Historic Hampshire Tour

This superb new tour is very close to popular historian, Julian Humphrys' heart, being set in his home county as man and boy. He will provide heartfelt commentary and give two talks about the county he has called home for most of his life and remains a dedicated Southampton FC season ticket holder.  Based in the beautiful and historic Cathedral city of Winchester, a packed itinerary takes in King Arthur’s Round Table, two castles, cathedral, abbey, a world famous statue of Alfred the Great and a still functioning almshouse who will offer the “Wayfarer’s Dole”- a chunk of bread and tumbler of beer - to any visitor who requests it.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently from 15.00. Evening welcome reception, followed by a talk by Julian Humphrys: ‘The story of Winchester’. Group dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 2: Guided walk around the historic city walls
Full day in Winchester on foot today, starting with a guided tour of Winchester College, one of the world’s most famous and distinguished schools founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham. We walk to City Museum with its spectacular model of the city in Victorian times, and then onto the Norman and late medieval architecture of Winchester Cathedral and its award-winning Kings & Scribes exhibition, remarkable memorials (including Jane Austen’s grave) and an atmospheric crypt.  Along the way we will have time for lunch (own expense), and will pass by the Church of St Swithun perched above one of the gates in the city walls, Jane Austen’s House, Wolvesey Castle where Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain held their wedding feast, the picturesque river Itchen and the world-famous statue of Alfred the Great. We end our walking tour with a tour of Winchester Castle and the world-famous King Arthur’s Round Table. This evening there will be another talk by Julian Humphrys at the hotel, then the evening is free to dine out in one of Winchester’s many restaurants.

Day 3: Romsey Abbey, Old Southampton City Walls, and Hospital of St Cross
Today we start with a visit to Romsey Abbey with its superb Norman architecture and the grave of Earl Mounbatten. After a guided tour there we coach to Southampton and have free time for lunch (own expense). Next stop is Old Southampton City Walls, and a stop at Tudor House and Gardens which gives an insight into the lives of people who lived in Southampton over the last 800 years. St Michael’s Church is opposite Tudor House; Founded in 1070, it is the oldest building still in use in Southampton. Our last tour of the day is at the Hospital of St Cross back near Winchester. St Cross is an ancient almshouse complex, originally founded in the 12th century and still running today. It still offers the Wayfarer’s Dole (a small chunk of bread and a tumbler of beer) to any visitor who asks for it, and boasts a fine transitional church. Return to hotel for approx. 17.30.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 45 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking involved between and around sites, and lots of standing for viewing. There are one hour tours at attractions visited, all of which are on foot. The Southampton city walls walk involved flights of steps onto and off the walls and towers. Some steps are steep, and may be uneven. There will be some opportunities to sit at various places, for example in the chapel at St Cross, and in the Cathedral.

INCLUDED

• Two nights bed and breakfast at the four-star Royal Hotel Winchester
• First night welcome reception and 3-course dinner with wine
• All guided tours and admissions
• Coach on Day 3
• 2 talks from Julian Humphrys
• Julian Humphrys and Elizabeth Norton throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Royal Hotel, Winchester

Charming 16^th century hotel located in the heart of historic Winchester, offering a bar and restaurant overlooking a beautiful walled garden. The comfortable bedrooms offer modern amenities including private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, WIFI, and cosy seating area

Hotel Website

Car Parking: The Hotel has 2 carparks onsite, one of which is located at the front of the property on St Peters Street. The secondary ‘overflow’ car park is located at the rear of the property on Parchment Street. Please note that there are a total of 48 parking spaces, and all parking is available on a ‘first-come first-served basis’, costing £15 per night. Once parked, please register your vehicle at reception straight after. 

If the car parks are full, please drive to the front of the Hotel (on St. Peters Street) to drop your luggage off before proceeding to one of the public carparks nearby: ST PETER’S CAR PARK 3 Gordon Road Winchester SO23 7DD.