What is Day Trippers?
Day Trippers is a vibrant program of meticulously organised day-outings run by Communities 1st.
Designed with care, it’s primarily aimed at elderly residents and individuals who face challenges venturing out independently. Participants are picked up from their address around 9 - 10am, ensuring a hassle-free experience, and are safely dropped back home around 1:30 - 2pm.
This initiative brings a sense of independence and joy to those who struggle to get out by themselves.
Where do Day Trippers go?
Day Trippers is a vibrant program of day-outings meticulously organised by Communities 1st.
Our Day Trippers embark on captivating bus journeys across Hertfordshire. Some of our past adventures have led us to:
- Van Hage Garden Centre: A flagship garden centre near Ware, for horticulture, home and animal lovers.
- RAF Museum: Explore the history and exhibits of the Royal Air Force.
- Letchworth Garden City Shopping Centre: Home to a wide range of national and local retailers.
- Springtime Nursery & Toby Carvery: A nursery celebrated for its broad assortment of plants and one of the most popular and trusted pub dining establishments in Britain.
Do Day Trips Cost Anything?
Yes, the Day Trippers service does have a cost associated with it, but we’ve made sure it’s affordable for everyone.
- To start using our service, you’ll need to become a member. The annual membership fee is £10 and the individual membership year runs from September to August.
Once you’re a member, here’s how the charges work for each outing:
- Return Bus Journey: There’s a flat charge of £6 for each return journey. While this covers your travel to and from the destination, it, however, excludes refreshments and entrance fees at all the venues
- Non-refundable Deposit: Included in the £6 charge is a £2 non-refundable deposit. This ensures your spot on the outing is secured.
Please note that the price does not include refreshments or entrance fees; these will be additional expenses.
Payment for the bus journey must be made in advance to secure your booking.
How to book a day trip
If you want to book one of our Day Trips or learn any more information, please email us on travel@communities1st.org.uk or call us at 01727 649980.
Our telephone lines are open on Mondays - Fridays, 08:00 - 16:00.
Upcoming Hertsmere Trips
We will be visiting the following locations in October and November 2025:
If you would like to search trips by date, click here to visit our What's On calendar.
Burston Garden Centre
Date: Wednesday 1st October 2025
Location: Burston Garden Centre, St Albans, AL2 2DS
A family-run garden centre offering a wide selection of plants, garden furniture, and homeware. Known for its extensive range and helpful advice, it also features a restaurant for refreshments and light meals, making for a pleasant and comprehensive visit.
IKEA
Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
Location: IKEA
Explore the world-famous Swedish home furnishing store. Wander through inspirational room settings, discover innovative design solutions for every part of the home, and enjoy a taste of Sweden at the restaurant or bistro with its classic meatballs and other Scandinavian treats.
Hitchin Garden Centre
Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025
Location: Hitchin Garden Centre, Hitchin SG4 0JT
A delightful garden centre that forms part of the British Garden Centres family. It provides a wide variety of quality plants, gardening essentials, and unique gifts. The Gardener's Retreat Restaurant on-site offers a perfect spot for a relaxing break with a selection of meals, snacks, and cakes.
The Range & B&Q
Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Location: The Range & B&Q
This trip offers a two-in-one retail experience. The Range offers a huge selection of products across home, leisure, and garden categories. Next door, B&Q provides for all your DIY needs, from paint and tools to building supplies and garden hardware.
Dutch Marketplace Nursery
Date: Wednesday 29th October 2025
Location: Dutch Nursery, Hatfield AL9 6ND
A traditional, family-run nursery with a strong reputation for quality plants and horticultural expertise. Explore a fantastic array of seasonal bedding plants, shrubs, and perennials. The nursery also features a farm shop with local produce and a coffee shop for a relaxing break.
Van Hage Centre and Toby Carvery Lunch
Date: Wednesday 5th November 2025
Destination: Van Hage Centre and Toby Carvery Lunch
With over 60-years of experience at the cutting edge of garden and leisure retailing, Van Hage remains at the forefront of the horticulture industry. There are many departments for you to peruse through, such as the Christmas department (including lights and artificial trees), Garden Furniture, BBQs, Pets and Birds, and Food Hall. There is also a café which is open for light refreshments, and a refurbished restaurant.
Springtime Nursery and Lunch
Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025
Location: Springtime Nursery and Lunch
A nursery celebrated for its broad assortment of plants and one of the most popular and trusted pub dining establishments in Britain.
Ayletts Garden Centre
Date: Wednesday 19th November 2025
Location: Ayletts Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 1DH
One of the leading garden centres in the south east of England for all your gardening needs. You can browse plant types and varieties by name or criteria with care and planting information.
Hertford Castle and Pub Lunch
Date: Wednesday 26th November 2025
Location: Hertford Castle and Pub Lunch, Hertford SG14 1HR
Enjoy a visit to historic Hertford, focusing on its famous castle. Walk the beautiful grounds, see the ancient Motte, and admire the Grade I listed gatehouse that was once a royal palace. Following the visit, we will enjoy a traditional and warming pub lunch at a nearby establishment.
Upcoming Welwyn Hatfield Trips
We will be visiting the following locations in October and November 2025:
If you would like to search trips by date, click here to visit our What's On calendar.
Burston Garden Centre
Date: Monday 6th October 2025
Location: Burston Garden Centre, St Albans, AL2 2DS
A family-run garden centre offering a wide selection of plants, garden furniture, and homeware. Known for its extensive range and helpful advice, it also features a restaurant for refreshments and light meals, making for a pleasant and comprehensive visit.
IKEA
Date: Monday 13th October 2025
Location: IKEA
Explore the world-famous Swedish home furnishing store. Wander through inspirational room settings, discover innovative design solutions for every part of the home, and enjoy a taste of Sweden at the restaurant or bistro with its classic meatballs and other Scandinavian treats.
Hitchin Garden Centre
Date: Monday 20th October 2025
Location: Hitchin Garden Centre, Hitchin SG4 0JT
A delightful garden centre that forms part of the British Garden Centres family. It provides a wide variety of quality plants, gardening essentials, and unique gifts. The Gardener's Retreat Restaurant on-site offers a perfect spot for a relaxing break with a selection of meals, snacks, and cakes.
London Colney Savacentre
Date: Monday 27th October 2025
Location: London Colney Savacentre, St Albans AL2 1AB
Visit this large retail park for a convenient shopping experience. The centrepiece is a large Sainsbury's supermarket offering a vast range of groceries, clothing, and household goods. You will also find a Marks & Spencer Food hall and other stores, providing plenty of choice under one roof.
Vanhage Centre and Toby Carvery
Date: Monday 3rd November 2025
Destination: Vanhage Centre and Toby Carvery, Ware SG12 9RP
With over 60-years of experience at the cutting edge of garden and leisure retailing, Van Hage remains at the forefront of the horticulture industry. There are many departments for you to peruse through, such as the Christmas department (including lights and artificial trees), Garden Furniture, BBQs, Pets and Birds, and Food Hall. There is also a café which is open for light refreshments, and a refurbished restaurant.
Springtime Nursery and Lunch
Date: Monday 10th November 2025
Location: Springtime Nursery and Lunch, Enfield EN2 9EE
A nursery celebrated for its broad assortment of plants and one of the most popular and trusted pub dining establishments in Britain.
Ayletts Garden Centre
Date: Monday 17th November 2025
Location: Ayletts Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 1DH
One of the leading garden centres in the south east of England for all your gardening needs. You can browse plant types and varieties by name or criteria with care and planting information.
London Colney Savacentre
Date: Monday 24th November 2025
Location: London Colney Sava Centre, St Albans AL2 1AB
Visit this large retail park for a convenient shopping experience. The centrepiece is a large Sainsbury's supermarket offering a vast range of groceries, clothing, and household goods. You will also find a Marks & Spencer Food hall and other stores, providing plenty of choice under one roof.
Upcoming Watford & Three Rivers Trips
We will be visiting the following locations in October and November 2025:
[If you would like to search trips by date, click here to visit our What's On calendar.]
Burston Garden Centre
Date: Wednesday 1st October 2025
Location: Burston Garden Centre, St Albans, AL2 2DS
A family-run garden centre offering a wide selection of plants, garden furniture, and homeware. Known for its extensive range and helpful advice, it also features a restaurant for refreshments and light meals, making for a pleasant and comprehensive visit.
IKEA
Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
Location: IKEA
Explore the world-famous Swedish home furnishing store. Wander through inspirational room settings, discover innovative design solutions for every part of the home, and enjoy a taste of Sweden at the restaurant or bistro with its classic meatballs and other Scandinavian treats.
Hitchin Garden Centre
Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025
Location: Hitchin Garden Centre, Hitchin SG4 0JT
A delightful garden centre that forms part of the British Garden Centres family. It provides a wide variety of quality plants, gardening essentials, and unique gifts. The Gardener's Retreat Restaurant on-site offers a perfect spot for a relaxing break with a selection of meals, snacks, and cakes.
The Range & B&Q
Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Location: The Range & B&Q
This trip offers a two-in-one retail experience. The Range offers a huge selection of products across home, leisure, and garden categories. Next door, B&Q provides for all your DIY needs, from paint and tools to building supplies and garden hardware.
Dutch Nursery
Date: Wednesday 29th October 2025
Destination: Dutch Marketplace, Hatfield AL9 6ND
A traditional, family-run nursery with a strong reputation for quality plants and horticultural expertise. Explore a fantastic array of seasonal bedding plants, shrubs, and perennials. The nursery also features a farm shop with local produce and a coffee shop for a relaxing break.
Vanhage Centre and Toby Carvery
Date: Wednesday 5th November 2025
Location: Van Hage Centre and Toby Carvery
With over 60-years of experience at the cutting edge of garden and leisure retailing, Van Hage remains at the forefront of the horticulture industry. There are many departments for you to peruse through, such as the Christmas department (including lights and artificial trees), Garden Furniture, BBQs, Pets and Birds, and Food Hall. There is also a café which is open for light refreshments, and a refurbished restaurant.
Springtime Nursery and Lunch
Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025
Location: Springtime Nursery and Lunch, Enfield EN2 9EE
A nursery celebrated for its broad assortment of plants and one of the most popular and trusted pub dining establishments in Britain.
Ayletts Garden Centre
Date: Wednesday 19th November 2025
Location: Ayletts Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 1DH
One of the leading garden centres in the south east of England for all your gardening needs. You can browse plant types and varieties by name or criteria with care and planting information.
Hertford Castle and Pub Lunch
Date: Wednesday 26th November 2025
Destination: Hertford Castle and Pub Lunch, Hertford SG14 1HR
Enjoy a visit to historic Hertford, focusing on its famous castle. Walk the beautiful grounds, see the ancient Motte, and admire the Grade I listed gatehouse that was once a royal palace. Following the visit, we will enjoy a traditional and warming pub lunch at a nearby establishment.
How to book a day trip
If you want to book one of our Day Trips or learn any more information, please email us on travel@communities1st.org.uk or call us at 01727 649980.
Our telephone lines are open on Mondays - Fridays, 08:00 - 16:00.
More Travel Assistance
Support for You
Community Centres
