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 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.
View Dates & Book5 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
Enjoy a tour of 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.
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 by rail to Winchester for our evening meal at the hotel.
B, DDAY 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, DDAY 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 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, DDAY 5
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Winchester and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.
BB=Breakfast, 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 |
*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
Join & Leave at Hotel £900
June Departure Supplement £40
Single Room Supplement £180
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
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