​Starting from Thorpe Bay Station our coach trips have visited a wide range of destinations over the years. We try to incorporate both a visit to a garden attraction with a stop for lunch or afternoon tea.

2025

On 29th June we visited Bury St Edmunds for their Open Gardens event. Bury St Edmunds is always a very pleasant town to visit and on this occasion over 30 residents opened their gardens to raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice. Most gardens were in the centre of town, old and quaint with flint stone walling. Some provided plenty of colour, musical entertainment, refreshments and plant stalls. We all came home hot and happy!

On 3rd August our trip was to Capel Manor Gardens, a horticultural college in Enfield. With about 40 gardens, mainly from displays at Chelsea, designs and features were wide ranging from formal to natural. A large area was given over to trial gardens. There was also a small zoo at which we watched some animals at feeding time.

2026

For a change of season we spent time at Wisley on 26th April. The gardens were up to standard and the weather was good. Its always an enjoyable  venue for return trips.

On 18th July we took a long journey to visit the small village of Winchelsea near Rye.11 gardens were set at their best to raise funds for the NGS. Some were compact and manageable. While others were vast, a couple with far reaching views across the valley and beyond.

The weather was fine and even the journey home in good time. Everyone commented on a lovely day out.