The aim of Camelot Area Travel Group is to arrange visits whereby members can enjoy the company of friends, benefit from Group travel concessions, and visit places further afield than the local area. Anyone who is a member of Camelot Area U3a can join the Travel Group, but they have to register with the Travel Group Leader (see link above) in order to get the Trip details. These details will subsequently get printed in the Newsletter and on this Website, but it is likely that trips are fully booked by then.

At present day trips are arranged within 2.5 hours coach travelling distance of Castle Cary. The pick-up and drop off point is in the car park opposite the Fire Station in Castle Cary. There is ample long stay car parking close by.

Trips vary in their start times (9am or 10am) and to return around 6pm. The exact times vary for each journey.

Neither children nor dogs are allowed on these trips. Please note: Members travel at their own risk.

Funding is calculated on a minimum of 30 people travelling on a 50 seater coach. Payment for any trip advertised in the u3a Newsletter or on this website, should be made out to "Camelot Area u3a".

Dyrham Park and Bradford on Avon

6th May 2025

The gardeners amongst us were hoping for rain but the majority of the Travel Group were delighted that the forecast, although starting cold,
was for a full day of sunshine.

The coach took an interesting countryside route to Dyrham Park, so we could see the wild flower verges and hedgerow blossom in full bloom. The wisteria clamped to the side of stone cottages was a real picture.

On arrival, The Dyrham Park Staff had the shuttle buses ready to take some folk quickly to the House and Garden, while others decided to stroll down the hillside and appreciate the lovely views in leisure.

The Tulips were in full bloom around the Garden and Courtyard mainly the specially bred white ballerina variety “Dyrham Park” The gardens were splendid having a wild orchard section with many tulips and camassia, as well as the formally planted gardens , waterfall and lake. The tree which caused a lot of interest was, as we found out later, a Manna Ash. The tea room was much
appreciated as was the free guided tour of the gardens. The tranquil estate Church decked for VE Day, was also widely visited

The rooms in the House were decorated in the rather dark Dutch style, as befitted the heritage of the Blathwayt Family who had owned it since the 1600’s The collection of Delph pottery and the enormous bed “fit for a king” were also on show. The estate was taken into the care by the National Trust in 1956.

A short stop in Bradford on Avon gave folk an opportunity either to find a tea shop or explore the Canal walkway and Tithe Barn.

The glorious weather allowed us all to see Britain at it's best.

Barging into Exeter

Those who went on the trip to the Tiverton canal last year may have hoped for another toiling cob to heave us from Exmouth to Exeter harbour – but not this time. The Exeter Canal is an altogether different affair with a large steel-hull 'lighter' heading up the very historic watercourse that in its heyday brought cargoes through the mudflats of the Exe Estuary into the fine old city that was once a significant port onto the Atlantic.

Our party of 48 started the day with an abnormally exhilarating coach ride, squeezing down a residential street with 'nay but a fag-paper to spare'. Boarding the vessel we headed to Turf Lock and, as rain flecked the breeze,so we scuttled below for refreshments hot or alcoholic.  Bird-life rose-up from the banks and meadows and beyond the lush pastures a glimpse of Powderham Castle (which some of us recalled from a trip led by dear Margaret Dickinson 15 years ago).

Exeter dock is heralded by meadows giving way to warehouse-style buildings old and new, a throng of visitors and a plethora of watering-holes. Anne set our rendezvous and we all 'did our thing' as the saying goes. The strangely squat cathedral in it's verdant park remains an attractive centre-piece and beyond are places of pilgrimage- apparently - like John Lewis. 

We were whizzed-home more conventionally enjoying the great pleasures of a coach-trip – somebody else driving and the excellent views of the landscape from an elevated position.  Another good trip Anne!

Dorian Wood - June 2024