There’s a particular moment in spring when the group travel world seems to exhale. The diaries begin to fill, the light lingers a little longer, and conversations shift from caution to possibility. That feeling runs right through the latest issue of Coach Touring.
Fresh from the Coach Tourism Association workshop in Derry-Londonderry, there’s a sense that confidence is quietly returning to the industry. Operators and organisers aren’t simply asking what’s available anymore — they’re thinking further ahead, shaping programmes, exploring new ideas and looking for experiences with real depth and character.
Inside this issue, we travel from remarkable World Heritage Sites to bustling markets, coastal escapes, gardens and attractions that continue to draw groups back year after year. There’s also a strong focus on practical inspiration — the sort of places and ideas that help build tours people genuinely talk about afterwards.
Perhaps that’s the real story this season. Group travel has rediscovered its rhythm. Not rushed, not frantic — just steady, thoughtful and full of promise.
Happy travels from all of us at Coach Touring.
The Trusted Directory for Coach Travel
Coach travel has always been about more than getting from A to B. It is organised, predictable, and designed around shared experiences that turn journeys into lasting memories.
As Coach Touring The Directory 2026 reaches its 25th edition, it reflects a quarter of a century helping operators find places that truly understand groups.
The year ahead points to continued strength in domestic coach tourism. Demand remains resilient, with organisers planning earlier, spending more per head, and favouring attractions that offer structure, efficiency, and reliability. Well-planned coach visits benefit destinations not just for a day, but across an entire season.
This Directory is organised by region because that is how operators plan. It brings together venues that understand parking, timings, drivers’ needs, group menus, toilets, gift shops, and smooth arrivals. These are places built for coaches, not adapted as an afterthought.
Use this Directory to discover new routes, test fresh ideas, and strengthen proven programmes. Group travel remains human, real, and shared and the coach is still at its heart.
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Jodrell Bank is a unique and awe-inspiring place. A world-leading radio observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an award-winning visitor attraction.
