Whitchurch Silk Mill
Gilbert Whites House Museum
© Jane Austen’s House Museum
Mid Hants Railway
Milestones Museum
Winchester Cathedral
UPDATED TOUR
This delightful tour showcases some of the best places of interest in both rural and industrial Hampshire. We visit the oldest working silk mill at Whitchurch and take a nostalgic train ride on the historic Watercress Line. We have a glimpse back in time with visits to the house museum dedicated to famous author Jane Austen, the beautiful gardens and house of 18th century naturalist Gilbert White as well as time in the county’s city of Winchester – what a gem of a tour!
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 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 3 Whitchurch Silk Mill & Milestones Museum
Today we head into rural Hampshire for a morning visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill, the working oldest silk mill still in its original building. A true gem of industrial heritage, our 1 hour guided tour will open our eyes to the ancient art of weaving and how it has changed over the years. We also see the original mill wheel and have time after our tour to stroll around the gardens before enjoying a sandwich lunch with cake. After a stop in the shop to browse for gifts, we head to Milestones Museum where you can remember the good old days. In a detailed recreation of life from the Victorian times through to the 1930s and 1940s, you can travel the cobbled streets of yesteryear. You will find buildings, shops and vehicles recreated and restored as they would have been in their life-sized streets.
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.
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.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £499pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £119
Based on Sunday arrivals
Inclusions
• Entrance to Jane Austen House Museum
• Entrance to Gilbert White’s House Museum
• Whitchurch Silk Mill guided tour & sandwich lunch with cake
• Entrance to Milestones Museum
• Mid Hants Railway one way journey Alton-Alresford
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
