Storybook Winchester Steam and Grandeur

STORYBOOK WINCHESTER – STEAM & GRANDEUR

 

29 May – 1 June 2026

Friday - Monday

4 Days

From £619

 

Chuffing engines, blooming havens, and stately grandeur paint a living canvas of bygone splendour.

Step aboard the Watercress Line for a nostalgic steam-powered journey through Hampshire’s scenic beauty, and marvel as a fifth-generation owner leads us through 18th-century Romantic architecture and expansive gardens at Grade II-listed Houghton Lodge, set above the iconic River Test.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Houghton Lodge Gardens   |   Winchester   |   Sailsbury   |    The Watercress Line   

 

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Hampshire arriving late afternoon you will have time to relax before dinner this evening.

 

DAY TWO – Houghton Lodge Gardens and Sailsbury

Today we step into a storybook at Grade II-listed Houghton Lodge Gardens, the finest surviving 18th-century Cottage Orné.  This cherished family residence, born from the Romantic movement with its asymmetrical design, gothic windows, painted ceilings, and double-height kitchen, comes to life on a guided tour led by a fifth-generation owner.

 

Beyond the house, sprawling lawns cascade down to the renowned River Test, offering unspoiled views of tranquil water meadows and 14 acres of glorious gardens.

 

Wander through the vibrant herbaceous border, lose yourself in the charming peacock topiary maze, and breathe in the fragrant air of the themed herb garden. Meet alpacas by the riverside and marvel at the world-record-breaking pear tree. Cap off your visit with a slice of heavenly lemon drizzle sponge.

This afternoon we make our way to Sailsbury. A Cathedral city of ageless beauty and captivating history. Dominated by the magnificent Medieval Cathedral, which contains the best preserved of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta and a large mechanical clock installed in 1386 — the oldest surviving mechanical clock in Britain.

Explore and enjoy with its pleasant blend of history and modern shopping centre before we return to our hotel.

 

DAY THREE – The Watercress Line and Winchester

This morning we step aboard the Watercress Line for a 10-mile nostalgic journey through the heart of picturesque Hampshire, transporting you back to the golden age of steam.

 

Starting in Alresford, a Georgian town famed for its watercress industry, the journey winds through stunning countryside with views of the South Downs National Park, heading toward Alton, home to the world’s most treasured Austen site.

 

Feel the power of the lovingly restored steam engine as it climbs steep gradients, reaching southern England’s highest station, affectionately known as “the Alps.”

We then head to Winchester where you have some free time to explore at your leisure. You have the chance to visit the Cathedral, browse the high street or perhaps visit one of the city’s museums before we return to our hotel.

 

DAY FOUR – Departure

After breakfast this morning we leave our hotel and make our journey home with comfort stops en route.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

3 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Houghton Lodge Gardens

Return Journey on The Watercress Line.

 

VOCO WINCHESTER HOTEL & SPA, WINCHESTER

The Voco Winchester Hotel & Spa is a contemporary four-star property located just ten minutes from the centre of historic Winchester. Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park, it offers guests stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape. The hotel features 131 stylish rooms. This hotel has a lift.

The hotel has leisure facilities; however, these ancillary services may be subject to an additional charge payable directly by the guest.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

3 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Houghton Lodge Gardens

Return Journey on The Watercress Line.

 

VOCO WINCHESTER HOTEL & SPA, WINCHESTER

The Voco Winchester Hotel & Spa is a contemporary four-star property located just ten minutes from the centre of historic Winchester. Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park, it offers guests stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape. The hotel features 131 stylish rooms. This hotel has a lift.

 

The hotel has leisure facilities; however, these ancillary services may be subject to an additional charge payable directly by the guest.

 

 HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Wheelchair accessible
Bar	Television	Lift
Restaurant	Wifi
Lounge
Swimming Pool
Gym

 

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS		SUPPLEMENT
4	29 MAY– 1 JUN 2026	FRIDAY	£619		£136 SINGLE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE				£36

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).

Voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, Winchester Houghton Lodge Watercress Line