Leaving early Friday morning to arrive at Burghley for the major part of the dressage element of this most prestigious event with other ring attractions available. Saturday we head to Burghley in plenty of time to watch the exciting cross country phase. Sunday starts with early breakfast before heading back to the arena to watch the final horse inspection and concluding show jumping phase or, if you wish, other ring displays, competitions, shopping and attractions before making our way back home.
Widecombe Fair attracts visitors from far and wide. Established as a rural market for sheep, cattle and ponies in the early 1800’s. Widecombe Fair has historically held a central position on the local agricultural scene, and although nowadays no buying and selling of cattle takes place, the Fair continues to thrive as a showcase for all things local, traditional and agricultural.
Staying at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel in Carmarthen, known to be the oldest town in Wales, standing on the River Towy and according to legend it’s the birthplace of Merlin the wizard of Arthurian folklore.
With day trips to Tenby with its harbour, three beaches and, for the the more adventurous why not take a boat trip to Caldy Island, one of Britain’s Holy island, cradled in the magnificent South Pembrokeshire coastline.
Visit the Gower Peninsular, the UK’s first area of outstanding natural beauty, with the Heritage Centre homed in a converted Water Mill, and the not to be missed National Botanical Gardens of Wales with three themed garden displays, rolling parkland and secluded woodland, also we will
visit the picturesque Gwili Steam Railway.
The Tavistock Goose Fair is one of only two held in England, the other being in Nottingham. It has its origins in the 1100s, growing up as a social event around bringing geese to market. The event attracts over 200 market traders and showmen from across the country filling the streets with stalls and side-shows.
Treat yourself to a tasty goose lunch or enjoy the rides at the showground. Goosey Fair is traditionally a market fair for geese and poultry ready to be fattened for Christmas time.
Leaving Bodmin early afternoon we make our way to Bridgwater. The Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is a spectacular event and it is regarded as one of the world's largest illuminated carnivals. The floats can be up to 100ft long, 11ft wide, 18ft high and contain up to 250,000 lights.
The carnival procession can take over two hours to get through the streets on the two and half mile route. Seeing really is believing so don't miss this fantastic illuminated carnival! You can have a wander on foot or stay in the coach and watch the procession go by. The coach will leave soon after the Carnival procession has finished.
Enjoy animal encounters from the comfort of your coach on a drive through the famous Safari Park. See the impressive animals move freely across hundreds of acres of land. Wander inside Longleat House, one of the country's finest examples of Elizabethan architecture, dressed up for Christmas. As night falls the festival comes to light and Longleat transforms into a glowing wonderland.
Discover more than 30 acres of illuminations all set against the beautiful backdrop of Longleat House and its landscaped gardens. Find the giant Christmas Tree with hundreds of dazzling lights dancing to favourite festive tunes.
Welcome to a winter attraction that’s magical, mystical, memorable and much more. Bournemouth is always a popular holiday destination and is renowned for its beautiful beaches and year-round entertainment. At this special time of year, the town dons a facade of twinkling lights and offers a festive atmosphere with a continental touch from its German style Christmas market. Day excursions are included and we are staying at the elegant Norfolk Royale Hotel which is centrally located just a few steps from Bournemouth Square and only a short stroll from award winning gardens and golden sand Blue Flag beaches.
Enjoy a truly festive experience this year and indulge in the wonderful delights of Bath Christmas Market, a veritable celebration of local and regional independent businesses. Weave your way through the market’s chalets and discover a wealth of unique gift ideas. From crafts and homewares to artisan food, wooden toys, clothing, jewellery and more, the market makers bring their very best wares to display at the market.
Exeter is a shopaholic's must-do destination with boutiques & stylish independent shops alongside familiar big-name stores. On Exeter's Cathedral Green, the Christmas Market is wonderfully atmospheric, set among a labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and the seasonal sights and smells of festive chalets. Enjoy delicious food from restaurants, cafés and bars and browse local West Country produce, unique hand-crafted gifts, decorations and much more – all twinkling below the illuminated medieval façade of Exeter Cathedral.
The illuminated spectacle this year will see us head towards West Cornwall to view the lights on cottages and quayside, in the harbours and hillside. These lights take many weird and wonderful forms along with unusual festive symbols. The coach moves on to the lovely village of Angarrack, to see their spectacular Christmas light displays. We make a stop for a fish & chip supper (not included in the price) for those who wish.