Maritime Hampshire

This wonderful new tour, in  the company of acclaimed medieval historian, Julian Humphrys,  looks at Hampshire’s extraordinary maritime history from Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose, Nelson’s warship “Victory” and the tragic story of the ocean liner that couldn’t sink, the Titanic. All in the 400^th  anniversary year of sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers’ journey on the Mayflower with a special dinner and show at God’s House Tower, dating back to the 14^th century.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Jury’s Inn, Southampton, from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by Julian Humphrys, ‘Hampshire and the Defence of the Realm’.

Day 2: Portchester Castle, Mary Rose Museum and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
A short trip along the coast to Portsmouth, Southampton’s longstanding rival, for a day of maritime, historic exploration. We start at Portchester Castle, dating back to the 11^th century and occupying a commanding position at the head of Portsmouth harbour, and the embarkation point for several campaigns to France led by a series of England’s kings. We then head to the cornucopia of maritime delights at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The historic dockyard plays host to Admiral Lord Nelson's HMS Victory and the Trafalgar Experience, the Victorian iron-clad HMS Warrior, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and HMS M33 a gunboat that fought in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915-16 as well as a visit to the superb Mary Rose Museum that houses the skeleton of the ship itself and a vast and fascinating collection of objects raised during its excavation. These help to tell the story of the tragic sinking of Henry VIII’s flagship in 1545. Return to the hotel with time to freshen up before heading to God’s House Tower, a 14^th century Southampton gatehouse, now an art centre for dinner and a performance by the Sarah Siddons Fan Club, which tells the story of some of the travellers who converged on Southampton in 1620 to sail to the Americas on the Mayflower.

Day 3: Sea City Museum, walking tour, Tudor House and St Michael’s Church, Southampton
A full and varied day takes us first to the innovative Sea City Museum that tells the story of the world’s most famous liner, the Titanic, which set sail from Southampton on 10^th April 1912. A walking tour with Julian of some of the city’s historic sights including the city walls and time for lunch (not included) will prepare us for our final two visits. First of these is the Tudor House, the city’s most important historic building, followed by St Michael’s the city’s oldest building, which escaped German bombers – it is alleged – because its spire was used as a landmark and pilots were instructed not to hit it! Return to the hotel for approximately 17.00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note: The Ministry of Defence carries out occasional security checks at the Historic Dockyard, so please bring a piece if photo ID on this tour or it is possible that you may not be allowed access.

Please note the maximum group size is 48 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Jury’s Inn, Southampton, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception and private three-course dinner with wine
• Second dinner with theatrical show including wine at God’s House Tower
•  All talks, guided tours and admission
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement 
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities 

HOTEL

Jury’s Inn, Southampton

Part of the prestigious Leonardo group of hotels, the stylish, modern three-star Jury’s Inn is located in the city centre, ideally located for the places visited on this tour.  Facilities here include bar, restaurant and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.

Please note that twin rooms at the hotel are made up of one double bed and one single bed in the room.

Hotel Website