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Historical Wonders of Wessex & Portsmouth
Delve into the wonders of Wessex, once the capital of England, and go beyond the surface at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard stepping aboard iconic warships. Uncover the legendary Arthurian Round Table, explore the stunning Winchester Cathedral, visit the home of renowned author, Jane Austen, and enjoy a journey on the heritage Watercress Line on this inspiring tour through history.
View Dates & Book5 DAYS FROM £1,025
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Book by 28th February 2026 using code EARLYBIRD100
to save £100 per person!
DEPARTS
Tuesday 27 April 2027
Tuesday 22 June 2027
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Uncover maritime history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
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Step aboard iconic warships including the legendary Mary Rose
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Visit the inspiring Jane Austen House & Museum
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Ride the Watercress Line through beautiful countryside
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Discover the history of Winchester Castle – the legendary home of the Arthurian Round Table
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Relax in the medieval Queen Eleanor’s Garden
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Tour the magnificent Winchester Cathedral
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Enjoy free time to explore Winchester
Also included in your Tour Fare:
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4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal
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Services of experienced Tour Manager
DAY 1
Journey from your home station to Winchester and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Winchester Royal Hotel, our hotel for the next four nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.
DDAY 2
After breakfast this morning, we head to the railway station to board our train to Portsmouth Harbour where we enjoy the day exploring the Historic Dockyard and its maritime history. We have the opportunity to experience the golden age of steam aboard HMS Warrior, walk in Nelson's footsteps on HMS Victory, and immerse ourselves in the history of Henry VIII's legendary warship - Mary Rose. You may also wish to explore the numerous museums on site before we return by rail to Winchester for our evening meal at the hotel.
B, DDAY 3
After breakfast today, we board our private coach to the Jane Austen House & Museum. This inspiring Hampshire cottage was once Jane Austen's home where she wrote her beloved novels including 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Emma'. Following our visit, we travel to the nearby Watercress Line at Alton and enjoy an afternoon exploring this fascinating railway and journeying through spectacular Hampshire countryside to Alresford before returning to Winchester in time for our evening meal together.
B, DDAY 4
This morning, we take a short stroll to Winchester Castle, founded in 1067 by William the Conqueror shortly after his victory at the Battle of Hastings. We explore The Great Hall and the iconic Round Table (famously linked to the legends of King Arthur and his Knights) and surround ourselves with scented herbs and plants in the beautiful Queen Eleanor's Garden. Afterwards, we will walk to Winchester Cathedral for our self-guided tour where we will learn of the captivating history spanning 1,000 years. Our afternoon is free, and you may wish to explore the city, complete some shopping, or visit Wolvesey Castle before we reconvene at the hotel for our final evening meal together.
B, DDAY 5
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Winchester and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.
BB=Breakfast, D=Dinner
HOTEL
Winchester Royal Hotel, Winchester
Perfectly located close to the railway station and Winchester Cathedral, this characterful 16th-century hotel offers an award-winning restaurant overlooking a stunning walled garden. The beautifully designed bedrooms are a blend of modern and traditional and provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, ironing facilities, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.
FARES
| Fare Region | First* | Standard |
| London: Waterloo | £1,125 | £1,085 |
| Greater London | £1,165 | £1,109 |
| South of England | £1,229 | £1,145 |
| East Anglia | £1,165 | £1,115 |
| South West | £1,279 | £1,189 |
| Heart of England | £1,195 | £1,119 |
| Midlands | £1,229 | £1,155 |
| Yorkshire | £1,309 | £1,179 |
| North East | £1,365 | £1,209 |
| North West | £1,329 | £1,169 |
| South Wales | £1,275 | £1,185 |
| North Wales | £1,429 | £1,229 |
| Scotland | £1,439 | £1,249 |
| Join & Leave at Hotel | £1,030 | |
| June Departure Supplement | £70 | |
| Single Traveller Supplement | £320 | |
| Deposit | £105 | |
| £5 discount for National Railcard Holders | ||
*Please note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class only, so First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of journeys.
4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Tour Manager
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