The Southern Seasider

Our all-new tour to Southern England is not to be missed. Heritage Railways, maritime history and iconic seaside locations all combine to make this holiday truly one to remember.

• A Wine and Cheese Tour and tasting at the Bluebell Vineyard, learn about English Sparkling Wine and tutored tasting.
• Heritage Railway Journeys on The Lavender Line, The Bluebell Railway and The Watercress Line.
• Step back in time with a visit to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield site.
• Journey across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and travel on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
• Visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.

Thursday 5th September
First-Class Rail Travel from London to Brighton
Your holiday will start with a morning departure from London Victoria. Travel in first-class from London Victoria to Brighton. You arrive into Brighton late morning and transfer by coach to your hotel where you will stay for the next three nights. Spend the afternoon exploring Brighton, you will also take a trip on the Volk’s Electric Railway. This iconic Railway has been in operation since 1883 and is an important part of Brighton’s history. This evening you will have dinner at your hotel. (D)

Friday 6th September
The Lavender Line, Bluebell Railway and Bluebell Vineyard
After breakfast this morning, you board your coach and travel to Isfield Station, home of The Lavender Line. Board your heritage train for a return trip along this iconic line whilst enjoying the stunning scenery along the way. Whilst there, take a look around the restored Grade II listed Signal Box. Afterwards, you transfer by coach to The Bluebell Railway. On arrival, there will be time to purchase lunch at Sheffield Station before boarding your train for a steam departure. Sheffield Park Station was built in 1882 and has been restored to reflect the Brighton era of the 1880s. There will also be the opportunity to visit the museum and explore the history and story of the Bluebell Railway. Later this afternoon, you reboard your coach and transfer to The Bluebell Vineyard for a Wine and Cheese Tour and Tasting. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and the winery and learn the process of how English Sparkling Wine is produced. Afterwards, there will be a tutored tasting pared with a selection of cheeses. Afterwards, you board your coach and transfer back to your hotel in Brighton for dinner. (B D)

Saturday 7th September
1066 Battle of Hastings and Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
This morning, after breakfast, you transfer by coach to visit one of the most famous battle sites in English history. Spend the morning immersed in the history and the story of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. There will be the opportunity to explore the battlefield, visit the Abbey ruins and learn about what happened during that fateful battle in their Visitor Centre. There will also be the opportunity to purchase lunch whilst there. Early this afternoon, you, once again, reboard your coach and travel to the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. In operation since 1927, this railway is an integral part of the landscape of this area and takes the name of ‘Kent’s mainline in miniature’. Their famous one third full size steam and diesel locomotives travel from Hythe to Dungeness along it’s thirteen and a half miles of track. Travelling along the coast and through beautiful scenery this railway provides a unique opportunity to enjoy this lovely part of Kent. Afterwards, you transfer by coach back to your hotel for your last evening in Brighton. Dinner will, once again, be served at your hotel. (B D)

Sunday 8th September
Free morning in Brighton and The Watercress Line
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning at your hotel. You have a free morning today to explore Brighton. There is a plethora of attractions to entertain you, the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Palace Pier and the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery are just a few. You may decide to explore The Lanes, a famous and unique part of Brighton filled with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, it really is a must to visit. This afternoon, you transfer by coach to Alresford, home of The Watercress Line, given its name by the watercress that was transported from this area all over the country. Their ten miles of track meanders through the stunning Hampshire countryside close to the South Downs National Park. Board your vintage steam train and travel in nostalgic splendour from Alresford for a return journey as you soak up the sights and sounds of this beautiful railway. Later, you rejoin your coach and travel along the coast to Portsmouth, where you will check into your hotel for the next four nights. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Monday 9th September
Visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Mary Rose Museum
Today, after breakfast at your hotel, you transfer by coach to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Where you will be given an Explorer Pass to enjoy this historic location and its many attractions. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory and much more. Learn the history of The Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s favourite war ship, from its launch in 1511 to 1545 when it was sunk during the Battle of the Solent. Visit HMS Victory, Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship or HMS Warrior, launched in 1860, it was the first iron-hulled armoured battleship and was the pride of Queen Victoria. After your visit there will be time to explore Portsmouth at your own leisure, with its many attractions, including the Spinnaker Tower. This evening, you will have dinner at your hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 10th September
Ferry to the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
This morning, you transfer by coach from your hotel to the Portsmouth Ferry Terminal and travel across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and Ryde. On arrival you depart by train from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin. There will be time to explore this pretty seaside town and purchase some lunch before travelling by train to Smallbrook Junction. Here, you depart on your steam excursion on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a return trip via Havenstreet. Havenstreet is the main station of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and there are many things to explore whilst here including the Museum, locomotive, carriage and wagon workshops and Discovery Centre. Before finishing your steam excursion at Smallbrook Junction. Travelling back to Ryde by rail and returning back to Portsmouth by ferry. Your coach will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel for dinner. (B D)

Wednesday 11th September
Corfe Castle and The Swanage Railway
This morning, after breakfast, you transfer by coach to Corfe Castle. Over a thousand years old, this castle has been a royal residence and fortress, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Spend the morning exploring this historic location soaking up the history and atmosphere, you really do feel history come to life in this special place. Afterwards, you walk the short distance to Corfe Railway Station to join the Swanage Railway. Journey through the Dorset countryside to Swanage on this iconic railway in one of their vintage carriages. On arrival in Swanage, there will be time to explore and purchase lunch. Maybe enjoy fish and chips on the seafront whilst you take in the views. Later, your coach will take you back to Portsmouth where you spend the last night of your holiday with dinner at your hotel. (B D)

Thursday 12th September
First Class Rail Travel from Portsmouth to London
After breakfast, you will transfer by coach to Portsmouth Railway Station for your return journey to London Victoria. Depart mid-morning travelling First Class, you arrive early afternoon back into London. (B)