Spring has sprung in the tourist trade! An industry that moves with the seasons and that's ready to welcome you into the warmer weather (hopefully!). Read all the latest news from us and our destinations.
SWORDS & SORCERY. Harrogate Spring Flower Show has revealed the first of its floral art themes for 2025 – Swords & Sorcery: Fantasy Heroes. Unbelievable floral displays will transport you to the fantastical worlds of Harry Potter, Aladdin, Hercules and many more! Visit on Thur 24 Apr @ £59.50 (route 1) and book by 7 Apr to take advantage of this discounted rate.
NEW MUSICAL COLLABORATION AT KEW. Celebrate spring with a special musical collaboration between Kew Gardens and the Royal College of Music – Sounds of Blossom. This new musical composition is inspired by the glory of the season and will be played in Kew’s blossom hotspots to awaken your senses and reconnect you with nature. Visit on Fri 4 Apr from £55 (route 4c) including garden and palace entry.
RADIO STAR REVEALED AS SOULFUL SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER. Smooth Radio star, Angie Greaves, has been confirmed as the special guest presenter for Symphonic Soul: A Celebration of Motown & More at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. Expect The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to add their signature symphonic twist to Motown classics with strong vocals from West End stars. Secure arena seats for Wed 2 Apr @ £75 (route 4c).
WINNERS IN THE WEST. Cornwall has become somewhat of a food lover’s paradise in recent years and the prestigious Taste of the West Awards have become the accolade that every producer wants to win. At the 2025 ceremony, Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm smashed their way to gold with their Rattler Tropical Cyder, Texan Style Cornish Hard Cyder and Limited Edition Cornish Whiskey Barrel Aged Cyder whilst their Tresor Classic Cuvee Sparkling Wine hit the spot with silver. Treat yourself to a bottle from their tempting shop when we visit during our Taste of Cornwall tour this spring. 24-28 Mar @ £695, single supp. £93.
BAG A SAFFRON (WALDEN) BUN. In celebration of #EnglishTourismWeek25, Saffron Walden Town Council and TIC are kick starting the new season by highlighting the importance of local tourism with their very own stall at this week's market. Pop along and try a freshly baked Saffron Bun (whilst stocks last), pick up a town trail and chat with the friendly team. There's also the rare opportunity to meet in front of The Town Hall at 14:30 for a free introduction to this historic building. 2025 Local Supplier Champions - Hello Food Tours - are offering an exclusive food taster tour today too for just £30pp (12:30 start, for 1.5 hours). This includes a visit to three of the very best award winning food businesses in town (with food included) and a historical guided tour of your medieval surroundings. Visit on Tue 18 Mar from £27 (route 4c).
DRIVING COACHES IS DRIVING GROWTH DURING #ENGLISHTOURISMWEEK25. English Tourism Week (14-23 Mar) is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, showcasing its importance to local communities and economies. This year’s theme is ‘Supporting people and places to drive growth’ and as always it’s led by VisitEngland who champion our diverse, exciting and vibrant sector. English tourism supports 200,000 SME businesses, employs 2.6 million people and generates around £71.6 billion annually in domestic visitor spending. We’re proud to support a drive for growth.
COLLAGEN TEA ANYONE? The UK’s first Bubble Tea with Vegan Collagen is now available at Bubble CiTea at Rushden Lakes! Refresh your skin at Bubble Tea, refresh your wardrobe at over 50 leading retailers and refresh your mind on a water-side nature trail. Visit on Mon 31 Mar from £19.50 (route 1b).
And finally...
A NEW DIRECTION FOR SHAWS. The recent news of our retirement sparked a lot of interest from investors wishing to see our legacy continue. Following a whirlwind of discussions and negotiations, we are delighted to announce that a take-over deal has been agreed with fellow industry operator, Reg’s Coaches, securing a strong future for Shaws with the backing of an established coach company. Our retirement will be celebrated on the 2 May as planned, but until then we will be working closely with Reg’s to achieve a smooth transition. Shaws will remain based in Maxey and continue to offer day trips and holidays departing from Peterborough, Bourne, Stamford, The Deepings and many villages between and beyond, and we will continue to support the local community with coach hire and school transport. We’re already working hard on an exciting line up of summer tours which will be released very soon, keep an eye on our website and join our eNews to make sure you’re the first to hear about them.
