The Best Of Hampshire - Winchester, Bournemouth & The New Forest

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your comfortable coach at your convenient local pick up point this morning, and head for the beautiful cathedral city of Winchester, where you will have ample free time to explore and maybe grab some food or souvenirs? Rejoin your coach and continue to Southampton and your comfortable, historic hotel, set right in the heart of the city. Check in and relax before dinner and maybe a drink at the bar?

Days 2 to 3

Enjoy hearty breakfast each morning that will set you up for whatever you have planned for the day. Feel free to explore Southampton but do make sure you don't miss out on our fabulous INCLUDED excursions. Return to your hotel every evening for a tasty dinner and an opportunity to share your stories with your fellow travellers.

Day 4

This may be the final day of your weekend away, but the fun is far from over! After a final hearty breakfast we have included a visit to the famous Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth for you to enjoy along with a harbourside cruise. It is then finally time to reboard your comfortable coach for a relaxing journey home full of lovely memories and with your newly made friends.

Winchester

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationAn unspoilt cathedral city on the edge of the rolling South Downs, Winchester is England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. Today, Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside. Home of good food and the country's largest farmers' market, birthplace of the modern game of cricket, resting place of author Jane Austen and inspiration to the many craft-makers and artists who live here, Winchester is truly a destination for all seasons. Popular for its bustling shopping streets, its floral summer season and quirky open air events, it is most well-known for its eleventh century Cathedral and for its Great Hall, which for over 700 years has housed the mysterious King Athur's Round Table. The many bars, traditional pubs and restaurants make eating out a pleasure, and there are pretty riverside walks past tranquil water meadows. Your included walking tour will help bring this most ancient of cities to life with its history and hidden stories and secrets. You can also enjoy free time to explore more at your own leisure.

New Forest & Lymington

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationWild horses won’t be able to drag you away from the New Forest once you’ve experienced its peace and fallen in love with the forest’s idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and cliff top walks. Proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror, this beautiful and natural area covers over 71,000 acres of the south coast. An amazing holiday destination in itself, escape to a world where ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer roam free in this stunning natural habitat.

Situated on the west bank of the Lymington River, in the heart of the New Forest, Lymington is a major yachting centre with three marinas. We recommend a wander through the pretty cobbled streets of the old town and on to The Quay to watch the luxury yachts and fishing boats come and go. The High Street is made up of an eclectic mix of Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco and Medieval architecture, and a hive of activity with great shopping and tasty treats waiting to be discovered.

Buckler's Hard & Beaulieu River Cruise

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationEnjoy a visit to the beauty spot of Buckler’s Hard, where history and stunning scenery come together for an unforgettable experience in the New Forest countryside. Once a bustling shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, this charming village is now a peaceful haven. Relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake, take a ramble beside the Beaulieu River, or delve into the village’s history in the Maritime Museum where you will discover the fascinating story of the village and the ships it built. Listen in on conversations between villagers of the past in the 18th century New Inn and follow the stories of the 19th and 20th century residents in an exhibition about village life. Take a trip back in time at the Shipwright’s Cottage, or explore the Chapel of St Mary’s, with its smugglers’ cellar beside the altar.

Also enjoy an included tranquil cruise down the Beaulieu River – an unspoilt haven which is rich in history and wildlife. A place of serenity and beauty… step aboard for a peaceful 30 minute boat trip along one of the few privately owned rivers in the world.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth is the largest resort in Dorset and along with seven miles of sandy beaches also has beautiful parks and gardens. You’re sure to find plenty of things to do while exploring this coastal town, with lots of attractions, activities, entertainment and adventure to keep all ages entertained. With great shopping and dining experiences there really is something for all ages and budgets.

Beneath the magnificent cliffs you’ll find Bournemouth’s award winning beaches and world-class seafront. From family attractions and a historic house museum to picturesque walks and outdoor activities – as well as restaurants and bars – Bournemouth’s coastline is the jewel in its crown.  Beach huts are a very British tradition that actually originated in Bournemouth in 1908 - you can even rent the world’s oldest beach hut! The beach huts and funky beach pods are available for hire and are ideal for taking in the stunning views and watching the world go by.

Portsmouth, Spinnaker Tower & Harbour Cruise

Portsmouth in Hampshire is located on Portsea Island and has a population of approximately 238,000. To the east is Langstone Harbour and to the west is Portsmouth Harbour a busy sheltered harbour which is the home of the Royal Navy as well as cross channel ferries, fishing boats and many yachts and pleasure craft. On the southern tip of Portsea Island is Southsea with sea views across The Solent to the Isle of Wight. Portsmouth is proud of it's naval history and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to a world class selection of historic ships including Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, the world's first iron hulled armoured ship and the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's Tudor warship. The city is packed with shops, restaurants and bars, leaving you with plenty of options if you want to explore on your own but our INCLUDED habourside cruise is guaranteed to give you some of the best views - as will your visit to the fabulous Spinnaker Tower.

Tour includes

• 3 nights hotel with English breakfast & evening meals
• Visit to Winchester
• Excursion into the New Forest including time in Lymington plus entry to Buckler's Hard with a river cruise
• Full day excursion to Bournemouth
• Visit to Portsmouth including a Harbour Cruise & visit to the Spinnaker Tower
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

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Accommodation

Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel

The 4-star Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin is a 99 bedroom Grade II listed building which has stood at the heart of the city for over 500 years. The hotel offers a modern and contemporary feel, while retaining its traditional appeal and many of its original features have been preserved. It is within walking distance of the main shopping areas and Sea City museum. All of the ensuite bedrooms have complimentary WiFi access, flatscreen TV with satellite channels, hair dryer, iron and board, safe, tea and coffee making facilities and direct dial telephone. There is a restaurant and a bar/lounge. The hotel has a lift which serves most floors.

For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window) Back to top