Telephone: (01883)713633

Transcription

Incorporating
Holidays
& Short Breaks
2016
Welcome
A very warm welcome to our 2016 short break and
holiday programme. We go to Cologne to see/hear
André Rieu live at the Lanxess Indoor Arena, travel to
Lancashire at Easter and visit Fred Dibnah’s house and
workshop, fly to Guernsey, arriving in time to see the
Liberation Day celebrations in St Peter Port and take a
ride on the new Borders Railway in Scotland. We make
return visits to Sidmouth, Falmouth, the Lake District
and North Wales, but with new visits and attractions. We
travel to Tuscany on a 12 day holiday, which includes a
visit to Florence and a day exploring the Cinque Terre by
boat. To commemorate 100 years of the Battles of the
Somme and Verdun, we have a 3 day break packed with
visits and led by Terry. We visit the Black Forest in
October for the Chrysanthemum Festival in Lahr and
finish the year with a visit to see Chatsworth in all its
festive glory. For all this and more, read on…
We Reserve the right to use a coach with a different seating arrangement.
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Skinners of Oxted are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday Group of the Confederation Of Passenger Transport UK Ltd.
This is a government approved consumer protection scheme. This ensures that in relation to the coach package holidays
described in this brochure (or website) that the clients’ monies are protected by a Bond which may be called upon in the
unlikely event of the Member’s Insolvency. Clients are recommended to inspect the current membership certificate at our
registered office or alternatively go to www.bch-uk.org or telephone 0207 240 3131 to confirm current membership. Your
attention is also drawn to the Bonded Coach Holiday Group Trading Charter that will apply to these coach package
holidays. October 2015
2
Telephone: (01883)713633
Contents
DATES
TOUR
PAGE
25 – 28 February
André Rieu, Live in Cologne
4/5
25 – 28 March
Fred Dibnah Country - “Did you like that?”
6/7
4 – 8 April
Newcastle – Back in Tyne
8/9
15 – 18 April
Dutch Bulbfields
10/11
23 – 29 April
Falmouth & Scenic Cornwall
12/13
29 April – 1 May
Welsh Antiques Weekend
14/15
9 – 13 May
Guernsey by Air
16/17
22 – 27 May
Scottish Borders
18/19
10 – 14 June
Sidmouth, Cream of Devon
20/21
31 July – 4 August
Suffolk’s Coast and Villages
22/23
14 – 19 August
North Wales
24/25
28 Aug – 8 Sept
Treasures of Tuscany
26/27
23 – 25 Sept
1916: A Fateful Year – Verdun & The Somme
28/29
30 Sept – 2 Oct
Devon Antiques Weekend
30/31
2 – 7 October
Lake District
32/33
17 – 21 October
Chrysanthemum Festival, Lahr, Germany
34/35
13 – 16 November
Deck The Halls
36/37
Door-to-Door collection
40/41
Travel Insurance
42/43
Booking Conditions
Email: [email protected] www.skinners.travel
44/45/46/47
3
André Rieu – The King of Waltz – Live in Cologne
25th to 28th February
Join us on this amazing weekend to see André Rieu perform with the Johann Strauss
orchestra and soloists. Come and join the party and experience the irresistible waltzes,
classical music, operetta and musicals for an evening you won’t be able to forget. See for
yourself why André Rieu has been one of the world’s most popular live acts for a number
of years! The show is held in the Lanxess Indoor Arena, Cologne, one of Europe’s foremost
concert venues.
£390.00 PER PERSON
Single Room Supp: £58.00
Deposit: £100.00
Ticket upgrade
(subject to availability):
Category 3 £16 • Category 2 £22
Category 1 £26
What’s Included
✔ 2 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast,
✔ 1 night Bed & Breakfast
✔ 3-course meal in beer cellar
✔ At the time of going to print, we do not
know which hotel we will be staying at, but
it will be a 4* hotel in the Cologne area
✔ André Rieu concert ticket (category 4 seat)
✔ Guided walking tour around cathedral
✔ Guided tour of Cologne
✔ Visit to Chocolate Museum
4
Thursday 25 February Departing Oxted we make our
way to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais and
on through Northern France and Belgium into
Germany.
Friday 26 February After breakfast, we make our way
into Cologne for a guided walking tour around the
cathedral: Germany’s most popular attraction. Hugely
imposing, with twin steeples over 500ft tall, the gothic
masterpiece can be seen from miles around, and it is
no wonder that it was placed on the world heritage
list. Our guide will explain all about the construction,
which took over 600 years to complete, as well as all
Telephone: (01883)713633
the features and history, which make this such a
special place. Please note there is no guided tour
inside the cathedral. In the afternoon we return to our
hotel, where we shall enjoy an early evening meal
before making our way to the Lanxess Arena for the
highlight of this tour, when André Rieu and his
orchestra take the stage. A swinging evening with the
King of Waltz that will remain in your memory for a
long time.
Sunday 28 February Taking our leave of the hotel
after breakfast, we travel back through Germany,
Belgium and France to Calais for our return to England,
arriving in Oxted mid evening.
Please note that we have to confirm number and
type of concert tickets required in early December,
therefore early booking is recommended.
©Schokoladenmuseum Koln
Saturday 27 February Today we have a guided coach
tour of the sights of Cologne, which has a long and
illustrious history stretching back to Roman times.
During the day we shall explore the Lindt chocolate
museum with a guided tour followed by a tasting at
the chocolate fountain. This evening, we shall enjoy a
typical three course meal in an historic beer cellar,
where you can enjoy local specialities washed down,
of course, with a glass of Kölsch!
5
25 – 28 March
Staying in a converted country manor with turrets and porticos seems very appropriate
for this holiday, during which we learn about the industrial age of the Black Country, visit
the home of Fred Dibnah, English steeplejack, engineer and eccentric, take a ride on a
canal boat and a steam train and visit a converted mill, whilst enjoying the beautiful
countryside of Lancashire.
£375.00 PER PERSON
© Flickr - Michael Brace
What’s Included
✔ 3 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
✔ All bedrooms are en-suite with TV,
telephone & hospitality tray
✔ Entry to the Black Country Living Museum
✔ Entry to Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre
✔ Time to explore Bolton
✔ Boat trip on Leeds & Liverpool Canal with
tea/coffee & biscuits
✔ Ride on East Lancashire Railway
✔ Visit to Oswaldtwistle Mills
✔ Entry to King Richard III Visitor Centre
6
MERCURE DUNKENHALGH HOTEL
Blackburn
This Blackburn hotel is a converted 700 year
old country manor in a tranquil setting. The
hotel retains many of the building’s original
features, such as the striking turrets and
porticos. There is an indoor swimming pool,
laconium, steam room, rock sauna, aroma
grotto and bio sauna.
Good Friday 25 March Departing Oxted, we make
our way to the Black Country Living Museum, where
Telephone: (01883)713633
Sunday 27 March After breakfast we head to
Foulridge where we board a boat for a 90 minute
cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with
tea/coffee and biscuits. We then make our way to
Oswaldtwistle Mills, a former weaving mill converted
into a charming shopping village with lifestyle and
garden centre, textile and heritage museum,
restaurants, over 100 retailers and even its own
Wildfowl Reserve. After lunch we drive to Rawtenstall
to join the East Lancashire Railway, for a twelve mile
journey through the beautiful Irwell Valley with its
rolling green hills and picturesque villages to Bury.
© Chris Allen
Easter Monday 28 March Departing after a leisurely
breakfast we commence our homeward journey,
making a stop at the new King Richard III Visitor
Centre in Leicester. Here we shall have time to find
lunch and see the exhibition exploring the King’s life
and death and to understand the huge events that led
to his hasty burial and eventual rediscovery. Following
our visit we continue our homeward journey, arriving
back in Oxted early evening.
historic buildings from all around the Black Country
have been authentically rebuilt, to create a tribute to
the traditional skills of the people that once lived in
the heart of industrial Britain. Early afternoon we
continue our journey northwards to Clayton-LeMoors, our home for the next 3 nights.
© Flickr - Thomas's Pics
Saturday 26 March This morning we head to Bolton,
where we shall have some time to explore the town
and maybe visit the award winning market in the
heart of the town centre. Early afternoon we have the
opportunity to discover the fascinating home of
celebrity steeplejack Fred Dibnah, preserved in his
memory as a heritage centre. The yard, which confirms
Fred’s love of the golden age of steam, includes a
mineshaft and pithead winding gear, belt-driven
machinery, sheds, steam boilers and tools. Here we
shall learn about this eccentric and much loved
character, hearing tales of his lifetime's dreams and
ambitions and enjoy a “cuppa” in Fred’s kitchen.
7
4th to 8th April
Staying close to the newly developed river front of Newcastle-Gateshead, close to the
famous Millennium Bridge, which looks incredibly beautiful at night when it's all lit up,
this tour takes in parts of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria with its historic fortresses
and violent past has been voted England’s most tranquil county and has some of Britain’s
most spectacular and dramatic coast and countryside. Home to more castles than any
other county in England, it forms the final frontier of the Roman Empire along Hadrian’s
Wall. On this tour, we visit Belsay Gardens, the lovely Ford and Etal Estate, have a guided
tour of Newcastle and follow part of Hadrian’s Wall.
£360.00 PER PERSON
© VisitEngland - Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
(Eng Heritage members less £8.30
but must bring card)
What’s Included
✔ Entry to Belsay Hall & Gardens
✔ Full day guided tour of Newcastle &
Hadrian’s Wall area
✔ Entry to Lady Waterford Hall
✔ Tour of Heatherslaw Cornmill
✔ Ride on Heatherslaw Light Railway
✔ Tour of the Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre
✔ Time to explore Newcastle, Etal & Hexham
8
RAMADA ENCORE NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD HOTEL
Gateshead
Located just 350 yards from the Gateshead
Millennium Bridge and the Baltic Art Centre
and less than 20 minutes’ walk from
Newcastle city centre, this modern hotel has
a stylish on-site restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi
throughout.
Monday 4 April Departing Oxted and making
refreshment stops along the way we make our way to
our hotel in Gateshead.
Telephone: (01883)713633
look around the village before driving to Hay Farm
Heavy Horse Centre, home to ten Clydesdale heavy
working horses. Here we shall have a guided tour of
the horses and the collection of horse-drawn farm
machinery giving an insight into the farming history of
the Ford and Etal Estate.
Tuesday 5 April We are joined today by a guide who
will give us a short tour of Newcastle before taking us
along part of Hadrian’s Wall, making a short stop at
Heddon-on-the-Wall, where we can get close to the
wall itself. We journey on to Corbridge, a beautiful
village with a rich Roman history, and on to historic
Hexham, dominated by a beautiful abbey. Here we
shall have time to find lunch and maybe visit the
market before returning to our hotel via fascinating
Blanchland, perhaps the most attractive settlement in
the whole of the North Pennines, Castleside and
Consett in the Derwent Valley.
Thursday 7 April This morning we visit Belsay Hall
and gardens, where we shall find a unique combination
of Grecian architecture, medieval ruins, formal terraces
and the lush jungle-esque Quarry Garden. Soak up the
sights and smells of the Grade 1 listed gardens, roam
the fabulous pillars in the grand hall, and enjoy
wonderful views from the top of the castle tower.
Here we shall have a guided tour of the gardens, with
time to further explore the castle, hall and gardens and
to find lunch. Early afternoon we make the short
journey back to Newcastle, where we shall be at
leisure to explore and make our way back to the hotel
across the Gateshead Millennium “Winking Eye”
Bridge.
Friday 8 April Departing after breakfast we make our
way south, making stops along the way and arriving
back in Oxted early evening.
© Flickr - David Bramhall
Wednesday 6 April After breakfast we head north to
the villages of Ford and Etal part of a vast rural estate.
Here we enjoy a visit to Lady Waterford Hall, the
village school until 1957, with stunning Biblical scenes
on the walls before visiting Heatherslaw Cornmill,
England’s most northerly working watermill. We then
board the Heatherslaw Light Railway for the journey
to Etal, where we shall have time to find lunch and
9
Dutch Bulbfields
15-18 April
Every Spring, Holland boasts an explosion of colour in the fields with its magnificent
display of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. At the centre of it all is Keukenhof Gardens,
justly named “The Greatest Flower Show on Earth”. This 32-hectare site is planted
annually with some seven million bulbs in over 1600 varieties, resulting in an explosion
of colour and a magnificent spectacle unique throughout the world. We take a ride on a
steam train and a historic boat before driving across one of the longest dams in the
Netherlands, separating the sea from a man-made lake.
£422.00 PER PERSON
©VisitKeukenhof
What’s Included
✔ All bedrooms are en-suite with TV &
telephone
✔ Time to explore Ostend, Medemblik & Sluis
✔ Entry to Keukenhof Gardens
✔ Ride on Steam Train & Boat
10
KONTAKT DER
KONTINENTEN HOTEL
Utrecht
The hotel is a former mission house and
monastery, located in the Utrechtse
Heuvelrug National Park. Most rooms have a
view of the woods, monastery garden or
courtyard gardens. Complimentary fresh
coffee or tea is available in the lounge and
there is free WiFi in the hotel.
Telephone: (01883)713633
© Flickr - Martha de Jong-Lantink
Sunday 17 April Today we head north to Hoorn and
board the famous steam train for a journey through
the lovely Dutch countryside to Medemblik during
which we shall be served with a cup of tea/coffee and
a slice of apple pie. On arrival we shall have free time
to find lunch and discover the beautiful historical
centre before boarding the museum ship Friesland for
our cruise to Enkhuizen. From here we follow the
27km long Houtribdijk. This dike, built between 1963
and 1975, crosses what used to be the Zuider See and
is now IJsselmeer the largest inland lake in Western
Europe. Look out for the radio station half way along,
before joining a polder “Flevoland” which is reclaimed
land from the former sea. From here we make our way
back onto the mainland and our hotel.
Friday 15 April Departing Oxted we make our way to
Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais and on to
the coastal town of Ostend, where we shall have time
to explore and find lunch. Early afternoon we continue
our journey to Utrecht, our home for the next three
nights.
Saturday 16 April ‘Tiptoe through the tulips’ today
at glorious Keukenhof Gardens, said to be the largest
flower garden in Europe, where tulips, narcissi,
hyacinths and other bulbs create a sea of colour
amongst the ancient trees, shrubs and ponds. Wander
and enjoy the millions of bulbs which make up this
rich tapestry of brilliant colours. The theme for 2016 is
“The Golden Age”, a time when the Netherlands
flourished in the field of trade, arts and sciences and
the tulip trade thrived. Keukenhof is said to be the
most photographed place in the world, so don’t forget
your camera!
Monday 18 April Departing after breakfast we make
our way to Sluis near the Belgium border. Here we
shall have time to explore: take a walk across the
historic ramparts with their city gates, visit the
windmill, or climb the tower of the only belfry in the
Netherlands to see magnificent views of the beautiful
Zeeland Flanders scenery. Here you will find fashion
for all styles, picturesque boutiques, speciality stores,
fresh produce supermarkets, world-class restaurants
and cosy terraces to soak-up the wonderful
atmosphere of this bustling city. Early afternoon we
continue on to our ferry in Calais. Arriving back in
Oxted approx. 8.00pm.
11
23-29 April
Based in Falmouth, Britain’s most southerly resort, with the third largest natural harbour
in the world and a charming mix of shops, art galleries and ancient inns in the narrow
streets of the bustling town centre, we visit the fabulous Eden Project, take a ride on the
Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway, have a guided tour of the Poldark Tin Mine and visit
one of Cornwall’s hidden gems: Trengwainton Gardens.
£754.00 PER PERSON
© Adam Gibbard & Visit Cornwall
(Nat Trust members less
£7.20, but must bring card)
What’s Included
telephone, hairdryer & hospitality tray
✔ Entry to the Eden Project
✔ Entry to Poldark Tin Mine, Museum &
Gardens, with guided tour of mine &
Cornish Pasty
✔ Freedom of the Line ticket on Bodmin &
Wenford Railway
✔ Time to explore Lizard Peninsula, Falmouth,
Land’s End & Bodmin
✔ Entry to Trengwainton Gardens
12
THE FALMOUTH HOTEL
Falmouth
The Falmouth Hotel, a striking, Victorian
chateau-style hotel set in 5 acres of
landscaped gardens overlooking Falmouth Bay
and Castle Beach was the first commercial
hotel to be built in the town, back in 1865. On
one side is Pendennis Castle, the headland,
beach and sea and, on the other, views over to
the famous port of Falmouth. From the hotel,
it is an easy stroll into the town centre and
the maritime area. The hotel has an indoor
swimming pool, hot tub and sauna.
Telephone: (01883)713633
for its links with both the 1970s and the 2015 Poldark
television series, with scenes being filmed within the
labyrinth of mine levels. A number of artefacts from
the museum at Poldark Mine were used as props.
Following our visit we shall have a Cornish Pasty, hot
from the oven, to enjoy as we make our way to the
Lizard Peninsula, England’s most southerly point and
the birthplace of modern communication.
© Flickr - Paul Hudson
Tuesday 26 April This morning we make our way to
the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Cornwall’s only
standard gauge railway regularly operated by steam
locomotives. Our tickets allow us to travel up and
down the line as we wish, but you may wish to walk
into the centre of Bodmin, or maybe visit Cornwall’s
Regimental Museum close to the station.
Saturday 23 April Departing Oxted we head west
and, making comfort stops en route, arrive at our
Falmouth hotel.
Sunday 24 April Today we visit Cornwall’s most
famous garden: the Eden Project. Experience the sights,
smells and scale of a rainforest in the Humid Tropics
Biome – the world’s largest greenhouse – and discover
the tropical plants that are used to produce everyday
products. In the Warm Temperate Biome, travel to
South Africa and California as you amble amongst the
orange and lemon trees, olive groves and gnarled
vines. In the 30 acre Roofless Biome see hemp,
sunflower and other plants used for medicine, fuels,
materials and food.
Monday 25 April After a leisurely breakfast we drive
west to the Poldark Mine, one of Cornwall’s most
important heritage sites, where we shall have a
fascinating insight into the world of Cornwall’s ancient
tin mining industry. Explore underground in Wheal
Roots, a real 18th century tin mine and discover all
about Cornish mining in the Heritage Museum. Those
who don’t wish to go down the mine may spend the
time in the museum and gardens. The mine is famed
Wednesday 27 April Today we visit Trengwainton
Gardens where we shall find stunning views and an
abundance of exotic trees and shrubs in a garden
cradled just inland of Mounts Bay. There are
magnificent walled gardens growing species not seen
anywhere else on mainland Britain. This 25 acre
sheltered garden is bursting with exotic trees and
shrubs. The walled kitchen garden will inspire creativity
with your own growing space and wide open views
across Mounts Bay will have you reaching for your
camera. Lose yourself amongst winding, wooded
paths, the stream or simply find a quiet corner to
breathe in the peace of this special place. Early
afternoon we continue westwards to reach the UK’s
most westerly point – Land’s End. We shall have some
time here to explore before returning to our hotel.
Thursday 28 April A day at leisure to explore
Falmouth. You may wish to take a boat trip up the
Helford River, visit Pendennis Castle or relax and enjoy
the leisure facilities offered by the hotel.
Friday 29 April Departing after breakfast we head
homewards, making comfort stops along the way and
arriving back in Oxted early evening.
13
Welsh Antiques
29 April to 1 May
This weekend we make visits to Cirencester and Gloucester on our way to Wales, return
to the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, for the first day of the two-day
International Antiques and Collectors Fair of Wales, and make stops at Lechlade and
Marlborough on our way home. Even if you don’t find a bargain, you will enjoy a pleasant
weekend break.
£216.00 PER PERSON
What’s Included
✔ All bedrooms are en suite with TV,
14
HILTON HOTEL
Newport
Located in a quiet suburb of Newport, the
hotel has a heated indoor pool, sauna and
steam room.
Telephone: (01883)713633
the day here with perhaps time for a brief local fair
visit on our return journey.
© Flickr - quisnovus
Sunday 1 May Departing after breakfast, we seek out
local antique fairs not yet published as we make our
way to Lechlade for the monthly village hall fair, which
usually has around 20 stands, with silver, jewellery,
glass, porcelain, furniture, clocks and vintage clothing.
We shall have some time to visit the antique shops in
the town before continuing our journey home, with,
time permitting, a stop at Parade Antiques in
Marlborough. We return to Oxted early evening.
Friday 29 April Departing Oxted we travel to
Cirencester where we shall have some time to explore
the weekly antiques fair that is held in the Old Corn
Hall, here you will find an eclectic mix of antique
furniture, jewellery, silver and collectables. Early
afternoon we journey on to Gloucester Quays Antique
Centre. Housed in a thoughtfully restored historic
building and home to over 80 dealers spread over
three floors, it’s an Aladdin’s cave of cabinets and units
all stocked with collectables and goodies. You may
wish to take a short walk to the other side of the dock
and the antiques outlet, Upstairs Downstairs. Late
afternoon we continue on to our Newport hotel,
arriving early evening.
Saturday 30 April This morning we make our way to
Builth Wells, where you will find up to 1000 stands,
from near and far. Sited in two huge exhibition halls, 8
huge drive-in undercover buildings, with more outside
in Marquees on grass & hard standing, the Builth Wells
Fair promises to be a worthwhile visit. We shall spend
15
Guernsey by Air
9 – 13 May
Lying close to the northern coast of France and bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf
Stream, the island of Guernsey offers a truly unforgettable escape. Although only 24
square miles in size, Guernsey has it all: sparkling seas, golden sands, rugged cliffs,
picturesque harbours and fascinating countryside. The island’s capital, St. Peter Port, is
a town of character with winding cobbled streets, a variety of shops and a busy harbour.
Wander along the cliffs that inspired Renoir or explore the unique 19th-century home
of French writer Victor Hugo; treat yourself to a cream tea and a mooch around St Peter
Port’s cobbled streets.
© Visit Guernsey
£750.00 PER PERSON
What’s Included
✔ All rooms are en-suite with TV, telephone,
hairdryer, hospitality tray & free Wi-Fi
✔ Return flights from Gatwick
✔ Full day guided tour of the island
✔ Entry to Sausmarez Manor
✔ Day trip to Sark, with tractor bus transfer to
village, 2 hour horse drawn carriage ride with
entry to La Seigneurie Gardens
✔ Time to explore Guernsey
16
LA TRELADE HOTEL
St Martins
This quiet country house hotel is located in
the rural parish of St Martin, just 3 miles from
the picturesque town of St Peter Port. The
hotel has a heated indoor swimming pool and
health suite.
Monday 9 May Departing from your home, we take
you to Gatwick Airport for our flight to Guernsey. At
the time of going to print, flight times have not been
finalised, but we are hoping for a morning flight. On
arrival we shall be met by an Island Coachways coach.
Telephone: (01883)713633
preserved 18th century buildings in the Channel
Islands, with time to see the Subtropical Gardens,
which feature many exotic species. A stop for lunch
will be made at a convenient point, returning to our
hotel in time to relax before dinner.
Wednesday 11 May Departing the hotel after
breakfast we make the short journey to the harbour
for the 50 minute ferry ride to Sark where we take the
tractor drawn bus up to the village. We shall have
some free time to explore the village before a 2 hour
horse drawn carriage tour of the island, including a
visit to La Seigneurie Gardens, one of the most
enchanting gardens in the Channel Islands. Returning
to Guernsey late afternoon.
Thursday 12 May A day at leisure to further explore
this delightful island, catch up on some shopping or
simply relax and make the most of the leisure facilities
of the Island and hotel. (Buses run regularly to St Peter
Port from near the hotel).
© Visit Guernsey
Friday 13 May Departing from the hotel we are
transferred to Guernsey Airport for our return flight to
Gatwick. Again, we do not have confirmed flight times,
but have requested an early afternoon flight, to arrive
back at Gatwick mid afternoon.
The 9th May is Liberation Day on Guernsey and we
shall be able to either spend the rest of the day
enjoying the facilities at the hotel or continuing on to
St Peter Port, to see the Liberation Day celebrations
(no details available at the time of going to press),
with the coach returning at 6.00pm to take us back to
the hotel (£10 charge for this service).
Tuesday 10 May A full day guided tour of Guernsey
with Island Coachways to explore the beautiful
scenery, beaches and look-out points. During our tour
we shall visit the Little Chapel, beautifully decorated
with seashells, pebbles and broken china and have a
guided tour of Sausmarez Manor, one of the best
This holiday is operated by Greatdays Holidays
Ltd, ATOL 4279, for whom Skinners of Oxted is
an authorised retail agent. Please ask to see their
booking conditions. Greatdays Holidays’
cancellation scale applies.
Important: all passengers will be required to
present photographic identification upon check
in for flight to Guernsey.
Baggage allowance per person is 1 piece 20Kg,
plus one piece of hand luggage.
A deposit of £250.00 per person is required at
the time of booking, with final balance
due by 9/2/16.
17
The Scenic Scottish Borders
22-27 May
From the rolling hills and moorland in the west, through to the gentler valleys and high
agricultural plains of the east, the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside is so often
overlooked by visitors who hurry through on their way to the Highlands. Join us on this
break to the Border town of Peebles, on the banks of the River Tweed. Our visits include
a ride on the New Borders Railway, the Royal Yacht Britannia, New Lanark World Heritage
Site a Cashmere Mill tour and the Devil’s Porridge Museum.
£544.00 PER PERSON
What’s Included
✔ A total of 5 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
✔ All rooms are en-suite with TV, telephone,
hairdryer, hospitality tray & free Wi-Fi
✔ Ride on the Borders Railway
✔ Entry to Royal Yacht Britannia
✔ Time to explore Edinburgh, Peebles & Moffat
✔ Tour of Cashmere Mill
✔ Entry to Abbotsford House & Gardens with
guided tour of house
✔ Entry to New Lanark World Heritage Site
✔ Entry to Devil’s Porridge Museum
18
MERCURE BARONY CASTLE
HOTEL & SPA
Set in 25 acres of mature grounds near
Peebles, this imposing 16th century tower
house has evolved into a modern, welcoming
hotel with an indoor pool.
SAMLESBURY HOTEL
The Samlesbury Hotel offers a contemporary
and fresh experience, with ultra-modern
finishes, unsurpassed service and a strong
focus on attention to detail.
Telephone: (01883)713633
Sunday 22 May Departing Oxted and making stops
along the way for refreshments, we make our way
north to Peebles, our home for the next 4 nights.
Tuesday 24 May This morning we drive to Hawick,
where, after a short coffee break, we have a tour
around a cashmere mill, seeing how the cashmere is
dyed, teased, carded, spun and hand finished by the
craftsmen. Late morning we make our way to
Abbotsford House and Gardens, which was the home
of Sir Walter Scott the 19th century novelist, and
author of timeless classics such as Waverley, Rob Roy,
Ivanhoe and The Lady of the Lake. Here we shall have
time to find lunch in their restaurant before meeting
our guide for a tour of the house, followed by time to
explore the gardens.
Wednesday 25 May We head west this morning to
the New Lanark World Heritage Site where the history
of the cotton industry is brought back to life. This
beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village is
nestled in the spectacular south Lanarkshire
countryside and gives a fascinating insight into the life
and times of former mill manager and social pioneer
Robert Owen. We shall be free to explore the town
and travel back in time on the Annie McLeod
Experience, see the stunning views from the roof
garden, see how the mill workers lived, visit Robert
Owen’s School for Children and see the Working
©Royal Yacht Britannia
Monday 23 May After a leisurely breakfast, we make
our way to Tweedbank Station to board the new 30
mile long Borders Railway, opened by HM The Queen
on the day she became the longest serving UK
Monarch. When we arrive in Edinburgh, we shall have
some time to find lunch and have a look around
before re-joining the coach for the short journey to
the Royal Yacht Britannia which served the British
Royal Family for more than 40 years. An audio tour
lets you stroll around at your leisure and visit the
State Dining Room, the Queen’s Bedroom and crew’s
quarters as well as many other parts of the five decks.
Textile Machines. On our way back to the hotel, we
shall make a stop in Peebles town, giving time to
explore its range of independent shops.
Thursday 26 May Departing after breakfast we head
south, along Yarrow Water, past picturesque St Mary’s
Loch, the largest natural loch in the Scottish Borders,
to the former spa town of Moffat with its wide treelined high street and traditional shops. Here we shall
have some time to explore and maybe find an early
lunch before making our way on to The Devil’s
Porridge Museum, which tells the remarkable story of
the Greatest Munitions Factory on Earth, HM Factory
Gretna, and the extraordinary lives of the people who
worked there, . Following our visit we continue on to
our overnight hotel near Preston.
Friday 27 May Departing after breakfast we continue
our homeward journey, making stops along the way
and arriving back early evening.
19
Sidmouth
10-14 June
The picturesque town of Sidmouth on the south Devon Coast, is charming and unspoilt
and a sanctuary from the excesses of modern day tourism. Famed for its wealth of fine
architecture the town centre oﬀers an excellent range of individual shops and is a
pleasure to browse.
£533.00 PER PERSON
© Flickr - Judith
(Nat Trust members less
£26.50, but must bring card)
What’s Included
✔ Time to explore Sidmouth, Exeter &
Salisbury
✔ Entry to Kingston Lacy
✔ Entry to Buckland Abbey
✔ Boat ride on Exeter Canal
✔ Entry to Tintinhull Gardens
20
ROYAL YORK & FAULKNER HOTEL,
Sidmouth
This magnificent Regency building, dating
from 1810 enjoys an unrivalled position at the
centre of Sidmouth’s elegant Esplanade,
adjacent to the picturesque town centre.
Owned and personally run by the Hook
family, resident proprietors for three
generations, the hotel has earned a long
standing reputation for hospitality and service.
Telephone: (01883)713633
© Flickr - Mark Whittaker
Sir Richard Grenville and then bought by Sir Francis
Drake. It now has a combination of furnished rooms
and interactive galleries which tell the story of how
these two men changed the shape of the house and
the fate of the country. Discover the estate, the
meadows and the orchards and enjoy the peace and
tranquillity of the Tavy Valley and the far-reaching
views.
Friday 10 June Departing Oxted we make our way to
Kingston Lacy, an elegant country Mansion and Estate
near Wimborne Minster. Home to one of the finest
private collections of paintings in Britain with work by
Rubens, Van Dyck, Tintoretto, Titian and Brueghel,
Kingston Lacy was the home of one of the most
powerful families of Dorset – the Bankes family. Stroll
around the Japanese Garden, complete with authentic
tea house, take a sheltered walk through the woodland
and visit the newly restored Orchid House. Following
our visit we continue our journey to Sidmouth where
we shall be greeted with afternoon tea.
Monday 13 June This morning we make our way to
Exmouth Dock where we board a boat to cruise the
oldest working shipping canal in Europe – the
Exmouth Canal! We shall sail through 8 miles of manmade waterway, making use of two manually operated
locks at Turf Locks and Double Locks, sailing under the
M5 motorway and cause the main Exeter to Dawlish
road to come to a halt as the Countess Weir swing
bridge is opened to allow our passage through. Arriving
in Exeter approx. 1.30pm, we shall have some time to
find a late lunch and explore before returning to our
hotel.
Tuesday 14 June Leaving the hotel after breakfast,
we make our way to Tintinhull Gardens near Yeovil. The
2 acre Arts and Crafts garden surrounding a 17thcentury Grade I listed house is modelled on that at
Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire. Late
morning we drive on to Salisbury where we shall have
time to find lunch and explore before continuing our
homeward journey, arriving early evening.
Saturday 11 June A day at leisure to explore this
delightful seaside town.
© Flickr Clive
Sunday 12 June After breakfast we make our way
along the southern edge of the Dartmoor National
Park to Buckland Abbey. Cistercian monks built the
Abbey and the incredible Great Barn and farmed the
then vast estate. It was later converted into a home by
21
Suffolk’s Coast & Villages
31 July to 4 August
With 40 miles of Heritage Coast set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Suffolk
exudes a feeling of peace and tranquillity. On this tour we visit the seaside towns of
Aldeburgh and Southwold and explore the rural villages, lush green meadows, rich
farmlands and sandy heathlands depicted by the famous painters Constable and
Gainsborough. With a visit to a historic WWI airfield and a boat trip, there is surely
something for everyone.
£460.00 PER PERSON
© Flickr - Gideon Chilton
(Nat Trust members less £6.00,
What’s Included
✔ Entry to Stow Maries Aerodrome Museum
with guided tour & light lunch
✔ Full day guided Painters Trail tour
✔ Time to explore Aldeburgh, Southwold,
Colchester, Ipswich, Lavenham & Bury St
Edmunds
✔ Full day guided Suffolk Villages tour
22
BEST WESTERN MARKS TEY HOTEL
Colchester
The facilities include Lifestyle Health and
Leisure Club with a heated indoor swimming
pool, steam room, sauna and gym.
Sunday 31 July Departing Oxted we make our way
to Stow Maries Aerodrome: Europe’s largest surviving
World War I Aerodrome and a unique and poignant
reminder of a different time, with most of the
buildings on the site now Grade II* listed. Here we
shall have morning coffee before seeing a short film
about the airfield and having a guided tour of this
Telephone: (01883)713633
Dedham, many of whose buildings feature in
Constable’s landscapes and are easily recognisable. We
end the day by visiting Colchester with an optional
guided walk through the castle gardens.
© Flickr - Timelapsed
Tuesday 2 August Departing after breakfast we make
our way to the pretty fishing town of Aldeburgh, with
time to find morning coffee before journeying on
through Thorpeness, where we shall see the house in
the clouds: a water tower that is now a holiday home.
We continue on to the timeless and delightful resort
of Southwold, little changed since Victorian times.
Here we shall have time to find lunch and explore
before returning to our hotel.
fascinating site. If we are lucky, we may even see some
planes coming and going. The site is also a thriving
habitat for rare owls and other traditional British
wildlife. Following our tour we shall have a light lunch
before making our way to Beth Chatto Gardens. From
an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and
boggy hollows in 1960, it has been transformed into
an informal garden harmonising with the surrounding
countryside. The plant nursery has knowledgeable staff
on hand to offer help and advice. We continue on to
our hotel arriving in good time to relax before dinner.
Monday 1 August We have a full day guided
Constable Country tour today visiting East Bergholt,
Constable’s birthplace, Flatford Mill, once owned by
Constable’s father and the subject of the Haywain and
Wednesday 3 August Our guide joins us again today
for a tour through some of the prettiest villages in
England. Starting in Sudbury, famous for its silk
industry and for being the birthplace of Thomas
Gainsborough. You may wish to visit the Gainsborough
Museum (entry not included) or just enjoy the town.
We then drive through Long Melford, where stately
manor houses combine with timber framed cottages,
Cavendish and Clare en route to the historic market
town of Bury St Edmunds where we shall have time to
find lunch. We conclude our tour in Lavenham, often
described as the “finest medieval town in England”. We
shall visit the Guildhall of Corpus Christi, which tells
the story of one of the best preserved and wealthiest
towns in Tudor England and have some time to
explore the town before returning to our hotel.
Thursday 4 August This morning we board the
Orwell Lady in Ipswich for a 2½ hour cruise taking us
through the historic locks, under the Orwell Bridge
down river to Pin Mill seeing the majestic sights of
Freston Tower and the beautiful surrounding Suffolk
countryside. At Pin Mill we turn and make our way
back up river. Following our cruise we shall have some
time to explore Ipswich before making our way home.
Arriving back in Oxted approx. 5.30pm.
23
North Wales
14-19 August
Staying in the historic castle town of Caernarfon on the northern edge of Snowdonia, on
this holiday we take a tour round Anglesey, visit one of North Wales’ best kept secrets,
Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, take a ride on the Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno, and
journey the full length of the UK’s longest heritage railway from Caernarfon to
Porthmadog, taking in some fine mountain scenery in the Snowdonia National Park.
£578.00 PER PERSON
© Flickr - andrew james
What’s Included
✔ Time to explore Kidderminster, Caernarfon,
Beaumaris, Llandudno, Criccieth &
Shrewsbury
✔ Scenic drive round Anglesey
✔ Entry to Plas Cadnant Gardens
✔ Ride on the Great Orme Tramway
✔ Ride on the Welsh Highland Railway
✔ Scenic drive through the Llanberis pass
24
CELTIC ROYAL HOTEL,
Caernarfon
This stylish hotel, located in Caernarfon, has
110 en-suite bedrooms, a fine dining
restaurant, a chic Art Deco bar and a leisure
club with a high tech gym, indoor heated
swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam
room.
Sunday 14 August Departing Oxted and making
refreshment stops en route, we make our way to
Kidderminster, famous as a centre for the production
of quality woven carpets and as the birthplace of Sir
Telephone: (01883)713633
© Flickr - Herbert Ortner
Rowland Hill, the founder of the Penny Post. Here we
shall have time to find lunch and explore before
continuing on to Caernarfon, our home for the next
five nights.
Monday 15 August A day at leisure to relax in
Caernarfon, a bustling and historic town overlooking
the Menai Strait and dominated by its castle.
Tuesday 16 August After breakfast we cross the
Britannia Bridge to the island of Anglesey, making a
brief photo stop at
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyllllantysiliogogogoch before journeying on to Llynnon
Mill, the only working windmill in Wales (entry to mill
not included). We make our way around the Anglesey
coast to Beaumaris, where we shall have time to find
lunch and explore. Early afternoon we drive the short
distance to Plas Cadnant Gardens, described as one of
North Wales’ best kept secrets. Much like at Heligan in
Cornwall, these gardens became overgrown and “lost”
in the early part of the 20th century, being
rediscovered in 1996. Three different gardens have
been discovered: a walled garden, a valley garden and
an upper woodland garden and are being restored to
their former glory.
where we board the Tramway that climbs a mile up
the Great Orme, changing trams at the Halfway
Station, where there is an exhibition about the history
of the fascinating funicular and a chance to view the
Victorian engineering. You may wish to visit the
Orme’s amazing Bronze Age Copper Mines before
continuing your journey to the summit where, on a
clear day, it’s possible to see as far as the Isle of Man,
Blackpool and the Lake District! Our tickets allow us to
come down when we¹re ready, so take time to have
a coffee, visit the exhibition or just admire the views.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this
town known as the ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts’.
Thursday 18 August This morning we board the
Welsh Highland Railway, the UK’s longest heritage
railway for a 25 mile journey from Caernarfon, past
the foot of Snowdon and the picture postcard village
of Beddgelert, through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass
and on to Porthmadog. Here we re-join the coach for
the short journey to the lovely seaside town of
Criccieth, where we shall have time to find lunch and
maybe sample the locally made renowned
Cadwaladers ice cream… We make our way back to
Caernarfon through the Llanberis pass.
Friday 19 August Departing the hotel after breakfast,
we commence our homeward journey, making a stop
in Shrewsbury, with time to find lunch and explore
before continuing, arriving in Oxted early evening.
Wednesday 17 August This morning we make our
way to the beautiful Victorian town of Llandudno,
25
28th August – 8th September
The countryside of Tuscany is stunningly beautiful with a landscape of vineyards, olive
groves and medieval hill-top towns and villages. Our holiday base is the spa resort of
Montecatini Terme, with a laid back atmosphere, plenty of shops, restaurants and cafés,
lovely gardens and a funicular leading to the old part of town, offering lovely views.
£1326.00 PER PERSON
Single Room Supp: £231
What’s Included
✔ A total of 11 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
✔ All bedrooms are en-suite with TV &
telephone
✔ Time to explore Lucerne, Montecatini, Lucca,
Florence & Como
✔ Full day trip to the Cinque Terre by boat
✔ Train journey to & from Florence with
guided walking tour of Florence
✔ Gala dinner with Vin Santo & Cantucci at
Ercolini & Savi hotel
MERCURE STRASBOURG AEROPORT
Situated in a beautiful garden, the hotel has
an outdoor swimming pool.
HOTEL BELLEVUE,
Seelisberg
Situated high above Lake Lucerne, this familyrun hotel has magnificent views of Lake
Lucerne and the mountains.
ERCOLINI & SAVI HOTEL,
Montecatini Terme
This family-run hotel is located in a 19th
century Art Nouveau-style building, close to
the centre of the town and combines
traditional Tuscan decor with air-conditioned
rooms.
HOTEL COMO,
Como
The hotel is a 10 minute walk from the city’s
historical centre and a 20 minute stroll from
the beautiful lake and its landmarks.
26
Telephone: (01883)713633
GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL,
Troyes
The bedrooms are air conditioned and the
hotel has an outdoor swimming pool.
Sunday 28 August Departing Oxted, we make our
way to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais and
thereafter on to our overnight hotel in Strasbourg.
Monday 29 August We cross from France to
Switzerland and continue on to Seelisberg, where we
are staying for 2 nights.
Tuesday 30 August After a leisurely breakfast we
make the short journey to Lucerne, where we shall be
at leisure to enjoy the mountain scenery and crystal
clear lake waters. You may wish to take a boat trip on
the lake, walk across the famous Chapel Bridge and
have an ice cream, or wander around, soaking up the
atmosphere and admiring the scenery, the numerous
shops and great architecture.
Wednesday 31 August This morning we journey on
across Switzerland into Italy and on to Montecatini
Terme, our home for the next five nights.
Thursday 1 September A short walk to the railway
station for the train to Florence, where we have a 2
hour guided walking tour of this beautiful city, with
the remainder of the day free to explore before our
return train journey.
Friday 2 September Today we head to La Spezia for a
full day excursion by boat to explore the picturesque
coastal region known as the Cinque Terre or Five
Lands. Monterrosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and
Riomaggiore are the five villages that make up the
Cinque Terre and they are fringed by the tall and
precipitous cliffs lying between La Spezia and Levanto
on the Gulf of Genoa. These villages, linked only by a
narrow winding country road, are individually
accessible by boat, and in consequence of their
remoteness, have preserved their olde-worlde aspect.
Saturday 3 September A day at leisure to explore
the lovely thermal spa resort of Montecatini Terme, an
elegant town with delightful tree-lined avenues
surrounding large parks and gardens where you can
find the thermal springs housed in beautiful ornate
buildings. Perhaps take a ride on the funicular railway
that climbs up to the delightful square in Montecatini
Alto, the original medieval part of the town from
where there are spectacular views of the Tuscan
countryside.
Sunday 4 September We head to the lovely town of
Lucca this morning, famous for its Renaissance-era
city walls that have remained intact and the birthplace
of Giacomo Puccini. Here we shall be free to explore.
You may wish to stroll around the city walls, visit the
Puccini Museum or maybe see the Cathedral of St
Martin, with its precious relic of the Volto Santo di
Lucca, or Sacred Countenance. Mid afternoon we make
our way back to Montecatini. Tonight we have a gala
dinner at our hotel.
Monday 5 September After breakfast we take our
leave of Montecatini and make our way north to
Como.
Tuesday 6 September A day at leisure to explore
Como town, with its excellent shopping, lively cafélined squares and a beautiful 11th Century basilica and
neoclassical temple.
Wednesday 7 September We leave Italy today,
making our way across Switzerland to our overnight
hotel in Troyes.
Thursday 8 September We continue our homeward
journey today, arriving back in Oxted mid evening.
27
23-25 September
Often very moving, but always fascinating, this dramatic tour visits places in France where
some of the most emotive battles of the First World War took place. 2016 is the 100th
anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Verdun. On this tour we visit some of the
many memorials, cemeteries and museums in these regions.
£295.00 PER PERSON
© Flickr - Piefke La Belle
What’s Included
✔ 2 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, with a
packed lunch for Sunday
✔ Visit to Vimy Ridge Memorial, with tunnel
tour
✔ Time to explore Arras, Verdun & Péronne
✔ Journey along part of the Chemin des
Dames
✔ Entry to Citadelle Souterraine, Verdun
✔ Entry to Fort Douaumont
✔ Visit to Douaumont Ossuary
✔ Visit to the Trench of Bayonets
✔ Visit to the destroyed village of Fleury
28
✔ Visit to Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
and Memorial
✔ Entry to Museum of the Great War in
Péronne, with packed lunch
✔ Visit to South Africa (Delville Wood)
National Memorial, Longueval
✔ Visit to Devonshire Cemetery
✔ Visit to Lochnagar Mine Crater
✔ Visit to Thiepval Memorial
CAMPANILE REIMS TASSY HOTEL
The Campanile Hotel has 48 rooms. Enjoy
traditional and contemporary dishes in the
pleasant dining room or on the terrace. The
hotel offers free WiFi.
Telephone: (01883)713633
of Bayonets”, where on June 12th 1916 the 137th
Regiment of French infantry was annihilated almost to
the last man. Our next stop is the destroyed village of
Fleury, one of nine villages that were not rebuilt after
the war. On our way back to Reims, we make a stop at
the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and
Memorial. Here in a site covering 130.5 acres, rest the
largest number of US military dead in Europe, a total
of 14,246. Most of those buried here lost their lives
during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I.
Saturday 24 September This morning we make our
way to the Citadelle Souterraine in Verdun, where we
board a small train for an audio-guided tour of the
tunnels, discovering the everyday life of the French
soldiers during the First World War. After finding lunch
in Verdun, we take a walk in the woods near
Douaumont on our way to Fort Douaumont, before
driving the short distance to the Douaumont Ossuary
where the bodies of 130,000 French and German
soldiers lie at rest. We continue on to perhaps the
most chilling place in this area, the so-called “Trench
© Flickr - Andy Hay
Friday 23 September Departing Oxted early
morning, we drive to Dover for the ferry to Calais, and
continue on to Vimy Ridge. Here we shall have time to
visit the memorial - a stunning piece of architecture,
dominating the landscape for miles around - tunnels
and trenches. Following our visit, we make our way to
Arras, where we shall have time to find lunch. We
follow part of the Chemin des Dames as we make our
way to our hotel in Reims.
Sunday 25 September We make our way to the
Museum of the Great War in Péronne, which gives a
comparative and objective view of the painful
experiences of the three main nations at war. Our next
stop is the South Africa (Delville Wood) National
Memorial, Longueval, the only memorial dedicated to
the participation of the South African Forces on the
1914-1918 Western Front. We continue on to the
Devonshire Cemetery at Mametz. Over 160 men of
the 8th and 9th Devonshire Regiment were retrieved
from where they had fallen in action in No-Mans-Land
and the German positions on the first day of the
Battle of the Somme. They were buried in a section of
this trench near a small wood called Mansell Copse.
Our next stop is the Lochnagar Mine Crater, the
largest man-made mine crater created in the First
World War on the Western Front. We then drive the
short distance to the Thiepval Memorial to the
Missing, which bears the names of 72,194 officers and
men of the United Kingdom and South African forces.
Following this visit, we make our way back to Calais,
arriving back in Oxted late evening.
29
Devon Antiques
30 September - 2 October
We make a return to Devon, visiting the Matford Centre Antique and Collectors Fair just
south of Exeter. Whilst in Devon we shall check out two antiques centres in Honiton and
the interesting and friendly Trading Post antiques in Tytherleigh. Returning on Sunday
via Marlborough and Hungerford and any minor fairs not yet published.
£216.00 PER PERSON
What’s Included
✔ Entry to antique fairs not included
30
HILTON HOTEL,
BRISTOL
Livingwell Health Club with swimming pool,
spa, sauna and steam room.
Telephone: (01883)713633
Friday 30 September Departing Oxted we make our
way to the Brackley Antique Cellar near Banbury,
boasting 30,000 sq feet of floor space, with more than
180 dealers and 50 show cases, selling high quality
furniture, china, gold and silver jewellery, militaria and
kitchenalia. We continue on to the Malt House
Emporium at Stroud, one of the biggest Emporiums in
the UK, covering 15,000 sq feet over 2 floors. Late
afternoon we continue on to our Bristol hotel, arriving
early evening.
near Axminster before returning to our hotel.
Sunday 2 October We seek out local Sunday village
fairs, where so often bargains are to be found,
returning via Marlborough and Parade Antiques then
the historic Berkshire town of Hungerford and the
popular Arcade where over 100 dealers have cabinets.
Returning home early evening.
Saturday 1 October This morning we make our way
south to the Matford Centre Antiques and Collectors
Fair, where you will find up to 250 traders inside and
out, with a wide range of antiques and collectables.
Leaving after lunch we make a stop in Honiton to
check out the antiques centres and then make a final
stop at the Trading Post Antiques Centre at Tytherleigh
31
Lakeland Rambler & Mountain Goat
2 - 7 October
The sheer beauty of the Lake District has inspired poets and artists for centuries so the
area needs little introduction. Join us as we take you off the beaten track to discover some
hidden gems of the Lake District with a fantastic ‘Mountain Goat’ minibus tour which
reaches the parts we cannot! We visit the ruined castle and gardens at Lowther; Hill Top,
the home of Beatrix Potter, who would have been 150 this year and Dove Cottage, home
of William Wordsworth. We take a steamer ride on Lake Windermere and visit the
Lakeland Motor Museum. A holiday you are sure to remember
£565.00 PER PERSON
© Flickr - Ian Livesey
Twin/Double for sole occupancy
£125.00
What’s Included
✔ Time to explore Grange-over-Sands,
Grasmere & Bowness
✔ Entry to Lowther Castle Gardens with
guided tour
✔ Mountain Goat High Adventure, including a
ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway &
entry to Muncaster Castle Gardens
✔ Entry to Hill Top
✔ Guided tour of Dove Cottage & special
interest talk
✔ Ride on Windermere Steamer
✔ Entry to Lakeland Motor Museum
32
THE CUMBRIA GRAND HOTEL,
Grange-over-Sands
Set in 20 acres of woodland and gardens with
views over Morecambe Bay, this traditional
hotel has retained its Victorian grandeur
Sunday 2 October Departing Oxted and making
refreshment stops en route, we make our way to
Grange-over-Sands, our home for the next 5 nights.
Monday 3 October After a leisurely breakfast, we
make our way to Lowther Castle, a romantic ruined
castle presiding over 130 acres of lost historic gardens
in the process of reclamation. The castle and grounds
had been left to run wild for over 70 years until they
became the subject of one of Europe’s largest
reclamation and restoration projects in 2011. After
time for morning coffee, we have a guided tour, during
Telephone: (01883)713633
Stuart Rayner
described by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot
that man hath ever found”. Here we shall have some
time to find lunch and explore the village before our
early afternoon tour of Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s
home for eight years, followed by a talk from one of
the curators of the museum covering subjects such as
Romanticism and family life in Dove Cottage and The
Lake District. Following our visit we make our way
along the eastern edge of Lake Windermere back to
the hotel.
which we shall hear about the castle, why it is a ruin
and the plans for the future. Early afternoon we return
to Grange, where we shall be at leisure to explore.
Tuesday 4 October Today it’s High Adventure, as we
depart the hotel on the Mountain Goat minibuses. The
tour focuses around the Western Lake District
travelling over the famous mountain passes; Hardknott
and Wrynose, which are some of the steepest in Great
Britain. During the day we will have time to enjoy a
narrow gauge heritage train ride aboard the railway
affectionately known as La’al Ratty, see England’s
deepest lake and visit the grounds of the 14th-century
Muncaster Castle.
Thursday 6 October After a leisurely breakfast, we
drive to Bowness-on-Windermere, where we shall
have some time to explore before boarding our late
morning steamer for the trip down the lake to
Lakeside. Here we board the coach for the short
journey to the Lakeland Motor Museum, where we
find a diverse and unique road transport collection of
some 30,000 exhibits assembled over a period of
almost 50 years thoughtfully displayed alongside
many non-motoring additions. There is a separate
Campbell Bluebird Exhibition with full size replicas of
some of the cars and boats.
Friday 7 October This morning we take our leave of
the beautiful Lake District and make our way home,
making stops along the way and arriving early evening.
Wednesday 5 October This morning we enjoy the
tale of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill Top. Full of her
favourite things, this house appears as if Beatrix has
just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a
reference to a picture in a ‘tale’. After looking around
the house and garden, we continue on to Grasmere,
33
Chrysanthemum Festival, Lahr
17 to 21 October
The Black Forest is an area of exquisite beauty and relaxing serenity that enjoys a culture
and romance of legendary proportions. The source of such important rivers as the Neckar
and the Danube, and countless lesser streams winding down to the Rhine, the Black Forest
presents scenes of beauty and charm at every turn. We visit the historic town of Lahr as it
comes alive with colour during the unique Black Forest Chrysanthemum Festival. It is an
unforgettable event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. We also take a boat trip
round Strasbourg and visit a glass blowing works.
£392.00 PER PERSON
What’s Included
✔ All bedrooms have private facilities, TV &
hairdryer
✔ Entry to Glass Museum
✔ Demonstration of glass blowing
✔ Time to explore Schiltach, Triberg, Lahr &
Strasbourg
✔ Visit to Chrysanthemum Festival
✔ Boat trip in Strasbourg
HOTEL BÄREN,
Oberharmersbach
This quaint family run hotel is located in the
Harmersbach valley in the heart of the Black
Forest.
Monday 17 October Departing Oxted we drive to
Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais and
thereafter make our way across France into Germany
to our hotel in the Black Forest.
Tuesday 18 October This morning we make the
short journey to Wolfach and the Black Forest’s only
34
Telephone: (01883)713633
Wednesday 19 October Today we make the short
journey to the historic town of Lahr to experience the
colourful annual chrysanthemum festival. Whilst here
stroll around to view the amazing and creative bright
yellow, blazing purple and intense orange floral
displays and dazzling garden designs created with
thousands of chrysanthemums, which transform this
picturesque town into a floral masterpiece. Marvel at
the chrysanthemums displayed in fascinating
arrangements, on artistic flowered cars and in the form
of original and rich cascades decorating house facades.
The festival also boasts a programme of cultural
events that take place throughout each day.
hand-blown glass factory, Dorotheenhütte, where we
can see 2,000 years of glass history in their museum.
See how the art of glass-making has evolved over the
years, along with displays of tools and moulds. Watch
the masters blowing glass and creating and grinding
delicate crystal stemware by hand - each cut a
carefully calculated combination of angle and pressure
- and possibly have the opportunity to try glass
blowing yourself! Dorotheenhütte’s ‘Glass Paradise’ is
appropriately named as it is truly a heaven for
shoppers with shelves and display tables stocked full
of finished vases, sets of stemware of all shapes and
shades, figurines, candleholders, and anything else
imaginable for home décor. Later we drive to
Schiltach, a pretty town with many half-timbered
houses surrounding the market square. Here we shall
have time to explore and find lunch before journeying
on to Triberg, the undisputed capital of cuckoo-clock
country, where we shall be free to explore the town
and see what is, allegedly, the ‘World’s Biggest Cuckoo
Clock’, although there are several claims to this title!
Thursday 20 October After breakfast we make our
way to Strasbourg, where we board a boat for a 1 hour
and 10 minutes cruise following the River Ill around
the Grand Île, which is the centre of Strasbourg. The
tour passes through the colourful La Petite France
area, including navigating two locks. The remainder of
the day will be at leisure to explore the capital of both
Europe and Alsace.
Friday 21 October Departing after breakfast we
make our way back across France to Calais and our
ferry home. Arriving back in Oxted mid evening.
35
Deck The Halls
13-16 November
Every Christmas, Chatsworth House is transformed with specially decorated trees,
displays of foliage and sparkling lights. Don't miss your chance to see the ancestral home
of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire in all its festive glory. We also visit Birmingham
Christmas Market, Bakewell and take a scenic drive through the Peak District.
£344.00 PER PERSON
What’s Included
✔ All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV,
telephone, hairdryer & hospitality tray
✔ Visit to Birmingham Christmas Market
✔ Entry to Chatsworth Estate and Christmas
Market
✔ Scenic drive through the Peak District
✔ Time to explore Birmingham, Bakewell,
Ashbourne, Buxton & Eyam
✔ Entry to Waddesdon Manor
36
MAKENEY HALL HOTEL
The impressive Victorian architecture of the
Makeney Hall Hotel sits in perfect harmony
within six acres of glorious landscaped
gardens, affording stunning views across the
Amber Valley
Sunday 13 November Departing Oxted we make our
way to Birmingham. Here we shall be at leisure to
experience Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
and Craft Fair (Birmingham has been twinned with
Frankfurt for more than 40 years) – dates of market
not confirmed at time of going to print. The Traditional
Telephone: (01883)713633
© Flickr - Sasha Taylor
our self-guided visit. Take a magical journey around
the lower floors, the Great Chamber and Guest
Bedrooms, complete with sumptuous garlands and
beautifully decorated trees. We shall then be at leisure
to enjoy the Christmas Market. With over 100 stalls
offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and
decorations, crafts, homeware, seasonal produce,
toiletries and clothing, you’ll be sure to find the
perfect presents for all the family, whilst enjoying live
seasonal musical entertainment and perhaps savouring
some mulled cider and German beer in the Bavarian
beer tent.
stalls offer an array of beautiful handmade toys,
Christmas decorations, original jewellery and craft
goods. Enjoy the delights of German mulled wine
(Glühwein), grilled sausages, German beer, and for
those with a sweet tooth, gingerbread, crepes and
marzipan sweets. At the heart of the market in Victoria
Square is a traditional bandstand where musicians
perform every lunchtime. Located right next to the
Christmas Market, the Craft Fair gives the chance to
browse an entirely different selection of items crafted
by local artisans, as well as goods imported from all
over the world by local traders. Mid afternoon we
continue on to our hotel, arriving in time to relax
before dinner.
Tuesday 15 November Today we take a scenic drive
through the Peak District, making a stop for morning
coffee in Ashbourne, a fine Georgian market town
famous for its gingerbread and mineral water. We
continue on to the spa town of Buxton, where we shall
have time to explore and find lunch before driving
through Tideswell to Eyam, the famous ‘plague village’,
which went into voluntary quarantine when the
plague was imported from London in 1665. Here we
shall be free to wander around this pretty village
before re-joining the coach for the journey back to the
hotel, passing through picturesque Stoney Middleton
on the way.
Wednesday 16 November Departing the hotel after
breakfast we make our way to Waddesdon Manor,
where beautiful decorations, events, food and gifts
come together in a seasonal celebration which is not
to be missed. Here we shall have plenty of time to
enjoy the House & Gardens before continuing our
homeward journey. Arriving back in Oxted approx.
5.00pm
© Flickr - Peter Dean
Monday 14 November After breakfast we drive to
Bakewell, home to the famous pudding. Here we shall
have some time to explore the town and find lunch
before making the short journey to Chatsworth House,
the country home of the Duke and Duchess of
Devonshire. We have a timed entry to the house for
37
Did you know...
We also provide coaches for private hire...
If you are a party leader or group organiser, we have a wealth
of experience in organising all aspects of group travel. We are
happy to advise on venues, routes and places of interest, both
within the UK and Europe, also ferry reservations, theatre
tickets, hotel accommodation and insurance... The choice is
yours!
At Skinners, every job is important to us and you are guaranteed our full attention and
understanding, no matter how big or how small the job... If our customers are happy,
then we are!
We can tailor make packages to suit your individual needs and would be pleased to pay
your group a visit to discuss the details for your proposed excursion or tour and offer
information and advice. You would also be very welcome to come and visit us and view
our coaches at Oxted .
Forthcoming Day Excursions
Sunday 10th January
Saturday 9th January
Brighton Ice Show Passion
Depart Oxted 9.15am (Route A) for Brighton, giving time to
explore the town and have lunch before making your way
to the Brighton Centre for the 1.00pm performance of
Passion. Arriving back at Godstone approx. 5.30pm.
Adult £47.75
Child £28.50
(Inclusive of Coach/South Balcony Seats at Show)
38
Stepping Out at the Mill, Sonning
Depart 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
entertainment and comfort beside the Thames. The Dinner
Theatre gives the opportunity to have a drink by the river and
view the working wheel in the Cocktail Bar. The oak-beamed
restaurant is the ideal setting in which to enjoy a freshly
home-cooked lunch before taking our seats for the matinée
performance of Stepping Out by Richard Harris. Return after
performance. Arriving back at Godstone by approx. 6.15pm.
Cost £69.99
(Inclusive of Coach/Two Course Lunch/Show)
Telephone: (01883)713633
Saturday 13th February
Saturday 9th April
Strictly Come
Dancing Live at
the O2
Stitching, Sewing
& Hobbycrafts
with Fashion &
Embroidery at
ExCel, London
Depart Oxted 11.15am
(Route A) for the drive to the
O2 where there will be time
for an early lunch before taking your seats for the 2.30pm
performance of Strictly Come Dancing Live, based on the
smash-hit BBC1 TV series. Refreshments available. Return
after performance. Arriving back at Godstone approx.
6.00pm.
Cost £72.90
(Inclusive of Coach/Block 405 Seats at Show)
Sunday 28th February
Canterbury & Snowdrops at
Goodnestone Park Gardens
Depart Oxted 9.30am (Route A) for the drive to Canterbury,
where we shall have some time to explore and find lunch
before, early afternoon, making our way to Goodnestone
Park Gardens. Here we shall have time to walk down the
fabulous Lime Avenue, carpeted with a million and more
snowdrops and enjoy the rest of the extensive gardens and
woodlands in winter. See the early miniature daffodils,
hellebores, daphnes, witch hazels, mahonias and bold winter
views. Refreshments available. Return leave 3.30pm. Arriving
back at Godstone approx. 5.00pm.
Adult £28.60
Child £21.50
(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Goodenstone Park Gardens)
Depart Oxted 8.45am (Route A) for ExCel and the
Stitching, Sewing and Hobbycrafts with Fashion and
Embroidery Show where you will find all the very latest
supplies and ideas in the world of stitching and creative
crafts, with lots of special features to enjoy, plus FREE
workshops, talks and demonstrations. Refreshments
available. Return leave 4.30pm, arriving back at Godstone
approx. 5.30pm.
Adult £32.15
Sen Cit £31.15
Child £17.35
(Inclusive of Coach/Entry to Both Shows)
(Details above relate to 2015 Show as details for 2016 as
event not available at time of going to print)
Saturday 18th June
It Runs in the Family
at the Mill, Sonning
Depart 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
entertainment and 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 the working wheel in the Cocktail Bar. The
oak-beamed restaurant is the ideal setting in which to enjoy
a freshly home-cooked lunch before taking our seats for the
matinée performance of It Runs in the Family by Ray
Cooney. Return after performance. Arriving back at Godstone
by approx. 6.15pm.
Cost £69.99
(Inclusive of Coach/Two Course Lunch/Show)
39
Door-to-Door Collection Service
40
Telephone: (01883)713633
We will arrange for you and your luggage to be
collected from your door upon departure and
taken to your coach, then upon your return,
collected from your tour coach and returned
to your door.
If you live within the black line, this service is
free of charge. If you live outside it, we will be
pleased to offer the same service for a small
additional charge.
Please ring our office for further details.
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All rights reserved.
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41
Coach Holiday Travel Insurance
A Special Holiday Travel Insurance Scheme is available for all passengers travelling on our holidays which is arranged
with ETI – International Travel Protection (the UK branch of Europäische Reiseverscherung AG) who are Licensed by
the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BAFIN – www.bafin.de) and approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority (FCA – www.fca.gov.uk) to undertake insurance business in the UK. Should you wish to take advantage of
our Holiday Travel Insurance please include the appropriate premium when booking your holiday.
DEMANDS AND NEEDS
This insurance policy will suit the Demands and Needs of an individual
or group(where applicable) who have no excluded pre-existing medical
conditions, are travelling in countries included within the policy terms
and who wish to insure themselves against unforeseen events detailed
in the cover section below. Subject to the terms, conditions and
maximum specified claim limits.
IMPORTANT
We will not provide you with advice about the suitability of this product
for your individual needs but will be happy to provide you with factual
information.
We summarise below the details of the insurance cover provided which
also includes SPECIALTY ASSISTANCE LTD - 24-hour emergency service.
The following is a brief summary of the cover available. Full details of
Cover, Policy Warranties and Exclusions will be forwarded with your
confirmation of booking. In any event you may ask for a specimen copy
of the Policy Wording before booking should you wish to examine this in
advance.
COVER
SUM INSURED UP TO
Cancellation
Up to £3,500
Missed Departure/Travel Delay
£600/£60
Personal Accident
£15,000
Medical and other Expenses including Curtailment
£2,000,000
Medical Inconvenience Benefit
£450 (£15 per day)
Personal Property/Loss of Passport
£1,500/£200
Personal Liability
£2,000,000
Delayed Baggage
£100
Legal Expenses
£25,000
POLICY EXCESS
Loss of Deposit £15, Cancellation, Curtailment, Holiday Abandonment
£50, Medical and Other Expenses, Personal Property and Money £50
each and every incident per Insured Person.
HEALTH CONDITIONS
If you are travelling within England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or
the Isles of Scilly:
You are not required to declare your medical conditions. However, you
must be able to comply with the following:
1. You are not aware of any reason why the trip could be cancelled or
cut short.
2. You are not travelling (a) against the advice of a medical practitioner
(b) for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment or (c) if you have
been given a terminal prognosis
42
3. You are not receiving or awaiting treatment for any illness or injury as
a hospital day case or inpatient as any claim arising from the illness
or injury will not be covered.
4. If you are on medication at the time of travel, your medical condition
must be stable and well controlled.
If your medical condition cannot comply with these terms then any
claim related to that condition will not be covered.
If you are travelling outside of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern
Ireland or the Isles of Scilly:
This insurance carries Health Conditions so you need to inform the
Towergate Medical Screening Department of any medical condition(s)
that may affect the Underwriters acceptance of your cover. If anyone to
be covered by this policy or anyone upon whose health the trip depends:
1. Has an existing or on-going medical condition(s)
2. Is taking any prescribed medication
3. Has or has had any condition(s) still requiring periodic review
4. Is awaiting any tests, treatment, investigation, referral or the results of
these.
You must telephone the Towergate Medical Screening Department on
0844 892 1698 to inform them of your medical condition(s). Office
hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays. You
may be required to pay an Additional Premium.
Failure to notify them may cause your circumstances to fall within a
policy exclusion.
PLEASE NOTE – you must also notify the Towergate Medical Screening
Department immediately of any changes in medical circumstances
arising between the date the policy is issued and the time of departure
for the trip. We must be informed of any fact which is likely to influence
us in the acceptance, assessment or continuance of the insurance.
Additional Terms may apply. Failure to do so may invalidate the
insurance, leaving you with no right to make a claim.
The Policy contains the following General Exclusions:
YOU ARE NOT COVERED for anything caused directly or indirectly by
you suffering from stress, anxiety or depression unless it has been
investigated and diagnosed as such by a Consultant specialising in the
relevant field, who must confirm in writing at your cost that you are fit
enough to take this trip.
Please note our Holiday Travel Insurance Scheme is only available
to United Kingdom Residents.
Skinners of Oxted is an Appointed Representative of ITC Compliance
Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct
Authority (their firm reference is 313486).
Telephone: (01883)713633
Holiday Insurance Premiums
DATES
TOUR
PREMIUM
25 – 28 February
André Rieu, Live in Cologne
£36.50
25 – 28 March
£20.65
4 – 8 April
£24.50
15 – 18 April
Dutch Bulbfields
£31.35
23 – 29 April
£27.70
29 April – 1 May
Welsh Antiques Weekend
£16.45
9 – 13 May
Guernsey by Air
£38.40
22 – 27 May
Scottish Borders
£25.90
10 – 14 June
Sidmouth, Cream of Devon
£24.50
31 July – 4 August
Suffolk’s Coast and Villages
£24.50
14 – 19 August
North Wales
£25.90
28 Aug – 8 Sept
£46.80
23 – 25 Sept
£22.30
30 Sept – 2 Oct
Devon Antiques Weekend
£16.45
2 – 7 October
Lake District
£25.90
17 – 21 October
Chrysanthemum Festival, Lahr, Germany
£32.90
13 – 16 November Deck The Halls
Travel insurance excess waiver
£20.65
£8.50
All of the above insurance premiums are inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax.
For travel insurance policies taken out after 31/12/15, premiums for Guernsey will be £39.15
& for Andre Rieu £37.20
43
Booking Conditions
Skinners of Oxted, 15 Barrow Green Road, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0NJ (partners SMN & DM Skinner)
OUR TRADING CHARTER WITH YOU
1. Does this Trading Charter Apply to My Booking? Yes, if you are booking a
“package” to which the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations 1992 apply and which does not comprise a flight, but not
otherwise. In brief, those Regulations apply to a booking of at least two of the
following components when sold or offered for sale at an inclusive price and when
the service covers a period of more than twenty-four hours or includes overnight
accommodation:• transport,
• accommodation,
• other tourist services not ancillary to transport or accommodation and
accounting for a significant proportion of the package.
2. Why should I read this? Because it is very important. Our Trading Charter
forms a key part of our agreement with you because it not only comprises the
booking terms and conditions for the booking of your package, but also the
Consumer Guarantee (described below) from The Bonded Coach Holidays Group
(“BCH Group”), part of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, providing
protection for the money you pay to us for the booking should we go out of
business. Both the booking terms and conditions and the Consumer Guarantee,
together with the confirmation of booking we give you at the time we commit to
your booking for you, together make up the legally binding contract between you
as the lead name making the booking, anyone else in your party and us. When
you make this booking as the lead name you undertake that you are 18 and have
the authority to accept, and do accept, on behalf of your party the terms of this
Trading Charter. This contract is made subject to the terms of this Trading Charter,
which are governed by English Law, and the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the
English Courts. However, if you are resident in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you
are able to choose the law and courts in your country, but if you wish to do so we
would ask you to request this before placing your booking. This Trading Charter
and the Consumer Guarantee will not apply to any booking involving any type of
flight. Instead, if you are booking a holiday which includes a flight, you will be
supplied with the full booking conditions of the ATOL holder arranging your
holiday with whom you have a contract. Your booking agent will have a copy or
alternatively you can request one prior to booking your holiday from.
3. How and when do I make this contract with you? We welcome you making
contact with us in a number of ways. You can write to us, phone us or email us.
Whichever way you contact us, the contract is made when your booking is entered
on to our reservation system and we issue a confirmation of booking. We will send
you the confirmation of your booking within 7 days. Please check this
confirmation very carefully to ensure all the information is correct and tell us, or
your agent, immediately of any errors.
4. How is my money for the package I book protected? Your money is
protected by the Consumer Guarantee described below and provided to you by
the BCH Group. This is possible because we subscribe to the Code of Conduct of
the BCH Group, which requires us to take out a bond from a financial entity in
favour of the BCH Group for it to use to provide protection for your package
money in the unlikely event that, for financial reasons, we can’t carry out our
booking obligations to you.
5. BCH Group Consumer Guarantee The Bonded Coach Holiday Group
guarantees to you that in the event of our failure through insolvency to provide
your package as booked, BCH Group will:
5.1 wherever possible, arrange for your package to be completed;
5.2 where failure occurs after your package has begun, arrange for you and
those in your party covered by the booking to be returned by an appropriate
means of transport to their UK area of departure;
5.3 if the package cannot be completed as booked, to reimburse your
booking-payments received by us, provided that BCH Group will first take in
to account and withhold an appropriate amount if any part of the service
has already been provided (including any substituted service) or you are
entitled to a refund from your credit card provider.
In the event that you are to be reimbursed under the BCH Group consumer
44
guarantee, you will be asked to assign absolutely to BCH Group any right, claim or
cause of action which you may have arising out of or connected with the subject
matter and will be asked to assist BCH Group in any claim brought by them
connected with the subject matter.
6. Payments by Credit Card If you made payment for the booking of any services
using a credit card it is likely in many circumstances that you have recourse
against the credit card company in the event of services not being supplied in
whole or in part due to the supplier’s financial failure. In those circumstances, you
will be advised to check that you have exhausted your remedies against the credit
card company.
7. When do I need to pay for my package and how much? We reserve the right
to alter the prices of any of the packages that we advertise. At the time of booking
you will be told the current price of the package. You can book by paying a deposit
for each person named on the booking. You will be told at what point in time you
will become committed to a booking, but we are not committed to the booking
until such time as we provide you with our confirmation of booking. Our
commitment is always conditional upon any balance being paid before the dates
listed below.If you book within our balance due period you will need to pay the
total package cost at the time of your booking. If you do not pay the outstanding
balance for your package on or before the date when it is due we may cancel your
booking and you will be required to pay the cancellation charges detailed below.
The date of cancellation will normally be the date on which we receive your
written confirmation that you intend to cancel or 15 days after the balance due
date, whichever comes first. Deposit £50.00 per person Your balance is due 6
weeks prior to departure Deposit for Norwegian Fjords cruise 15% of holiday
price, payable direct to Greatdays Your balance for Norwegian Fjords cruise is due
15 weeks prior to departure, payable direct to Greatdays Where optional items are
purchased as part of the package these are payable on the balance due date
except where items, such as theatre tickets, have been specifically purchased for
you. In this case the cost will be payable at a separate date notified to you and will
not normally be refundable unless we obtain a refund from the supplier we use.
8. If I use an agent who does my money belong to? Your agent will hold your
deposit on your behalf until we issue a confirmation of your booking, which
confirms there is a contract between us. The agent then holds this money on our
behalf. The agent holds the balance you pay on our behalf until the date the
balance is due. The agent will then forward to us.
9. Can you change the price of my package after you have issued the booking
confirmation? Yes we can, but only in very limited circumstances and not within
30 days of your departure. The price of your package can be varied due to changes
in:- Transportation costs such as fuel and/or fuel tax, ferry operator fares and tolls,
embarkation or disembarkation fees at terminals; Exchange rates applied to the
particular package booked; or Dues and taxes including changes in VAT or any
other Government imposed charges. In the case of any variation described above,
an amount equivalent to 2% of the price of your package, which excludes
insurance premiums and any amendment charges, will be absorbed. An
administration fee of £1 per person will be paid by you. If this means that you
would have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your package
before increase, you may cancel it and receive a full refund of all monies paid,
except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of
insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse
your policy. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your
right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your revised invoice.
Alternatively, you can accept an offer of an alternative comparable package of
equivalent or superior quality, if available, or an alternative package of lower
quality, if available. You may then transfer payment made in respect of the original
package to the alternative package. If the cost of the alternative package is less
than the original package, the difference in price will be refunded. We will also pay
compensation as set out below. Please note that travel arrangements are not
always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on
the price of your package due to contractual and other protection in place.
Telephone: (01883)713633
We calculate the price of your package using the exchange rates quoted
www.xe.com on 10/10/14 using the following currency: Euro 1.269.
10. Can I change my package arrangements? After we have issued our booking
confirmation we will do our best to accommodate any changes you may want to
make but we cannot guarantee to do so. Any changes must be notified to us in
writing and signed by the person who signed the booking form. If we are able to
make the changes an amendment fee of £10 will be payable plus the cost that we
incur in making the amendment. The costs of making a change increases the closer
to the departure date you want to make it. Some arrangements, like particular
types of tickets, cannot be changed without paying a cancellation charge of up to
100% of the cost of the ticket.
11. Can I transfer my booking to someone else? You can transfer your booking
to someone else provided you give us reasonable notice. This person must be able
to satisfy all the conditions for the package and a change cannot normally be
made later than seven days prior to departure. We will make an administration
charge of £10 per booking for every transfer we make plus any reasonable
additional costs caused by the transfer. You will remain responsible for ensuring
that the package is paid for by the balance due date. This is in addition to (and
does not affect) the separate liability of the transferee to us.
12. How can I cancel my package? You, or any member of your party, may cancel
at any time provided that the cancellation is made by the person in whose name
we issued the confirmation of booking and is communicated to us in writing via
the office at which you made your original booking. You will have to pay
cancellation charges set out in the scale below to cover our estimated loss
resulting from the cancellation. If you are insured against cancellation you may be
able to recover the charges from your insurers. Your cancellation will take effect
from the date when either the travel agent or we receive your written
confirmation of your cancellation. You must also return any tickets or vouchers
that you have received. A reduction in room occupancy may increase the charges
for the remaining passengers by the application of supplements for low occupancy
of rooms.
13. Scale of Cancellation Charges
For all departures except Norwegian Cruise
Period before departure
Amount of cancellation
within which written
charge as a % of total
cancellation of package
of package cost
price is received
More than 42 days
Deposit Only
28-42 days
30%
14-27 days
45%
7-13 days
60%
0-6 days
100%
For Norwegian Fjords Cruise
For all departures except Norwegian Cruise
Period before departure
Amount of cancellation
within which written
charge as a % of total
cancellation of package
of package cost
price is received
91 days or more
15%
57-90 days
60%
42-56 days
75%
16-41 days
85%
0-15 days
100%
14. What happens if you change my package? The arrangements for your
package will usually have been made many months in advance. Sometimes
changes are unavoidable and we reserve the right to make them at any time. Most
of these changes are likely to be minor and we will do our best to keep you or
your booking agent informed.
If, after booking and before departure, we make a significant change to your
package you will have the option of withdrawing from the package without
penalty or alternatively you may transfer to another package without paying an
administration fee. In either case we will pay you compensation according to the
scale set out below.
A significant change includes a change in departure time or return time of more
than 12 hours, a change of departure point, location of resort or type of hotel,
(excluding single overnight hotels on touring packages where the quality of the
hotel is comparable), a change of mode when crossing the Channel, or the
specification of the coach.
If you withdraw from the package because we have made a significant change or if
we have to cancel your package for any reason other than non-payment by you
we will offer you the choice of:
• A comparable replacement package if available; or:
• a replacement package of lower quality together with a refund of the price
difference; or:
• a full refund of the money you have paid.
When we have notified you of the changes and options available, you must tell us
your decision as soon as possible and within any timescale we may set bearing in
mind the need to safeguard the booking arrangements of other customers.
15. Scale of Compensation We will pay you compensation for significant
changes on the following scale:
Period before departure in which significant
Amount per person
change is notified to you or your agent
More than 42. days
Nil
28 to 42 days
£10
14 to 27 days
£15
7 to 13 days
£20
0 to 6 days
£25
Payment of compensation according to the scale set out above will not affect your
statutory right to claim further compensation if, in all the circumstances, you
remain dissatisfied. If, prior to departure, we make a significant change to your
package arrangements or cancel your package we will pay you compensation on
the above scale unless:• the package is cancelled because the number of persons who agreed to take it is
less than the minimum number required, and you were informed of the
cancellation in writing within the period indicated in the description of the
package; or where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented
or affected (for example but not limited to delay, cancellations, change of
itinerary, change of accommodation, change of transport) by “Force Majeure”.
Force Majeure means an event which we or the supplier(s) of the service(s) in
question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid and is therefore an
event beyond our or the supplier’s reasonable control. These events include but
are not limited to strikes, riots, political/civil unrest, government acts, hostilities,
war, threat of war, terrorist activity or threat of terrorist activity, industrial
disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, tornadoes, hurricanes,
transportation problems, airport closures, and severe weather conditions. We
suggest that you take out adequate travel insurance to cover such eventualities.
[In the unlikely event that the performance of our contractual obligations are
prevented or affected due to Force Majeure after departure, we regret we will be
unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any from our suppliers)]
Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may
constitute Force Majeure. We will follow the advice given by the Foreign Office.
Payment of compensation according to the scale set out above will not affect your
statutory right to claim further compensation if, in all the circumstances, you
remain dissatisfied. If, after departure, we need to make a change to a significant
proportion of your package we will do our best to make suitable alternative
arrangements at no extra cost to you. If it proves impossible to make suitable
alternative arrangements, or if you have reasonable grounds for refusing the
alternative offered, we will arrange transport back to your point of departure, or to
an alternative location that we agree to, Unless the change is as a result of
unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control (force majeure as
described above), you will also be entitled to compensation.
16. What is the extent of our liability? Your package contract with us will be
performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. We accept responsibility if
you or customers named in the booking suffer death or personal injury, or the
contractual arrangements are not provided as promised as a result of the failure of
us or our agents or suppliers or the employees of each whilst acting in the course
45
Booking Conditions Continued
of their employment unless the failure or improper performance is due to:• you, or
• any of the following:
• a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements,
or
• unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the
consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care
had been exercised, or
• an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not
foresee or forestall
provided that in these 3 events we would still endeavour to give prompt
assistance if you are in difficulty and, if you inform us that you don’t believe you
have received the contracted service, we will make prompt efforts to find
appropriate solutions. For claims which involve death or personal injury we do not
impose any restriction upon our liability to the extent that it arises from our
negligence.
For all other claims which do not involve personal injury or death:
• the most we will have to pay if we are liable to you is twice the price you’ve paid
for your package (not including insurance premiums and amendment charges).
• Our liability will also be limited in accordance with/or in line with all relevant
international convention. These include the Athens Convention (applies to
transport by ship), the Berne Convention (applies to transport by rail), the
Geneva Convention (applies to transport by road) and the Paris Convention
(applies to accommodation). You can get copies of the relevant conventions from
the Internet or from us. You should also note that these conventions limit or
remove the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay
to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We will apply the limits of
these Conventions to any payments to you as if we were the carrier.
The above suppliers (such as accommodation or transport providers) have their
own booking conditions or conditions of carriage, and these conditions may limit
or remove the relevant transport provider's or other supplier's liability. You can get
copies of such conditions from our offices, or the offices of the relevant supplier.
We will pay you in accordance with these conditions which are incorporated into
the Trading Charter. If we make any payment to you or any member of your party
for death or personal injury or illness, you will be asked to assign to us or our
insurers the rights you may have to take action against the person or organisation
responsible for causing the death, personal injury or illness.
NB: this clause does not apply to any separate contracts that you may enter into
for excursions or activities during or outside of your package.
17. What do I need to do if I have to complain? If you have a complaint during
your package you should tell the driver/representative or supplier at the earliest
opportunity so that they can do their utmost to resolve the problem immediately.
If they are unable to resolve the problem to your satisfaction you should complete
a Holiday Report Form which is available from the driver/representative. You will
be given a copy of this report which you should keep. If, on your return from your
package, you remain dissatisfied you should write within 28 days to The Manager,
Skinners of Oxted, 15 Barrow Green Road, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0NJ. In your letter
you will need to quote your booking reference number, holiday number, departure
date and the number of the Holiday Report Form which you completed at the
time. If you do not tell us at the earliest opportunity about a problem giving rise
to your complaint we cannot take steps to investigate and rectify it at the time.
We will take into account the date you first drew the problem to the attention of
our driver/representative or supplier when responding to your complaint and it
may affect your rights under this Trading Charter if we have not been able to
investigate and remedy the situation at the time. The Confederation of Passenger
Transport UK has an independent arbitration scheme and full details are available
from them. The scheme is a simple and inexpensive way of resolving complaints
by reference to documents alone and there is restricted liability on the customer
in respect of costs. The scheme is not available for claims for more than £1,500
per person and there is a limit of £7,500 per booking. Normally there is a time
limit of 9 months from the date of return from your package within which to
request arbitration but in exceptional circumstances the scheme can be used
beyond this date. This scheme does not apply to claims that arise mainly in
46
respect of physical injury or illness or the consequences of any illness or injury.
18. Our Coaches We will always use our reasonable endeavours to provide a
coach to the specification as described in our brochure or advertisement but
reserve the right to substitute an alternative vehicle should unforeseen
circumstances arise. There is a seating plan of the coach for each package, but it is
possible that on occasions operational reasons will require a coach with a different
configuration to be used. We therefore reserve the right to alter a coach-seating
plan and allocate seats other than those you have booked. Requests for particular
seats can be made on most packages when booking but because allocations are
made on a first come, first served basis you are recommended to book early. When
your booking is confirmed you will be offered the best seats that are available at
that time. If you know someone who may want to book later but sit near you
please discuss this with the booking clerk at the time you make your booking.
Specific seats will not be allocated on coaches which operate on feeder services
between joining points and main package departure points, on coaches which
carry out transfers to and from seaports.
19. Hotel Facilities Some hotel facilities, such as indoor or outdoor swimming
pools or leisure facilities, may from time to time be withdrawn for routine
maintenance or be subject to seasonal availability. The provision of these facilities
is therefore not guaranteed.
20. Health & Safety during your package In some foreign countries, standards of
infrastructure, safety and hygiene may be lower than those to which we are
accustomed in the UK. You should therefore exercise greater care for your own
protection. Further information can be obtained from your GP or from your travel
agent who can provide you with the leaflet "Health Advice for Travellers" published
by the Department of Health. Some people may be at risk from discomfort or
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if they remain immobile on a journey for a long
period of time. If you are planning to undertake a bus or coach journey of more
than 3 hours you should consult your doctor if you have ever had DVT or
pulmonary embolism, a family history of clotting conditions, cancer or treatment
for cancer, a stroke, heart or lung disease or if you have had major surgery in the
past 3 months. We reserve the right to refuse any booking in the absence of a
doctor's certificate confirming that you are fit to travel. During the journey we will
provide comfort stops as frequently as possible. During these stops you are
encouraged to get off the coach and walk around. Exercise reduces any discomfort
which may be caused by periods of immobility. During any journey you should
drink alcohol only in moderation as it leads to dehydration.
21. Passenger behaviour We want all our customers to have a happy and carefree
holiday. But you must remember that you are responsible for your behaviour and
the effect it may have on others. If you or any member of your party is abusive or
disruptive or behaves in a way which, in our reasonable opinion, could cause
damage or injury to others or affect their enjoyment of their holiday, or which
could damage property, we have the right, after reasonable consideration, to
terminate your contract with us. If this happens we will have no further
obligations or liability to you. The coach driver/representative, ship's captain, or
authorised official of other means of transport is entitled to refuse you boarding if
in their reasonable opinion you are unacceptably under the influence of drink or
drugs or you are being violent or disruptive. If you are refused boarding on the
outward journey we will regard it as a cancellation by you and we will apply
cancellation charges according to the scale set out above. If the refusal is on the
return journey we have the right to terminate the contract and will have no
further obligations or liability to you.
22. No smoking policy Smoking is not permitted on our coaches.
23. Pets We do not allow pets to be taken on our packages. Registered Assistance
Dogs will normally be accommodated on UK packages but not on overseas
packages.
24. Pick up point, itineraries, travel documents and passport You are
responsible for ensuring that you are at the correct departure point, at the correct
time, with the correct documents and we cannot be held liable for any loss or
expense suffered by you or your party because of an incorrect passport or late
arrival at the departure point. If you are a British citizen travelling outside the
United Kingdom you must have a full UK passport valid for a minimum of three
months after your scheduled date of return. Non-UK citizens must seek passport
Telephone: (01883)713633
and visa advice from the relevant consulates or embassies of the countries you
plan to visit prior to making a booking for one of our packages (and you are
advised to check with the relevant consulate or embassy to ensure you allow
sufficient time before your departure to apply for a visa). The name on the
passport must match the name on the ticket. If someone in your party changes
name after the booking is made you must tell us immediately so that we can issue
the ticket in the new name. When you have paid the balance we will send you or
your booking agent all the necessary labels so that you receive them in good time
for your holiday. Certain travel documents may have to be retained by us and your
driver/courier will then issue them to you at the relevant time. If you lose a travel
document after it has been issued to you we will require you to meet the direct
cost charged by the carrier/supplier for the issue of a duplicate or replacement.
Skinners of Oxted reserve the right to modify itineraries to conform with requests
from the competent authorities in the United Kingdom and any other sovereign
state through which the tour will operate. We recommend that you read the
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice about your holiday at
www.fco.gov.uk. Excursions which are included in the cost of your booking and are
part of your package are detailed on the relevant brochure page and refunds will
not be made for any excursion not taken. If you are a member of an organisation
such as the National Trust and have received a discount for entry to such a
property, it is conditional on you showing your card. Failure to do so will result in
an additional charge. Optional excursions may be booked and paid for in resort
but these will not form part of your booking. Admission fees to buildings, grounds
etc. are not included in the price of the package unless otherwise stated on the
relevant brochure page.
25. What happens if I am delayed? Your travel insurance may cover you for some
delays. In addition where you are delayed for more than six hours in any one day
we will seek to minimise any discomfort and where possible, arrange for
refreshments and meals.
26. Do I need to take out travel insurance? We strongly advise all our customers
to take out travel insurance to cover medical and repatriation costs, personal
injury, loss of baggage and cancellation charges. If you do not have adequate
insurance and require our assistance during your package, we reserve the right to
reclaim from you any medical repatriation or other expenses which we may incur
on your behalf which would otherwise have been met by insurers.
27. What assistance will you give me if things go wrong when it is not your
fault? In addition to what has already been stated (and without affecting that), if
you, or any member of your party, suffer death, illness or injury whilst overseas
arising out of an activity which does not form part of your package travel
arrangements or an excursion arranged through us in the UK, we shall at our
discretion, offer advice, guidance and assistance. Where legal action is
contemplated and you want our assistance, you must obtain our written consent
prior to commencement of proceedings. Our consent will be given subject to you
undertaking to assign any costs, benefits received under any relevant insurance
policy to ourselves. We limit the cost of our assistance to you and any member of
your party to £5000 per party.
28. Passengers with disabilities We want to ensure the arrangements for your
package are suitable and appropriate. Not all the packages in this brochure may be
suitable for you and if we reasonably consider we cannot provide what is required,
we will not accept the booking. Should you or a member of your party have any
medical condition or disability that may affect your/their holiday or that of other
passengers, you must provide full written details to us at the time of booking so
that we can advise you of the suitability of the holiday. This applies whether the
booking is made on-line, in person, in writing, or by telephone. If a particular issue
is identified, we reserve the right to request a doctor’s certificate confirming that
the passenger is fit for travel and reserve the right to refuse any booking in the
absence of such doctor’s certificate being produced upon request. If a passenger
requires personal assistance (for example, but not limited to, assistance with
feeding /dressing/ toileting/mobilising) then this passenger must travel with an
able bodied companion/carer and written confirmation that such assistance will
be provided for the entirety of the holiday is required at the time of booking.
Coach drivers/tour managers are unable to offer such assistance. Whilst we will
make every reasonable adjustment to do so, if we are unable to accommodate the
needs of a passenger or believe that the medical condition or disability of a
passenger is likely to adversely affect other passengers, we reserve the right to
decline the booking. We also reserve the right to cancel any holiday and impose
cancellation charges if we are not fully advised of any relevant disability or
medical condition at the time the booking is made and subsequently decide that
we are unable to accommodate this passenger. This applies whether we advise
that we are unable to accommodate a passenger either before departure or during
the holiday and if this occurs during the holiday then we will seek the additional
costs of returning the passenger home. We want you to enjoy your package and
will try to help you select an appropriate trip. If you need advice or further
information either you or your booking agent should contact The Tour Manager.
29. Special requests If you require a special diet please tell us before booking, or
as soon as you are medically advised, and send us a copy of the diet. We will notify
the hotel or hotels identified in your booking but please note that some hotels
may not have facilities to provide special diets and we cannot be held liable for
their failure to do so unless the hotel has confirmed in writing that a special diet
will be catered for. Where we think that a hotel is likely to be unable to cope with
a special diet, we will tell you prior to your booking confirmation being issued so
that you can exercise your right to cancel your package booking without charge.
Any extra costs incurred by you during your package must be paid to the hotel by
you prior to departure from the hotel.You should also detail any other requests, for
example, low floor rooms, particular rooms or locations on the special requests
section of the booking form. We will pass your request to the relevant supplier but
this does not necessarily mean that your request will be fulfilled. If a request can
be fulfilled you may incur an extra charge payable either to us or direct to the
hotel. Please note that requests cannot be guaranteed unless we confirm on your
booking confirmation that this is a guaranteed requirement.
30. Single Occupancy Single occupancy of rooms when available may be subject
to a supplementary charge and this will be shown on the brochure page.
31. Entertainment Some of our hotels arrange additional entertainment. Where
this is part of the package details are given on the respective brochure page.
Where it is not specified it may still be available but is at the discretion of the
hotel and is not guaranteed. It may be withdrawn if there is a lack of demand or
for operational reasons.
32. Data Protection Act In order to process your booking and to ensure that your
travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements we, and your
travel agent, need to use the information you provide such as name, address, any
special needs/dietary requirements etc. We take full responsibility for ensuring
that proper measures are in place to protect your information. We must pass the
information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such as
hotels, transport companies etc. The information may also be supplied to security
or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration if
required by them, or as required by law. Additionally, where your package is
outside the European Economic Area (EEA), controls on data protection in your
destination may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will
not, however, pass information on to any person not responsible for part of your
travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us
such as details of any disabilities or dietary/religious requirements. If we cannot
pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we
cannot provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this
information being passed on to the relevant persons. Please note that where
information is held by your travel agent, this is subject to your agent's own data
protection policy.
Your data controller is D Skinner. You are entitled to a copy of your information
held by us. If you would like to see this, please contact us.
We retain your full contact details and other information in secure files and
electronic storage facilities. We may use this information to contact you by mail,
telephone or electronic means. We will provide you with details of other goods
and services including those of selected third parties. If you do not wish to receive
the further information about products and services please write to the data
controller.
33. Publication date and details
This brochure was printed in the United Kingdom by Skinners of Oxted Oct 2014
47
Incorporating
Skinners of Oxted
15 Barrow Green Road,
Oxted,
Surrey RH8 0NJ
Telephone: 01883 713633
Email:[email protected]
www.skinners.travel

Telephone: (01883)713633

Transcription

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