Maritime Portsmouth & Historic Houses of Hampshire

PORTSMOUTH

HISTORIC DOCKYARD (FULL DAY): Situated in a working naval base, discover Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you will have the opportunity to visit your choice of either Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 or the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Later, there will be free time to explore the other highlights the maritime city has to offer, perhaps wander around Old Portsmouth, with its cobbled streets, picturesque Camber Dock, traditional pubs and tucked-away tearooms, or Gunwharf Quays, with 90 outlet stores and 30 restaurants, bars and cafés, not to mention the Spinnaker Tower for a bird's eye view of the waterfront.

SOUTHAMPTON

(FULL DAY): The historic city of Southampton is a major port and home to the longest surviving stretch of medieval walls, boasting inspirational art galleries and fascinating museums. With lots of opportunities to shop and sightsee, explore the chic waterfront Ocean Village Marina, head to the refurbished timber-framed Tudor House and Gardens in the Old Town, home to over 800 years of history. Or visit the Solent Sky Museum, depicting the incredible story of aviation around the Solent once the centre for world aviation research, including the Harrier, Tiger Moth and of course in its Southampton birthplace, the mighty Spitfire!

BEAULIEU

(FULL DAY): In an idyllic New Forest setting, delightfully situated in the former grounds of the Abbey overlooking the picturesque Beaulieu River, Palace House is one of the most charming historic houses in Hampshire. Built around the former Abbey Gatehouse it is a fine example of a Victorian country house and its owner, Edward, Lord Montagu, played a pivotal role in the preservation of England's historic houses. The gardens include the fragrant Victorian Flower Garden, the informal Wilderness Garden, dating back to the 1770s, and the Victorian Kitchen Garden. The world-famous National Motor Museum in the grounds contains a priceless collection of over 250 historic vehicles.