s capital on the floodlit Castle esplanade, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a stunning international spectacle of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre - attracting over 250,000 people each year - for many returning visitors, it
is “The Greatest Show on Earth”. With the Royal Navy at its helm, our 2024 Show, Journeys, will transport guests on a cultural journey, uniting our military heritage, Scottish tradition and an international cast.
Famous Palaces & Gardens (NEW 2024)
Monday 26th August - Friday 30th August
£599.50
Single Supp £120 5 Days
Summary
Mon – outbound via Blenheim Palace - Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and
diverse history.
Tue – Morning visit to Windsor and its royal castle - the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. In the afternoon, we enjoy a 2 hour guided river cruise on Windsor’s River Thames.
Wed – Morning visit to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace. By the 1530s, this was a palace, a hotel, a theatre and a vast leisure complex. The King used it to demonstrate magnificence and power in every possible way, through lavish banquets, extravagant court life and fabulously expensive art. Afternoon visit to Kew Gardens – home to the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world.
Thurs – RHS Wisley - the flagship garden of the RHS and one of the UK's most visited and best-loved gardens, attracting around one million visitors each year.
Fri – inbound journey.
Ayrshire Coastal Delights inc. Isle of Arran & Dumfries House
Sunday 8th September - Saturday 14th September
£739.50
Single Supp £100 7 Days
Summary
We stay at a fabulous hotel and operate an excursion programme which has “wowed” Bensons’ customers for the past 10 years. In 2024 we are including a visit to Culzean Castle which is perched magnificently on top
of the Ayrshire coastline, as well as a guided visit to Dumfries House – a beautiful Palladian property famed for its magnificent Chippendale collection, saved for the nation by HRH King Charles.
Based in Troon - a peaceful, seaside resort on the north Ayrshire coast which boasts stunning views of the islands of Ailsa Craig and Arran, across its beautiful sandy beach. The town is home to 7 world-class golf
courses, Ayrshire’s fish market, some charming independent shops and some great ice-cream parlours!
Lytham St Annes & Blackpool Illuminations
Monday 16th September - Friday 20th September
£489.50
Single Supp Nil 5 Days
Summary
Just 4 miles from the bright lights of Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes-on-Sea are worlds apart in both character and atmosphere. The dual seaside towns are nestled along a picturesque stretch of coastline lined with welltended lawns, a boating lake and pretty parks.
Sidmouth “England’s Regency Seaside Resort
Wednesday 9th October - Sunday 13th October
£529.50
Single Supp Nil 5 Days
Summary
John Betjeman was one of the many famous people who, over the years, implied that Sidmouth is the loveliest seaside resort in England. Indeed, Sidmouth has always been an extremely chic, elegant and genteel place and is not conformist to the modern day “glitzy party” image which other seaside resorts have. It is situated at the centre of the world heritage Jurassic Coast in Devon and was developed for the richest of Victorian aristocracy.
Autumn Splendours of the Lake District
Monday 14th October - Friday 18th October
£499.50
Single Supp £75 5 Days
Summary
In the autumn, the Lake District becomes ablaze with colour,with bright reds, oranges and yellows taking over from the greens of summer - making it one of the most spectacular times to visit. Just look at the amazing excursions – a lake cruise, a scenic steam railway, a visit to a fabulous castle and garden and an unforgettable road trip over the famous Kirkstone Pass. Staying at a beautiful hotel with wonderful hospitality.
“Scottish Autumn Tints” Including Ben Nevis & Isle of Mull
Monday 21st October - Sunday 27th October
£649.50
Single Supp £90 7 Days
Summary
The UK's most spectacular autumn scenery tour! Oban itself has a host of wonderful attractions such as the world famous Oban Whisky Distillery, the landmark McCaigs Tower, two fantastic wildlife centres, and wonderful highland shopping with a host of unique local traders.
Historic Portsmouth & South Downs (NEW 2024)
Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November
£549.50
Single Supp £90 5 Days
Summary
Mon – outbound via a visit to the D-Day Museum (Southsea) – this year marks the 80th anniversary.
Tue – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard / The National Museum of the Royal Navy. Walk in the footsteps of historic sailors, just as they did over 200 years ago. Explore Nelson’s legendary warship, HMS Victory, discover the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet, HMS Warrior, and delve into one of only three surviving British warships from the First World War still in existence, HMS M.33. Your “Ultimate Explorer” ticket also includes The
Mary Rose Museum, Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower and The Royal Navy Submarine Museum.
Wed – a relaxing day out through the South Downs with a local guide, including Chichester on market day.
Thurs – National Motor Museum (Beaulieu) in The New Forest.A world-famous, award-winning attraction with over 285 vehicles on display from F1 cars and land speed record breakers to incredible examples of pioneering motoring. You can also visit the Montagu family home – Palace House – costumed guides give a flavour of life there in Victorian times.
Fri – Homeward bound via Swindon Designer Outlet.
