Wonders of Hampshire

REVISED ITINERARY FOR 2026 Discover Hampshire's heritage, history and thriving culture on this fabulous tour, packed full of inclusions and visits. Travel by one of the lovingly restored trains through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside on the Watercress Line. Learn more about Jane Austen, one of England's most celebrated and greatest novelists, and how Hampshire played an important part in her life, not just as the place she lived but as inspiration to many of her novels. Head to Winchester with its world class attractions and architecture, take a tour of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and enjoy a full day at Portsmouth's epic Historic Dockyard with full access to all its attractions including the fabulous Mary Rose Museum. All this, based at a 4* country hotel surrounded by acres of beautiful parkland.Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Welcome tea / coffee- Porterage- All Attraction entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard- Visit Winchester- Guided tour of Bombay Sapphire Distillery with G&T- One way travel on the Watercress Line (Alresford - Alton)- Entrance to Jane Austen's House- En-route stops in Newbury & Henley-on-Thames (time permitting)

Packed with inclusions & visits
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head south with a stop in the idyllic town of Newbury (time permitting). Arrive at your countryside hotel for the next 4 nights with porterage and a welcome tea or coffee. DBB\n\nDay 2 - 4 At leisure in Hampshire with three included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nPortsmouth Historic Dockyard\nImmerse yourself in Maritime history with a day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to some of the most famous warships in the world, showcasing over 500 years of naval history. This is where stories of old come to life and where you can discover hidden secrets, untold tales of heroism, and iconic ships that changed the world. Your 'All-Attraction' ticket includes entrance to Lord Nelson's flagship 'HMS Victory' and the world's first iron-hulled battleship 'HMS Warrior' (both have plenty of steps and more difficult access so may not be suitable for all). The stunning Mary Rose Museum (good access with ramps and lifts throughout) dives deep into the extraordinary story of Henry VIII's favourite ship. From her fateful last battle to her miraculous rediscovery at the bottom of the Solent over 400 years later, the story of the Mary Rose is quite the marvel. You can also visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy and your tickets also includes a harbour cruise (approx. 45 mins) which leaves at regular intervals from the Historic Dockyard - the best way to see the modern naval ships currently docked.\n\nWatercress Line & Jane Austen's House\nTravel the 10-mile line from one end to the other (between Alresford and Alton) on the Mid Hants Railway (affectionately known as the Watercress Line) takes approximately 40 minutes. Join the train at the picturesque Georgian town of Alresford where the watercress that gave the line its name was sent all over the country by train from the goods platform you can still see behind the signal box. Pass through the lovely old stations along the line as well as the delightful Hampshire countryside to Alton, the perfect way to unwind and witness the sights, sounds and magic of travel from a bygone age. Please note that the line operates mostly steam but also some heritage diesel engines. After some free time in Alton, visit Jane Austen's house, a picturesque cottage in the nearby village of Chawton where she wrote, revised and had published all her novels including the timeless Pride and Prejudice. Uncover the story of her life and times and get up close to objects form the unparallelled collection including her writings, jewellery and the little table at which she wrote.\n\nWinchester & Bombay Sapphire Gin Tour\nOff to Hampshire's county town, Winchester, a handsome market town and once one of the mightiest settlements in England. Under the Romans it was one of the largest towns in Britain, but it was Alfred the Great who really put Winchester on the map when he made it the capital of his Wessex kingdom in 9th century. The awe-inspiring, 11th century cathedral features a rich and complex interior, the 556ft nave (making it the longest medieval cathedral), Jane Austen's final resting place and the Winchester Bible, the biggest and best surviving 12th Century English Bible (entrance not included - approx. £14 pp in 2025). Enjoy time to explore the city's natural, historic and architectural treasures at your own pace.\n\nThis afternoon head to Laverstoke Mill to be immersed in all things Bombay Sapphire. Explore the Bombay Sapphire Distillery for a guided visit as you discover the ten exotic botanicals infused into every drop of Bombay Sapphire Gin in the impressive Glasshouses. Navigate the Botanical Dry Room, a sensory experience to reveal your flavour preferences and make your own complimentary gin & tonic in the Turbine Bar (non-alcoholic alternative available).\n\nDay 5 - Set off this morning and head to delightful Henley-on-Thames (time permitting). Renowned for its rowing regattas, Henley is a beautiful riverside town with an historic heart. The main street has many Georgian frontages covering older buildings and among the 300 buildings within the town designated 'of special architectural or historical interest' are St Mary's Church, the Town Hall, Market Place and Henley Bridge. Maybe take a stroll along the Thames Path, perfect for watching the boats coming and going. Onward to interchange in the afternoon.4* Contemporary Hotel
Norton Park Hotel & Spa\nSet amid 54 acres of peaceful parkland in glorious Hampshire countryside just north of Winchester, this 4* contemporary hotel is focused around an elegant 17th century manor house with original oak panelling and timber beams. The main part of the hotel is a modern wing where there is an upscale restaurant and a casual bar and lounge. Sleek, stylish guestrooms are located in two accommodation wings and feature all mod cons including flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Covered walkways connect the three parts of the hotel and there is a lift in the main part of the hotel. The health club and spa has an indoor pool with a vaulted glass ceiling, steam room, sauna and gym. Singles are double / twin for sole use. There is a lift as well as ground floor rooms