Great Gardens, Literature & Rail Journeys
16 - 20 May 27: A 5 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Hampshire & Surrey with Johnsons Coaches staying at Elvetham Hotel
Sunday 16th May 2027 – Thursday 20th May 2027
5 Days
From £979
Discover the timeless appeal of Hampshire and Surrey on this charming five-day escorted coach holiday. Staying at the historic Elvetham Hotel, we enjoy a varied itinerary combining world-class gardens, literary heritage and nostalgic rail travel. Admire the magnificent plant collections at RHS Garden Wisley, step inside Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, and explore Gilbert White’s House and Gardens with an introductory talk. We also enjoy time in Alton, a scenic journey aboard the Mid Hants Railway’s Watercress Line, and a visit to Winchester, England’s ancient capital, with its cathedral, historic streets, shops and cafés.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
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Explore the world-renowned RHS Garden Wisley, home to one of the largest plant collections in the world
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Visit Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton and discover the home where she lived and wrote
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Enjoy an introductory talk and time to explore Gilbert White’s House and Gardens
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Take a nostalgic journey aboard the Mid Hants Railway’s Watercress Line
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Spend time in historic Winchester, England’s ancient capital, with its cathedral, shops, cafés and attractions
Elvetham Hotel
This historical country estate dates back to Elizabethan times and enjoyed frequent visits by Queen Elizabeth I, being owned by the Seymour family. The beautiful property is now transformed into a 61 bedroom hotel with multiple impressive period features and extensive grounds. The main building does not have a lift, but there are multiple ground floor rooms in the stable block. The public areas on the ground floor include an impressive lounge, traditional bar, and a bright conservatory style restaurant opening out onto a large terrace.
HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE
Hairdryer * Iron * Bar * Restaurant * Tea & Coffee Making Facilities * No Lift
YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES
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Door to Door Service
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Our Own Courier Service
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Luxury Traveller Coach with ‘First Class’ Seating & Legroom
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4 nights half board
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Welcome Drinks Reception
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Entrance to RHS Wisley Gardens
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Entrance to Jane Austen’s House Museum
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Entrance to Gilbert White’s House Museum & Intro Talk
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Mid Hants Railway Single Journey to Alton
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Outlined Excursions
Date, Price & Supplement
16 May 27
£979
Double for Sole Use(Initial Allocation): £136
Double for Sole Use(Additional): £160
Insurance: £40
Prices are per person and for the entire holiday
Day One: Arrival |
We journey to Hampshire, arriving at Elvetham Hotel in the afternoon. Enjoy a welcome drinks reception on arrival. |
Day Two |
Following breakfast, we head straight to the remarkable RHS Garden Wisley, renowned as one of the premier gardens globally and the headquarters of the Royal Horticultural Society. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to admire one of the largest plant collections in the world while wandering through the diverse themed sections, including the Wellbeing Garden, the Wildlife Garden, the Exotic Garden, Seven Acres, Heron's Bonsai Walk, and the impressive Glasshouse. The abundance of sights available ensures that we are thoroughly indulged in our choices. |
Day Three |
This morning, we visit Jane Austen's House Museum. We get a sense for how she lived and can see many personal items, ranging from books, letters, pieces of furniture and clothing to paintings. We then head to the 18th Century naturalist Gilbert White's House & Gardens for an introductory talk giving further insight into the history of the house and the three explorers of the natural world that we celebrate. You will then have the opportunity to discover the 25 acres of beautiful gardens and explore the fascinating historic house. |
Day Four |
We visit the town of Alton which is known by many as 'Jane Austen Country' and is also known for the civil war Battle of Alton in 1643 as well as the murder of Fanny Adams in 1867. Alton offers an array of historic buildings, modern shops and arcades. We then make our way to board the Mid Hants Railway vintage train for a one-way journey on the Watercress Line, to Alresford. In the afternoon, we head to Winchester, England's ancient capital. For historians we have the famous medieval cathedral with its 17th century Morley Library, Winchester Bible and Norman crypt, the Great Hall, the final remains of Winchester Castle or the impressive City Mill. There are also gardens and parks and of course shops, cafés and restaurants aplenty. |
Day Five |
After breakfast, we journey home. |
| Date | Duration | From price | Book now | Call back | Favourites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 May 2027 | 5 Days | £979.00 | — | ★ |
Pick-up points
Find the closest pick up point to you for this trip
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Henley in Arden Depot |
Park & Ride, Johnsons Depot
Liveridge House Liveridge Hill, Henley in Arden |
Home pick-ups
Use the map and postcode lookup to check if home pick-up is available and what it costs.