Christmas in England’s Historic South

Make your way to Hampshire this afternoon ahead of an unforgettable festive escape on England’s historic south coast. Upon arrival, meet your fellow travellers, enjoy a glass of complimentary sherry and a mince pie, then settle in for a three-course welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Start the morning with breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a day of festive discovery in historic Portsmouth. Once the most fortified harbour in Europe, you’ll have the chance to explore the city’s famous Dockyards by sea with a 45-minute escorted cruise around the harbour. With expert insight from the ferry’s crew, you’ll have the chance to view legendary HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship during the pivotal Battle of Trafalgar, and HMS Warrior, the ‘Iron Marvel’ of the Victorian navy.  

The Dockyards are also home to the remains of Henry VIII’s beloved flagship, the Mary Rose, which was sunk off the coast of the Isle of Wight during a skirmish with invading French troops in 16th century. As you sail around the harbour, you might also catch a glimpse or two of the Royal Navy’s impressive modern treasures of the Royal Navy’s fleet.  

Returning to shore, you’ll have the opportunity to find lunch amongst the charming local eateries. Next, it’ll be time to get in the festive spirit with the rest of the afternoon under your own steam to enjoy the best of Gunwharf Quays’ Christmas markets and designer outlets. 

After a pleasant day’s excursion, return to the hotel for another three-course dinner alongside your fellow travellers.

Crown the run up to the big day with a cheer-inspiring excursion to nearby Winchester, the former capital of Alfred the Great’s Wessex. After you’ve had breakfast, join your fellow travellers for a morning’s walk around Alfred the Great’s former capital and take in its cobbled streets under the Christmas lights.  

While in the city, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of The Broadway, the historic heart of the city, where you can admire The Great Hall, with its Arthurian round table, and the intricate facades of the 150-year-old Guildhall. Take in the ancient ruins of Wolvesey Castle, which once housed the city’s bishops, before concluding the walk with views of the Alfred the Great Statue and the city’s historic water mill. If you’d prefer a little retail therapy, this charming market town also has plenty of independent and high-street options to keep you entertained.  

Later in the afternoon, head to the city’s popular Christmas market, nestled in the grounds of its breath-taking Cathedral, and embrace England’s favourite Yuletide traditions, perhaps with a warming mulled wine and a few festive carols. Browse the stalls for the perfect memento, or perhaps a few last-minute gifts, before venturing further into the city. Before you leave, be sure to pay your respects at the grave of literary great Jane Austen which can also be found in the Cathedral. 

After a pleasant day's activity, head back to the hotel for festive carols, sherry and mince pies before settling in for a special three-course dinner.

It’s Christmas Day and you can spend it as you please with a full day under your own steam. A Buck's Fizz breakfast awaits this morning ahead of an easy-going optional walk along the rural country roads that ring the hotel. If you'd prefer, you can stop at the onsite spa for a few relaxing moments to yourself instead.  

This afternoon, settle in for a Champagne reception and festive snacks in the hotel's lounge areas before tucking into a special, four-course Christmas feast in the company of your fellow travellers. The King's speech will be televised this evening and you can enjoy a more laid-back buffet-style dinner if you're feeling peckish.

Wake up to a leisurely hotel breakfast and spend your final full day in the south of England with an enchanting visit to Salisbury and its world-famous Cathedral. 

Travel by coach through Wiltshire’s chalk valleys and, upon arrival in Salisbury, join your tour manager for a taste of this quintessentially English town. Known for the rich archaeological sites that dot the surrounding countryside, Salisbury retains a strong connection to its ancient and medieval roots, and you’ll be free to delve into its colourful past with a stop at the Salisbury Museum. Discover the remnants of its original settlement, Old Sarum, learn about the iconic Stonehenge, and take in a host of well-preserved artefacts that chart the city’s development through the years. 

Your next stop will be Salisbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of English Gothic design, which has marked the area’s skyline since 13th century. Marvel at the building’s towering spire, the tallest of its kind in Great Britain, before heading inside for its ornate inner chapels. You can also witness the world’s best-preserved copy of the original Magna Carta, one of Europe’s most important medieval texts, with a tour of the Cathedral’s Charter House. 

Please note: parts of the cathedral may have limited or no access to visitors, due to religious services and activities.  

Before you head home, spend some time taking in the city’s Christmas decorations, and perhaps stop to browse the local shops and markets for the perfect souvenir to commemorate your time.  

Enjoy a hot and cold buffet at the hotel this evening.

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast this morning before checking out of the hotel and making your way back home.