Steaming through Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

Our first day out takes us to the popular seaside town of Bournemouth, offering the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the pier or indulge in some vinegary chips on the beach. There's time to explore the bustling town centre too, with plenty of shops and cafés, before we continue to the idyllic New Forest. England’s smallest National Park is famous for its tranquil ambience and free-roaming ponies, and today we visit its capital of Lyndhurst, a charming village with a rich history.

We catch the ferry to the the Isle of Wight and journey back to a bygone era as we board the award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet. Sit back and relax in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages while we meander through the lovely countryside and enjoy the views. We pass through quaint rural stations, quiet hamlets and ancient woodland on our journey to the seaside resort of Ryde.

Afterwards we spend some time at leisure in Ryde with its long stretch of golden sand, pretty esplanade, marina and beautiful gardens. Take a stroll along the famous 19^th-century pier, the oldest in England, or admire the many boats moored in the town’s busy harbour.

We then head to Cowes before our return ferry, where many of the town’s ornate buildings date from Queen Victoria’s time and are in the style popularised by her consort Prince Albert.

We head to the picturesque Georgian market town of Alresford, where we board our train on the heritage Mid Hants Railway, affectionately known as the Watercress Line due to its connection with transporting watercress from the beds in Alresford to London. Sit back and relax as we enjoy a scenic journey to Alton, passing through the beautiful Hampshire countryside on one of the steepest graded lines in the country.

Afterwards, we have some free time in the historic city of Winchester, situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Winchester is England’s ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great while the city’s Great Hall is home to the legendary Arthurian Round Table. The cathedral is well worth a visit with its beautiful, illuminated Winchester Bible, 12^th-century wall paintings and medieval carvings. There are also bustling shopping streets plus plenty of cafés to enjoy.