BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS
2nd - 4th May 2008
£229 Child 12 and under £192
Single Room Supplement: £30 Insurance: £12

You will have an opportunity to see the best horses and riders in the world competing in this prestigious event. We arrive in time to watch some of the dressage on the Friday, and then there are the thrills and spills of the cross-country on the Saturday. On Sunday, we have grandstand seats to watch the showjumping phase. There are also more than 200 trade stands with some great shopping.

Hotels: Hilton Swindon and Hilton Bristol. Itinerary

This 4 day tour offers something for everyone - a top international horse show, famous for its hunter classes and Nations Cup, with great trade stands and a unique Irish atmosphere, plus a chance to explore Dublin, one of Europe’s most exciting cities with its cosmopolitan dining and vibrant nightlife. Travel will be by coach and fast ferry.

Hotel: Camden Court. Itinerary

This 4 star event is the highlight of the autumn season, and rivals Badminton in difficulty. We will arrive in time to see some of the dressage on the Friday, or you can walk the cross-country course while it is quiet. Saturday brings the excitement of the cross-country with its imposing obstacles, and on Sunday we have grandstand seats for the showjumping. There is also fabulous shopping and all kinds of equestrian entertainment.

Hotel: The Marriott, Huntingdon. Itinerary

You will see our best riders competing for national titles from Novice to Grand Prix, plus young horse classes and dressage displays. There are several freestyle competitions, and you will see beautiful horses literally dancing to music. If you are looking for inspiration, do not miss this opportunity!

Hotel: Hilton Warwick. Itinerary

This tour takes in the Saturday evening performance, which always includes a scintillating display of a whole variety of disciplines, including international showjumping. You will also spend Sunday at the show. You should have time to visit the many colourful trade stands, and see the matinee performance in the afternoon. Accommodation is on a lunch, bed and breakfast basis.

Hotel: Hilton Coventry. Itinerary

You will see the Saturday evening performance of this popular indoor show. There is a full evening of equestrian entertainment, including international showjumping, and the evening concludes with the traditional Christmas pantomime. With its festive atmosphere, this show makes great family entertainment. This tour includes a visit to Windsor, which offers many tourist attractions and is great for last minute Christmas shopping. Accommodation is on a lunch, bed and breakfast basis.

Hotel: Hilton Newbury North & Hilton Newbury Centre.

Itinerary

This popular tour takes in the Thursday (Ladies’ Day) of Royal Ascot, and includes a General Admission ticket at £60. This is your chance to sip champagne, have a flutter, and admire the colourful fashions for which the royal meeting is famous. There will also be a visit to Cheltenham on the Wednesday and Bath on the Friday. Both these spa towns have a historic background and brilliant shopping.

Hotel: Blunsden House, Swindon. Itinerary

The Deauville Racing Festival attracts the smart set from Paris, and some smart horses. There are two racecourses in the town, so we will have a day at each one. The town itself is elegant with great beaches, super restaurants and fabulous shops. Deauville also boasts one of the most famous casinos in Western Europe. We shall be based in the pretty port of Honfleur, just 20 minutes’ drive away. Accommodation will be on a bed and breakfast basis, but two dinners are also included. Travel will be by coach and ferry.

Hotel: The Mercure, Honfleur Centre. Itinerary

We will travel to Paris, taking the Dover-Calais ferry route. Your tour includes a city sightseeing tour on the Saturday, with free time in the city in the afternoon. On the Sunday we make our way to the beautiful Longchamps racecourse, and the highlight of the tour, an afternoon of top class racing, with its famous feature race, the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.

Hotel: Hotel Kyriad Prestige Blanc Mesnil. Itinerary

This is a great opportunity to visit the Mecca of the racing world. On the Friday, we will visit the Tattersalls Yearling Sales – a fascinating experience! On the Saturday, we will begin with a visit to a Trainer’s Yard, followed by a guided tour of the National Stud. Then we will enjoy an afternoon of first class racing. On the Sunday there will be free time in Cambridge.

Hotel: Holiday Inn, Corby. Itinerary

Spend two days at the famous Hickstead Derby meeting, which also features dressage to Grand Prix, and all the usual showing classes. The Derby is a very challenging competition, attracting the best international showjumpers.The tour also includes a visit to a Sports Horse Stud, where you will meet the stallions and the mares with their foals. Hopefully there will be a chance to see one of the stallions being ridden.

Hotel: The Britannia Europa, Gatwick. Itinerary

All the stars of eventing will be competing for the British Open and Intermediate Championships. As this is technically a one day event, you will see all phases of the competition over the two days. Gatcombe Park, the home of Princess Anne, provides an undulating parkland setting, with great viewing for the cross-country. There is also a packed programme of attractions in the main arena, with all kinds of displays and fun competitions.

Hotel: Hilton Swindon. Itinerary