Welcome to Railtrail Tours
A family firm with an ethos of honesty and integrity. Our passion for delivering quality escorted holidays by rail at great value fares along with consistently excellent customer service has stood us in good stead for over 40 years.
Big on Quality, Small Enough to Care
01538 382323
Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Delve into the history of Wessex, once the capital of England, and go beyond the surface at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard stepping aboard iconic warships including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and Mary Rose. Explore the stunning Cathedrals of Winchester and Chichester, uncover the legendary Arthurian Round Table at Winchester Castle, stroll through the charming Queen Eleanor's Garden, visit the home of renowned author, Jane Austen, plus take a ride on the nearby heritage railway 'Watercress Line'.
View Dates & Book6 days from £1029
DEPARTS
Monday 28 April 2025
Monday 19 May 2025
Monday 23 June 2025
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Uncover secrets at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard stepping aboard real-life history
Enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Chichester Cathedral
Visit the inspiring Jane Austen House & Museum
Ride the Watercress Line from Alton to Alresford 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
Explore the magnificent Winchester Cathedral
Enjoy free time in Chichester and Winchester
Also included in your Tour Fare:
5 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
DAY 1
We will arrive at Winchester railway station and make our way to the Winchester Royal Hotel, our base for the next five nights. There is time to explore our new surroundings before we enjoy our first evening meal together.
DDAY 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 to Winchester by train for our evening meal at the hotel.
B, DDAY 3
Today we will travel to Chichester by rail where we will meet our guide at Chichester Cathedral for our guided tour encompassing all aspects of the Cathedral including its history, architecture, and art from medieval sculptures to contemporary paintings. Our afternoon is spent at leisure to explore this fascinating city before returning in time for our evening meal.
B, DDAY 4
After breakfast today we take 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 where we can spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating railway and journeying through spectacular Hampshire countryside to Alresford enjoying free time here before our coach back to Winchester.
B, DDAY 5
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 guided tour to 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, DDAY 6
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Wessex and our newfound friends as we make our way homeward.
BB=Breakfast, D=Dinner
HOTEL
Winchester Royal Hotel, Winchester
Perfectly located close to Winchester railway station and Winchester Cathedral, this characterful property dates back to the 1600’s and offers an award-winning restaurant overlooking a stunning walled garden. The beautifully designed bedrooms are a blend of modern and traditional and include an en-suite bathroom, flatscreen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi.
FARES
| Fare Region | First* | Standard |
| London: Waterloo | £1,135 | £1,095 |
| Greater London | £1,169 | £1,125 |
| South of England | £1,225 | £1,155 |
| East Anglia | £1,175 | £1,129 |
| South West | £1,265 | £1,189 |
| Heart of England | £1,199 | £1,129 |
| Midlands | £1,229 | £1,165 |
| Yorkshire | £1,305 | £1,185 |
| North East | £1,355 | £1,209 |
| North West | £1,319 | £1,175 |
| South Wales | £1,259 | £1,185 |
| North Wales | £1,409 | £1,229 |
| Scotland | £1,419 | £1,249 |
*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.
£20 tour discount for holders of National Railcards
Join & Leave at Hotel £1,049
Single Room Supplement £350
5 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
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