Mid Hants Gala & IOW Steam Adventure

DAY 1

After arrival and registering at our hotel we board our private coach for a first time visit to the
2' gauge Old Kiln Light Railway situated inside the Rural Life Living Museum (no admission). This short length of line is home to a plethora of diesel and steam locomotives from forests of Portugal to Welsh slate quarries. After our visit we reboard our coach for the short journey to the Hogs Back Brewery for a tour of the brewery that is housed in 18th century farm buildings followed by a taster and pizza social get together. We return to Guildford by coach where the evening is free to be enjoyed at leisure.

DAY 2

Travelling by train from Guildford to Alton for a full day at the renowned Mid Hants Railway autumn steam gala event. Individual travel Network Rail and Mid Hants Day Rover tickets will be issued to give you full flexibility to enjoy this superb day steaming for 10 miles through beautiful Hampshire countryside from the interchange station at Alton over the 'Alps' to Alresford.

DAY 3

Again travelling by train we head south from Guildford to Portsmouth Harbour where we board the traditional ferry taking us across the Solent to Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight. We take the new Island Line stock to travel through to Smallbrook Junction. The railway is home to a stunning collection of Edwardian and Victorian coaching stock to be enjoyed as we take the 5 mile route to Wootton station. The headquarters of the line is at Haven Street between each terminus where the railway's locomotive and workshops are situated. After our visit we return to Guildford as outward for another evening at leisure.

DAY 4

Today we have two first time Railtrail visits to enjoy. Initially travelling by coach to the 10¼ gauge South Downs Light Railway. Situated at a garden centre the route is approximately one mile long and we have arranged a private steam charter for our visit. Our afternoon visit is to the Amberley Museum. Set in a former chalk pits this 2 foot gauge operating line is just part of an eclectic transport collection including steam, petrol, diesel and electric locomotives of various gauges plus, a wonderful collection of buses from 1908 to 1938 owned by the Southdown Omnibus Trust and much more. After our afternoon visit, we return to our hotel for a final evening at leisure.

DAY 5

Our relaxing and nostalgic tour of the 'sunny south' concludes as we bid farewell and travel homewards.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner