| Highlights: Winchester * Jane Austen's Chawton * Thomas Hardy Country * Isle of Wight *
Salisbury Cathedral * Old Sarum * Wilton House * Stately Homes & Gardens * Stonehenge
Day One
Departing London we head Southwest, our first stop being at Jane Austen's Chawton home. She spent the last eight years of her life here. The house, where she wrote 'Sense & Sensibility' and 'Pride & Prejudice' amongst others, is now open as a museum. Our next port of call is the ancient Saxon capital of Winchester. There'll be time for lunch and for a guided walk around the city. Sights include the cathedral, one of England's most famous public schools and the legendary 'King Arthur's Round Table'. If there is time, we will also visit the last monastery in England where pilgrims may still claim the 'dole'.
Day Two
The Isle of Wight sits a short ferry crossing from Portsmouth and offers us a unique day out with some fabulous sightseeing opportunities. The jewel in today's crown is Osborne House. This was where Queen Victoria chose to spend her summers. The house and gardens are national treasures. Here, inside, you'll see how Queen Victoria lived (and also sneak a look 'beneath stairs' to see how her staff worked and lived). In the wonderful 50 acre gardens that sweep to the Swiss Cottage and its garden, you'll walk amongst magnolias, Lebanon cedar, azaleas and other in-season blooms. There's also a perfect Victorian walled kitchen garden.
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A second visit for the day takes us to Mottistone Manor, a garden noted for its colourful herbaceous borders, grassy terraces planted with fruit trees and its sea views. The 16th- and 17th-century manor house, which is tenanted, lies at the heart of the Mottistone Estate, which offers delightful walks between the Downs and the coast.
We'll spend the rest of our day soaking up the atmosphere of this lovely little corner of the British Isles and exploring its coastline and resort towns. If we've time, and the inclination amongst group members, we might also see Morton House.
Day Three
The magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, with its tall spire and Magna Carta provide our early morning focus before we leave to visit Wilton House, one of England's great treasure house stately homes. You'll find the sheer opulence almost unbelievable. There are paintings by the great masters, fine furnishings, fabulous antiques and a wonderful garden.
Thence, via the Roman fortress of Old Sarum, where you'll enjoy a guided walk. Then to another treasure, the prehistoric Stonehenge.
We've a great finish to our Wessex experience as on route to London we explore the quaint villages of Hampshire and visit either the Duke of Wellington's country home or view the incredible Stanley Spencer wall murals at Burchclere.
Departs every alternate Wednesdays from April to October
Pick up points:
The Chiswick Hotel, Chiswick 08.00 (underground Turnham Green)
The Holiday Inn Forum 08.20 (underground Gloucester Road)
The Grosvenor Thistle, Victoria Station 08.30 (underground Victoria Station)
The Corus Hotel, Hyde Park 08.35 (underground Lancaster Gate)
The Royal National, Bedford Way 08.45 (underground Russell Square)
Pick up from Central London hotels can also be arranged at a supplement of £15 per party
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