The Southern Seasider

Our 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 a Sussex vineyard, learn about English wine and tutored tasting.
• Heritage Railway journeys on the Spa Valley Railway, 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 2 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 3 September

1066 Battle of Hastings, 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, rejoin your road 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)

Saturday 4 September

The Spa Valley Railway, Bluebell Railway and Wildwood Vineyard

Following breakfast, travel by coach to the Bluebell Railway, one of Britain’s finest preserved heritage railways. Enjoy a steam-hauled journey through the Sussex countryside from the beautifully restored Sheffield Park Station, dating from 1882, with time to visit the railway museum and purchase lunch. This afternoon, continue to the Spa Valley Railway for a return heritage rail journey between Tunbridge Wells West and Erridge. Afterwards, visit a Sussex vineyard for a guided tour and wine tasting before returning to your hotel in Brighton for dinner. (B D)

Sunday 5 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 splendor 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 6 September

Visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 Waterloo. Depart mid-morning travelling First Class, you arrive early afternoon back into London Waterloo. (B)