Steaming through Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

None given.Steaming through Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
All aboard! Come along and discover the best of the Hampshire countryside by train. The charming Isle of Wight Steam Railway offers a step back in time with beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, while the Watercress Line meanders through lovely landscapes on one of the country's steepest graded lines. We combine these memorable journeys with the nostalgic seaside resort of Bournemouth, the historic city of Winchester and the stunning scenery of the New Forest, famous for its free-roaming ponies and quaint villages. From coast and country to city, this enchanting getaway has it all!

Steaming through Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
Our first day out takes us to the popular seaside town of Bournemouth, offering the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the pier or indulge in some vinegary chips on the beach. There's time to explore the bustling town centre too, with plenty of shops and cafés, before we continue to the idyllic New Forest. England's smallest National Park is famous for its tranquil ambience and free-roaming ponies, and today we visit its capital of Lyndhurst, a charming village with a rich history.

Steaming through Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
We catch the ferry to the the Isle of Wight and journey back to a bygone era as we board the award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet. Sit back and relax in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages while we meander through the lovely countryside and enjoy the views. We pass through quaint rural stations, quiet hamlets and ancient woodland on our journey to the seaside resort of Ryde.
Afterwards we spend some time at leisure in Ryde with its long stretch of golden sand, pretty esplanade, marina and beautiful gardens. Take a stroll along the famous 19th-century pier, the oldest in England, or admire the many boats moored in the town's busy harbour.
We then head to Cowes before our return ferry, where many of the town's ornate buildings date from Queen Victoria's time and are in the style popularised by her consort Prince Albert.

Steaming through Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
We head to the picturesque Georgian market town of Alresford, where we board our train on the heritage Mid Hants Railway, affectionately known as the Watercress Line due to its connection with transporting watercress from the beds in Alresford to London. Sit back and relax as we enjoy a scenic journey to Alton, passing through the beautiful Hampshire countryside on one of the steepest graded lines in the country.
Afterwards, we have some free time in the historic city of Winchester, situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Winchester is England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great while the city's Great Hall is home to the legendary Arthurian Round Table. The cathedral is well worth a visit with its beautiful, illuminated Winchester Bible, 12th-century wall paintings and medieval carvings. There are also bustling shopping streets plus plenty of cafés to enjoy.

Steaming through Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

- Return coach travel
- 4 nights at the Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club, near Southampton (JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfast
- Excursions to Bournemouth, the New Forest (Lyndhurst), the Isle of Wight (Ryde & Cowes) & Winchester
- Heritage train journeys on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway & the Watercress Line


Steaming through Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

- 4 nights at the Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club, near Southampton (JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfast
- Excursions to Bournemouth, the New Forest (Lyndhurst), the Isle of Wight (Ryde & Cowes) & Winchester
- Heritage train journeys on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway & the Watercress Line
Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Southampton, England JG2
The Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club is set in 225 acres of landscaped grounds near Southampton with two championship golf courses. The hotel features two bars, two restaurants plus elegant rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities and a flat-screen TV. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym (small charge applies).
Hotel Rating
Hotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.