Shearings coach holidays revival hailed with record start to year

A revival of Shearings has been hailed six years after the coach holiday operator was rescued after the collapse of its parent company.

 

Leger Holidays stepped after the former Shearings owner fell into to administration in 2020.

 

The combined Leger Shearings Group has now reported a record start to 2026 with overall bookings for far this month up 28% year on year.

 

Leger has seen a peak increase of 38% and Shearings 28% compared to January 2025.

 

Shearings bookings with Hays Travel have doubled over the same peak period last year following strategic initiatives implemented throughout 2025.        

 

The seven days from January 5 was noted as the largest sales week for the group since 2023, only surpassed by a week of high demand in January 2023, which followed Covid travel restrictions. 

 

Monday (January 12) was the best sales day ever for both companies, exceeding the previous record by 25%. 

 

Leger Holidays marked its best sales days in its 43-year history, with two record-breaking performances, first achieved on January 9 and then surpassing by 40% on January 12. 

 

European travel is notably driving growth, with Shearings’ European bookings up 27%, while UK bookings rose by 29%.

 

The performance underscores the impact of a rebrand and repositioning at the end of 2024, according to the company.

 

Leger Shearings Group chief executive Liam Race said: "We are more than thrilled to announce these record-breaking results. 

 

“Our focus on enhancing customer experiences, expanding our offerings with a change of image for both brands has paid off immensely and Leger Shearings Group has changed the perception of coach holidays.

 

“Leger Holidays ‘Skip the Airport’ campaign has been a huge success. This initiative was aimed at promoting the ease and convenience of coach travel, appealing to customers looking for alternatives to the complexities associated with air travel, without skimping on comfort or luxury.

 

“We are especially proud of the performance of Shearings - a company Leger Holidays rescued after the previous owner went into administration in 2020.  

 

“Despite the damage to the iconic brand’s reputation, we have brought it back to life and it has flourished within the Leger Shearings Group. 

 

“We anticipate growth for both brands to continue in 2026 and beyond, as we remain committed to providing exceptional travel experiences to our customers.  

 

“Leger Shearings Group has secured its place as the UK’s largest and most popular escorted coach holiday company."