New historic coach tours launched to showcase the city and villages

A new coach tour of Peterborough taking in some of the city’s landmarks and highlights of the surrounding countryside is already proving hugely popular. We sent community reporter Rosie Boon to join one of the tours, sample a traditional English tea and f

Experience the royal treatment on the new Decker coach tours as Decker Buses, based in Yaxley, launch two new tours across Peterborough focused on historical figures Mary Queen of Scots and poet John Clare.

Despite what you may think, there’s plenty to learn about Peterborough’s influence on both their lives.

Tour guide, Sue Magill, offers a detailed commentary on Mary, Queen Of Scots’ arrival in Peterborough and her life leading up to her grisly death. Including along the way a number of folklore tales and stories of spooky goingson, which might surprise you!

Stepping on board, this is no standard run-of-the-mill coach. It was equipped with leather seats, with plenty of legroom so everybody could get comfy.

There are also convenient plug sockets on board if you need them.

The spacious layout is similar to a restaurant with four-seat- er booth-like tables. You’re riding and dining in style. The tour lasts for around two hours, making it the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

A full afternoon tea onboard includes chocolate eclairs, a mixture of sandwiches, cakes and pastries.

Of course, not forgetting that Great British favourite, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

The personal service is top notch and Anthea is always on hand to top up your hot drinks and to offer any additional treats, if you’re not full up within the first hour!

Or if you’d like to add something extra special, you can add-on prosecco and chocolate dipped strawberries.

The Mary Queen of Scots tour travels through Longthorpe, Castor, Ailsworth, Wansford, Yarwell, Nassington, Elton, Chesterton and Fotheringhay, where the queen was behaded at the castle, which is now a ruin.

The Cotswolds-like villages, are a delight to travel through, quaint hidden gems that might inspire another visit.

The village tour documents her arrival at Peterborough Cathedral and the events leading up to her brutal death.

There’s no chance of spillages as the coach drives slowly so you can photograph the landmarks and take in the views from above.

Further tours will be announced soon, including a Halloween tour on Saturday, November 2 which features scary tales of Peterborough and it’s most haunted places. Also included is a ghoul themed cocktail- to settle the nerves.

The next afternoon tea tourwillbeChristmasthemed on Friday December 6 at 2pm. Tickets start from £25, call 01733 242034 or contact anthea@deckerbus.co.uk to book.

Despite what you may think there’s plenty to learn about Peterborough

Anthea is always on hand to top up your hot drinks and offer additional treats

High tea for Rosemary Smith and Ann Glessinger served by Anthea Head Liz Robinson, Damien McGill and Patricia Dee enjoying the food and the scenery on the coach tour

Reporter Rosie, left, joins the coach tour organised by Anthea Head and Sally McGill, below right.

Reporter Rosie taking in the historic sights on the coach tour as it passes through Fotheringhay and, left, with the tea served on board