Summer Programme 2025

Cirencester Day Trip

Jun 13, 2025 (Arrive 9:10 am – Depart 4 pm)

Cirencester is one of the oldest charter markets in the country, having been mentioned as early as 1086 in the Domesday Book. It forms a vital part of the Town Council’s policy of fostering a thriving town centre and is in the Market Sq. in front of the Church of St. John the Baptist.

The award winning Corinium Museum is the must-see visitor attraction of the Cotswolds. The Corinium Museum has one of the finest and most extensive Roman collections in the country. Corinium, Roman Cirencester, was the second largest Roman town outside London and the major Roman administration centre for south-western Britain.

Romsley Walk

Jun 20, 2025 (2 pm) – Julian Hunt

Romsley is a delightful village on the east side of the Clent Hills. The parish church is dedicated to St Kenelm. The nave and chancel are Norman dating back to the C12th; the slim west tower was added in the C15th. The under croft once held the shrine of St Kenelm, this and a holy spring nearby, attracted many pilgrims and explain the location of the church. It also has a Burne Jones window.

Chipping Campden Walk

Jun 28, 2025 (11 am) – Adam Sapic

Chipping Campden is a notable Cotswold wool town with an abundance of charm and history. Much of the town centre is a conservation area which has helped to preserve many original buildings. Adam will take you on a journey exploring Chipping Campden’s prosperity gained from the wool trade, the prominent merchant Sir Baptist Hicks and his connection to the Almshouses and Campden House, which burnt down during the English Civil War. Adam will also talk about the public services that were developed in the 19th century (police & magistrates court) plus a look at the UK’s oldest highway fingerpost and other assortment of street relics.

Oakham Treasures

Jul 8, 2025 (Arrive 9:10 am – Depart 4:30 pm)

Oakham Treasures is one of the largest privately owned museums of retail and farming history in the UK. It is the demonstration of one man’s passion for collecting memorabilia throughout his lifetime. The owner, Keith Sherrell, born in 1939, is a 5th generation West Country Farmer, and began collecting farm machinery in the 60’s as a sideline to his business of buying and selling used farm machinery.

If you’re into tractors and farm machinery, then you will love the tractor museum which houses around 150 old and vintage tractors. It also includes a recreated grocery store, sweet shop, an off-licence, hardware store and haberdashery shop.

Stourbridge 16 Locks

Jul 8, 2025 (Arrive 9:10 am – Depart 4:30 pm)

Dave will take us on a guided walk for about 2 hours through the Stourbridge 16, a flight of locks climbing 145 feet up the Western Boundary fault. 600 million years ago, the fault appeared with all its minerals including the much sort after coal seams, over time the distance in height was filled by the sands blown in by the prevailing winds from the west. The canal was engineered to link the coal fields to the Staffs and Worcester canal at Stourton.

Monmouth & Chepstow Day Trip

Aug 25, 2025 (Arrive 9:10 am – Depart 4:30 pm)

Well known for its iconic 13th century gatehouse bridge, Monmouth has a famous past with its connections to Henry V, Geoffrey of Monmouth. Make sure to visit its Georgian Shire Hall & Museum. After coffee we take a tour down the Wye Valley to Chepstow.

The town’s redevelopment, has added smart pedestrian areas decorated with stone walls and sculptures inspired by local legends. On Bridge Street, near the castle entrance and the Ti (& café), you’ll find the Georgian townhouse, the museum revealing the rich and varied past of this ancient town, once an important port and market centre. Alternatively, you will have time to visit the castle (CADW).