Monthly Drives
Drives 2022
We are looking for a volunteer for the November drive, please contact our Drive Coordinator Richard if you can do this..
Click the month name for quick access to the details
February March April May June July August September October November December
As well as monthly meetings we arrange regular drives and events. As you will appreciate, the winter months do not lend themselves to open air driving, so January and December tend to get a miss.
Drives are normally held on the Sunday seventeen days following the monthly meeting.
Some ideas for future drives and events...
- visit to a National Trust or similar property
- take a picnic
- treasure hunt
Organisers may claim 45 per mile up to £100 for doing their run twice. VAT receipts for petrol totalling minimum of your claim, a copy of the run and a completed expenses form should be handed to the Area Coordinator.
If you are planning a drive and wish to use Tulip Diagrams then CLICK HERE
for the template document
You can download an example Drive Route and modify this if you wish CLICK HERE for ExampleDriveRoute.doc
Click here for record of previous drives
February 20th Jeff
Malvern and More
Date: Sunday 20th February 2022
Start: Gupshill Manor, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SG, 01684 292278
Time: Breakfast from 09.00hrs.
Depart: 10:30
Finish: The Swan, Worcester Rd, Upton Warren, Bromsgrove B61 7ET, Arrive at 11.45hrs approx
Distance: 40 miles (Approx 90 minute drive)
Right Click and save link / target to download the route and Itinerary.
Drive Route: OC_February2022.pdf
TomTom Itinerary: OC_February2022.itn
Garmin / Newer TomTom Itinerary: OC_February2022.gpx
Drive Options: Meet at Gupshill Manor, Tewkesbury for a Coffee from 9.00 am onwards.
Lunch is at 2.00pm at The Swan. The Sunday carvery comes recommended and you don't need to pre-order but if you have something off the menu then you should pre order by contacting the Swan on 01527 861539.Before lunch you could visit Webbs Garden Centre or The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, both just down the road from the Swan, returning to The Swan at 13.30hrs..
March 20th Richard & Linda Reynolds
The Cotswold Figure of Eight
Date: Sunday 20th March 2022
Start: Gupshill Manor, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SG, 01684 292278
Time: 09.00 for Breakfast / Tea / Coffee
Depart: 10:30 sharp
Pit-stop: Daylesford Organic, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0YG - 1 hour to enjoy the location.
Continuing our journey over the hills our final destination is Ye Olde Hobnails Inn (circa 1473) in Little Washbourne. We hope to arrive there just before 1400 hours for lunch.
For those who wish to stop and eat you will need to book a table well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The drive officially finishes at 1600 hours.
April 24th Trevor & Victoria Nelson
Prices for Adults are £10.50 - Concession price £9.50 with a further 10% off for our group booking. Payment will be made on arrival at the entrance desk using Code MX5OC to get the 10% discount.
It is suggested that you wear layered clothing as although it may be chilly outside, in the houses where the crocodiles are it's 25 + degrees !
They have two cafes operating on a week-end but there maybe a number of us and they could be busy. Although they have a picnic area it is limited for space. Trevor has asked them if we can eat by our cars and that is acceptable to those that wish to. He has also asked if we can park together and this has been confirmed in the overflow carpark. Individual payment should be made on arrival at the entrance desk using Code MX5OC to get the 10% discount.
May 22nd David & Gina Westwood
Finish: Ye Olde Hobnails Inn, Little Washbourne, Tewkesbury GL20 8NQ, Tel: 01242 621259
Distance: 57.5 miles, 2.5 hours
Right Click and save link / target to download the route and Itinerary.
Drive Route: DriveMar2022.pdf
TomTom Itinerary: OC_March2022.itn
Garmin / Newer TomTom Itinerary: OC_March2022.gpx
Drive Options: Meet for a Coffee from 9.00 am onwards.
The drive is scenic and picturesque, travelling through towns and villages on the way. Just over the halfway point is a visit to Daylesford Organic where we can enjoy this interesting and unique farm shop. This will be a stop of about 60 minutes or so.
Continuing our journey over the hills our final destination is Ye Olde Hobnails Inn (circa 1473) in Little Washbourne. We hope to arrive there just before 1400 hours for lunch.
For those who wish to stop and eat you will need to book a table well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The drive officially finishes at 1600 hours.
April 24th Trevor & Victoria Nelson
Crocodiles of the World
Date: Sunday 24th April 2022
Start: Gupshill Manor, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SG, 01684 292278
Time: 09.00 for Tea/Coffee Rolls etc.
Depart: 10:30 Latest
Finish: Crocodiles of the World, Burford Rd, Brize Norton, Carterton OX18 3NX
Opening Time: 10:00 - 17:00hrs
Distance: 37 miles (1 hr : 15 mins)
Right Click and save link / target to download the route and Itinerary.
Drive Route: DriveApr2022.pdf
TomTom Itinerary: OC_April2022.itn
Garmin / Newer TomTom Itinerary: OC_April2022.gpx
Drive Options: Meet for a Coffee from 09:00 am onwards.
The drive is a scenic drive through the Cotswolds to Burford which is the nearest town to our destination with lots of Pubs and Cafe’s and then onto Crocodile World.
Prices for Adults are £10.50 - Concession price £9.50 with a further 10% off for our group booking. Payment will be made on arrival at the entrance desk using Code MX5OC to get the 10% discount.
Information: Crocodiles of the World has been going since about 2014
They have 2 feeding times of 12.00 o’clock and 15.00 hrs with a Meerkat feeding time at 14.00 hrs and are currently operating a one way system with no time limit to how long you can stay on your visit.
It is suggested that you wear layered clothing as although it may be chilly outside, in the houses where the crocodiles are it's 25 + degrees !
They have two cafes operating on a week-end but there maybe a number of us and they could be busy. Although they have a picnic area it is limited for space. Trevor has asked them if we can eat by our cars and that is acceptable to those that wish to. He has also asked if we can park together and this has been confirmed in the overflow carpark. Individual payment should be made on arrival at the entrance desk using Code MX5OC to get the 10% discount.
May 22nd David & Gina Westwood
5’s Go Mad in Three Counties
A Spring Cruise Looping around Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Monmouthshire
Date: Sunday 22nd May 2022
Start: St Peters Garden Centre. Norton Rd Worcester WR5 2NY
Time: Breakfast from 09.00hrs.
Depart: 10:30 Latest
Pit-stop: The Leaf Creative. Ross Rd Huntley GL19 3EX (Depart: 12:30 )
We will be in the marquee or outside seating area at the rear of the restaurant.
www.quality-inns.co.uk/pubs/the-white-hart-broadoak/
June 19th John & Penny White
The drive starts at Ross on Wye heads through Wales to Crickhowell for Sunday Lunch to those who want it. There is a halfway comfort break at the Hay-on-Wye pay and display car park, (can pay by card) with toilets (30p) and Coffee in car park buildings but also very short walk into town centre for more coffee shops etc.
Stay for 1 hour break then we leave again and head to The Manor Hotel.
Here John & Penny have negotiated a Price for a 2 Course Sunday Lunch at £20 per head. There is a suggested route back to Ross on Wye included at the end of the drive instructions.
July 24th Gavin & David
August 21st Paul & Pamela
Finish: The White Hart Inn. Broadoak, Newnham GL14 1JB
Distance: 82.5 miles
Right Click and save link / target to download the route and Itinerary.
Drive Route: DriveMay2022.pdf
TomTom Itinerary: OC_May2022.itn
Garmin / Newer TomTom Itinerary: OC_May2022.gpx
Drive Options: Meet for a Coffee from 9.00 am onwards.
Useful Information:
Does your pooch need a day out? If they fit in your car all venues are Dog friendly.
St Peters Garden Centre: 01905 357595 www.stpetersgardencentre.co.uk
Upon arrival go past garden centre on your left and park at the back of the car park in the double row parking bays in front of the wire fencing.
Please arrive early if requiring breakfast as all meals are prepared freshly to order.
We will be in the marquee or outside seating area at the rear of the restaurant.
The Leaf Creative: 01452 830118 www.leafcreative.co.uk
We will be taking a break for coffee – cake/scones etc available if you missed breakfast!
Tintern/Tintern Abbey: www.cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/tintern-abbey
Very Busy so parking is a nightmare if you decide to stop – best of luck!
Parking fee is £3.00 CASH ONLY. Redeemable in some shops and pubs.
The White Hart Inn: 01594 516319 www.whitehart@quality-inns.co.uk
Please book well in advance if you intend to eat here as the pub can get very busy.
Extensive quality meals including light bites, pub classics and full Sunday roasts – see website for sample menus.
www.quality-inns.co.uk/pubs/the-white-hart-broadoak/
June 19th John & Penny White
John and Pen's Jubilee Drive
Date: Sunday 19th June 2022
Start: SERVICES at the End of M50 on Southbound A449/A40, (Starbucks, Burger King, Fuel Etc)
Time: Breakfast from 09.00hrs.
Depart: 09.45 am PROMPT
Pit-stop: Coffee / Toilet Break - Hay-on-Wye for 1 hour.
Finish: Sunday Lunch - The Manor Hotel, Brecon Rd, Crickhowell NP8 1SE.
Distance: 55 miles
Right Click and save link / target to download the route and Itinerary.
Drive Route: DriveJun2022.pdf
TomTom Itinerary: OC_June2022.itn
Garmin / Newer TomTom Itinerary: OC_June2022.gpx
Drive Options: Meet for a Coffee from 9.00 am onwards.
The drive starts at Ross on Wye heads through Wales to Crickhowell for Sunday Lunch to those who want it. There is a halfway comfort break at the Hay-on-Wye pay and display car park, (can pay by card) with toilets (30p) and Coffee in car park buildings but also very short walk into town centre for more coffee shops etc.
Stay for 1 hour break then we leave again and head to The Manor Hotel.
Here John & Penny have negotiated a Price for a 2 Course Sunday Lunch at £20 per head. There is a suggested route back to Ross on Wye included at the end of the drive instructions.
July 24th Gavin & David
The Elgar Route and Other Variations
Date: Sunday 24th July 2022
Start: Gupshill Manor, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. GL20 5SG
Time: 09:15 onwards for breakfast, tea/coffee
Depart: 10:30
Midway Break: Elgar’s birthplace, The Firs, Broadheath, Worcester, WR2 6RH
Finish: Hanbury Hall, School Rd, Hanbury, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 7EA
Distance:60 miles
Right Click and save link / target to download the route
Drive Route: DriveJul2022.pdf
TomTom Itinerary: OC_July2022.itn
Garmin / Newer TomTom Itinerary: OC_July2022.gpx
Drive Options: A drive through the Malvern Hills, stopping at The Firs (Elgar's Birthplace) and onward to Hanbury Hall Droitwich.
On arrival at Hanbury Hall follow the driveway, before you reach the car park you will see the Reception and the driveway up to the Hall on the LHS, check in at Reception and bear left towards the House. Weather permitting; we will park on the grass to the right and left of the drive leading to the House. Please drive carefully here; this is also the pedestrian access to the Hall. NT members go free, and Non-Members should tell Reception you are with the MX5 Club to obtain the Group Rate which is £12.35 each to visit the Hall and Gardens.
If you would like to visit a local craft centre instead, the Jinney Ring is located 1.4 miles from Hanbury Hall. The address is Hanbury Rd, B60 4BU. It’s 1.4 miles from Hanbury Hall. Turn Left out of Hanbury Hall and continue along School Lane until you reach the T Junction. Jinney Ring is located immediately right of the junction.
On arrival at Hanbury Hall follow the driveway, before you reach the car park you will see the Reception and the driveway up to the Hall on the LHS, check in at Reception and bear left towards the House. Weather permitting; we will park on the grass to the right and left of the drive leading to the House. Please drive carefully here; this is also the pedestrian access to the Hall. NT members go free, and Non-Members should tell Reception you are with the MX5 Club to obtain the Group Rate which is £12.35 each to visit the Hall and Gardens.
If you would like to visit a local craft centre instead, the Jinney Ring is located 1.4 miles from Hanbury Hall. The address is Hanbury Rd, B60 4BU. It’s 1.4 miles from Hanbury Hall. Turn Left out of Hanbury Hall and continue along School Lane until you reach the T Junction. Jinney Ring is located immediately right of the junction.
August 21st Paul & Pamela
Across the Marches to Powis Castle
Date: Sunday 21st August 2022
Start: The Royal Oak, Ross Road, Much Marcle, Ledbury, HR8 2ND
Time: 09:30 onwards for rolls, tea/coffee.
Depart: 10:15
Pit-stop: Burford House Garden Centre, Burford, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8HQ (car park is foc)
September 18th James and Stella Oakey
Finish: Powis Castle and Garden (NT), Welshpool SY21 8RF, (car park is foc)
Distance: 85 miles approx
Right Click and save link / target to download the route and Itinerary.
Drive Route: DriveAug2022.pdf
TomTom Itinerary: OC_August2022.itn
Garmin / Newer TomTom Itinerary: OCAugust2022.gpx
Drive Options: Meet for a Coffee / breakfast from 9.30 am onwards.
Powis Castle will set aside a separate car parking area for us and will offer a group discount but they do need numbers. Please indicate if you intend to join the drive by replying to the SWM Proboards or facebook posts.
September 18th James and Stella Oakey
MX5s meet The Cessnas
Date: Sunday 18th September 2022
Start: The Nest, Little Verizon’s Farm, HR8 2PZ. 9am
Time: Breakfast from 09.00hrs, Stay for 45 mins
Depart: 09:45
Pit-stop: Shobdon Airfield. HR6 9NR. Stay for 1 hr for Tea/Coffee etc.
October 23rd Sue Abel & Mary
Finish: The Hop Pocket shopping village. WR6 5BT
Distance: 61.4 miles
Drive Options: Meet for a Coffee from 9.00 am onwards.
This drive will take us through some great countryside and scenery.
October 23rd Sue Abel & Mary
To Be Advised
Date: Sunday 23rd October 2022
Start: 09:30 onwards for breakfast, tea/coffee.
Time: TBA
Depart: TBA
November 20th Volunteer wanted, please contact Richard
Finish: TBA
Distance: TBA miles
Drive Options: Meet for a Coffee from 9.30 am onwards.
This drive will take us through some great countryside and scenery.
November 20th Volunteer wanted, please contact Richard
To Be Advised
Date: Sunday 20th November 2022
Start: TBA
Time: 09:30 onwards for breakfast, tea/coffee.
Depart: 11:00
Coffee Stop: TBA
December Sunday 11th No Drive this month
Christmas Meal at Gupshill Manor
Finish: TBA
Distance: TBA miles
Drive Options: Meet for a Coffee from 9.30 am onwards.
This drive will take us through some great countryside and scenery.
December Sunday 11th No Drive this month
Christmas Meal at Gupshill Manor
Venue: Gupshill Manor, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SG, 01684 292278
Time: 12:30 for 13:00 sit down
Dress Code: Smart as you like but NO Jeans please