2026 Tours
'Landlubbers' Mock Cruise
Sunday 22nd - Thursday 26th February
£549.50
Single Supp Nil
5 Days
Summary
We “set sail” on the high seas without ever leaving dry land! Arriving in Jamaica with a Rum Punch Cocktail and delicious canapés before dinner. From Jamaica we cross over to Europe, first visiting Cologne, Germany before the warmer climate of the Greek Island of Skopelos. Our last port of call takes us back across the oceans to Phuket in Thailand. Afternoon tea/coffee & cake, fabulous four course themed dinners, wonderful entertainment and latenight finger buffets as if you were on-board your very own cruise ship. Join the “ship’s crew” as they create that special “cruise ship” feel every wave of the way!
Tynedale Hotel 4*
Voted number 3 of 52 Llandudno hotels listed on Trip Advisor - “Excellent”. A family-run hotel, fabulously furnished and decorated in a modern contemporary style - offering unrivalled levels of service, comfort and hospitality to all guests.
A lift serves all floors with a few steps to some rooms
'Showtime' In Torbay
Friday 27th - Monday 30th March
£279.50
Single Supp £60
4 Days
Summary
Get rid of your winter blues with a fantastic weekend of live entertainment in Torbay’s largest and most sophisticated seaside resort.
If live entertainment is your thing, this is just the ticket. Top local cabaret artistes light up the stage on a nightly basis: there’s singing, dancing, comedy, big band and tribute acts. The hotel also enjoys fabulous indoor leisure facilities.
Fri - Amanda - female vocalist whose performances bring a touch of class and a vibrant atmosphere to the stage.
Sat - Just for the Record - a vocal duo deliver captivating performances of popular hits, blending seamless harmonies with a fresh, contemporary energy.
Sun - Tank Sherman - An evening of eclectic entertainment, featuring a touch of magic, live music, and - quite possibly - the most absurdly hilarious quiz show you’ve ever experienced.
Derwent Hotel 3* (Torquay)
A lift serves all floors.
Stunning Sidmouth & Devon in Spring
Friday 10th - Tuesday 14th April
£549.50
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
Royal York & Faulkner 3*
This magnificent Regency hotel enjoys an unrivalled position at the centre of Sidmouth’s elegant Esplanade, overlooking the sea and adjacent to the picturesque town centre. Owned and personally run by the Hook family, resident proprietors for three generations, the hotel has a long-standing reputation for hospitality and service. The property, having undergone extensive though careful refurbishment, is beautifully appointed with all amenities, excellent facilities and a stunning new spa.
“Excellent” on Trip Advisor. Entertainment some evenings.
A lift serves all floors.
Springtime Splendours of the Lake District
Friday 17th - Tuesday 21st April
£549.50
Single Supp £65
5 Days
Summary
Just look at the amazing excursions – a relaxing boat cruise on Ullswater, a scenic steam-railway journey, a visit to a fabulous castle and garden and an unforgettable road trip over the famous Kirkstone Pass with its stunning scenery, visiting some of the Lake District’s most iconic locations. Staying at a beautiful hotel with wonderful hospitality.
This holiday will take a lot to beat!
3* Cumbria Grand Hotel (Grange-over-Sands)
Well located only 6 miles from Lake Windermere. Set within 20 acres of private gardens and woodlands with views overlooking Morecambe Bay. Entertainment each evening and carvery style evening meals.
A lift serves all floors.
Newquay - Spring into Cornwall
Sunday 17th - Friday 22nd May
£749.50
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.
Esplanade Hotel 4*
“Excellent” rated on Trip Advisor. Wonderfully situated offering fabulous views over the world-famous Fistral Beach. Bedrooms are modern, light and airy with sea views available. Hotel facilities include a large indoor heated pool and a newly created cinema room. Evening entertainment programme.
A lift serves all floors.
Wonderful Wells & Delights of Somerset
Sunday 24th - Thursday 28th May
£699.50
Single Supp £100
5 Days
Summary
Great days out, stunning Somerset scenery and a superb hotel located in the heart of Britain’s smallest city; combine to make this a memorable holiday.
Sun – outbound via Clevedon
Mon – Bristol - we visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain and include a 2 hour Cream Tea Boat Cruise.
Tue – Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury & Cheddar Gorge
Wed – Wells (at leisure)
Thu – inbound via morning visit to Oakham Treasures
The Swan Hotel 4* (Wells)
A splendid 15th century coaching inn located in an enviable situation overlooking Wells Cathedral. Beautifully decorated throughout retaining its historic charm, the hotel offers comfort and great hospitality.
Please note - No lift at hotel but limited ground floor rooms are available
Highlights of Kent “Call The Midwife” to the Garden of England
Sunday 31st - Thursday 4th June
£659.50
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. Look at what we include!
Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa 4*
Situated near Rochester. 100 comfortable bedrooms. The fully equipped leisure facilities include a fitness centre, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Guests can enjoy an invigorating massage, soothing body wrap or even a gel pedicure.
Ground floor rooms available, a lift serves all floors.
The Best of Scotland - look what’s included!
Sunday 7th - Friday 12th June
£699.50
Single Supp £150
6 Days
Summary
Sun – outbound journey with suitable comfort stops
Mon – Stirling at leisure. We include a guided walking tour of the “old town”. • Stirling Castle • National Wallace Monument • Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum.
Tue – Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht Britannia Morning visit to Scotland’s capital city.We visit Britannia in the afternoon - a personal audio guides you through this iconic ship. Whilst the State Apartments show how the Royal Family enjoyed their time onboard; the Crew’s Quarters offer an insight to the living and duties of the 220 Royal Yachtmen (“Yotties”) who served.
Wed – Trossachs Tour – Callander, Lake Katrine (incl cruise on historic steamship SS Sir Walter Scott) & Aberfoyle
Thu – The Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies. We visit and enjoy a ride on the world’s only rotating boat lift. We thencontinue to see the Kelpies – massive 100-ft tall horsehead sculptures.
Fri – inbound journey with suitable comfort stops.
Stirling Highland 4*
Ideally located in the “old town”, a Victorian Gothic building which exudes history at the same time as offering modern amenities (incl spa leisure facilities). It also features a unique working observatory for stargazing.
A lift serves 1st & 3rd floors with some steps to 2nd floor
All about Yorkshire!
Sunday 14th - Tuesday 18th June
£629.50
Single Supp £150
5 Days
Summary
Staying in the heart of Harrogate, we have a fabulous itinerary to include a brilliant day out to Thirsk and the multi-award winning attraction “World of James Herriot” – where All Creatures Great & Small began. We visit Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Train including a canal cruise at Skipton.We also spend time in the lovely city of York before we return home.
Crowne Plaza 4* (Harrogate)
A beautiful Georgian period building in an enviable location, just a few minutes walk from many of Harrogate’s most popular sites – the hotel combines beautiful surroundings with a storied past and luxurious facilities. Breakfast is buffet style and evening meal is waiter served.
A lift serves all floors.
https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/harrogate/hrtuk/hoteldetail
"Geordie Land" & North East Top Attractions
Sunday 21st - Thursday 25th June
£599.50
Single Supp £140
5 Days
Summary
Sun – outbound via a ride on the South Tynedale Railway (Alston).
Mon – 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.
Tue – 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 ofWitchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films. The magnificent award-winning 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.
Wed – Newcastle at leisure. We include a local bus hop on / hop off City Sightseeing “Toon Tour”.
Thu – we return home via the world-class Bowes Museum – a stunning French-style chateau showcasing 19th century philanthropy and art (Barnard Castle)
3* Holiday Inn (Newcastle)
A modern Newcastle hotel in quiet grounds just outside the city. Facilities include a spa & leisure centre.
A lift serves all floors
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/newcastle-upon-tyne/ncluk/hoteldetail
Sidmouth & The Jurassic Coast
Friday 17th - Wednesday 22nd July
£719.50
Single Supp Nil
6 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.
Royal York & Faulkner 3*
This magnificent Regency hotel enjoys an unrivalled position at the centre of Sidmouth’s elegant Esplanade, overlooking the sea and adjacent to the picturesque town centre. Owned and personally run by the Hook family, resident proprietors for three generations, the hotel has a long-standing reputation for hospitality and service. The property, having undergone extensive though careful refurbishment, is beautifully appointed with all amenities, excellent facilities and a stunning new spa.
“Excellent” on Trip Advisor. Entertainment some evenings.
A lift serves all floors.
Summer Charms of England
Monday 3rd - Friday 7th August
£629.50
Single Supp £140
5 Days
Summary
A relaxing tour which takes in some lovely cross-county sights and scenes – Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Mon – outbound via The Vale of Evesham.
Tue – Salisbury & Stonehenge Included admission to Stonehenge World Heritage Site and its fabulous visitor centre exhibition – famous for being one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Europe.
Wed – Mottisfont Abbey House & Garden & Winchester A National Trust property which was originally a medieval priory that evolved into a country manor, becoming popular with artists. Inside,rooms are filled with art whilst outside visitors enjoy stunning gardens alongside the River Test – globally famed for the collection of old roses.
Thu – The New Forest – Lymington & Lyndhurst.
Fri – inbound via Cirencester – “Capital of the Cotwolds”. Was Roman Britain’s second largest town - learn all about it at the Corinium Museum.
Norton Park Hotel & Spa 4*(Winchester)
Set peacefully in 54 acres of parkland offering an upscale, relaxing escape with both classic and contemporary comfort. A comprehensive health club includes an indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room and spa treatments.
Famous Palaces & Gardens
Monday 10th - Friday 14th August
£649.50
Single Supp £140
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 – 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.
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 Gardensm – home to the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world.
Thu – 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.
Fri – inbound journey.
The Bull Hotel (Gerrards Cross) 4*
147 peaceful bedrooms and suites with many giving beautiful views over the hotel’s landscaped gardens or Gerrards Cross common.
Isle of Wight “The Diamond Isle”
Saturday 15th - Thursday 20th August
£699.50
Single Supp Nil
6 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.
3* Channel View Hotel (Shanklin)
With the most picturesque views of the English Channel, this hotel is sat atop of the cliffs of Shanklin Bay in an idyllic location, within proximity of the beaches that stretch from Luccombe Bay to Yaverland. Perfect for a day of coastal relaxation.
Hotel facilities include a beautiful indoor heated pool and spa treatment rooms. The Alverstone Room has a wonderful sprung dance floor on which to dance the night away with some of the island’s best entertainers.
A lift serves all floors
Kynren (show), Newcastle & North East Coast
Friday 21st - Tuesday 25th August
£599.50
Single Supp £140
5 Days
Summary
Discover England’s North East with its vibrant city of Newcastle, the serenity of Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and wild coastal landscapes and the historic Bamburgh Castle.
Tour highlight is Kynren’s “Epic Tale of England” – a spectacular outdoor show performed by a huge cast of actors and animals with pyrotechnics and staging displays that tell the story of 2000 years of our history! Thrilling choreography, awesome stunts and multi award-winning live action brings legendary figures to life in a spell-binding drama from start to finish.
This is one show NOT TO BE MISSED!
4* Holiday Inn Hotel (Newcastle)
A modern Newcastle hotel in quiet grounds just outside the city. Facilities include a spa & leisure centre.
A lift serves all floors
Glorious Tenby & South West Wales
Monday 31st - Saturday 5th September
£650.00
Single Supp Nil
6 Days
Summary
Tenby is a charming historic walled town – its cobbled pedestrian streets filled with independent shops, cafes, pubs and colour-washed cottages. The town remains one of the UK’s most popular summer holiday
destinations thanks to also having on its doorstep beautiful, big, sandy blue-flag beaches and a charming harbour from where you can take a boat trip to the peaceful haven offered by Caldey Island.
Clarence House Hotel
The Clarence House Hotel is the favourite for many of Bensons’ customers with many returning year after year. Great food and super entertainment each evening - what more does one want!
The hotel enjoys an enviable position on the esplanade with sea views over to Caldey Island. The town is a few minutes level walk away.
A lift serves all floors.
Ayrshire Coastal Delights & Dumfries House
Sunday 6th - Saturday 12th September
£799.50
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 12 years. In 2026 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 HM 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!
South Beach Hotel 3* (Troon)
Privately owned and managed by the Watt family - situated on the outskirts of the town centre and facing onto the sea front. A firm favourite with Bensons.
Please Note: The hotel has no lift, but there are a limited number of rooms available on the ground floor.
Delights of Devon
Sunday 20th - Thursday 24th September
£699.50
Single Supp £92
5 Days
Summary
This tour is all about “smile and relax”!
You can enjoy a blend of traditional hotel charm with updated comforts, spacious grounds for walking and taking in the coastal air, and access to the nearby Dawlish Warren nature reserve and beaches.With carefully crafted excursions, you have got all of the ingredients for the perfect South Devon holiday. Explore the pretty-postcard town of Totnes and ancestral home to Earls of Devon (Powderham Castle), discover the fascinating Buckfast Abbey and ride the nostalgic South Devon Steam Railway. Complete your visit to Devon with a relaxing boat cruise along the sheltered Exe Estuary with stunning scenery & wildlife. Devon always delights!
The Langstone Cliff 4*
A family-run hotel set in 19 acres of woodland, overlooking the Exe Estuary and close to Dawlish Warren Beach. Facilities include heated indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, snooker and table tennis rooms, and beauty / hair salons. Many bedrooms have sea-views with balconies.
A lift serves all floors.
Isle of Man
Friday 25th - Wednesday 30th September
£749.50
Single Supp £75
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, horsedrawn tram, electric tram and mountain railway to the top of Snaefell (highest mountain) – you can do it all! Enjoy this extraordinary isle with its dramatic coastlines, inspiring landscapes and remarkable heritage … an undiscovered gem in the British Isles just waiting for you to visit!
Empress Hotel (Douglas)
A grand Victorian seafront hotel in a prime spot on Douglas promenade - offering sea-views, traditional service and modern amenities like free wifi, a piano bar and a brasserie. Close to the town centre with regular bus and tram stops outside.
A lift serves all floors.
Exmoor the Experience!
Thursday 1st - Monday 5th October
£689.50
Single Supp £80
5 Days
Summary
Somerset’s Exmoor is a beautiful place to visit with spectacular moorland and dramatic coastline landscapes. Enjoy a day on Exmoor as we visit the ancient market town of Barnstaple with its Pannier Market, 17th century Alms Houses and old bridge, whilst the coastal twin villages of Lynton (hilltop location access by funicular railway) & Lynmouth (with picturesque harbour) offer a timeless atmosphere. Ride the nostalgic steam West Somerset Railway, enjoy an ice cream along the seafront at Minehead and spend time in the characterful village of Dunster to explore its remarkable Castle, restored watermill and charming array of independent shops, galleries & tearooms along its quaint cobbled high street. Experience the best that Exmoor has to offer!
The Yarn Market Hotel 3* (Dunster)
A warm welcome awaits at this family-run hotel located in the heart of Exmoor’s picturesque village of Dunster, on the edge of Exmoor. Ideally situated near the iconic hexagonal Yarn Market, 11th century Dunster Castle, restored working water mill and independent shops.
A lift serves all floors.
“Scottish Autumn Tints” Including Ben Nevis & Isle of Mull
Sunday 18th - Saturday 24th October
£699.50
Single Supp £96
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.
Hotel Details - Royal Hotel (Oban)
Located in the heart of Oban town, just a short stroll from the harbour front. Enjoy the very best of Scottish hospitality at this 3-star hotel that first opened its doors in 1895. Bedrooms feature television, tea/coffee makers, large windows and high ceilings, private bathrooms, complimentary toiletries, hairdryers, and climate control. The traditional decor is complemented by the tartan furnishings.There is Free WiFi in public areas.The hotel’s restaurant serves a great selection of Scottish cuisine that you can savour for breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner. Relax in the bar and/or lounge over drinks and Scottish malts in the company of friends beside the open fire.
Live entertainment some evenings. A lift serves all floors.
Historic Portsmouth & South Downs
Wednesday 28th - Sunday 1st November
£649.50
Single Supp £125
5 Days
Summary
Wed – Outbound via Swindon Designer Outlet.
Thu – 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.
Fri – a relaxing day out through the South Downs with a local guide, including Chichester.
Sat – 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 – with costumed guides giving a flavour of life there in Victorian times.
Sun – inbound via a visit to the D-Day Museum (Southsea).
The Langstone Hotel 4*
Located in the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Langstone Quays Resort offers a stunning harbour-side setting with luxurious bedrooms, sumptuous dining and fabulous spa and leisure facilities.
