This delightful tour showcases a wonderful mix of horticultural gems and historic highlights across Hampshire and Surrey. Places of interest include one of the world’s greatest gardens at RHS Wisley, and the house museum dedicated to famous author, Jane Austen. That’s not all, we visit the beautiful gardens and house of 18th century naturalist Gilbert White and take a nostalgic train ride on the historic Watercress Line before spending time in the city of Winchester – what a gem of a tour!
Elvetham Main House
Gilbert Whites House
Jane Austen's House ©Jane Austen's House Museum
Winchester Cathedral
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 RHS Wisley Gardens
Following breakfast, we head straight to the remarkable RHS Garden Wisley, renowned as one of the premier gardens globally and the headquarters of the Royal Horticultural Society. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to admire one of the largest plant collections in the world while wandering through the diverse themed sections, including the Wellbeing Garden, the Wildlife Garden, the Exotic Garden, Seven Acres, Heron’s Bonsai Walk, and the impressive Glasshouse. The abundance of sights available ensures that we are thoroughly indulged in our choices.
Day 3 Jane Austen’s House Museum & Gilbert White House Museum
This morning, we visit Jane Austen’s House Museum. We get a sense for how she lived and can see many personal items, ranging from books, letters, pieces of furniture and clothing to paintings. We then head to the 18th Century naturalist Gilbert White’s House & Gardens for an introductory talk giving further insight into the history of the house and the three explorers of the natural world that we celebrate. You will then have the opportunity to discover the 25 acres of beautiful gardens and explore the fascinating historic house.
Day 4 Mid Hants Railway & Winchester
We visit the town of Alton which is known by many as ‘Jane Austen Country’ and is also known for the civil war Battle of Alton in 1643 as well as the murder of Fanny Adams in 1867. Alton offers an array of historic buildings, modern shops and arcades. We then make our way to board the Mid Hants Railway vintage train for a one-way journey on the Watercress Line, to Alresford. In the afternoon, we head to Winchester, England’s ancient capital. For historians we have the famous medieval cathedral with its 17th century Morley Library, Winchester Bible and Norman crypt, the Great Hall, the final remains of Winchester Castle or the impressive City Mill. There are also gardens and parks and of course shops, cafés and restaurants aplenty.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Elvetham Hotel
Hook, Hampshire
This historical country estate dates back to Elizabethan times and enjoyed frequent visits by Queen Elizabeth I, being owned by the Seymour family. The beautiful property is now transformed into a 61 bedroom hotel with multiple impressive period features and extensive grounds. Each of the bedrooms are equipped with modern facilities including hairdryer, iron & ironing board, and room safe, and are divided between the main house and the adjacent stable block. The main building does not have a lift, but there are multiple ground floor rooms in the stable block. The public areas on the ground floor include an impressive lounge, traditional bar, and a bright conservatory style restaurant opening out onto a large terrace.
BarGround Floor RoomsParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Entrance to RHS Wisley & Gardens
- Entrance to Jane Austen House Museum
- Entrance to Gilbert White’s House Museum
- Mid Hants Railway one way journey Alton to Alresford
See quote for hotel inclusions
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £505pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £134
Based on Sunday arrivals
