Tommy Barnes became the village carrier from Aldbourne to Hungerford. He acquired two carts and six horses from his predecessor, Jimmy Martin. The whole operation was run from 15 The Square, where they also had a yard.

The first passenger vehicle was a seven seater wagonette, drawn by a single horse, which went to Hungerford 3 times daily to meet the London train. By 1995 the Barnes fleet comprised 23 coaches, one van and one recovery lorry, company employees numbered 22 drivers, 2 fitters and 4 office staff. Both Lionel and Terence continued the family tradition of playing in the Aldbourne Band, as does Lionel's son Luke, today. Barnes Coaches celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020.

Accessibility

We are happy to carry conventional wheelchairs, however, motorised scooters do create a series of practical difficulties and unfortunately we are now unable to carry them on holidays that are to more than one hotel. We may also have to ask you to get to one of our main pickup points. If you do wish to bring a wheelchair or a motorised scooter then we do request that you inform us at the time of booking so that we can check that there is space and that the scooter is a type that we are able to carry. They need to be class 2 and a maximum of 24" wide and 40" long.

St Pauls Cathedral

& Free Time

Enter St Paul’s and enjoy the cathedral's awe-inspiring interior. Take advantage of a new touch-screen multimedia guide or join a guided tour to explore this iconic building, both now included with the sightseeing admission charge [not included].

Venture down to the crypt and discover the tombs and memorials of some of the nation’s greatest heroes such as Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Also visit Oculus, an award winning 270° immersive film experience.

Visitors can try out the acoustic quirks of the Whispering Gallery and continue the climb to the Golden Gallery to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across London.

London

Kensington (for Museums, tube etc.) or Park Lane

Kensington
This is our first stop and the drop off point is outside the Natural History Museum, which is also walking distance to the Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museums amongst others. All of these museums have free entrance. Within walking distance you'll also find good shopping in Kensington High Street and Knightsbridge. South Kensington Tube is also nearby which is on the Circle, District and Picadilly lines.

Wells and Street Shopping Village

(Market Day in Wells)

Wells lies sheltered beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, and combines a wealth of historic interest and beautiful architecture. Wells qualifies as England's smallest, and Somerset's only city. Probably the finest national example of early English architecture, Wells Cathedral was largely built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Today is market day in Wells.

We then move onto Clark's Shopping Village in Street With over 90 stores offering huge savings everyday on a fantastic range of designer labels and famous brands. If you love great brands, but dislike high street prices, Clarks Village is the place for you.

We spend 3.5hrs in Wells and 2hrs in Street.

Guide Dog Experience at National Centre

and Royal Leamington Spa

In 2011 the Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre was opened. The Centre can breed up to 1500 puppies each year, which helps Guide Dogs support almost 5,000 guide dog partnerships in the UK.

Join us on our visit to the Centre on our 2-hour tour of the Visitors’ Centre, where you will view some guide dog puppies playing and socialising through special viewing windows, meet some guide dog breeding stock, and learn about the life-changing work carried out there. Your tour will be hosted by a team of dedicated tour guides, who will accompany you throughout. You will also have an opportunity to take our Sensory Tunnel experience. Finish off your tour with included light refreshments and a visit to the gift shop, which also sells dog products.

Free time in Royal Leamington Spa beforehand.

Royal Mint Experience

Just 20 minutes from Cardiff you can gain unprecedented access to The Royal Mint to discover the people and events behind the coins in your pocket, and hear some surprising stories from our history.

On arrival, you will be greeted by one of our Hosts who will take you through security checks. Your experience starts in the Pre-Show area, where you will gain an introduction to The Royal Mint before making the short walk over to the factory experience.

Led by your Visitor Host you will enter one of the manufacturing areas, to discover how blank pieces of metal are made before being struck to become coins. From a viewing area, you will look into the striking hall where thousands of coins are produced, 24 hours a day. You will then be given the option to strike your own coin to take home as a memento or have a picture surrounded by a chests of coins (additional charges apply).

Following the Factory Experience, you will be escorted to the self-guided Interactive Exhibition to explore six different zones at your own pace. Visitor hosts will be on hand; ready to answer any questions and to help you get the most out of your visit.

There is also a gift shop and a cafe.

Ideal Home Show

Olympia, London

It’s all change at the Ideal Home Show this year – we have teamed up with ITV so expect more celebrities, more amazing show features, chances to win with ITV and an even better day out! 

You’ll be able to shop from a huge range of exhibiting companies all under one roof at Olympia London. Touch, feel and test products from an unrivalled collection of independent retailers, as well as plenty of your favourite brands and lots that you won’t be able to find on the high street. Browse our exhibitor listings to see who's taking part at our 2022 show. 

Finding inspiration for your home and deciding exactly how you want it to look is one of the greatest challenges. Luckily, help is at hand at The Ideal Home Show to give you the confidence and ideas to transform your home and create your dream living space. Architects, interior designers, garden landscapers, and finance and property experts will be on hand with free one-to-one appointments and talks in the theatres.

Brecon Mountain Railway & Abergavenny

Guide Dog Experience at National Centre

and Royal Leamington Spa