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The Story of Laguna Travel
From one coach and a big dream… to great days out made simple.
What began in 1991 with a single coach and a handful of ideas has grown into one of the South’s best-loved coach travel companies. Laguna Travel has always been more than a business — it’s a family story built on hard work, happy customers, and a shared belief that every journey should feel special.
From early hotel transfers to nationwide day trips and holidays, our wheels have carried thousands of travellers — and plenty of memories — along the way.
1991 – The Beginning
Every story starts somewhere. For us, it was a gleaming Volvo Jonckheere, bought from Club Cantabrica in Watford — complete with TV, video, fridge, and even a microwave (a big deal back then!). The idea was simple: bring more guests to the Laguna Hotel in Bournemouth during the boom of foreign package holidays. It started slowly, but passion, perseverance, and a lot of elbow grease soon turned heads.
1993 – The Next Chapter
Our second coach — a Volvo A3 ARV from North Wales — joined the fleet, and our famous Tinsel & Turkey festive breaks were born. They became an instant hit, setting the tone for the fun, friendly trips Laguna would become known for.
1994 – Our First Overseas Adventure
A proud milestone: taking the Bransgore under-14s football team to their twin town of Allen, Germany. They didn’t just travel in style — they brought home the win!
1995–1997 – Picking Up Speed
A new Scania Plaxton Paramount arrived, followed soon by our stylish Irizar pair — L572 HRJ and L100 SCS — giving us a sleek, matching fleet of three. Private hire bookings grew, the Midlands market responded, and word of mouth began to travel faster than our coaches.
2000–2003 – On the Map
By now, the Laguna name was well known. The fleet expanded with newer Scanias and modern designs, and our first brand-new double-decker — the Ayats Bravo (Y8 LAG) — stole the show in 2001. With 75 seats and panoramic upstairs views, it became our flagship and a passenger favourite.
By 2003, we were running regular pick-ups from the Midlands and new routes in London — a company in full flow.
2005–2008 – New Era, New Standards
From 2005 onwards, we made a promise: brand-new vehicles only. The fleet grew rapidly, with YN05 HFR and YN56 NRX joining the line-up. Paris transfers, school trips, and private charters kept us busy — and after visiting the NEC exhibition, we became one of the first UK operators to introduce the modern Irizar i4.
2010–2014 – A Modern Fleet Takes Shape
Two more i4s rolled in during 2010, followed by a bespoke tri-axle Euro 5 coach in 2014 — designed down to the fabric and flooring. With space, comfort, and style, it became the perfect reflection of what Laguna Travel stood for: care in every detail.
2016–2018 – Expanding Horizons
A new i6 joined the fleet, followed by a double-decker built for schools and group travel. Then came a new chapter: Laguna Day Trips. Starting with our elegant Volvo Panther, we launched carefully curated excursions across the UK — combining comfort, value, and charm. The response was incredible.
2019 – Comfort Meets Class
Our first Chinese-built Scania Higer arrived — sleek, spacious, and packed with creature comforts like USB ports and plush seating. It quickly became a star performer.
2020 – When the World Stopped
Like so many in our industry, 2020 tested us to our limits. But even through the shutdowns, we held onto what mattered: our team, our passengers, and our passion for travel. When the world opened again, we were ready.
2021–2023 – Back on the Road and Giving Back
In 2021 we proudly introduced a fully accessible Scania Higer with wheelchair lift and destination display — ensuring every traveller could enjoy the journey.
By 2023, demand was soaring again. We launched Laguna Loyalty Points to thank our customers and welcomed new additions: an 88-seat Omni Decker and a 59-seat Scania Higer (73 plate). Comfort and reliability — as always — came standard.
2024–2025 – The Future Arrives
We looked ahead with excitement — ordering another new Scania Higer and placing a deposit on a brand-new flagship Ayats double-decker for Autumn 2025. With its luxurious interior and unmistakable Laguna style, it will set a new standard for comfort and class.
Meanwhile, our brochure now boasts over 150 day trips — from gardens and coastlines to castles and concerts — and more travellers than ever before.
2026 – Watch This Space
Our story is still unfolding… and the best journeys are yet to come.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To every passenger who’s travelled with us, every driver who’s steered through sunshine and snow, and every team member behind the scenes — thank you.
You’ve helped turn a small Bournemouth dream into a big, rolling success story. Here’s to many more miles, memories, and great days out made simple.
Mr. Richard Legge was not only a driving instructor but also a genuine and compassionate individual. His kindness and generosity touched the lives of many, including myself, Richard, and Brian Gwynne. He played a crucial role in shaping Laguna Travel into what it is today. Despite any challenges or obstacles, Mr. Legge never complained but instead approached every situation with a positive attitude, simply saying "thank you very much" before tackling the task at hand. His absence is deeply felt by all who knew him, and his memory continues to be cherished.