Days out with a difference
Welcome to an unforgettable journey through the picturesque landscapes and rich history of South East England!
As your dedicated Blue Badge tour guide, Frances provides engaging commentary on the history, culture, and points of interest along the way, as you explore the towns, villages and panoramic countryside from the comfort of a coach. For those seeking a more immersive experience, Frances offers guided walks and talks on-site, with opportunities to explore at your leisure.
Tours are either a half or a full-day trip, ranging from the grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral to the Olympic Park in the dynamic East End of London.
Olympic Park
Starting from your chosen pickup point(s), we travel to London, crossing the river Thames and past the Tower of London to Westfield shopping centre, via a coffee stop if wanted.
Here we leave the coach and visit the wonderful Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. After lunch we see inside the Aquatic Centre, stroll through the magnificent gardens, crossing and recrossing the waterways. We pass the main stadium, now home to West Ham FC, and the Copper Box, ending at the Velodrome which we can also visit. During the walk, we can see some of the art installations, find out what the area was like before the Olympics and discover the future of the park. Once we re-join the coach there may be an opportunity to visit the Thames Barrier Park for tea.
Battle Abbey and Hastings
Come and visit the birthplace of modern English History!
There has been a certain amount of controversy about the actual site of the battle. I offer a tour of the supposed battlefield and the Abbey buildings. There is an excellent interpretation display, which you can visit in your own time. Please note that the site is hilly with some rather uneven steps.
Following lunch, either on site or in the attractive little town of Battle, we head for Hastings, one of the original Cinque Ports and the location for the popular TV programme "Foyle's War." Here I lead another guided walk, or you can explore the old town, beach, art gallery and museums in your own time. We will be finding out something about smugglers and a royal menage-a-trois!
Windsor Castle
Starting from your chosen departure point, we travel to Windsor, passing through Runnymede and Old Windsor. On the way, I can give you a brief history of the castle and its present use, as well as some information about past inhabitants.
After a coffee stop in the town, I will lead you on a tour of the outside of the castle and St George’s Chapel. Following an introduction to the inside of the chapel, you are free to tour the chapel, final resting place of eight British monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The interior of the castle is self-guided with an excellent audio guide, but I will be around if needed. Lunch is available both inside the castle and in the town.
The Pantiles and Penshurst Place
We travel through the Sussex countryside, finding out about the towns and villages we pass on the way, as well as the people connected with them.
On arrival at the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, there is time for coffee before I lead a walk. Are you brave enough to “take the waters”? Discover the people who put the Pantiles on the map, how it got its name, and what the special souvenir was – and is.
Our next stop, a few miles further on, is Penshurst Place. Here we have lunch. Home of the Sydney family, for hundreds of years, the house and its contents are fascinating, especially the paintings. The gardens are wonderful and very much as they would have been during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
and many more!
The above is just a selection of my most popular tours. I cover Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex and the surrounding areas, and can provide more detailed trip itineraries upon request.
Bespoke Tours
No one tour is ever the same. I aim to be as flexible as possible to cater to a range of interests, abilities and requests. If you have specific requirements or need help organising a group trip, please Get In Touch to ask about a custom package.