Info & FAQs
Before Your Tour
Booking a tour
You can now book your tour and pay online through the Book Online section of our website!
Departure points
We have regular tour departure points at Shepperton, Staines, Ashford, and Stanwell. Other local pick-up points may be added if there is enough interest.
Exact departure details will be confirmed with your booking confirmation.
Shepperton
Shepperton Railway Station,
TW17 8AQ
Staines
Council Offices,
TW18 1XB
Ashford
Concrete Car Park,
TW15 2TY
Stanwell
Dove Court, Hadrian Way,
TW19 7DQ
Seat reservation
While On Board
Patchwork Tours operates a first come, first served seating system.
If you have accessibility needs and require a specific seat on the coach, please contact us as soon as possible after booking so we can discuss your requirements. We are unable to accommodate seating requests on the day.
Please arrive at your departure point 15 minutes before your tour is due to leave so you can make yourself known to the tour leader and driver.
Our coaches
We use various sizes of coaches and buses depending on the number of passengers booked on each tour. Vehicles may range from approximately 37 to 61 seats. We are unable to guarantee the size or layout of the vehicle used for your tour.
Entry & exit
Entry and exit is usually via the front or central door. There are steps onto the coach, usually three or more, each approximately 30cm high. Grab handles are available to assist passengers, and step edges are clearly marked.
Please remain seated while the vehicle is moving. Where seatbelts are fitted, they must be worn.
Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters
Our coaches are not wheelchair accessible. However, luggage compartments may be able to carry a folding wheelchair, walking frame, or mobility scooter, subject to space and weight limits.
Mobility scooters are usually limited to approximately 20–25kg.
Space is more limited on overnight tours, as passengers will also be travelling with luggage.
It is essential that you tell us in advance if you are bringing a wheelchair, mobility scooter, walking frame, or similar item. If we are not informed beforehand, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate it.
Assistance Needs
Our staff are unable to provide physical assistance when boarding or leaving the coach, or during the tour.
Guests must be able to get on and off the vehicle independently or with the help of their travelling companion.
Please tell us about any special requirements before booking.
PIP, Disabled & Carer Discounts
Some theatres, attractions and venues offer discounted admission for disabled guests or free/reduced admission for an essential carer. These arrangements vary from venue to venue and are not automatically available simply because someone receives PIP.
Coach travel is still chargeable. In some cases our group ticket price may already be cheaper than the venue’s disabled or carer rate. Where a concession is available and works out cheaper, we will of course pass that saving on.
If you require an access, disabled or carer ticket, please contact us before booking so we can check the arrangements for your particular trip. Some access tickets may need to be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Seatbelts & under 7s
We must ensure that seatbelts fit all passengers safely. For this reason, we may be unable to accommodate children under 1.2 metres in height or under the age of 7 years old unless suitable safety seating has been arranged in advance.
Please contact us before booking if this applies to your party.
Toilet facilities
We cannot guarantee toilet facilities on our coaches.
We plan regular comfort breaks throughout the day and aim to include at least one every two hours where possible.
Toilet facilities are operated by third parties, so we cannot guarantee that accessible toilets will always be available. Some tour leaders may have a RADAR key available on request, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Where possible, we will advise you of free toilet facilities. In some locations, there may be a small charge, often around 50p or more. While some of these vendors now accept contactless payments, we recommend carrying some coins during the day, to ensure you are not “caught short”!
Commentary & language
Your driver and tour guides will speak in English. We do NOT supply written information on our tours. Safety instructions will be given verbally by the driver or tour leader. If anything is unclear please bring this to their attention. All our tours are delivered in English. The driver and tour leaders come up with their own personalised way of issuing them. It is recommended that all guests are comfortable with English to fully enjoy the tour, however, this is not a necessity. We do not provide any written tour content in English or any other language.
Ready to plan your next trip?
Take a look at our upcoming tours and find your next great day out or short break with Patchwork Tours.