Coach Trips

If you wish to download a booking form for one of our trips please find the resource to the right of this page. You should bring the completed form together with your payment to the Graduate Centre reception.

Top tip for booking your trip: If you’re coming to the Graduate Centre especially to book your place and want to check the availability of tickets, why not call ahead on 02920 874748 or follow us on Twitter: @Grad_Centre

Coach Attendants Needed
We are recruiting people to be coach attendants on some of these trips. You must be a Cardiff University postgraduate student, with good spoken English and an outgoing personality. Previous experience would be an advantage. We are not able to offer payment for this, however, your coach fare for the trip will be free. If you are interested, please e-mail Myra Woods at woodsmj@cardiff.ac.uk.

Cardiff Bay Tour & Boat Ride (Bookings Open 26 September 2011 at the University Welcome to Postgraduates)

Thursday 29 September 2011   SOLD OUT

£10.00 per person (including refreshments) – Please note: Return travel is not included in the price.

You’ll be guided through Bute Park, stopping off to learn about Cardiff Castle and its parks. You’ll then board the Aquabus (Cardiff’s water taxi) to the bay, exploring the Cardiff Bay Barrage en route. From there, you’ll head over to the Wales Millennium Centre’s Ffresh Lounge for some tasty Welsh refreshments, followed by a guided tour of the Senedd – the seat of Wales National Assembly, and a building of an architectural significance. Afterwards, you may continue to explore Cardiff Bay at your leisure and will be instructed on where to catch the bus/train to return to the campus, or you can accompany the guides back. The trip will depart at 13:00 from the front of University Main Car Park Entrance, Park Place. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. The tour will end approximately at 17:00pm.For further information visit http://www.visitcardiff.com/ 

Oxford (Bookings Open 03 October)
Saturday 22 October 2011    SOLD OUT
£13.00 per person
Oxford is the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland and is the setting of "Hogwarts Hall" in the Harry Potter films, Christ Church, is a must see.  Internationally renowned museums such as the Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Modern Art provide something for all ages. The trip will depart at 08:00 from the front of the Students Union Building in Park Place. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We leave Oxford at 18:00, returning to Cardiff about 20:00. All times are approximate and may vary. Web sites which may help when planning your day are www.ox.ac.uk/museums and www.visitoxford.org

Cambridge (Bookings Open 17 October)
Saturday 5 November 2011    SOLD OUT

£18.00 per person
The unique university city of Cambridge has attracted students for almost 800 years. The River Cam runs through the centre of Cambridge and this is a popular place for traditional punting.  Central Cambridge is dominated by the various university buildings and colleges, being easy to get around either on foot or by bicycle. The area known as the Backs lies alongside the River Cam and has views of several beautiful college buildings, such as the King's College Chapel. Walking tours of the city are regularly organised by the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre on Wheeler Street led by local guides often dressed in Tudor costumes, these walks can be popular, and so tickets should be purchased in advance to secure your place. Web sites which may help when planning your day are  http://www.cambridge.world-guides.com and http://www.visitcambridge.org .  The trip will depart from Cardiff at 06.00 .  We leave Cambridge at 18.00 returning to Cardiff at approximately 22.30.  All times are approximate and may vary.  As always this is not a guided tour, so you should read up prior to your visit.

Extra Date Added

Cambridge (Bookings Open 20 October)
Saturday 12 November 2011    SOLD OUT

£18.00 per person
The unique university city of Cambridge has attracted students for almost 800 years. The River Cam runs through the centre of Cambridge and this is a popular place for traditional punting.  Central Cambridge is dominated by the various university buildings and colleges, being easy to get around either on foot or by bicycle. The area known as the Backs lies alongside the River Cam and has views of several beautiful college buildings, such as the King's College Chapel. Walking tours of the city are regularly organised by the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre on Wheeler Street led by local guides often dressed in Tudor costumes, these walks can be popular, and so tickets should be purchased in advance to secure your place. Web sites which may help when planning your day are  http://www.cambridge.world-guides.com and http://www.visitcambridge.org .  The trip will depart from Cardiff at 06.00 .  We leave Cambridge at 18.00 returning to Cardiff at approximately 22.30.  All times are approximate and may vary.  As always this is not a guided tour, so you should read up prior to your visit.

London (Bookings Open 31 October)
Saturday 19 November 2011

£15.00 per person
London is home to countless historical and modern attractions, from the London Eye to the National Gallery and Tower of London or you could just go shopping!! The trip will depart at 07.30 from the front of the Students Union Building in Park Place. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We leave London at 18:30, returning to Cardiff about 21:30. All times are approximate and may vary. Web sites which may help when planning your day are http://uk.visitlondon.com/ or http://www.londontown.com/

Birmingham "Frankfurt" Christmas Market

(Bookings Open 14 November)

Saturday 3 December 2011    SOLD OUT

 £12.00 per person

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a huge favourite with visitors to the city from all over the UK and Europe.  Combined with the city’s own Christmas Craft Fair of local traders, it offers a total of over 180 stalls to browse and enjoy. It is the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria. Enjoy the feel of a small village within the heart of the bustling city centre, with picturesque wooden chalets offering traditional handcrafted gifts, including jewellery, wooden toys, dolls and candles.A truly continental atmosphere is conjured up by the lights, sounds and smells of this unique spectacle that is imported in its entirety and then installed in the beautiful setting of Birmingham's Victoria Square.  The whole experience will be enhanced with live music every lunchtime and evening from a traditional bandstand. A truly international welcome and a unique shopping experience await all visitors to the heart of Birmingham this Christmas.The trip will depart from Cardiff at 09:00 arriving at 11:00 approximately. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We will depart from Birmingham at 18:00.

For further information visit http://www.visitbirmingham.com

http://www.christmasmarkets.com.uk/frankfurtmarket and http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/christmascraftfair

Stonehenge & Salisbury (Bookings Open 9 January 2012)
Saturday 28 January 2012    SOLD OUT
£17.00 per person (Includes Admission to Stonehenge)
Stonehenge is a world famous prehistoric monument, dating back thousands of years. Sited on Salisbury Plain, 10 miles to the north of Salisbury, it is a series of concentric rings of standing stones which surround an altar stone at the centre. Salisbury is an ancient cathedral city famous for its beautiful cathedral. Every year over 600,000 visitors from all over the world visit the cathedral and close. The trip will depart from Cardiff at 08:00. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We will spend approximately 1hour 30 mins in Stonehenge before travelling on to Salisbury. We will depart from Salisbury at 17:00. For further information visit http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/ and http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/

Bath (Bookings Open 23 January 2012)
Saturday 11 February 2012    SOLD OUT
£9.00 per person
Bath was developed around the site of ancient thermal springs, which are now part of one of the UK's top five attractions, and has been designated a World Heritage Site. Bath is famous for its Roman Baths (admission charge), Pump Room, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Circus. Websites which may help when planning your day are www.visitbath.co.uk and www.romanbaths.co.uk . The trip will depart from Cardiff at 08:30 arriving at 10:00 approximately. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We leave Bath at 18:00 returning to Cardiff about 19:30. All times are approximate and may vary. As always, this is not a guided tour, so you should read up prior to your visit.

Windsor (Bookings Open 6 February 2012) 
Saturday 25 February 2012    SOLD OUT
£12.00 per person
This trip takes you to the Royal Borough of Windsor.  Windsor is most famous for Windsor Castle and Legoland.  The castle is an official residence of the Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. You can visit the castle or take a trip to Legoland, take a boat trip up the Thames, or visit Eton College, or Frogmore House.  Many of Windsor attractions are in the town centre or can be reached by local bus.  You can catch a train from Windsor into Paddington or Waterloo, so you can even visit London for the day.   For full details on all Windsor’s attractions in order to plan your day visit www.windsor.gov.uk/attractions/attract_index.htm.  The trip will depart at 08:00 from the front of the Students Union Building in Park Place. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip.  We will leave Windsor at approximately 17.30 returning to Cardiff about 20.00.  All times are approximate and may vary.

Stratford-Upon-Avon (Bookings open 20 February 2012)

Saturday 10 March 2012         SOLD OUT
£12.00 per person
Visit Stratford Upon Avon, the world famous birthplace of William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Society theatre. Perhaps you would prefer the picturesque surroundings of Ann Hathaway's Cottage set in the Warwickshire countryside? Alternatively take a boat ride along the River Avon enjoying the various street performers that line its banks. The trip will depart from Cardiff at 08:30 arriving at 10:30 approximately. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We leave Stratford at 18:00 returning to Cardiff about 20:00. All times are approximate and may vary. As always, this is not a guided tour, so you should read up prior to your visit. Further information can be found at http://www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk 

Longleat Safari Park & House (Bookings Open 5 March 2012)

Sunday 25 March 2012       SOLD OUT
£25.00 per person (Includes admission to all attractions at Longleat)
Longleat offers a multitude of attractions whatever your interest! Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. Get close to lions, tigers and giraffes in the Safari Park before swapping your coach for a Safari Boat or the Longleat Railway. With 11 attractions to explore there is something for everyone! Visit their website www.longleat.co.uk to find out more. The trip departs from Cardiff at 08:00 arriving in Longleat for 10:30, Departure from Longleat will be at 17:30 returning to Cardiff about 20:30. All times are approximate and may vary

Oxford (Bookings Open  23 April 2012)
Saturday 12 May 2012
£13.00 per person
Oxford is the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland and is the setting of Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter films, Christ Church, is a must see whilst internationally renowned museums such as the Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Modern Art provide something for all ages. The trip will depart at 08:00 from the front of the Students Union Building in Park Place. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We leave Oxford at 18:00, returning to Cardiff about 20:00. All times are approximate and may vary. Web sites which may help when planning your day are www.ox.ac.uk/museums and www.visitoxford.org

Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds & Birdland

(Bookings Open Tuesday 8 May 2012, due to Bank Holiday)

Sunday 27 May 2012    SOLD OUT
£17.00 per person (Includes admission to Birdland)
Birland is situated in the heart of the Cotswold Hills in the town of Bourton-on-the-Water, a five minute walks from town centre. It is set in woodland, river and gardens. This natural setting is inhabited by over 500 birds; Flamingos, Pelicans, Penguins, Cranes, Storks, cassowary and waterfowl can be seen on various aspects of the water habitat. Over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, toucans, touracos, pigeons, ibis and many more. The Toucan and Desert Houses are home to the more delicate species. Take time out to ander, relax and learn in this tranquil environment. There are large areas to picnic and watch the activities of the birds on and around the river Windrush as it meanders through to park on its journey to the Thames. The trip will depart at 09:00 from the front of the Students' Union Building in Park Place.  Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip.  We leave Bourton-on-the Water at 17:30, returning to Cardiff about 20:00.  All times are approximate and may vary.  For further information visit http://www.birdland.co.uk 

Hay on Wye (Bookings Open 21 May 2012) 
Saturday 9 June 2012         SOLD OUT
£7.00 per person
Hay-on-Wye is a small market town which is located near the border of Wales and England. The town is notable for having around 34 second-hand bookshops. We will be visiting at the time of the Hay Festival.  The trip will depart at 09:30 from the front of the Students Union Building in Park Place. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We leave Hay on Wye at 18:00, returning to Cardiff about 19:15. All times are approximate and may vary. Web sites which may help when planning your day are http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/ or http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/bookshops/body.htm   http://www.hayfestival.com/portal/index.aspx?skinid=1&localesetting=en-GB

Stonehenge & Salisbury (Bookings Open Wednesday 6 June 2012, due to Bank Holiday)
Saturday 23 June 2012
£18.00 per person (Includes Admission to Stonehenge)
Stonehenge is a world famous prehistoric monument, dating back thousands of years. Sited on Salisbury Plain, 10 miles to the north of Salisbury, it is a series of concentric rings of standing stones which surround an altar stone at the centre. Salisbury is an ancient cathedral city famous for its beautiful cathedral. Every year over 600,000 visitors from all over the world visit the cathedral and close. The trip will depart from Cardiff at 08:00. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We will spend approximately 1hour 30 mins in Stonehenge before travelling on to Salisbury. We will depart from Salisbury at 18:00. For further information visit http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/ and http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/

Alton Towers Theme Park (Bookings Open 18 June 2012) 
Sunday 08 July 2012     
£39.00 per person (Includes admission to the park and all rides)
Alton Towers is one of the world's leading theme parks!  With a host of rides and attractions spread over 500 acres of countryside.  It is well known as the home of unique, groundbreaking ride such as Nemesis, the first suspended "legs free" rollercoaster; Oblivion the first "face first" vertical drop coaster; and Th13teen the ultimate white knuckle ride - every ride you’ve ever dreamed of in one! You will find something for all the family.  The trip will depart at 06:00 from the front of the Students Union Building in Park Place. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We leave Alton Towers at 18:30, returning to Cardiff about 22:30. All times are approximate and may vary.More information on Alton Towers can be found on their website http://www.altontowers.com/resort

Warwick Castle (Bookings Open 2 July 2012) 
Sunday 22 July 2012 
£25.00 per person (Includes admission to castle)
Visit Warwick Castle and discover 1,000 years of history.  The finest Mediaeval Castle in England which provides the greatest Mediaeval experience from a Mediaeval household in the Kingmaker exhibition to a Victorian 'Royal Weekend Party'. The trip will depart at 09:00 from the front of the Students Union Building in Park Place.  Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip.  We leave Warwick Castle at 18:00, returning to Cardiff about 20:00.  All times are approximate and may vary.  For further information visit http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/

Bath (Bookings Open 16 July 2102)
Saturday 4 August 2012
£9.00 per person
Bath was developed around the site of ancient thermal springs, which are now part of one of the UK's top five attractions, and has been designated a World Heritage Site. Bath is famous for its Roman Baths (admission charge), Pump Room, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Circus. Websites which may help when planning your day are www.visitbath.co.uk and www.romanbaths.co.uk . The trip will depart from Cardiff at 08:00 arriving at 10:00 approximately. We leave Bath at 18:00 returning to Cardiff about 19:30. All times are approximate and may vary. As always, this is not a guided tour, so you should read up prior to your visit.

Brecon Beacons Tour (Bookings open 30 July 2012)
Saturday 18 August 2012
£7.00 per person     
We will first visit Garwnant Visitor Centre which is situated at the Southern end of the Brecon and then Becons National Park, which is run by the forestry commission, it offers 400 acres of beautiful woodland where you can experience one of the may nature trail walks. Going on to Brecon which is the largest town within the Brecon Beacons National Park it is a town where you'll enjoy losing yourself...not only in the narrow streets and passageways lined with Georgian and Jacobean shop fronts, but in the sense of timelessness about the place.  Ending the day at the Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre is run by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and is the most popular visitor attraction in the National Park. The Mountain Centre stands 1100ft / 335m above sea level offering its location offers stunning views of Pen Y Fan the highest mountain in South Wales. An adjacent moorland ridge known as

Mynydd Illtyd offers some fine easy to moderately graded walking. The trip will depart at 09.00 from the front of the Students Union Building in Park Place. Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to departure time in order to be checked in for the trip. We plan to spend 2hrs 30 mins in Brecon before going on to the Mountain Centre.  Departure from the Mountain Centre will be at 17.00. All times are approximate and may vary. Web sites which may help when planning your day are http://www.brecontown.co.uk/, http://www.brecon-beacons.com/mountain-centre.htm