Welcome to the AGTO Eastern Region – a thriving community of group travel enthusiasts across a wide region, including Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the area north of the Thames.
We connect 53+ members passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences. Share your expertise, find inspiration, and connect with fellow organizers through our events, trips, and online platforms.
Stay updated on our events, trips, and news through this page, email, Zoom, and Facebook. We’re looking forward to connecting with you!
Watch this space for
News and views
Features
Don’t forget to join the AGTO facebook page here.
Not a member? Join here today!
Catherine Skeggs – Chairman and Director
Jackie Ames – Secretary
Ian Thirkettle – Treasurer
Carlie Newman – Committee Member
Robert Coleman – Committee Member
Tony Wright – Official Eastern Region Photographer/Branch Web Contact
For up to the minute news and views, visit us on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/EasternBranchAGTO
Our Meetings & Fam Visits
Upcoming Events
Regional Meetings
Early Summer Fam Trip
Mid Norfolk Railway • Monday 1 June 2026
Join us for a delightful early‑summer outing as the AGTO Eastern Region heads to the charming Mid Norfolk Railway, one of Britain’s longest heritage lines. Stretching over 17 miles from Dereham to Wymondham, the route winds through peaceful Norfolk countryside and the characterful stations of Yaxham, Thuxton and Hardingham — a perfect setting for an enjoyable and informative day out.
How to Book
Contact the Chair or Secretary with your membership number and they will send details of how to book and where to pay for your place
- Catherine Skeggs, Chair – chair-eastern@agto.co.uk
- Jackie Ames, Secretary – jacames@hotmail.com
We hope you’ll join us for this relaxed and enjoyable day exploring one of Britain’s most charming heritage railways — a perfect opportunity to gather inspiration for future group visits while enjoying good company and a lovely day out.
News Archive
Brooklands Museum FAM Trip • April 2026
We stepped back into the birthplace of British motor racing for a fascinating day at the world‑famous Brooklands Museum, celebrating the centenary of the first British Grand Prix. This special Eastern Region FAM trip offered a rich blend of motoring heritage, aviation icons, and behind‑the‑scenes insight into one of the UK’s most historic museum sites.
The Day Included:
- Welcome & Presentation – Hearing the story of Brooklands over tea and coffee
- Guided Highlights Tour – Racing cars and historic aircraft.
- Two‑Course Buffet Lunch – A splendid hot lunch
- Free Time to Explore – With the chance to enjoy a Concorde Walkthrough and cockpit visit
- Networking – Meeting museum staff and receiving group‑visit information packs
We all enjoyed a memorable day celebrating the machines, people, and stories that shaped British motorsport and aviation.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
Brooklands Museum. April 2026 | Flickr
Royal Albert Hall Tour and Branch AGM November 2025
AGTO’s Eastern Region AGM was held in the Royal Albert Hall and was proceeded by a tour of the building.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
Royal Albert Hall and Memorial November 2025 | Flickr
Alice in Puzzleland
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts
Mamma Mia
Epping and Ongar Railway, 30th July 2025
40 members enjoyed an day on the Epping and Ongar Railway.
Starting at Shenf
ield we boarded a vintage bus for a ride through the Essex countryside to Ongar and the start of our railway adventure.
“The Epping Fryer” steam locomotive took us up to North Weald Station, the hub of the railways operations.
Having had our group photograph in front of the loo taken some of us were able to go into the cab.
After lun
ch, members were free to chose: train rides to Epping and Ongar, visit to the period signal box, more scenic bus rides to the stations.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
Epping and Ongar Railway, July 2025 | Flickr
London Museum Docklands, 9th January 2025
Robert Coleman kindly organised a visit to the London Docklands Museum in Canary Wharf. After coffee in their café on the ground floor, we ascended to the third floor of the museum. An accessibility life is available.
Following a short talk by Robert, we worked our way back down through a extensive array of exhibitions covering all aspects of life in London Docklands area.
Given the cold weather, we were grateful that our lunch venue in The Ledger Building was only next door.
In better weather, your visit could be extended to include a tour of the numerous modern and historical sights in the interesting and vibrant part of London.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
London Museum Docklands. January 2025 | Flickr
A typical Guided Walk would take in these sights:
Canary Wharf Walk, September 2024 | Flickr
Eastern Branch AGM held at Kenwood House, 7th October 2024
Our AGM was held at Kenwood House on a lovely autumn day.
We were treated to a very informative tour of the House by one of the volunteer guides.
After the formal part of the AGM, Anna Karin-Hanson from English Heritage, gave us an update on EH activities in our Branch’s area. We then had the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch together and explore the extensive grounds.
We’d like to thank Anna for organising the venue for us.
More photos from our visit can be seen at:
Kenwood House, October 2024 | Flickr
Apsley House and The Wellington Arch, 18th July 2024
A further photographic resource of venues is available at:
Collection: AGTO and Group Travel Events