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Great Gardens, Literature & Rail Journeys

16 - 20 May 27: A 5 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Hampshire & Surrey with Johnsons Coaches staying at Elvetham Hotel

Sunday 16^th May 2027 – Thursday 20^th May 2027

5 Days

From £979

Discover the timeless appeal of Hampshire and Surrey on this charming five-day escorted coach holiday. Staying at the historic Elvetham Hotel, we enjoy a varied itinerary combining world-class gardens, literary heritage and nostalgic rail travel. Admire the magnificent plant collections at RHS Garden Wisley, step inside Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, and explore Gilbert White’s House and Gardens with an introductory talk. We also enjoy time in Alton, a scenic journey aboard the Mid Hants Railway’s Watercress Line, and a visit to Winchester, England’s ancient capital, with its cathedral, historic streets, shops and cafés.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the world-renowned RHS Garden Wisley, home to one of the largest plant collections in the world
Visit Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton and discover the home where she lived and wrote
Enjoy an introductory talk and time to explore Gilbert White’s House and Gardens
Take a nostalgic journey aboard the Mid Hants Railway’s Watercress Line
Spend time in historic Winchester, England’s ancient capital, with its cathedral, shops, cafés and attractions

Day One: Arrival

We journey to Hampshire, arriving at Elvetham Hotel in the afternoon. Enjoy a welcome drinks reception on arrival.

Day Two

Following breakfast, we head straight to the remarkable RHS Garden Wisley, renowned as one of the premier gardens globally and the headquarters of the Royal Horticultural Society. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to admire one of the largest plant collections in the world while wandering through the diverse themed sections, including the Wellbeing Garden, the Wildlife Garden, the Exotic Garden, Seven Acres, Heron's Bonsai Walk, and the impressive Glasshouse. The abundance of sights available ensures that we are thoroughly indulged in our choices.

Day Three

This morning, we visit Jane Austen's House Museum. We get a sense for how she lived and can see many personal items, ranging from books, letters, pieces of furniture and clothing to paintings. We then head to the 18th Century naturalist Gilbert White's House & Gardens for an introductory talk giving further insight into the history of the house and the three explorers of the natural world that we celebrate. You will then have the opportunity to discover the 25 acres of beautiful gardens and explore the fascinating historic house.

Day Four

We visit the town of Alton which is known by many as 'Jane Austen Country' and is also known for the civil war Battle of Alton in 1643 as well as the murder of Fanny Adams in 1867. Alton offers an array of historic buildings, modern shops and arcades. We then make our way to board the Mid Hants Railway vintage train for a one-way journey on the Watercress Line, to Alresford. In the afternoon, we head to Winchester, England's ancient capital. For historians we have the famous medieval cathedral with its 17th century Morley Library, Winchester Bible and Norman crypt, the Great Hall, the final remains of Winchester Castle or the impressive City Mill. There are also gardens and parks and of course shops, cafés and restaurants aplenty.

Day Five

After breakfast, we journey home.

Elvetham Hotel

This historical country estate dates back to Elizabethan times and enjoyed frequent visits by Queen Elizabeth I, being owned by the Seymour family. The beautiful property is now transformed into a 61 bedroom hotel with multiple impressive period features and extensive grounds. The main building does not have a lift, but there are multiple ground floor rooms in the stable block. The public areas on the ground floor include an impressive lounge, traditional bar, and a bright conservatory style restaurant opening out onto a large terrace.

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

Hairdryer * Iron * Bar * Restaurant * Tea & Coffee Making Facilities * No Lift

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Door to Door Service
Our Own Courier Service
Luxury Traveller Coach with ‘First Class’ Seating & Legroom
4 nights half board
Welcome Drinks Reception
Entrance to RHS Wisley Gardens
Entrance to Jane Austen’s House Museum
Entrance to Gilbert White’s House Museum & Intro Talk
Mid Hants Railway Single Journey to Alton
Outlined Excursions

Date, Price & Supplement

16 May 27

£979

Double for Sole Use(Initial Allocation): £136

Double for Sole Use(Additional): £160

Insurance: £40

Prices are per person and for the entire holiday

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