Over The Alps & Sailing The Solent

Itinerary

Description

Discover England’s beautiful south coast on this relaxing five-day break where we enjoy a train ride ‘over the Alps’ on the heritage Mid Hants Railway and sail across the Solent to the gorgeous Isle of Wight. From our comfortable base in Southampton, we explore the highlights that line the southern coast such as Bognor Regis, the cathedral city of Chichester and the Isle of Wight, an island filled with stunning scenery that was a favourite holiday destination of Queen Victoria. We also climb aboard the 19^th-century Watercress Line to witness the very best of the Hampshire countryside on this memorable getaway.

Itinerary

Included Excursions

The Watercress Line & Winchester (full day)

This morning we head to the picturesque Georgian market town of Alresford where we board our train carriage 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. This scenic journey through the beautiful Hampshire countryside is unique for the distinctively steep gradient the line climbs between Alresford and Four Marks before dropping back down to Alton, a trek the footplate crews refer to as going ‘over the Alps’.

Afterwards we rejoin the coach and travel to the medieval city of Winchester for some free time. Ancient capital of England, Winchester has a rich history, with old city walls, a medieval Round Table, a magnificent military past and an awe-inspiring Norman cathedral which houses the tomb of the author Jane Austen and the Winchester Bible, one of the finest 12^th-century bibles to have survived.

Isle of Wight (full day)

We travel by ferry to the Isle of Wight, one of the most picturesque locations in the UK. From historic port towns and pretty resorts to quaint inland villages, the island is a haven of old-fashioned charm and inspiring scenery. We take in the peaceful atmosphere and gorgeous surroundings of the island as we drive to the delightful seaside resort of Shanklin, renowned for its sandy beach and Old Village.

Bognor Regis & Chichester (full day)

We first visit the small seaside town of Bognor Regis where we can enjoy a walk along the promenade and all the traditional delights of a British seaside resort. We continue to the cathedral city of Chichester. This charming, compact city boasts some of the country’s oldest buildings and streets, including the cathedral church of the Holy Trinity, while the pedestrianised city centre is enclosed within the ancient city walls.

Coach Bullets

• Return coach travel
• 4 nights at the Holiday Inn Express Southampton with dinner & breakfast
• Excursions to Winchester, the Isle of Wight, Bognor Regis & Chichester
• Heritage train journey on the Watercress Line

Search Bullets

• 4 nights at the Holiday Inn Express Southampton with dinner & breakfast
• Excursions to Winchester, the Isle of Wight, Bognor Regis & Chichester
• Heritage train journey on the Watercress Line

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New for 2022

JG3

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, with a greater range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are a little more spacious and have additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, a bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or with waiter service.

Highlights Self Drive Only

• 4 nights at the Holiday Inn Express Southampton with dinner & breakfast
• Excursions to Winchester, the Isle of Wight, Bognor Regis & Chichester
• Heritage train journey on the Watercress Line

Accommodation

Hotel

Conveniently located just off the M27 motorway. The hotel offers a bar, restaurant and free Wi-Fi, while the en-suite rooms include a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, air conditioning and tea and coffee-making facilities.