Winchester Christmas Market & Christmas Lunch Cruise

Itinerary

Day 1

After joining your coach this morning, head to the medieval city of Winchester to enjoy the wonderful Christmas Market in a stunning location. Set in the grounds of the historic 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. 

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 famous royal town of Windsor. After a little free time to explore, we will then take you to Runnymede to enjoy our 3-hour Christmas lunch cruise on the River Thames. Tuck in to a traditional Christmas lunch on board and take in the spectacular views during your festive journey.

After the cruise, rejoin your coach around 4pm, before continuing homewards.

Winchester Christmas Market

INCLUDED Visitor Destination

From 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.

For further information on Winchester Christmas Market, click here (opens in new window)

Winchester itself is an unspoilt cathedral city on the edge of the rolling South Downs, and is England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. Aside from the fabulous eleventh century Cathedral, it is most well-known for its Great Hall, which for over 700 years has housed the mysterious King Arthur's Round Table. Popular for its bustling shopping streets, the many bars, traditional pubs and restaurants make eating out a pleasure, and there are pretty riverside walks past tranquil water meadows.

For further information on Winchester, click here (opens in new window)

Christmas Lunch Cruise on the River Thames

INCLUDED Visitor Destination

Santa's swapped his sleigh for a boat, so join us at Runnymede on the River Thames for this fun and festive cruise that will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.

The all-weather, centrally heated vessels mean that even at this time of year, you will stay warm and dry.

Warm yourself with a merry mulled wine before you are served with a three course lunch with all the trimmings. With seasonal music throughout the afternoon, enjoy this joyful journey through a winter wonderland before a festive visit from Santa with a small gift in his sack! What better way to start the holiday season than celebrating with friends and a really fun cruise guaranteed to fill everyone with festive cheer!

Typical menu includes:
A glass of mulled wine on arrival
Hot soup of the day
A traditional Turkey Christmas Dinner with  roast turkey, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots, pigs in blankets, traditional stuffing, sherry gravy
Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, Tea or coffee and mince pies

Tour includes

• 1 night hotel with English breakfast
• Visit to Winchester
• Visit to Windsor
• 3-hour Christmas Lunch Cruise
• Time at Visitor Destinations as described
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

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Accommodation

Ibis Reading Centre Reading

The Ibis Reading Centre Hotel is located in the bustling centre of Reading close to the shops and amenities. 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. Breakfast is buffet style hot and cold breakfast choices to set you up for the day. The stylish on-site bar is the perfect place to kick back and relax and offers a variety of light meals & snacks. Alternatively The Gourmet Bar and Restaurant at the connected Novotel Hotel serves tempting food and drinks from an internationally-inspired menu or there are a number of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby.

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

Hotel Location

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