With summer now underway and the school holidays fast approaching, many people will be starting to think about days out, short breaks and ways to make the most of the warmer months.
For this month’s Ilkeston News update, we’ve taken a look at what’s coming up at local operator Eugene Coaches, which has a packed programme of trips running throughout the summer and into the festive season.
One of the attractions of coach travel is its simplicity. Rather than worrying about motorway traffic, parking charges or navigating unfamiliar roads, passengers can simply board at one of the company’s local pick-up points in Ilkeston, Heanor, Long Eaton or Beeston and leave the driving to somebody else.
Summer destinations
July offers a varied mix of destinations, beginning with a London Day Out on Saturday 11 July.
This is followed by a visit to Trentham Gardens on Wednesday 15 July, LEGOLAND Windsor on Saturday 18 July, and a trip to the Cotswolds taking in Bourton-on-the-Water and Cirencester on Tuesday 21 July.
One of the more unusual trips on the calendar comes on Friday 24 July, when passengers can travel overnight for a day in Paris. The trip gives visitors the opportunity to spend a full day exploring the French capital before returning home, offering an alternative to a traditional weekend break.
The following day, Saturday 25 July, sees a visit to West Midlands Safari Park.
August begins with a trip to the Welsh seaside town of Barmouth on Sunday 2 August, followed by Bury Market on Wednesday 5 August and Alton Towers on Saturday 8 August.
The popular Mystery Day Trip returns on Sunday 9 August, with passengers not discovering their destination until the day itself.
Later in the month, coaches will head to Cambridge on Wednesday 12 August, Skegness and Ingoldmells on Saturday 15 August, and Whitby on Saturday 22 August.
Looking ahead to Christmas
Although summer is only just beginning, Eugene Coaches is already taking bookings for a number of festive trips later in the year.
For those looking to venture a little further afield, there is a Disneyland Paris Christmas Special from 6-9 November, giving visitors the chance to experience the parks during the festive season.
A Lille France Christmas Day Trip is scheduled for 20 November, while a Bruges Christmas Market break from 27-29 November offers the opportunity to explore one of Belgium’s most picturesque cities as it gears up for Christmas.
The hugely popular ABBA Voyage experience in London is also on the programme on 22 November, alongside a Turkey and Tinsel break from 23-27 November.
December trips include Christmas Shopping at the Trafford Centre on 5 December, London Winter Wonderland on 12 December, and Christmas in York on 19 December.
Something for everyone
Whether it’s a family day out, a shopping trip, a seaside escape, a city break or a festive getaway later in the year, there is certainly plenty of variety on offer over the coming months.
Full details of all upcoming trips can be found via the Eugene Coaches website and Facebook page.