Kings, Castles & The Solent

Day 1

We depart the local area and make our way to the historic city of Winchester, steeped in history and England's ancient capital. With world class attractions and architecture including a magnificent college, award-winning pubs and restaurants and a tempting array of independent shops. We arrive at the 4* Solent Hotel late-afternoon ready to settle in and get acquainted with the facilities on site.

Day 2

Today we travel to Portsmouth where we spend time at leisure. You can visit the historic dockyard and explore Henry VIII's favourite ship Mary Rose, Nelson's HMS Victory, and Queen Victoria's HMS Warrior. Visit Gunwharf Quay's shopping centre and ascend to the top of the 170 metre Emirates Spinnaker Tower to see the views from miles around and enjoy a coffee in the clouds.

Day 3

This morning we visit the Weald & Downland Living Museum, home to televisions The Repair Shop. Discover rescued rural homes and buildings set in a beautiful landscape in the South Downs National Park. Their collection tells the stories of the people who lived and worked in rural Southeast England over the last 1,000 years. With more than 50 buildings to explore from a replica Anglo-Saxon hall house to an Edwardian tin church. This afternoon, we spend time at leisure in Chichester with time to explore this Roman city and its attractions. Highlights include the magnificent Chichester Cathedral, renowned for its unique architecture, world-famous artwork and medieval carvings, and the award-winning Novium Museum. Built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse.

Day 4

After a leisurely breakfast, we head to Arundel a picturesque market town with a rich history dating back to the 11th century, known for its stunning castle, charming, cobbled streets, and beautiful riverside walks. We include a visit to the impressive Arundel Castle built in 1067 and still lived in to this day, many of the original features such as the Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse and Barbican survive. Between the 1870s and 1890s the house was almost completely rebuilt and the magnificent architecture in Gothic style is considered to be one of the great works of Victorian England.

Day 5

After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel to Savill Gardens. Set across 35 acres of beautifully designed gardens, woodland and ever changing seasonal displays, The Savill Garden is a peaceful retreat in the heart of Windsor Great Park. Commissioned by King George V and created by renowned horticulturist Eric Savill in 1932, the Garden has been inspiring nature lovers, photographers, friends and families for generations. We return home late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast