What’s included
What’s not included
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Isle of Wight Ferry & Steam Railway Heritage Journey
On day 4, board the ferry for a scenic crossing of the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Watch the mainland slip astern as sea breezes and gull calls set a gentle rhythm for the day. Arriving on the island, the pace softens further, with low cliffs, rolling downs and quiet villages hinting at a slower, seaside way of life.
At the heritage line, step into another era aboard beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages hauled by steam locomotives. Journey through ancient woodland and open fields between stations such as Havenstreet, where the railway keeps its living collection. Keep an eye out for red squirrels and deer as you glide past hedgerows. Learn how the route evolved from the island’s 19th-century network, preserved today with craft and care.
Christmas Day Lunch & Evening Buffet at the Hotel
On day 3, settle in for a leisurely festive feast as the hotel serves a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. Expect roast centrepieces, seasonal vegetables and rich gravies, followed by Christmas cake, tea and coffee. Crackers, conversation and soft seasonal music set an easy, celebratory mood.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy a free afternoon at the hotel, perhaps taking a gentle stroll around the winter grounds before returning for a light evening buffet. This is Christmas as it’s cherished across Britain—unhurried, sociable and warmly catered—so you can relax into the day’s rhythms without schedules or queues, simply savouring comfort, company and the glow of the season.
Welcome Drink & Light Evening Entertainment
On day 1, arrive at the Meon Valley Hotel and raise a welcome drink with fellow travellers as you settle into your festive break. Dinner follows at an easy pace, rounded off with after-dinner tea and coffee in the lounge, where conversation and the clink of glasses ease you into the holiday spirit.
Each night brings light evening entertainment in the hotel—gentle, sociable and perfectly pitched for the season, such as background music or a festive quiz. Nestled amid Hampshire’s winter greenery, the setting encourages you to unwind, get to know the group and soak in the lakeside atmosphere before the next day’s excursions. A calm, convivial start that sets the tone for the days ahead.
Itinerary
Christmas in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in.
Christmas in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
Our day begins with a trip to the seaside as we visit the traditional resort of Bournemouth. Boasting seven miles of golden sands and a historic pier, this is the perfect place for a stroll to blow away the cobwebs!
Later, we travel back to the hotel via the idyllic New Forest, England’s smallest National Park, famous for its tranquil ambience and free-roaming ponies. We stop en route in the pretty village of Lyndhurst.
Christmas in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
Christmas Day is a lovely day of celebration as our hotel provides a hearty Christmas lunch with all the trimmings followed by Christmas cake, tea and coffee plus a light buffet dinner in the evening.
Christmas in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
We take a ferry across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, where we can soak up the sights and sounds of steam travel aboard a beautifully restored Victorian train. Keep an eye out for red squirrels and deer as we pass through idyllic forests and ancient woodland.
Christmas in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head for home.
Bournemouth Seaside Visit & New Forest Scenic Drive (Lyndhurst Stop)
On day 2, travel to the Dorset coast for a relaxed visit to Bournemouth. Follow the curve of the seafront as you stroll the promenade towards Bournemouth Pier, framed by seven miles of golden sands and sheltered bays. Savour the crisp sea air, browse the Victorian gardens that link beach and town, and pause for photos and reflection along the shore.
Later, return via the New Forest National Park, where open heath, ancient oak and beech support free-roaming ponies. Stop in Lyndhurst, the forest’s ‘capital’, to explore its independent shops and red-brick church. Hear how this royal hunting ground was created by William the Conqueror in 1079, and absorb the tranquil ambience of wooded glades and village lanes before continuing back to the hotel.
