24. Tuesday 06 January 2026 – Arundel Museum – Guided Tour & Cathedral – exquisite Afternoon Tea at Amberley Castle in Sussex
Our first Away-Day since the New Year was the perfect way to brush away the cobwebs and get out into the world again. With an earlt start, the sunrise was spectacular, but for the rest of the day, the weather just couldn’t make up its mind – cloudy, sunny AND snowy were the order of the day for our Winter Mystery Tour and why not, after all, it is the middle of WINTER!
The ‘Guess where we’re Going’ competition was in full swing until we headed east on the M27, when many guesses fell by the wayside, except for one! Many regulars were obviousl fed up with writing Arundel oin their Guess Slip, so of our new clients, Alison Porter-Bird, guessed right! Our first stop was Arundel Museum for coffee, biscuits and an interesting slide show & insight into the history of Arundel, before heading off to the Cathedral and St Nicholas church with our Arundel Walking Tours guide, Martin – except that we didn’t walk! It was much too cold and very hilly! Instead, we boarded the coach and drove, where on arrival, were greeted with our first snow shower and some friendly, robed clergymen. After a tour of the Arundel sites, by coach, were back on the road for our next stop – the 900-year old Amberley Castle, a quirky Relais Chateaux Hotel nestled in the Sussex countryside – and it snowed again!
A much welcomed Afternoon Tea | Lunch was served in the magnificent Queen’s Room restaurant, with its log fire, barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and cosy atmosphere. Alongside copious amounts of tea or coffee, freshly made hot pastry savouries, an assortment of finger sandwiches, delicious cakes, mini mousse, scones, jam & cream were hungrily consumed. For some the combination of lunch & tea together proved too much – so little doggy boxes were offered, to be saved for later at home! For the perfect end to a perfect Afternono Tea, a liqueur of choice was included.
Although we enjoyed our 20254 Festive Lunch at Amberley Castle, in the Great Hall, many clients had not even heard of Amberley Castle, so it proved to be a popular, New Year treat for everyone! So, where will the next 2026 Mystery Tour take us we wonder? 

23. Wednesday 17 September 2025 – Chu Chu & Chocolate – in Alresford 
with a big 10/10 score for all our excellent hosts today!!
After a long, hot summer, our September Mystery Tour was a bit cooler than normal, as we had grey skies and a bit of drizzle. Of course the weather did not deter the fun we had gliding northwards through our beautiful Hampshire countryside, along very narrow lanes and through pretty ‘chocolate-box’ villages. Our first stop was for coffee & pastries in the Alresford Station Café, more famously known as the Watercress Line! Of course we were not just there for coffee, but excitment was building, in anticipation of boarding the impressive dark green steam train waiting outside on the platform, which would take us to Alton – and back, through more stunning Hampshire countryside. Lunch was waiting for us just a short walk from the station, to The Horse & Groom in Alresford High Street, which we could not fault! The welccome was warm & friendly, the food was absolutely delicious and the service was fast, efficient and well organised for our group of 35. The interior of the Horse & Groom is just beautiful, with its authentic beams, log fires and cosy armchairs & settees. 
We then sopliut in two groups for our next ‘mystery’. Half stayed in Alresford to explore the village and the other half baorded the coach to ……. Chocolate Craft – a superb, independently owned (by Pippa) chocolate ‘factory’ – aptly situated in a farmyard setting at Old Alresford. Suppliers to Fortnum & Mason (including their 2025 Christmas Hampers!) and numerous other prestigious names, Pippa delivered an excellent demonstration of how they made their delicious chocolates – with samples galore! Our day was almost over, but not before the last mystery surprise – a Solent Events Cream Tea was served on the coach, to eat en route or to take home for later!

22. Thursday 10 April 2025 – Three Wheels!
After a whole week of glorious Spring weather, the sun was still shining for us on our April Mystery Tour Away-Day into the countryside  – and breath of fresh air you might say! We headed north for coffee …. to the Whitchurch SIlk Mill. Some thought we might be going on a bit further to the Sapphire Gin Distillery …… oh no, I don’t think that would have been a good idea! The Mill was a delight, the ladies smiley and friendly … and of course the ‘shop’ was an added bonus for many, especially the beautfiul silk scarves, at an amazing price! It wa slovely to see two ladies on their spinning wheels too. So, one ‘wheel’ down, two to go!
After coffee and biscuits and the removal of a parked car obstructing the coach, we headed even further north to the Regatta town of Henley-on-Thames and the historic, grade II listed Catherine Wheel Hotel, dating back to at least 1499. Our 2nd ‘wheel’ for lunch was a JD Wetherspoon Restaurant, Bar & Hotel, with food and service befitting a first class restaurant. We would highly recommend it. Thank you so much manager Heather!
Our final ‘wheel’ was a familiar sight for many of our would-be Sherlock Holmes, as we ended up at The Mill at Sonning at Sonning Eye – but this time, not for the theatre. We were there to have a Talk & Backstage Tour by owner Sally Hughes and her team. For those wo had never been to the Mill, it was a really lovely surprise and for those that had, an interesting insight into ‘back of house’ for the perfomances we had seen and are about to see this year. The finale to our Mystery Away-Day was a delicious Traditional Afternoon Tea – in the Waterwheel Bar! 
No one actually guessed any of our destinations today, but Club-21 Mmeber, Jane Bawn, did get the ‘Wheel’ link and won herself a useful ‘2-wheeled Neck Fan, ready for the long hot summer we’re eagerly waiting for.

21. Wednesday 12 February 2025 – Gloucester Prison
Here we are again, on the first Mystery Tour Away-Day of 2025 …. so where did we go? GLOUCESTER & CHELTENHAM PRISON by the more pleasant Gloucester Quays!! We had 35 on the coach, so it was a bit of a worry to ensure that 35 would also be going home with us!! After an amazing tour of the very cold & damp prison from our brilliant guide & ex-prison officer, Clive, we all were all pretty relieved to know that WE would be ‘going home’! Being February, it was a chilling experience for us to actually be inside a real prison which opened as long ago as 1792, when stealing an apple or a loaf of bread was an imprisonable, or even a hanging offence. The prison was built on the site of Gloucester Castle, whose keep had been used as a prison. Gloucester Prison didn’t actually close until recently, in 2013 – deemed to be overcrowded & inhumane – probably because they did not have mobile phones or en-suite bathrooms! Only murderers were buried in the prison grounds, but one local historian notes that the remains of over 122 individuals may still lie buried. Along with its dark past, the prison now has the reputation of being one of the most haunted in the UK and regularly hosts séances and night-time ghost vigils! Clive says that after having been in attendance for these, he now believes in ghosts too!!

After the excellent 2.1/2 tour it was time for a late lunch, just around the corner alongside Gloucester Quays. Normally a bustling quayside visitor attraction, we more or less had the ‘Greek on the Docks’ restaurant to ourselves. Even after pastries, juice & fruit for breakfast; coffee & biscuits and a lunch snack of cheese, crackers & Love Corn, on the coach, everyone appeared to be hungry again! A glass of wine, a delicious 2-course Greek meal, finished off with a hot drink, seemed to do the trick. The Greek staff were really friendly, the service attentive and the food was delicious!

As we left Gloucester Quays, it was time to present our ‘destination quiz winners’ (Patsie & Ella), with their ‘cell’ prize! A great gadget for keeping the grand-childrens’ mobile phones locked up – especially if you want some ‘conversation’!

Although very cold, it was a really interesting and thought provoking day out, with lots of laughs and memories ….  Now where will go on our next Mystery Tour – in a hopefully, warmer April???!!

20. Tuesday 03 September 2024 – Boats & Trains to the Isle of Wight 
At last …. we actually managed to head SOUTH! Our Mystery destination on a bright & warm but rather overcast day, was to the ISLE of WIGHT!
With a leisurely coach tour through the New Forest and tasty breakfast treats of raisin pastry whirls & fruit juice en route, we mysteriously arrived at  Lymington Pier. By 11am we were comfortably aboard the Wightlink ferry as foot passengers, headed for Yarmouth. After the 40-minute cruise, it was just a short stroll to the Royal Solent Yacht Club for pre-lunch drinks on the balcony and fantastic views overlooking the Solent. A delicious 2-course lunch with wine & tea/coffee followed in the elegant restaurant. There was plenty of free time to visit Yarmouth Castle, browse the little shops or take a stroll before boarding the 15:59 ferry back to Lymington Pier. Just across the road  was the train station so we hopped on the train bound for Brockenhurst with a short changeover to Ashurst and our awaiting coach …
Finally, for the perfect end to a perfect day …… a glass of Prosecco and a cream tea!

We had one ‘spot-on’ winner for our ‘Where are we Going’ competition – so congratulations to Chris Salmon of Stubbington, who won a Solent Events voucher and posh notepad & pen!

19. Thursday 23 May 2024 – Littlehampton, Bramber & Lancing College
From our last pick-up in Fareham to Chichester to meet our Blue-Badge guide, Frances. With an amusing guided tour  via pretty country roads and  the historic town of Arundel for great sights of the castle and the cathedra, our first destination for coffee & biscuits at the riverside  Arun View Inn, situated in the birth place of the ‘real’ James Bond and where the 2012 Olympic Torch was manufactured …. Littlehampton!
The day progressed through country lanes, up hills & down dales … with amusing stories from our knowledgeable guide …. to the pretty village of Bramber and a delicious 2-course lunch at the Castle Inn Hotel.
With lunch over, we had a short walk in the sunshine to the little-known historic St Mary’s House & Gardens – a gem, so pretty in the May sun ….  Our next mystery destination was also a 1st for everyone …. the imposing Lancing College Chapel, perched on the slopes of the South Downs at Lancing, with beautiful 360° views of sea and countryside.

After an interesting introduction to the chapel and college by Andrew the verger, we were taken down into the enormous crypt for more insights into the incredible architecture of this amazing building.
With such lovely views, it was also the ideal spot for our Prosecco Cream Tea, before heading back through Storrington, Steyning and Amberley and the dreaded A27 homebound.

No one actually guessed the destinations but as we did glide through Chichester & Arundel, a random selection in our ‘Guess Where we’re Going’ Competition, the prize today went to Tessa! Congratulations – a bit nearer than most guesses!

18. Tuesday 27 February 2024 -Staunton, Stansted and a Forties Tea!
We didn’t venture far this year on our Winter Mystery Tour, mainly because of the because of the uncertain weather – last year we had snow … and rain ….. and sun! So off we went, round the Fareham motorway roundabout, TWICE – thanks Simon, as it really put them off their guesses! Finally we joined the traffic at Cams before turning up the road to Portsdown Hill. We were in awe at the wonderful views right across to the Isle of Wight, all along the hill until we reached our 1st stop – for a welcome cup of coffee, biscuits, a talk from the gardener and to feed the plethora of cute farm animals. Yes, we were at Staunton Farm on the outskirts of Leigh Park! The sun was shining, the air was fresh and it felt good to be out in the country again, and with the opportunity to stroll the farm, the gardens, maze and Gothic Library, as well as to feed the animals with individual bags of feed it was a lovely way to spend the morning!
Our next stop was only 1/2-hour away, but again in the country, the beautiful English Heritage house – Stansted. We were welcomed in the Pavilion Tea Rooms for a delicious Soup & Jacket Potato Lunch with a glass of wine included. There was time for a stroll back to the Farm Shop, the Garden Centre and the gardens before meeting our guide at the garden gate for a guided tour of the chapel followed by a short stroll through the open grounds to the spectacular house. Once again we were treated to a guided tour of all the beautiful rooms ‘upstairs’, filled with original furniture an paintings and portraits. We were also shown the amazing servants quarters ‘downstairs’. Still in the lovely sunshine, we were met by our coach right outside the imposing front entrance and whisked off to our final destination – in keeping with the one of eras we’d been experiencing throughout our Mystery Day –  the 1940s!  A delicious, typical 1940s Afternoon Tea was served by ‘Betty’ and her girls at the new,  authentically decorated ’19Fourteas Tea Rooms’ in Havant.

No one actually guessed EXACTLY Where We Were Going in our little fun competition, but as one guess was The ‘Pavilion’ (albeit in Brighton!), and as it happens, Stansted ‘Pavilion’ was where we had lunch, Club-21 Member, Kathryn Simmons, was given the prize!
Yet another fun day to put in the memory box – going back in time and seeing some wonderful places – and right on our doorstep! 

Staunton Farm – open all the year round: 01 November to 31 March 10am to 4pm (car park closes 4.30pm) and April to October 10am to 5pm
Staunton Park – for country walks: Summer BST – 8am to 5.30pm; Winter GMT – 8am to 4.30pm. Tea Rooms & Shop: Summer BST – 10am to 5pm;
Winter GMT – 10am to 4pm
Stansted House this beautiful mansion house is open to the public: 28 March – 30 September Monday, Tuesday 1pm – 5pm + Sunday 1pm – 5pm
* Last admission is at 4pm.

17. Wednesday 06 September 2023 – a lazy day on a Horse-drawn Canal Boat at Kintbury
Another lovely sunny day was enjoyed for our 3rd Mystery Tour of 2023. A sunny day was definitely required as our first stop was a wonderful, lazy Horse-Drawn canal boat cruise on the Avon & Kennet Canal at Kintbury! We met some lovely people during our time on board an at the Lock – either live-a-boards or holiday makers. We then travelled the short journey to the countryside Half-Way Inn, Hungerford for a delicious home-cooked 2-course meal served by the attentive co-owner Jo & Nick (the chef) and their friendly team. (Unfortunately this unique, delightful, independent inn had to close a month later on 4th October due to the same reasons so many pubs, inns & restaurants have had to close on a daily basis this year (see the note below). 

Of course, the Mystery Tour did not end there! Our final visit was to  Sandham Memorial Chapel at Burghclere, where we enjoyed the knowledge of a National Trust volunteer to inform us of the origins of the beautiful visionary 1st World War wall paintings by Sir Stanley Spencer. 

A Cream Tea was then served with beautiful countryside views from the coach at  Cheesefoot Head – a large natural amphitheatre and beauty spot just outside Winchester – complete with free-standing Loo with a View in the trees! 

NOTE: In the words of Nick (co-owner of The Halfway Inn) “We are heartbroken to announce that as of 4th October 2023, The Halfway Inn will close. Why? Because, ‘IF’ every day was like a Saturday & Sunday. ‘IF’ wage costs & demands were not spiraling out of control. ‘IF’ there were a plethora of good quality chefs without huge wage demands, we could have  opened seven days a week. ‘IF’ utility costs had not risen to such ridiculous amounts. ‘IF’ prices of products had not risen so high, we may have been able to stick to our goal of great local produce. IF only…”
It’s so sad, as we had one of most delicious of lunches and the best service you could wish for at The Halfway Inn.

16. Monday 22 May 2023 – The Great Globe, Purbeck, Swanage and the Steam Train!
Wow! What wonderful weather we were once again blessed with, for our May Mystery Tour! With blue skies and warm sunshine, it was the perfect backdrop for the gorgeous views and the special places we visited on the Isle of Purbeck. Never heard of it? Just think ‘Swanage’ in Dorset. It’s a really beautiful area and just a one hour drive from our final pic-up in Fareham. Purbeck is a peninsula with water on 3-sides – the English Channel to the south & east, where steep Jurassic cliffs fall into the sea and the marshy River Frome & Poole Harbour to the north. With panoramic views across the Purbeck Hills to the Jurassic Coast, we had these stunning views from ‘The Isle of Purbeck Viewpoint’ (known locally as the Creech Viewpoint).

Our fully-inclusive Mystery Tour Away-Day began at the entrance to Upton Country Park, where guide Andy of Jurassic Jaunts, joined us to show us the spectacular sights of Purbeck. Our wonderful day included: light breakfast treats en route to Dorset; a guided tour of the Purbeck Mineral & Mining Museum at Norden; a delicious lunch with wine at The Halfway Inn, Wareham; Purbeck Viewpoint; a drive through Swanage; Durlston Country Park, Durlston Castle & The Great Globe – with stunning views of the Great Harry rocks & The Needles; an exciting Steam Train journey from Swanage to Corfe and finally, a yummy cream tea at Corfe Model Village.

Congratulations to our prize winner – Club-21 Member, Chris Adlam, who guessed EXACTLY where we were going when she jotted down ‘Swanage Railway’ on her ‘Where are we going’ slip’, completed as we left Fareham and before we joined the M27. Well done Chris – for reading my mind !

15. Monday 20 February 2023 – Up and out the top of the LIFT109 chimney at Battersea Power Station! 
Our first Mystery Tour Away-Day of 2023 was a great start to the Away-Day season after our excellent 14-day Winter Warmth in the Canaries Cruise with Fred Olsen Cruises! Starting with a lovely drive across the South Downs countryside, with the first signs of spring and hedgerows full of sprouting bushes, snowdrops and wild daffodils, we stopped for coffee and a wander at RHS Wisley. What a difference from a few years ago! It has now become very commercialized, with a large sectioned tarmac car-park, enormous buildings with café, shop and plant centre and loads of people!

We were back on the coach by 12 noon, when everyone was served with a delicious packed lunch of sandwiches (no crusts!), choc roll, fruit, a chocolate pancake (Shrove Tuesday was the next day!) and a chilled bottle of water.   So where we go next they were all asking themselves …… surprise, surprise, we ended up on the outskirts of London city at Battersea Power Station for an exciting ride up to the top of the north-east chimney on LIFT109! The views from the top were absolutely amazing, especially as true to Solent Events form, the sun shone all around us! There was also time given for browsing & shopping in the huge Shopping Mall, which was full of expensive shops and restaurants. Most managed a coffee or cocktail before strolling around the outside of this impressive renovated building and newly built millionaire’s apartments! We left London at 4pm and headed back down the A3 to ‘Clanfield in the countryside’  for our third and final stop of the day – a delicious 2-course dinner with wine and coffee at The Red Lion, Charlton. 

Yet another successful Mystery Tour Away-Day – and no-one, not anyone guessed this time!

14. Tuesday 11 October 2022 – Lin’s Birthday Mystery Tour!
The weather for this October Mystery Tour exceeded all expectations! Bright blue, clear skies and an unseasonably mild temperature was just the perfect setting for a Poole Harbour Boat cruise amongst the little islands off Brownsea Island, famous for its Red Squirrel habitation and Lord Baden Powell, where he tested his ideas for the book ‘Scouting for Boys’. Enormous cookies & coffee were served en route by a dedicated, friendly crew whilst a total of 36 Solent Events guests enjoyed the captain’s amusing  commentary as we cruised the harbour on what appeared to be a summer’s day! After boarding the coach we travelled the short distance to our next Mystery location – the RNLI College, just 5-minutes away! A delicious chicken and fish lunch was served from the top floor restaurant with great views over the harbour. Divided into two groups, we were then guided through the college with expert information about the daily lives of the RNLI crews and the training facilities for new recruits.  We were even ‘treated’ to a ‘shout’ in the Lifeboat simulator. Hair-raisingly real, to say the least!  

Our day ended with a scenic drive through the New Forest and a celebratory birthday tea of Prosecco, cheese straws and cupcakes with a candle in – and the sun was still shining!

13. 31 March 2022 – When we had have 4 seasons in just one day – what a mystery that was!
The gods were with us once again! Although we had sun, rain, snow and a bit of wind  we had the most wonderful day visiting brand new places for some and a favourite place for others! Although the main roads also had to be used, driving through countryside and little villages was a breath of fresh air …. with a short blizzard included!

Our first stop for coffee homemade cookies and entry to the excellent museum and gardens was to GILBERT WHIITE MUSEUM. The quaint little village with its world famous pottery, St Mary’s Church and historic cottages was an absolute delight in the snow storm ….. and then even better in the sunshine! Onward and upward – north – to READING. “Whatever is there to see in Reading?” was buzzing around the coach ….. until we stopped outside the elegant Roseate Hotel for a soup & sandwich buffet with wine!

With lunch over, one of our favourite guides, Graham, met us for an afternoon of wonder and amazement during his amusing but interesting tour of the  Abbey Ruins, Gardens, Prison, Maiwand Lion & Trooper Watts statues and the Kennet & Avon Canal – in the sunshine and snow showers!  The Abbey Ruins are right in the centre of  town but no-one even knew they were there! 

After boarding the coach and saying goodbye to Graham, the perfect end to a perfect day was a Clotted Cream Tea with homemade scones and jam …. in the comfort of the Caversham Lady River Boat for a leisurely cruise along the Thames … under blue skies and gorgeous sunshine!

12. 22 February 2022 – After the Storm Eunice, a perfect day in the Test Valley  
Against all odds after storm Eunice ravaged the south, we had a wonderful day meandering through our beautiful Hampshire countryside, to our first mystery stop for coffee at Milestones Living Museum, Basingstoke. We met our expert guide, Graham of Tours2Order, at New Alresford, who then guided us through pretty Candover villages with quaint thatched cottages, ancient churches and historical memorials. Whilst listening to stories, anecdotes and historical notes from Graham, we spotted snowdrop lined verges, trees blossoming numerous pheasants, squirrels and wildlife, along with fields of black sheep, white sheep and enormous dirty pigs! Exploring Milestones Museum brought back many memories of life at a slower pace, with the families on half-term awarding us a joyous atmosphere not often experienced at the moment. Out next stop was a delicious 3-course lunch with wine at The Hatch, Old Basing. Christie, Sarah & staff were excellent, as was the food, so highly recommended! After lunch and under sunny blue skies, we continued our mystery tour through the pretty, historic town of Odiham, past a spectacular chalk quarry, RAF Odiham with its chinook helicopters and through Alton to our next mystery stop ….. at the spectacular 19th-century country house-mansion on Northington Down – Northington Grange where, surprise, surprise, Pippa & Michelle of Chocolate Craft, Old Alresford were there to meet us. (We couldn’t get to them for a full demonstration, because a large tree was still blocking the road by their farmyard workshop, so they came to us!)  The chocoholics among us were in chocolate heaven, especially when we were all presented with goodie bags and a pop-up shop in such a stunning setting! They supply Fortnum Mason, so we knew they would be yummy! A welcome stroll around the mansion house followed, with a tasty Cream Tea being served on the coach – the perfect end to a prefect day in perfect weather.

Note: Northington Grange is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in Europe. First built in the 1660s as a Palladian brick mansion, it was transformed in the early 19th century into a magnificent neoclassical residence resembling a Greek temple, complete with resplendent Doric portico. After years of neglect, the house was dramatically saved from demolition in 1975 when it was taken into state care, and now provides a striking venue for an annual festival of opera.

11. 24 October 2021 – Yes, you CAN have a  Magical Day in Bristol!
In short …… after early morning breakfast treats en route,, coffee and danish pastries were served in the comfort of the coach at the Moto Leigh Service Station on the M4. Well they weren’t expecting that!

Arriving in Bristol we boarded the Bristol Packet ‘Bagheer’ river boat for a delicious 2-course Lunch Cruise in gorgeous sunshine. Heaven! They weren’t expecting that either. Dropping us off at Broken Dock, the Bristol City Centre, we walked across the road and entered our Magical Mystery Tour venue …. Smoke & Mirrors for a welcome glass of Prosecco. Drinks were followed by a hilarious – and for some invited on to the stage, a slightly embarrassing (!) magic and comedy show, delivered seamlessly by owner Mark Bennett, a member of the Magic Circle. Copious amounts of popcorn & peanuts were consumed in abundance, but were no doubt walked off after a stroll around the corner to visit a piece of work by the  the famous local artist Bankey – ‘Well Hung Lover’. They weren’t expecting THAT either!!!

It was a great day with lovely weather and somewhere no-one ever imagined we’d be going!

10. 25 August 2021 – A day of surprises! Beaconsfield, Missenden Church, Butlers Cross & Hellfire Caves
After an early start, we travelled to Aylesbury End, Beaconsfield to meet our Blue Badge Guide, Graham, who guided us through country lanes and leafy dales to our coffee & pastries stop at a gorgeous little country pub, The Harte & Magpies. Stories of times past from our knowledgeable guide, took us through  beautiful areas of the Buckingham countryside to Little Missenden, a pretty little village most famous for the set of the Vicar of Dibley and Midsomer Murders. St John the Baptist church boasts wall paintings that date from the 12th to 17th centuries. Another little gem to add to our collection! The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and the parish church is even older,  dating back to between AD 950 & 1000, in the late Anglo-Saxon period. 

A delicious lunch was taken at The Russell Arms t Butlers Cross, before heading past the Prime Ministers’ country pad, Chequers, a lone windmill and RAF Wycombe,  situated in the village of Walters Ash, housing the Air Command Headquarters, but originally designed for the 1930s RAF Bomber Command.
Our final destination was the Hellfire Caves, a network of man-made chalk and flint caverns which extend 260m underground and situated above the village of West Wycombe, at the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills. The Hellfire Caves is like nowhere we had ever been before! Built in the 17th century we travelled deep underground, led by a great guide who was dressed and performed in the ruse of the 17th century! Dug by hand, to house the ‘Hellfire Club’, the caves are often regarded as “an incredible feat of engineering”. Interested? Read all about this fascinating and extraordinary history of luxury, seclusion, women and wine … in mammoth proportions!  www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/history 

A cream tea of homemade scones, jam and clotted cream, served by the enthusiastic and friendly café staff in the sunny courtyard, was a welcome treat and the perfect end to another perfect Mystery day!

9. 15 October 2020 – London – with a difference … and just BEFORE we were in Lockdown again!
Our October Mystery Tour was  the one postponed from 28 May, during Lockdown.

It was a great opportunity to venture into an empty London  (people wise, but not traffic unfortunately!)

After an early start, breakfast treats were served on board (in Covid-safe personal treat bags) and with 37 guests on our 54-seater coach, seated singularly offside and couple/friends/bubbles nearside) and donned with the obligatory facemask or faceshield, everyone felt safe.

Our first stopfor coffee, biscuits and to meet our guide Martin, was Knights Templar off Fleet Street. A really interesting guided tour followed, when the history of east London was brought to life, still without anyone guessing where we were going!

Our tour took us to the Tereza Joanne ship, moored on the Thames at the end of City Airport runway, which of course was eerily quiet, for a delicious 2-course lunch with wine & coffee! From one ship to another – the Woolwich Ferry – to our final destination – Crossness Sewerage Works! An absolute marvel of Victorian architecture and an excellent place to have our cream tea before heading off home. A very exciting day – and no-one guessed where we going – well who would think we were off to The Great Stink for the day – you just wouldn’t would you?! 

8. 11 September 2019 – Setley Ridge Vineyard & Bucklers Hard
Coffee & cake at Setley Ridge Vineyard in the New Forest; guided tour of the grapes & wine tasting by owner Paul Girling, followed by a tour to Bucklers Hard with guide Frances; lunch at the Master Builder Hotel by the Beaulie River; a river boat trip up to Gin’s Farm; tours of the Bucklers Hard cottages & museum; guided tour of the picturesque New Forest with the ponies, donkeys & the hidden Portuguese Fireplace; cream tea was served on the coach watching the Heavy Horses at Boulders Wood. Just perfect! 

7. 14 June 2019 – Chavenage House of Poldark fame & Sally Dunns famous Tea Shop, Bath
Breakfast Treats en route to Chavenage House, near Tetley (where Poldark was filmed) with eccentric resident family members, Caroline & Robert Lowsley- Williams as guides for a humerous tour of the fantastic medieval house; coffee and lunch were served in the Ballroom. On to Bath to meet guide, Nick, for a guided tour of Bath including the River Avon, the Guildhall, Royal Crescent; a Bath Bun Afternoon Tea at the oldest Tea Shop in Bath – Sally Lunn’s – the biggest and lightest buns you have ever seen! Delicious!

6. 05 March 2019 – Henley-on-Thames River Cruise & Midsomer Murders Trail
Coffee & cake aboard the Hobbs of Henley ‘Waterman’  for a River Cruise at Henley on Thames with guide Graham – in bright sunshine; guided tour follwoing the trail of the Midsomer Murders film sets;  Dorchester Priory visit with lunch at the 16th century White Hart Hotel; a delicious cream tea back at Henley on the coach – in the rain! C’est la vie!

5. 04 October 2018 –  Bluebell  Steam Train & Hever Castle
This was to be a countryside journey with colourful Autumn vistas en route to Heaven Farm, near Uckfield. A beautiful little farm with chickens running around and a great farm shop with fresh produce. After coffee and meeting guide Liz we went back through Sheffield Park, for ride back in time on the Bluebell Railway from Sheffield Park Station to East Grinstead; Lunch at the end of the line was at  Old Dunnings Mill, ending our day with a guided country tour en route to Hever Castle. It proved to be a fantastic Autumn day in Sussex! 

4. 16 May 2018 – Jurassic Coast & Etches Fossil Museum
We met guide Andy for coffee at The Haven Hotel, Poole; crossed the chain ferry to Swanage; toured the villages and beaches of the Jurassic Coast with  an olde worlde Fish & Chip lunch. We also visited the fantastic  Etches Fossil Museum and a personal guided tour with owner Steve Etches; Lawrence of Arabia grave at Moreton with  St Nicholas’ Church and its 13 gorgeous etched glass windows,  engraved by the poet and artist Sir Laurence Whistler. Afternoon Tea was taken in the adjacent Walled Garden. Heaven!

3. 01 June 2017 –  Sussex & Prairie Secret Garden   
Our special Solent Events breakfast treats were served as we crossed the South & North Downs before meeting our guide in an olde worlde pub in the pretty village of Steyning for coffee & biscuits; a guided tour of the countryside, Shipley Windmill and village with its beautiful medieval church of St Mary. Lunch was taken in the village of Bramber with our final stop at the amazing Sussex Prairie Secret Garden on the 1st day of opening for its summer season.  The Afternoon Tea was excellent, especially being able to eat outside in the sunshine. A magical day was had by all!

2. 04 May 2016 – Downton Abbey Tour & River Cruise        
Meeting our blue-badge guide for  coffee and homemade apple cake  at Cogges Manor Farm (the Downton Abbey Kitchen House) we enjoyed guided tours of the Downton Abbey village & its famous church, hospital and cottages at Bampton. We also passed Brize Norton, just as a plane was landing … well not quite, as it immediately took off again! Our delicious Carvery Lunch was served at The Windmill, before travelling on to the outskirts of Oxford  for an exciting River Boat cruise from Godstow Lock to Folly Bridge culminating in a cream tea at the Kings Head & Bell, Abingdon. Shame about the ‘flat as a pancake’ Abingdon scones though – which  we fondly named our Brize Norton hand-grenades! A very memorable day for the diary

1. 28 April 2015 – Bibery & Broadway     
We met our guide, the amusing Lee of Kooky Cotswolds Tours for coffee & cake at  the Olde Worlde pub & hotel, The Swan followed by a  country  & village guided tour, ending with a little free time and included lunch at Broadway. Gliding once again through the countryside with stories of old and interesting places to view, we eventually landed at Cheltenham Race Course – for a cream tea on the Cheltenham to Teddington the Steam Train. Our very first Mystery Tour – and what a fun day it was. We’ll have to do it again!