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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
And finally...
ON THE ROAD TO RETIREMENT. After more than 100 years of continued family ownership it is with great sadness and pride that we are announcing the closure of Shaws Coaches at the beginning of May 2025. As you might imagine, this has not been an easy decision. Shaws has been part of our lives almost since the day we were born. Through the years, there have been some hugely enjoyable times and we have made memories to cherish, but our overriding and abiding memories will be of our wonderfully loyal clients and staff, many of whom we are now proud to call great friends. Your continued support, through thick and thin, has been our proudest asset. Thank you. We’ll close the doors and turn off the engines on Friday 2nd May, but until then, we’ll be proudly on the road. If you have time for a final farewell day trip or holiday we’d love to see you, there’s lots to choose from.
