Planned trips
Thursday 30 July 2026 Day Trip to Highclere Castle
Update
Booking forms have now been sent out to the first 50 names on the list of interested members.
Highclere have restricted us to 50 visitors on the day. There is a waiting list for any spaces which may become available and, should anyone have to drop out of the visit, invitations will be sent to the next person on the waiting list which is being maintained in order of the date members expressed their interest.
If you have received a booking form and can no longer join us on the day, please contact Joy as soon as possible so that the place can be offered to another u3a member.
Joy's details are on your u3a Information Card under the “Wider Horizons Group”.
The cost is £36 per person which includes a tip for the coach driver.
Arriving at Highclere Castle feels less like visiting a historic house and more like stepping into a film set. Rising from rolling parkland, its honey-coloured stone towers instantly spark recognition—even before you realise it’s a living estate layered with centuries of history, family stories, and quiet grandeur.
The long, curving drive winds through Capability Brown designed grounds, where ancient cedars punctuate wide green lawns. As the castle comes into view, it is impressive —Victorian and symmetrical - yet softened by its rural surroundings. Inside, the experience is intimate rather than museum-like. The entrance hall soars upward, its stone arches and sweeping staircase instantly familiar to fans of Downton Abbey.
The state rooms reveal the tastes and ambitions of the Carnarvon family, who have lived at Highclere since the late 1600s. The house was transformed to its current majesty in 1842, by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament. Despite being so grand you can feel that it is a home. There are also gardens and extensive grounds to explore.
The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, famously financed the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922. An Egyptian exhibition room showcases artefacts and photographs from that extraordinary expedition. You can visit the exhibition by purchasing an additional ticket (subject to availability).
The café serves hot drinks and food, but if you bring your own food you will have to eat it in the coach, as they do not allow picnics in the grounds.
A visit to Highclere Castle balances drama and history, whether you come as a Downton Abbey devotee, a history lover, or a curious traveller, the castle has something for everyone.
7 June to 13 June 2026 Residential Holiday based in Chester
We have 46 members looking forward to our 2026 Residential Holiday. Final balances have now been paid. We will be based at the famous Queen's Hotel in Chester. This is an old hotel close to the station, opened in 1860. Previous famous guests include Cecil Rhodes and Charles Dickens! It has recently had a major refurbishment and air conditioning has been installed.
Our excursions will include Port Sunlight, Bodnant Gardens and the Pontycysylite Aqueduct. We have a day in Liverpool with a guided tour of the city and a “Ferry across the Mersey”.
A free day in Chester, when the Driver has his day off, gives us the opportunity to explore the beautiful Roman city.
Full itinerary details are here.
Bookings have now closed but occasionally, members must drop out for various reasons. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact me.
My contact details are in the Members' Information Card under Book Group Leader.
Audrey
Past trips
Visit to Stratford upon Avon for the Victorian Christmas Market November 2025
A good day out was enjoyed by 50 of our members. Full report here.
Residential trip to Devon and Cornwall in July 2025
The holiday was a great success. We stayed at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth and made trips out. Full report here.
Day Trip to Bournemouth on 4 June 2025
43 of our members had an excellent day trip to Bournemouth. Audrey Luff gives us a full report here.
Photo of Bournemouth Pier from the Observation Wheel by Rennie Buxton.
Bicester u3a Members-only residential Holiday 2024: NORTHUMBRIA DELIGHTS
Between 16 and 22 June 2024 we spent a wonderful week in Northumbria. Mike Wyatt prepared a wonderful report with a lot of pictures.
Day Trip to Batsford Arboretum on 26 April 2024
To read a full report (with pictures!) click on Batsford Report.
Members Only Residential Holiday to the Lake District 2023
39 of us spent a fantastic holiday between 12 and 18 June 2023 in the Lake District. It was a total success. Even the sun was shining while we were there. Michael Wyatt wrote a brief report and called it appropriately Lake District Report. If you have any pictures or stories that you would like to share, please send them to the Webmaster .
Trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
This trip took place on 20 June 2023. Our Chairman prepared the Cotswold report with some nice pictures. If you have more photos and wish to share them, please send them to the Webmaster .
Christmas Bus Trip to Bath
Took place on Thursday 1 December 2022. Here is the Bath Trip Report with pictures.
Residential Trip 2022. Northern Ireland
Thirty-five of our members enjoyed a residential trip to Ireland (between 26 September and 2 October 2022) by coach and ferry. We were based in Belfast and visited The Titanic Exhibition, The Crumlin Road Jail and The Giants Causeway, to name but a few attractions. Click on u3a Ireland Holiday to read the report by Marie Hutchison.
Portsmouth Coach Trip
Took place on Thursday, 21 July 2022. Here is the Portsmouth Trip prepared by Denise.
Trip to TOAD (The Oxford Artisan Distillery) on 17 May 2022
A successful and very informative half-day trip was enjoyed by all. This was our second trip to TOAD.