Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, we begin our journey south on our luxury tour coach, enjoying the scenic drive through the English countryside. Our destination is Sutton Scotney in Hampshire, where we check in to the elegant four-star Norton Park Hotel for the next four nights. Set within beautiful grounds and surrounded by Hampshire’s rolling landscapes, Norton Park provides the perfect base for our springtime exploration of the county.
Day 2: Today we step into the past at the Weald & Downland Living Museum, an open-air treasure trove of English rural life. Wander through over 50 historic buildings set amidst period gardens and rolling countryside. Watch skilled craftsmen at work in the blacksmith’s forge, explore a Tudor kitchen, see the mill in action, and meet animals on the working farm. With over a thousand years of history on display, this museum offers a truly immersive journey through England’s heritage—and fans of the BBC’s Repair Shop may even recognize some familiar corners!
This afternoon we travel to the charming village of Chawton, where literary history comes alive. We have an included visit Jane Austen’s House, where the beloved author penned and revised her timeless novels. Step inside the rooms filled with Austen family treasures and discover the inspiration behind some of the most famous works of English literature. Enjoy the quaint streets and blooming gardens of this quintessential English village, making for a delightful springtime experience.
Day 3: This morning we head to Basingstoke and the Milestones Museum of Living history. There’s no need to ‘remember the good old days’ – at Milestones Living History Museum, you can live them. In this detailed recreation of life from the Victorian times through to the 1930s and 1940s, you can travel the cobbled streets of yesteryear. In their life-sized, immersive streets you’ll find buildings, shops and vehicles recreated and restored as they would have been.
Milestones is split across two levels with plenty to see and do. From vintage Thornycroft vehicles to the milliner, saddler, ironmonger and more, you’ll get a fascinating look at how people in Basingstoke and the surrounding areas used to live.
It’s not just the buildings that will bring back memories either; for those with a sweet tooth, the museum also contains its own 1940s sweet shop, Abrahams, where you can pick up your ration’s worth of niceties, or if you’re looking for something a little stronger, grab a pint at The Baverstock Arms!
This afternoon we head to The Black Chalk Vineyards. The Vineyard lies in the heart of the beautiful Test Valley, which provides a stunning setting with fantastic views for you to enjoy while you learn about the art of vine growing.
Day 4: We begin today in the charming market town of Romsey, known for its historic streets and welcoming atmosphere. Stroll through the quaint town centre, admire the Romsey Abbey, and browse local shops, cafés, and the weekly market. The town’s springtime charm is perfect for a leisurely morning exploring at your own pace.
This afternoon we travel the short distance to Mottisfont Abbey, a historic country house set within stunning gardens. Famous for its springtime blooms, including rare orchids and vibrant walled gardens, Mottisfont offers a perfect blend of art, history, and nature. Explore the house, stroll along riverside walks, and enjoy the tranquillity of the gardens in full seasonal bloom.
Day 5: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel as we make our way back to Norfolk, making suitable stops on route. We arrive late afternoon to re-join our door to door taxi service who will return you safely home.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Dinner will may be table service or buffet style)
Price: £689pp
Single Supplement: £152 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Tour Reference: AWE5361
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure