South of England, Solent & Steam

DAY 1

Journey from your home station to Southampton and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Ibis Hotel, our hotel for the next four nights. After checking in, we transfer to the Royal Victoria Railway at Netley for an exclusive charter on this charming line with beautiful views of the surrounding parkland. This evening, we enjoy a welcome meal at The Jolly Sailor in Bursledon, overlooking the picturesque River Hamble.

DAY 2

After breakfast, we take the train to Wareham and transfer to Swanage Railway for their Autumn Steam Gala. With six steam locomotives in action, unlimited travel on the intensive steam-hauled service along the scenic line, and brilliant photographic opportunities, this is a fantastic celebration of steam.

DAY 3

This morning, we travel by coach to Alresford to board the Watercress Line for a return journey through beautiful Hampshire countryside to Alton. We return as far as Ropley Station for a behind the scenes look at their restoration programme in the impressive engineering sheds plus time to explore the miniature railway. This afternoon, we transfer to Town Quay for the ferry to Hythe where we enjoy a ride on the historic Hythe Pier Railway, hauled by a 109-year-old electric locomotive. We retrace our steps and return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

DAY 4

After breakfast, we take the train to Portsmouth Harbour for our ferry across the Solent to Ryde on the Isle of Wight. From here, we board the Island Line service which utilises modified and refurbished London Underground trains due to the rural nature of the island's railways and low clearance of the Ryde Tunnel. On arrival at Smallbrook Junction, we transfer to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a nostalgic steam journey aboard beautifully restored carriages through scenic countryside to Wootton and return. We will also visit the Train Story Discovery Centre exploring the collection of rare rolling stock and learning the history of the island railways before continuing to Shanklin with time to stroll this picturesque village before returning to Southampton for an evening at leisure.

DAY 5

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Southampton and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner