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Tag: Bakers Dolphin

Bakers Dolphin launches summer programme

Oct. 29 2012 Latest News, Tourism no comments
Amanda and Kate 300x199 Bakers Dolphin launches summer programme

Bakers Dolphin team

Weston based Bakers Dolphin has launched 40 new tours in time for its new programme of holidays for summer 2013.

The coach operator has expanded its offering by launching more UK breaks, continental holidays and themed weekend tours.

Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Harrington comments: “The new Summer 2013 brochure is packed with more destinations than we’ve ever had before. We’ve made sure to keep all the old favourites but we’ve also bolstered that with new ideas, exciting destinations and even more luxury.

“We’ve spent countless hours sourcing the best hotels and trawling the places we think our customers would love to visit.

“The new programme offers a healthy mix of UK and Continental breaks from two days to 11 days and of course we still run our daily day trips around the country.”

New featured tours include the Isles of Scilly Adventure, the Ribble Valley and Concorde Experience, Brief Encounters around the Lake District, the Shetland & Orkney Mini Cruise and the Castles & Palaces of Perthshire.

New continental tours include Denmark & Sweden, Trains & Boats of Valkenburg and Saxony, Dresden & Cultural Germany.

 

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Ticket to ride beyond North Somerset thanks to Bakers Dolphin

Sep. 06 2012 Latest News, Transport no comments
Bakers Dolphin Ticket to ride beyond North Somerset thanks to Bakers Dolphin

Bakers Dolphin’s Chris Rubery

North Somerset bus and coach operator Bakers Dolphin has joined forces with other bus operators in the region to introduce a unique multi-operator travelcard that enables passengers to travel further on just one ticket.

The Avon Rider card is now available to customers enabling people to travel throughout the West of England.

It means that people using the Bakers Dolphin 66 Hopper, which serves most of North Somerset or Service 121, which links Weston-super-Mare with Bristol via the A38 and Bristol Airport can buy one ticket that gives them unlimited travel across a number of different operators.

For £7.20 the ticket offers unlimited travel for an adult for a day in the West of England region, enabling the user to travel in and around Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset using multiple services provided by multiple operators for just one set price.

The scheme was developed by the operators working as part of the West of England Bus Operators Association (WEBOA). Other operators can join the scheme should they wish to.

The ticket is valid for services provided by Abus, Bath Bus Company, Bakers Dolphin, Crosville Motor Services, Faresaver, First, North Somerset Coaches, Somerbus, Webber Bus and Wessex.

Chris Rubery, Operations Manager for Bakers Dolphin, said: “The Avon Rider makes life easier and more economical for bus passengers to travel longer distances and helps to link up communities in the region that do not have the same bus operator.

“The plan is to introduce multi-operator tickets in the future for Weston-super-Mare only and for Bristol only as well as tickets that will entitle people to travel across all operators for a week or a month.

“We are pleased to be part of the scheme, which we think will be specially useful for the smaller communities and villages that we serve.”

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Weston based firm scoop two awards

May. 17 2012 Events, Latest News no comments

Harringron 300x214 Weston based firm scoop two awardsWeston-super-Mare based coach operator has scooped not one but two prestigious awards at the industry’s ‘Oscars’.

The 2012 Coach Tourism Awards saw Bakers Dolphin awarded Coach Holiday Programme of the Year for its innovative and creative programme with a good mix of holiday destinations.

Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Harrington also came home with the esteemed Special Award in recognition of her outstanding services to coach tourism.

Amanda said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be awarded the Coach Holiday Programme of the Year award. We put so much work into creating a varied and inspiring programme of coach holidays for our customers, so it’s great to be recognised.

“The whole team pull together and help to create our programme. As well as our marketing team we listen to our drivers who offer suggestions and observations on how we can improve our tours. The work and thought we put into it obviously shows and we’re so pleased to be able to offer South West customers the best holiday programme around!”

Bakers Dolphin which offers day trips, short breaks and holidays in the UK and abroad attended the ceremony, organised by Coach Monthly Magazine, which took place in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Bakers Dolphin Managing Director Max Fletcher said: “It is such an honour for Amanda to win the Special Award; the list of previous winners read like a who’s who of the coach industry so she is definitely in illustrious company.

“The award was given based on her work as a board member of the Coach Tourism Council and also for her work transforming Bakers Dolphin tours to the success it is today. The announcement got a huge cheer from the 360 coach professionals at the event and is a great accolade for the company.”

And the accolades do not end there for Bakers Dolphin. It was also short listed for a further three awards – Coach Tour Operator of the Year for large fleets, Brochure of the Year and Website of the Year which is more than any other operator in the country.

Max continued: “The fact that we were short listed for more awards than any other operator speaks volumes about our professionalism, expertise and commitment to providing the best for our customers.”

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Bus operator attracts enthusiasts

Apr. 30 2012 Latest News, Leisure, Transport no comments

Bakers Dolphin Bus operator attracts enthusiastsA group of 80 bus enthusiasts from across the country have paid a special visit to the North Somerset bus operator Bakers Dolphin for the first time in 24 years.

The PSV Circle visited the Weston-super-Mare-based operators as part of a tour of the South West and viewed the fleet of 77 buses and coaches the firm has to offer.

One of the main attractions was the new 66 Hopper bus which was launched by Bakers Dolphin at the beginning of the month to service a new route across North Somerset.

Bakers Dolphin Operations Manager Chris Rubery said: “It was great to meet the group from the PSV Circle and welcome them back after so many years.

“We presented every visitor with an up-to-date fleet list and answered the many questions the group had about our services.”

Established in 1889 Bakers Dolphin provides coach holidays and public service routes across the South West.

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Record bookings for North Somerset coach company

Mar. 14 2012 Latest News, Retail, Transport no comments

Gold Coach1 300x181 Record bookings for North Somerset coach companyNorth Somerset’s top coach company has reported record bookings for Easter breaks this year as people switch to coach travel for their holiday break.

Bakers Dolphin, based in Weston-super-Mare, say its top-of-the-range Gold Coach packages to Lake Garda and the Black Forest have seen a surge of bookings as people look for comfortable but more cost-effective ways to travel abroad.

Amanda Harrington, Sales and Marketing Director at Bakers Dolphin said: “Bookings for Easter are very good and I think the fact that travellers can just hop on the coach and not worry about anything from that moment is appealing. Coach travelling allows all the adventure of a holiday without the high prices of air fares, and the Gold Coach in particular, means people are still travelling in style.”

Gold Coach breaks give travellers added luxury with more leg-room and free home pick-ups. With interesting excursions and top hotels included these breaks appeal to those who want a coach holiday with a difference.

For more information, or to book call 01934 415 000 or visit the website www.bakersdolphin.com.

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Long-established Weston business expands its horizons

Jan. 19 2012 All News, Events no comments

Bakers Dolphin Long established Weston business expands its horizonsOne of the West Country’s oldest holiday businesses is expanding into Cornwall for the first time offering UK and continental coach holidays for local people.

Bakers Dolphin, which was started in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset in 1889 is offering a door to door service with free home pick-ups for anyone who lives within 10 miles of Truro, Falmouth, Liskeard or St Austell.

Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Harrington said: “We have a well-established business serving people from Gloucester in the North to Plymouth in the south and we believe it makes sense to offer that same service to people in Cornwall.

“Around 8,000 people a year in Cornwall go on coach tours, mostly to other parts of the UK but many to continental Europe and we want to provide them with a level of service they have not had in the county before.

“We have our Gold Coach travel, which is a luxury service with 50 per cent more legroom than in a conventional coach. We also have the Home Link service picking people up from their homes to take them to coaches, which takes the hassle out of getting to the pick up point and avoids coaches going on long detours to pick extra passengers up.”

Most importantly with the continuing financial failures among travel companies is the fact that Bakers Dolphin is a fully-bonded tour operator and can point to 123 years of business success.

Said Amanda Harrington: “Because we have a loyal customer base that come back again and again we have been able to cope with the economic pressures of rising fuel bills and a tough economy.

“We had a good year last year as we found many people were re-discovering how cost-effective coach tour holidays can be as a way of taking a well-earned break without breaking the bank.”

Bakers Dolphin tours from Cornwall include a 3-day Valentine’s Day trip to Paris, leaving on February 13 for £179; five-day tours of Scotland for as little as £299 and Easter tours to major UK destinations.

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Record turn out for 20th annual Bakers Dolphin reunion

Nov. 30 2011 Events, Latest News, Leisure, Transport no comments

Bakers Dolphin Record turn out for 20th annual Bakers Dolphin reunion Holiday-makers turned out in force to attend the 20th annual Bakers Dolphin customer reunion, this year held in North London.

Over 500 travellers from across the South West joined the coach company for its get-together which, this year, had a medieval theme.

The reunion is held by the Weston-super-Mare based company every year, to bring its regular customers together and have one last knees-up before Christmas.

Bakers Dolphin Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Harrington said: “The reunion is always great fun but this year we had a record turn-out with over 500 people joining us in Elstree.

“We like to hold a reunion to get the chance to see our regular customers and spend some time with them, while doing what we do best – holidays! This is the 20th reunion we have held and the customers said it was the best one yet!

“We visited several local landmarks and stayed in a lovely hotel but the highlight was definitely the medieval banquet where we all dressed up in traditional medieval costumes.

“This year we welcomed people who had travelled with us for the first time as well as people who use us a dozen times a year.

“The whole weekend is about having fun and visiting some nice places, it’s a great way to make new friends and join up with old friends and we’re already planning next year’s reunion in North Wales!”

The four-day trip included a visit to Woburn Safari Park and Abbey, a day at the RAF museum at Hendon and an evening at the Hatfield House Banquet.

Bakers Dolphin has been in business since 1889, providing pick-up points across the South West and offering holidays, short-breaks and day-trips to locations in the UK, on the continent and further-afield.

The latest brochure for Summer 2012 can be ordered by calling 01934 415000 or visiting www.bakersdolphin.com

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South West travel company reveal best Xmas markets for travellers

Nov. 21 2011 Events, Latest News no comments
Aachen and Valkenburg Christmas Market1 South West travel company reveal best Xmas markets for travellers

Aachen and Valkenburg Christmas Market

Nothing is guaranteed to spark Christmas spirit more than sipping mulled wine and wandering around under the twinkling lights of a traditional Christmas market.

While Germany and Belgium offer fantastic markets with all the trimmings, locations closer to home are beginning to give them a run for their money, according to South West coach operators Bakers Dolphin.

The coach travel expert, based in Weston-super-Mare, has added more UK market trips to meet demand with Birmingham, Rochester, Manchester, Liverpool and Lincoln now popular for Christmas markets.

Here shoppers can experience the Christmas celebrations, enjoy the smell of roasted chestnuts and marvel at street entertainers without the hassle of travelling abroad.

Bakers Dolphin Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Harrington said: “We are finding more and more people are opting to stay closer to home to enjoy Christmas markets during the festive season. The breaks are cheaper and more convenient but they’re also fantastic, traditional experiences where you could be excused for thinking you were really in Germany.

“A three-day break to the Christmas Market at Chatsworth House is currently our best-seller closely followed by breaks to Thursford and Lincoln. Shoppers can find unique gifts for loved ones and those just looking for the atmosphere won’t be disappointed.”

The three-day break to Lincoln is £189 and departs on 2 December. Lincoln Christmas Market is based on an idea from Lincoln’s German twin town Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, and is now the biggest market in Europe. Shoppers also visit the fabulous Meadowhall complex a complete contrast in Christmas shopping.

For those looking for authenticity Bakers Dolphin offers four, five and seven-day market trips to Hirschberg, Trier, Brussels and Bruges and the Italian Dolomites.
Several of these are available as a Gold Coach tour meaning holiday-makers travel in exquisite comfort and style.

Amanda continued: “If you are looking to visit somewhere new and would like an authentic Christmas Market experience there are some great European cities to explore.

“Our trip to Aachen and Valkenburg allows you to go underground where the caves that once provided shelter for soldiers are transformed into candlelit corridors full of decorated stalls. This is our most popular overseas market but all the breaks are picturesque and enchanting so you really can’t go wrong.

“Whether you decide upon home or away, visiting a Christmas market during the festive season is a magical experience for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to inject some cheer into the long winter months and I for one can’t wait to pick the next one to visit!”

Bakers Dolphin pick-up from Bridgwater, Bristol, Burnham on Sea, Clevedon, Gordano, Highbridge, Weston-super-Mare, Nailsea, Taunton and more.

All festive breaks including Christmas Markets, Turkey & Tinsel trips and New Year breaks can be found in the Bakers Dolphin Festive Breaks brochure.

To request a copy or book a holiday call 01934 415000 or visit www.bakersdolphin.com

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Bakers Dolphin announce new Christmas travel destination

Oct. 10 2011 Latest News, Leisure, Transport no comments

Lake Garda Bakers Dolphin announce new Christmas travel destinationWeston-super-Mare based Bakers Dolphin has launched a new break to Lake Garda over the festive season following the popularity of the Italian destination in the summer months.

The break is one of 26 new festive destinations the South West business has launched for 2011.

The 7-day stay, including Christmas Day, in Lake Garda is a Gold Coach tour meaning travellers can enjoy extra luxury and comfort on the way.

Bakers Dolphin sales and marketing director Amanda Harrington said: “We have seen a huge increase in interest for festive and New Year breaks in the past few years, so much so that this year, we have introduced 26 new tours.

“Lake Garda is one of our most popular destinations in the summer months and we realised it could also make a perfect festive break. People can expect a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights, colourful Christmas trees everywhere and a castle built in 100AD.”

As well as Lake Garda, Bakers Dolphin has also launched new 5-day breaks like New Year in Torquay and Christmas in North Yorkshire.

There is also the option to take a pre-Christmas getaway to the markets of Brussels, Bruges or the Italian Dolomites for some retail therapy.

Amanda continued: “People are often tight for time around this hectic season, so there is also a chance to sit back and relax whilst being driven to the UK’s retail centres for an overnight shopping spree. With the option to visit Bluewater and Lakeside, Chester and the Manchester Trafford Centre, Leeds or Central London from just £99, our customers are truly spoilt for choice leaving no excuse for not finding the perfect Christmas gifts!”

Information about all Bakers Dolphin festive holidays can be found within the new Autumn/Spring brochure. To request a copy call 01934 415000 or log onto www.bakersdolphin.com

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