Wonderful Wisley & The Watercress Line

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your comfortable coach this morning and head for beautiful RHS Wisley to enjoy the stunning gardens that are showpiece for the entire RHS. Then continue on to your comfortable hotel for dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 2

After a tasty breakfast join your coach this morning and travel to the Mid Hants Railway, more famously known as the Watercress Line which runs between scenic Alresford and Alton. Enjoy a journey on one of the nostalgic steam trains through the heart of the Hampshire countryside, with time to browse the gift shop in the Old Goods Shed or grab something delicious to eat or drink from the West Country Buffet. Rejoin you coach and head on to Winchester for some free time to explore this beautiful cathedral city before finally heading home with your special Hampshire memories and newly made friends.

Watercress Line

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationThe Mid Hants Railway, is fondly known as the Watercress Line due to it being used to transport watercress, and runs between Alresford and Alton preserving an important piece of 1940s – 70s railway heritage. In years gone by, the Watercress Line took people on holiday, carried people to war, transported evacuees and moved all the essential goods of the area. The fleet of steam locomotives take passengers over hills ‘going over the Alps’, and along the way you’ll enjoy lovely views of the Hampshire countryside, with stops along the way to see the engines and carriages being restored. The line offers four unique stations each with their own experience. At Alresford check out the gift shop in the Old Goods Shed selling fabulous gifts, stationary, toys, books and more. Or grab something delicious to eat or drink from the West Country Buffet. The smaller station at Ropley lays claim to visitors being able to walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket – the King’s Cross bridge is now in Ropley. 

Tour includes

• 1 night hotel with breakfast & dinner
• Visit to RHS Wisley
• Nostalgic train ride on the Watercress Line
• Free time in Winchester
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon

RHS Wisley

RHS Wisley is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society and one of the most inspiring horticultural attractions in the country. Set in the heart of Surrey, it offers visitors a feast of colour, creativity, and natural beauty throughout the year.

The garden is a showcase of innovation and tradition, with sweeping borders, themed areas, and stunning landscapes designed to inspire gardeners of all levels. Highlights include the Glasshouse, with its three climatic zones displaying exotic plants from across the world, and the Rock Garden, one of the oldest and most admired features of Wisley.

The Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, herbaceous borders, and fruit orchards offer seasonal interest, while peaceful woodland walks and water features create space for relaxation.

With its combination of education, inspiration, and breathtaking planting schemes, RHS Wisley is not just a garden, but a living gallery of horticultural excellence.

For more information on RHS Wisley, please follow this LINK

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.

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Accommodation

Doubletree by Hilton Woking

The 4* DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Woking offers contemporary comfort in a convenient town centre location. Guests can enjoy stylish, modern rooms with comfortable beds, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves delicious meals throughout the day, while the inviting bar is perfect for relaxing with a drink. A well-equipped fitness centre is available for those who like to stay active, and the welcoming staff ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. The DoubleTree’s blend of quality service and excellent facilities makes it a great choice for a Leisuretime break.

For more information on this hotel, please click on this LINK

Map Location

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