Waddesdon Wonderland & Winchester Christmas Market
- Duration: 2 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEI8800
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
2 days
DU2DUV
Get in the festive spirit in stunning Waddesdon Manor, famous home of the Rothschilds and the medieval city of Winchester
Join us on this festive treat visiting the highly impressive Waddesdon Manor, its beautiful architecture lit up with magical lights and its gardens aglow as we celebrate with an enchanting outdoor extravaganza. Inside, see festive displays of sparkling trees and sumptuous decorations as you make your way through the house. Outside, be tempted by the festive sights, smells and sounds of the Christmas Fair with hand-selected stalls, set against the backdrop of the floodlit North Front of the Manor. As the sun goes down, watch the spectacle of the Manor’s façade illuminated with dancing lights set to sequenced music. Waddesdon’s spectacular landscape and magnificent trees are brought to life with a kaleidoscope of colour, lights and music as the light trail fills the grounds.
You'll also have time to explore the medieval cathedral city of Winchester where their Christmas Market will be in full swing. This traditional event is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors and is recognised as one of the best in Europe. With pretty chalets and a towering Christmas tree, combined with festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, you will be transported into a magical setting. The city really does epitomize the true spirit of Christmas!
Our centrally located overnight hotel in Reading offers a comfortable stay and allows you to easily explore the town centre. So, sit back and prepare to feel very Christmassy...
An ideal festive choice for:
* Anyone looking for a weekend away to get into the festive spirit
* Friends and family looking to get away together and have some fun
* Christmas shopaholics
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
After joining your coach this morning, head for beautiful Waddesdon Manor to enjoy its festive sparkle and lights. Take your time marvelling at the colourful light displays and festive treats set in and around this delightful stately home. Make sure you wrap up warmly for the beautiful outdoor fair, lights and trail.
We will then travel for our comfortable overnight stay at the Ibis Reading Centre, which is ideally located in the town centre. Either simply relax at the hotel or your central location allows you to stay out as late as you like making the most of all the town has to offer including great food and drink.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, board your coach and head to the medieval city of Winchester to enjoy the wonderful Christmas Market. Set in a stunning location in the grounds of the wonderful cathedral, discover over 100 pretty wooden chalets offering excellent quality specialist goods and festive treats. Have time at leisure to wander the city, explore the market and enjoy a festive bite to eat at one of the many stalls, cafes or restaurants on offer. Return to your coach later in the day, before continuing homewards.Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2023
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationChristmas at Waddesdon is back with magical lights, the gardens aglow and dazzling displays inside the house creating a Waddesdon-inspired wonderland. Be spirited away to a magical wonderland as classic British tales come to life in the house and enchanting new light displays outside enchant and delight.The hidden hill-top secret of stunning Waddesdon Manor offers views of Oxfordshire, the Chilterns Hills and the Vale of Aylesbury and is sure to take your breath away with its beauty and charm. The French Renaissance-style château was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to entertain the fashionable world and to house his collection of fine art. Christmas at Waddesdon is a visual delight of quintessential seasonal charm.
The house has festive displays, sparkling trees and sumptuous decorations inspired by the Manor’s many treasures, from famous portraits to exquisite porcelain. Light installations will add a touch of Winter Light magic. Waddesdon’s spectacular landscape and magnificent trees are brought to life with a kaleidoscope of colour, lights and music as the illuminated light trail fills the grounds.
For more information on this wonderful festive event, please click here (opens in a new window)
Winchester Christmas Market
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationFrom its relatively modest beginnings, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market now attracts visitors from around the globe each year and has achieved a reputation as being amongst the very best in Europe. Within the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral’s historic Inner and Outer Close you’ll find over 100 attractive wooden chalets brimming with goodies. The stallholders are individually selected by the Cathedral’s in-house team to ensure superior quality, uniqueness and that a wide range of products are available. There’s a strong emphasis on British and artisan amongst the stallholders. Look out for Hampshire’s finest cheese and sourdough toasties – these alone are reason to return regularly! With the dramatic medieval architecture as a backdrop, it’s an idyllic setting at any time of day, but it really comes into its own after twilight when the Cathedral is lit up and a warm glow radiates from the market stalls.Tour includes
- 1 night hotel with English breakfast
- Entry into Waddesdon Manor
- Visit to Winchester
- Time at Visitor Destinations as described
- Direct Coach Travel
- Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate
Accommodation
Ibis Reading Centre Reading
The Ibis Reading Centre Hotel is located in the bustling centre of Reading close to the shops and amenities. There are a number of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby. The bedrooms are compact but are bright, modern and quiet and have all you need for your stay including a comfortable bed and en-suite shower room with walk-in shower. All rooms come equipped with individual air cooling system, LCD TV, tea/coffee facilities and hairdryer. The stylish on-site bar is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Breakfast is buffet style hot and cold breakfast choices to set you up for the day.For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window) Back to top