Splendid South Coast

Day 1

Departing the local area we make our way south with a stop in the historic city of Winchester, famous for being the home of King Arthurs round table. We arrive at our hotel the 4* Langstone Quays, Hayling Island resort in time for dinner.

Day 2

This morning we visit Stansted Park, which stands in 1800 acres of extraordinary landscaped parkland and ancient forest. We enjoy a guided tour of the house where we explore the state rooms that are furnished as though the 10th Earl was still at home, giving you a real sense of a bygone era, including the extensive Servants' Quarters below stairs. This afternoon we have time at leisure in the hotel, why not make use of the leisure facilities or enjoy a costal walk.

Day 3

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, or take the Hovercraft across to the Isle of Wight.

Day 4

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 South East England over the last 1,000 years. With more than 50 buildings to explore from a replica Anglo-Saxon hall to an Edwardian tin church. This afternoon, we spend time at leisure in Chichester with time to explore the Roman city and its many attractions.

Day 5

After a leisurely breakfast we depart the hotel and make our way to the award winning, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. A world-renowned garden arboretum at the forefront of nurturing and sustaining national collections for the enjoyment and education of everyone, both now and in the future. Outstanding features include the splendour of the seasonal planting displays set in 180 acres, and home to the UK's largest collection of Champion Trees - the biggest, rarest or oldest of their kind.
We return home late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast