Historical Wonders of Wessex & Portsmouth 2026

Duration

5 Days

Departure Dates

28th April 2026, 23rd June 2026

Prices from

£895 Per person

Delve into the wonders of Wessex, once the capital of England, and go beyond the surface at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard stepping aboard iconic warships. Uncover the legendary Arthurian Round Table, explore the stunning Winchester Cathedral, visit the home of renowned author, Jane Austen, and enjoy a journey on the heritage Watercress Line on this inspiring tour through history.

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Winchester ©AdobeStock

5 days from £895

DEPARTS

Tuesday 28 April 2026

Tuesday 23 June 2026

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Uncover maritime history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Step aboard iconic warships including the legendary Mary Rose
Visit the inspiring Jane Austen House & Museum
Ride the Watercress Line through beautiful countryside
Discover the history of Winchester Castle – the legendary home of the Arthurian Round Table
Relax in the medieval Queen Eleanor’s Garden
Tour the magnificent Winchester Cathedral
Enjoy free time to explore Winchester

Also included in your Tour Fare:

4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

DAY 1

Journey from your home station to Winchester and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Winchester Royal Hotel, our hotel for the next four nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we head to the railway station to board our train to Portsmouth Harbour where we enjoy the day exploring the Historic Dockyard and its maritime history. We have the opportunity to experience the golden age of steam aboard HMS Warrior, walk in Nelson's footsteps on HMS Victory, and immerse ourselves in the history of Henry VIII's legendary warship - Mary Rose. You may also wish to explore the numerous museums on site before we return by rail to Winchester for our evening meal at the hotel.

B, D

DAY 3

After breakfast today, we board our private coach to the Jane Austen House & Museum. This inspiring Hampshire cottage was once Jane Austen's home where she wrote her beloved novels including 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Emma'. Following our visit, we travel to the nearby Watercress Line at Alton and enjoy an afternoon exploring this fascinating railway and journeying through spectacular Hampshire countryside to Alresford before returning to Winchester in time for our evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 4

This morning, we take a short stroll to Winchester Castle, founded in 1067 by William the Conqueror shortly after his victory at the Battle of Hastings. We explore The Great Hall and the iconic Round Table (famously linked to the legends of King Arthur and his Knights) and surround ourselves with scented herbs and plants in the beautiful Queen Eleanor's Garden. Afterwards, we will walk to Winchester Cathedral for our self-guided tour where we will learn of the captivating history spanning 1,000 years. Our afternoon is free, and you may wish to explore the city, complete some shopping, or visit Wolvesey Castle before we reconvene at the hotel for our final evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 5

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Winchester and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTEL

Winchester Royal Hotel, Winchester

Perfectly located close to Winchester railway station and Winchester Cathedral, this characterful 16th-century hotel offers an award-winning restaurant overlooking a stunning walled garden. The beautifully designed bedrooms are a blend of modern and traditional and provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

FARES

Fare Region	First*	Standard
London: Waterloo	£989	£949
Greater London	£1,019	£975
South of England	£1,079	£1,005
East Anglia	£1,025	£979
South West	£1,129	£1,049
Heart of England	£1,049	£979
Midlands	£1,079	£1,015
Yorkshire	£1,159	£1,039
North East	£1,205	£1,065
North West	£1,175	£1,029
South Wales	£1,119	£1,039
North Wales	£1,265	£1,085
Scotland	£1,275	£1,099
Join & Leave at Hotel	£900
Single Traveller Supplement	£180
Deposit	£90

*Please note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class only, so First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of journeys.

£5 tour discount for holders of National Railcards

June Departure Supplement £40

4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal

Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)

Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described

All excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

Number of passengers:

Date	From Price	Book Now	Callback
28th April 2026	£895 Per person	Book Now	Callback
23rd June 2026	£935 Per person	Book Now	Callback

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Winchester Royal Hotel

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Jane Austen House & Museum

Watercress Line

Winchester Castle & Gardens

Winchester Cathedral

HMS Victory ©AdobeStock

HMS Warrior ©AdobeStock

Jane Austen's House1 ©Luke Shears

Jane Austen's House2 ©Luke Shears

Jane Austen, Drawing Room ©Jane Austen's House

Jane Austen, Kitchen ©Jane Austen's House

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Historical Wonders of Wessex & Portsmouth 2026

Register interest

What our customers say

Sounds like the holiday for you?

Why Book with Railtrail

Unique Experiences

Financial Protection

Loyalty Rewards

Award Winning Team