HCH 2017 - Day Excursion Brochure 2nd edition

© VisitEngland/JamesKerr
Thursday 7th Watercress Railway Line & Jane Austen's House ROUTE A
Step back in time to the Golden Age of the train on board one of the Watercress Line's
steam or heritage diesel locomotives as they run through ten miles of rolling
Hampshire countryside, along the northern edge of the new South Downs National
Park. Our day begins as we head to the delightful Hampshire village of Chawton. Jane
Austen's House Museum is a fascinating place to visit for anyone with an interest in
literature and is located in the heart of the village. We continue to the lovely town of
Alton where you can find a nice café for lunch or maybe enjoy a packed lunch in the
park. After lunch we board the train for the 40 minute trip to New Alresford with time to
enjoy this charming town before returning home. Price includes train fare and entrance
to Museum. Adult £33.50, Over 60 £31.50, Under 17 £15.00
Thursday 7th Royal Chelsea Hospital Tour ROUTE A
Fascinating day out. We have booked a tour of this historic hospital in London led by
the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. After a stop on route to allow for a lunch break we shall
arrive at the hospital for the 1.30pm tour. The walking tour lasts approximately 2
hours, where you will discover the history of the hospital founded by Charles II, over
300 years ago. During the tour, marvel at the Sir Christopher Wren designed buildings
including Wren Chapel, enjoy the grounds and hear the captivating stories of past and
present residents. After the tour you will have time for a cup of tea in the café before
we depart. Price include entrance & tour. Adult/Over 60 £33.50, Under 16 £25.00
Wednesday 13th Bletchley Park - STATION X
ROUTE A
Royal Chelsea Hospital Tour
Once Britain's Best Kept Secret, today Bletchley Park, Home of the Codebreakers, is
a heritage site and vibrant tourist attraction. Visitors can explore and experience the top secret world of iconic WW2 Codebreaking Huts and Blocks set within the atmospheric
Victorian estate nestled in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Discover the secret world! A day at Bletchley Park now includes an exciting, complimentary new multimedia
guide in order to explore the site at your own pace and in your own time. Exhibitions include The Life and Works of Alan Turing, the only reconstructed Bombe machine and
the largest number of Enigma machines on public display in the world. Tasty hot and cold menu available in the Hut 4 Café. Price includes entrance.
Adult/Over 60 £36.00, Under 17 £15.00
Thursday 14th Sidmouth ROUTE Z
Situated on the Jurassic Coast of Devon, Sidmouth has a unique charm and an atmosphere of years gone by. Set in a lush valley and surrounded by stunning red cliffs,
Sidmouth is one of our most popular destinations. Around the town there are beautiful gardens where you can relax a while, leisurely walks and a delightful level Esplanade
with views along the coastline. There are some excellent friendly independent shops in Sidmouth, and a range of cafes, restaurants and pubs. The delightful regency
architecture adds to the unique atmosphere of this lovely town - a gem. Come along and step back in time.........a great day out at the British Seaside.
Adult/Over 60 £18.00, Under 16 £10.00
Friday 15th Horse Drawn Canal Boat & Marlborough ROUTE A
Extended and improved for 2016. Step back in time with us, as we head first to one of
our favourite stopping places, Marlborough. This archetypal English Market town has that
'film location' quality and is a great spot to stroll around and enjoy a nice lunch. In the
afternoon we head to nearby Kintbury and board the 'Kennet Valley' horse drawn barge
for a 2 ½ hour cruise along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal. This wide beam
passenger boat was purpose built for carrying passengers and is powered solely by the
towing action of the horse making for a tranquil journey. Facilities onboard include a well
stocked bar serving tea, coffee, soft drinks and beverages. Whilst on board we have
included a cup of tea & slice of cake for you! A lovely day out.
Adult/Over 60 £33.00, Under 16 £20.00
Thursday 21st Buscot Park & The Faringdon Collection - National Trust
ROUTE C
Wow! Undoubtably one of the best National Trust properties we have visited. Located in
the Oxfordshire Cotswolds with extensive grounds, Buscot Park is the family home of
Lord Faringdon. Built in the Italianate country houses style between 1780 and 1783, the
estate has a fascinating history which has left the estate with a remarkable legacy. There
is a variety of attractions - from formal gardens to woodlands. There are plenty of lovely
viewpoints and a selection of architectural sculptures adds interest to your visit. Don't
miss the stunning water gardens designed by Harold Peto. The house does not
disappoint and houses the wonderful Faringdon Collection of fine paintings and furniture
collected over a century. With paintings by Rembrandt, Reynolds, Rubens, van Dyck and
Murillo and furniture by Robert Adams this is now a very important collection of works.
Lovely tearoom on site. Price includes entrance.
Adult £30.00, Over 60 £28.00, Under 16 £15.00. NT Members £20.00
© NationalTrustImages/DavidSellman
Buscot Park
Friday 22nd Forest Lodge Garden Centre and Hants Scenic Drive
ROUTE B
A recent addition to our programme and very popular! This superb large Garden Centre near Farnham in South Surrey is a great destination for a day out. As well as a superb
selection of indoor and outdoor plants there are gifts, jewellery, books, toys and clothing. We have reserved seating in the highly regarded 250 seat restaurant for the group -
you are free to choose from the menu of the day. Food not included in price! Adult/Over 60 - £16.50, Under 16 - £5.00
Monday 25th Brighton ROUTE A
One of our most popular destinations - great for a day out by the sea. Brighton has a unique charm with elegant grand Regency architecture, wide boulevard-style streets and
a long sweeping seafront promenade. A cultural melting-pot, the town has vibrant museums, galleries, fabulous shopping and a huge choice of eating places to suit any
palate. Whether you want to visit the magnificent Royal Pavilion, spend time on the iconic Palace Pier or stroll along The Lanes, Brighton has much to offer.
Adult/Over 60 £19.00, Under 16 £10.00
Monday 25th Worthing ROUTE A
Worthing has become a popular destination with our customers for a day out. Rich in history, the town grew to become a firm favourite with the royal, the rich and the
fashionable. The town centre and promenade are on the level making it ideal to explore the shops and pavement cafes. Adult/Over 60 £19.00, Under 16 £10.00
Tuesday 26th Portsmouth - Historic Dockyard OR Gunwharf Quays Shopping ROUTE B
Enjoy a great day out to Portsmouth. We drop close to the excellent Gunwharf Quays shopping and leisure development and the Historic Dockyard. Located on the harbour,
GunWharf is site of the impressive Spinnaker Tower and over 95 shopping outlets and 30 cafes and restaurants. Shops include Next Clearance, Animal, Fred Perry, Barbour,
Levis, Karen Millen and many more. Boat trips also available from the marina.
Alternatively you can spend your day in the superb Historic Dockyard which traces the
history of the Royal Navy over the ages. Attractions include Nelson’s HMS Victory,
Henry VIII’s Mary Rose, HMS Warrioer 1860, Action Stations and much more.
Entrance fees apply. Adult/Over 60 £16.00, Under 16 £5.00
September 2017
Tuesday 26th Isle of Wight Tour with local guide
ROUTE A
ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR DAYS. After joining the ferry from Lymington we will
be joined by one of our local guides for a tour of the Island – we try to see as much as
possible during the day. The island boasts 60 miles of spectacular coastline and
beautiful countryside. We take in many of the best sights and usually include Newport,
Sandown, Godshill, Shanklin, Ventnor, Freshwater and Alum Bay. There will be a main
stop for lunch. A great day out. Adult/Over 60 £30.00, Under 16 £15.00
Forest Lodge Garden Centre