What to expect
Winchester Cathedral
Visit Jane Austen's resting place
Free Time
Freedom to discover more of the city
Highclere Castle
Explore the castle & its grounds
Guided Walking Tour
Discover Winchester's historic charm
About this trip...
Join Solos for a captivating weekend in England’s first capital, Winchester. Begin your three-night escorted break with a warm welcome dinner in Winchester, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers. Discover the rich history of Winchester on a guided walking tour, stepping back in time to tales of Alfred the Great and taking in the breathtaking Winchester Cathedral. Visit Highclere Castle, famous for being the filming location of Jeeves and Wooster and Downton Abbey. Conclude your weekend with a final group breakfast before departing, filled with unforgettable memories!
What's Included
Twin room for sole use with private facilities
Half-board with breakfast & dinner daily
Welcome drink
Walking tour of Winchester including Winchester Cathedral-
Entry to Highclere Castle & grounds
Accompanying tour leader
Fully financially protected
Itinerary
- Arrive in Winchester
- Walking tour and Winchester Cathedral
- Highclere Castle
- Depart Winchester
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Winchester
Arriving at our hotel in Winchester at your leisure, we’ll enjoy a welcome drink before having dinner together at the hotel as a group.
Day Two: Winchester
After breakfast, we meet our guide for a walking tour of historic Winchester. Our walk takes us along the beautiful River Itchen, the ancient city walks, the ruins of a medieval bishop’s palace Wolvesey Castle, College Street with Winchester College and No 8 College Street - where Jane Austen spent the final six weeks of her life, the ancient Kingsgate arch and the Cathedral Close, before visiting the famous Winchester Cathedral. We can then opt to re-join our guide for a tour taking in the Peninsula Barracks and the Westgate, enjoy continuing to explore this historic city at our leisure, or we have the option to head back to relax at the hotel before joining our fellow travellers for dinner.
Day Three: Highclere Castle
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll make the short journey to Highclere Castle - famous for being the filming location for Downton Abbey and Jeeves and Wooster. With access to wander the castle and its grounds, you can explore how the castle has been transformed from its roots in Anglo Saxon Times to a medieval palace, a Tudor place house, a Georgian house and to this iconic Victorian Castle. Highclere sits within an arcadian parkland designed by Capability Brown in 1771 where we can explore the many areas including the original Monk’s Garden, the Secret Garden and the Healing Herb Garden.
Day Four: Depart Winchester
After a final breakfast as a group, we depart Winchester at our leisure.
Accommodation
Four-Star Mercure Wessex Winchester Hotel
The Mercure Wessex Winchester Hotel is a comfortable property with an amazing location overlooking the cathedral and cathedral grounds in the heart of historic Winchester. It’s prime location means that you are just steps from everything this wonderful city has to offer.
Facilities include
The Mercure Wessex Winchester Hotel offers Brasserie-style meals in the Wessex Restaurant, which offers unbeatable views of Winchester Cathedral and those looking to relax can take a drink from the selection offered in the King’s Lounge bar. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Please note that although there is a lift to most rooms, there are some steps around the property which you will need to be able to manage independently.
Room includes
The Mercure Wessex Winchester Hotel features comfortable and recently renovated rooms featuring double bed and traditional décor. Each room offers a flat screen TV, complimentary WiFi, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer, iron and board. Bathroom with shower over bathtub.
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
