Two talks by Christopher Dobbs, Head of Interpretation for the Mary Rose Trust
Private viewing of the Mary Rose Museum
Portsmouth’s maritime history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
On his ascent to the throne in 1509, and faced with ever-present threats from France and Scotland, Henry VIII begun to build up his navy. Mary Rose was to become the pride of Henry's fleet, but after 34 years of service in 1545, she sank in the Solent whilst leading to attack on a French invasion fleet. Here she lay undisturbed until her rediscovery in 1971 and then excavation and salvage in 1982, a milestone in the field of maritime archaeology which uncovered a wonderfully preserved Tudor time capsule. On May 31st 2013 the brand new Mary Rose Museum opened in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Day 1: Arrive independently at the Marriott Portsmouth Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception and private dinner with wine followed by a talk by Christopher Dobbs, Head of Interpretation for the Mary Rose Trust, 'Diving on the Mary Rose'. On October 11 1982, the Mary Rose was finally raised to the surface after 17 years of search, survey and excavation. Christopher Dobbs, a maritime archaeologist and professional diver was on the team that worked on the excavation and salvage of this historic ship between 1979 and 1982. Christopher's lecture will illustrate what it was like to find objects inside the wreck during the excavations and to be one of the divers under the water as the ship was raised from the seabed.
Day 2: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and private viewing of the Mary Rose.
We will spend today exploring the museums and ships of 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. Returning to the hotel at approximately 15.30, there will be time to freshen up before a late afternoon high tea with a glass of prosecco in the hotel before retrning to the Dockyards for the highlight of the weekend, a private viewing of the newly updated Mary Rose Museum. On arrival at the museum you will enjoy a drinks reception and another talk by Christopher Dobbs who will give unique insights into the formation of the exhibition and why the objects uncovered are so special. After this you will have a private viewing of thousands of the objects raised during the excavations. many of which were not on display in the old museum, ranging from bronze guns bearing Henry VIII's ciphers and crowns to whole sets of pewter, and even a plain wooden shovel, one of many objects found by Mr Dobbs himself.
Day 3: Southsea Castle, Fort Nelson and the Spinnaker Tower.
A full day will take us on a tour of old Portsmouth, viewing the sites that remain from the Tudor period and stopping at Southsea Castle, one of Henry VIII's forts built to defend the south coast of England in 1544. It was from here that Henry witnessed the sinking of his flagship Mary Rose in the Battle of the Solent in 1545. The day will also include a visit to Fort Nelson, home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery - the Big Guns. Positioned atop Portsdown Hill with panoramic views across the Meon Valley and Portsmouth Harbour we will be able to view the development of artillery from pre-gunpowder siege machines to modern-day super guns. Also during the day we will go up the Spinnaker Tower to gain a magnificent view across to the Isle of Wight and see the layout for the Battle of the Solent during which the Mary Rose capsized and sank in 1545. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
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 80 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Marriott Portsmouth
The four-star Marriott Portsmouth is located near to Port Solent Marina and a short drive away from the historic dockyards and Spinnaker Tower. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar and lounge, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and comfortable bedrooms with private en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, air-conditioning, minibar, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
Marriott Portsmouth Hotel Website
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.
You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Please note your ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is only valid for a one day visit.
The one draw back with the hotel was its lack of staff attention in the restaurant and bar area, particularly in the afternoons and early evenings.
Review by Russell who travelled 04-October-2019
Review by anonymous who travelled 04-October-2019
Our Specialist Speaker, Christopher Dobbs was excellent. The Mary Rose lived up to expectations. The only sight that was disappointing was Southsea Castle. I would leave that off and perhaps substitute a walking tour of old Portsmouth which I thought was on the itinerary.
Review by Chapman who travelled 04-October-2019
Such an exciting holiday. The expert Christopher Dobbs made it all come alive - don't ever loose him. Mike Stone, an excellent tour manager and also very informative. Hotel rather impersonal. Rooms comfortable, staff very helpful, food tepid. Private Dinner bland and rather predictable . But a good weekend. Would recommend it.
Review by Scullard who travelled 04-October-2019
The high tea served on Saturday was very poor. Should have spent the money on food and not the glass of wine. Hotel room was dusty and not cleaned daily. Tours to the armoury and castle on Sunday were not very interesting. However visit to Mary Rose was brilliant.
Review by Ottaway who travelled 04-October-2019
Our first experience of traveleditions and we were very impressed. A very well organised weekend good accommodation and meals with a varied itinerary and an excellent speaker Thank you
Review by Grubb who travelled 12-April-2021
Review by Eckley who travelled 12-April-2021
Made my own travel arrangements. Tour Guides were excellent especially Jacky on who's coach I traveled. A mine of information and stories. Pity about the weather on the Sunday but it didn't spoil our day. Thank you!!!!!!
Review by Philbeam who travelled 12-April-2021
Review by Brimley who travelled 12-April-2021
Once again a thoroughly enjoyable break with Travel Editions. Well organised and very interesting choice of visits. Highlight was of course the Mary Rose museum - a great privilege to visit in the evening as a private group.
Review by Goodchild who travelled 12-April-2021
My first trip with Travel Editions, I would certainly book another one.
Review by Brocklebank who travelled 12-April-2021
An extremely well organised and enjoyable trip. Angus Konstam gave a most interesting talk.The evening visit to the Mary Rose Museum and talk by Professor Mark Jones was the obvious highlight of the visit. Dr Scott Anderson was an excellent tour manager who provided good information on the places we were visiting on the coach and looked after us very well. I would recommend Travel Editions to anyone.
Review by Eames who travelled 12-April-2021
Very good excellent speaker ,so wonderful to have Chris who had dived on the finds and was so involved with the museum. Have recommended it to friends
Review by Brown who travelled 04-October-2019
Very well organised and informative tour, but what set it apart was the personal input from someone like Christopher Dobbs, this made it feel a very individual and priviledged tour. The access to the Mary Rose exhibition out of hours was stunning and made the trip.
Review by Howells who travelled 04-October-2019
Good interesting tour with evening visit to Marie Rose the highlight with an excellent speaker/guide
Review by Johnson who travelled 26-April-2019
Review by Richardson who travelled 26-April-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-April-2019
The experience was not only extremely interesting, it was inspiring. Everything was very well organised and Christopher Dodds was a great speaker whose enthusiasm and profound knowledge made our encounter with The Mary Rose a very personal one.
Review by Warburton who travelled 26-April-2019
We thought the tour was well organised and the representatives from "Travel Editions" knew all about the "ins and outs" of Portsmouth - even the "back doubles" when we were held up by traffic.
Review by Beecher who travelled 26-April-2019
Chris Dobbs was excellent throughout the tour. Meals at the hotel were very ordinary. The "high Tea" on day 2 was a good idea but of poor quality.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-April-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-April-2019
The tour was excellent—the only negative was a very poor afternoon tea !! —one type of sandwich cheese and tomato and pastry bits which were sausage rolls the soup was ok but pastries were left wanting — should have been much better as it replaced an early dinner
Review by Coyle who travelled 26-April-2019
The reason I have given "Satisfactory" for Admin and Brochure is because we didnt feel it was made clear enough, in advance, what the eating arrangements were for the evening of the Mary Rose visit. it was possible to believe that there would be more food later in the evening. We would have eaten a more substantial lunch if we had been aware fully of the arrangements. I suggest it is made clearer in the itinerary, and maybe give additional advice when the final joining instructions are sent. As always Mike Stone was superb. The content of the excusrsions was excellent.
Review by Herrington who travelled 26-April-2019
A thoroughly good tour - well organised, well led and with excellent facilities. Thank you.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-April-2019
Can’t fault anything. Christopher Dobbs was brilliant and the out of hours Mary rose museum tour was excellent. Highly recommended to all
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-October-2018
This was an exceptionally good tour, our guide Chris Dobbs was excellent. He positively exuded passion for his subject and answered all questions expertly.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-October-2018
Chris was excellent and enthusiastic about his subject.
Review by Richardson who travelled 05-October-2018
Mary Rose and Portsmouth Maritime History Excellent tour. Guide extremely knowledgeable, interesting and amusing. Would recommend this tour.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-October-2018
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our tour especially having the Mary Rose exhibition opened especially for our group on the Saturday evening.
Review by Martin who travelled 05-October-2018
The Mary Rose museum was the highlight of a captivating weekend. Christopher Dobbs our speaker was a revelation and our group was engulfed in a huge tidal wave of knowledge and enthusiasm which brought those people who lived and died in Tudor times back to life! The private evening reception and tour of the Mary Rose museum was beyond outstanding - what a privilege!
Review by who travelled 20-July-2018
Very enjoyable few days.
Review by Owen who travelled 20-July-2018
This wa a well-run tour, with a good level of information, both from the tour guides and site staff.
Review by Brooks who travelled 20-April-2018
A really interesting trip with excellent tour guides and a most interesting lecturer from the Mary Rose. The evening spent in the Mary Rose museum will long remain in the memory
Review by Kennewell who travelled 20-April-2018
Review by who travelled 20-April-2018
Very enjoyable and interesting weekend. Talks by Chris Dodds greatly enhanced the visit to the Mary Rose museum. Would have liked an extra day to include a visit to Gosport and the submarine museum - this would also give more time at the historic dockyard.
Review by Mitchell who travelled 20-April-2018
We and some others on the trip would have appreciated printed outlines of the day, with times where possible. I wasn't the only one checking with others that I had remembered correctly!
Review by Burgess who travelled 20-April-2018
The Tour was excellent but spoiled for my friend and I by the Royal Armaments Tour which was long and involved. To be fair it was the Mary Rose part that we booked the tour for which did not disappoint. It would have been better if we had had the opportunity not to join in with the Royal Armaments Tour but to wander at will, or alternatively to be taken for a couple of hours into town instead. We realize that guns/canons etc are fascinating to many but not all.
Review by who travelled 20-April-2018
Review by who travelled 20-April-2018
It was an excellent weekend in every respect. The tour leaders were friendly, welcoming, well organised and informative. Chris Dodds' talks were excellent and provided context, ahead of visiting the Mary Rose exhibition - the special opening in the evening was a real treat. The variety of activities was stimulating and I am amazed how much was packed into the weekend - yet it felt that we had plenty of time at each place visited.
Review by Haynes who travelled 20-April-2018
Review by who travelled 20-April-2018
Review by Sutton who travelled 20-April-2018
Review by Sutton who travelled 20-April-2018
Review by who travelled 20-April-2018
All went very smoothly, and it was a good idea to allow the group members to wander around on site at their own choice and speed, rather than trying to keep us together at all times. The weather luckily was fine and dry; it might be less enjoyable to visit the Dockyard and Southsea Castle in the rain, so do you have a Plan B for such an eventuality? The private evening view of the Mary Rose Museum was a great bonus, as no doubt it is exceedingly busy during the day. Coach seating was very cramped - but that seems to be the case with all coaches nowadays.
Review by Le Faye who travelled 20-April-2018
The tour certainly lived up to expectations. The hotel was excellent and there were no problems with my coeliac diet. It was excellent to have a private tour of the Mary Rose museum which was outstanding and all the arrangements worked very well. I would er thinly book with you again and recommend you to others.
Review by Paxton who travelled 20-April-2018
My first experience with Travel Editions - greatly enjoyed the whole weekend. The Saturday evening Mary Rose Museum visit and the talks by Christopher Dobbs made it seem a great privilege - and I know many others felt the same.
Review by Gurnett who travelled 20-April-2018
Very well organised. Well paced for the clients. Value for money.
Review by Oxtoby who travelled 20-April-2018
Our pre-tour expectations were raised when accommodation at the Marriott was known, a good start we thought. The rest of the tour continued to meet these initial reactions. Congratulations and thanks to all
Review by Fletcher who travelled 20-April-2018
Review by who travelled 20-April-2018
Review by Mrs Veronica Skates who travelled 14-July-2017
Both evening meals in the hotel were very poor in comparison to the high standard of the rest of the tour.
Review by Mrs Angela Starkey who travelled 14-July-2017
A very full and interesting weekend. Knocked out by the Mary Rose museum and Christopher Dobbs enthusiasm. The vegetarian options at the Marriott hotel were poor, a risotto....rice and carrots! We'll certainly be booking another trip with you next year.
Review by Ms Ruth Larratt who travelled 14-July-2017
Very impressed with the talks and visit to the Mary Rose museum. It was so good to have time and space with knowledgeable people there to help.
Review by Mrs Wendy Mose who travelled 14-July-2017
We travelled by car . Access to hotel was good and parking excellent, but we thought the accommodation and meals were best described as 'adequate'. Our first outing with you - very enjoyable and good value.
Review by Mr Michael Saul who travelled 14-July-2017
Review by Mr John Greenwood who travelled 14-July-2017
The private viewing of the Mary Rose was very much the highlight of the three days - excellent
Review by Mr Stuart Boyd who travelled 14-July-2017
We have used Travel Editions before and this was up to your usual high standard, especially the quality of the speaker who was knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Review by Mr Andrew Varley who travelled 21-April-2017
Chris Dobbs, the tour guide was really excellent and good company. Our only criticism was having supper on Saturday at 4.30pm and then visiting the Mary Rose. Might not it have been possible to visit the Mary Rose at 6.00pm and then have a late light supper back at the hotel? Also a guide to take us round Victory would have been much appreciated. The bus was very comfortable and always on time.
Review by Mr David Pinckney who travelled 21-April-2017
Stayed the extra night there was nowhere else in vicinity for dinner so had to use hotel food and drink vastly overpriced and a service charge was added without warning even though the service was poor.
Review by Mrs June Powell-Evans who travelled 21-April-2017
Best weekend ever! Private tour of the Mary Rose museum was the highlight. HMS Warrior stunning. Perhaps extend the Dockyards visit for a second day and forego the Fort Nelson visit. Otherwise perfect. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Review by Mrs Diane Innes who travelled 21-April-2017
Spent too long at Southsea Castle and the Armories. Could we not have visited Portchester Castle? Presentations by Christopher Dobbs were excellent and added a lot to our understanding of the 'Mary Rose.'
Review by Mr Geoffrey Clark who travelled 21-April-2017
My only grievance is that we did not receive any information prior to our trip so that when we arrived at the hotel, we had no idea about the programme. I was told an email had been sent but we didn't receive it. I believe a few others had the same experience.
Review by Mrs Marion Jephcott who travelled 21-April-2017
We thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and all the experiences involved in it.
Review by Mrs Sarah Hobbs who travelled 21-April-2017
The hotel was good although evening meals were very average.
Review by Mrs Jeane Males who travelled 21-April-2017
A most enjoyable short break thanks to the input from Scot and Christopher and of course, the Mary Rose
Review by Mrs Jane Fletcher who travelled 21-April-2017
That was really good had a great time, will be seeing you again. Thank you
Review by Mr Clive Jacques who travelled 21-April-2017
I travelled with Jenny and had a wonderful weekend. The room at the hotel was really great; food, company, talks by the experts really interesting and at the end - a really good weekend. Rev Janet M Pratt
Review by Mrs Jenny Heinzelmann who travelled 04-November-2016
Review by Mrs Jenny Heinzelmann who travelled 04-November-2016
Generally good, though some repetition about the Mary Rose. Hotel was unaware that a third night's accommodation should have been booked.
Review by Miss Margaret Cannadine who travelled 04-November-2016
Would have liked.to visit DDay Museum which is near Southsea Castle as we could not go inside castle due to power cut.
Review by Mrs Rachel Monniot who travelled 04-November-2016
There was no WiFi in the bedrooms and no daily papers at the hotel. It was all rather American. The staff were good and helpful
Review by Ms Elizabeth Noyes who travelled 04-November-2016
Review by Mr Stanley Bullock who travelled 04-November-2016
We both thought the Mary Rose Exhibition was superb as was their guide Chris. A really good weekend.
Review by Mrs Greta Wildman who travelled 04-November-2016
Christopher Dobbs was brilliant as a guide with his extensive knowledge of all aspects of the Mary Rose. A memorable short break-thank you.
Review by Dr Michael Turner who travelled 04-November-2016
Christopher Dobbs was just fantastic.
Review by Mr & Mrs CG Peachey who travelled 04-November-2016
I thought when I booked the weekend that it was expensive. Having been on the trip I now realise what excellent value for money it was and am looking forward to the next one. This was a awesome weekend, one of the best breaks I have ever had. Everything about it was fantastic. Thank you to every one who made it such a great weekend.
Review by Mrs Karen Murrish who travelled 04-November-2016
Travel Editions feedback:
Glad you had an enjoyable trip and thanks you for your kind comments.
Saturday time between end of evening meal and evening visit was tight especially as the meal was slow to be served.The highlight was the Mary Rose tour and the guide.
Review by Mrs Muriel Smith who travelled 04-November-2016
The hotel arrangements for ordering up taxi are very poor. I ordered a taxi for 9.45 am as my train left Cosham at 10.17 am. After numerous attempts a taxi finally appeared at 10.03 am. As I came down the station steps the train, on time, was coming onto the platform. As the trains on this route only run hourly you can see why I feel that the hotel reception were poor. The tour itself was very good even if a bit hectic.
Review by Mr William Local who travelled 04-November-2016
Good mixture of Mary Rose events and Portsmouth related activities. Christopher Dobbs was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Review by Miss Jenny Oliver who travelled 04-November-2016
I joined the trip at the suggestion of my brother so did not see a brochure beforehand. We drove from London to Portsmouth in the rain, but the next two days were dry though with a bitterly cold wind. A well arranged and very interesting trip
Review by Mrs Ann Pointer who travelled 04-November-2016
The talks by Christopher Dobbs made this visit far more interesting than if we had travelled independently. The whole weekend was a delight.
Review by Mrs Mavis Jacobs who travelled 04-November-2016
Could have been a little less talking and a bit more seeing at the Mary Rose museum. Could consider the D-day museum on the Sunday afternoon along with a quick walk around Southsea Castle, although some of the more senior members of the group may have been museum out by then and not as keen as I was for more military history and hardware.
Review by Dr Martin Strangwood who travelled 04-November-2016
All together, a most interesting and rewarding experience.
Review by Mr John Evans who travelled 30-September-2016
Excellent in all respects
Review by Mr Derek Hurdle who travelled 30-September-2016
Greatly enjoyed this tour, and would be very interested in further tours
Review by Mrs Jenny Jarrett who travelled 30-September-2016
Absolutely brilliant trip- well organised and the visit to Mary Rose was mid- blowing. The Museum, opened just fof our trip, was full of the atmosphere of the past and the emotions created by the wreck itself ;illuminatd by the videos,showing the sailors working in their cabins etc . The sad artefacts were so moving- the worn shoes, the huge casserole and the pathetic bones of the little dog. The lectures by Christopher Dobbs, so full of passion and enthusiasm, brought the story vividly to life as we too explored the underwater world and rejoiced in the rise of the Mary Rose. The other trips were excellent and the hotel was fine-- the staff on the trips and at the harbour were excellent ,as were the very pleasant and efficient hotel staff, and ,of course, the very helpful, knowledgeable tour guides. One point, my husband has mobility problems and it would have relieved my mind, had I known of the mobility scooters available at the Harbour Centre and the fact that the coach too us righ to the doors of the MR Museum. Thanks for a wonderful trip.
Review by Mrs Gillian Wheeler who travelled 30-September-2016
Very enjoyable few days.Very knowledgeable speaker.Very well organised including the weather(mostly).Would certainly consider future trips with you.
Review by Mr Jonathon Taylor who travelled 30-September-2016
All as advertised. Mary Rose display and exhibits are truly excellent. Our weekend could not have been improved upon. Not our first experience of Travel Editions and we will use you again.
Review by Mr Derek Milemen who travelled 30-September-2016
Christopher Dobbs was an inspiring speaker on the Mary Rose. Where guides were provided at a site, they were excellent.
Review by Ms Wendy Ball who travelled 30-September-2016
Southsea castle was a disappointment but everything else was v good.
Review by Mrs Jane Scott who travelled 30-September-2016
We were most impressed with this, our first Travel Editions weekend. It could not have been bettered with all arrangements working smoothly. Christopher Dobbs was outstanding with his presentations for the Mary Rose Trust and as we knew nothing of Fort Nelson it was most instructive.
Review by Mr Arthur Wright who travelled 30-September-2016
Well organised on the whole and very enjoyable. The final day visit to Fort Nelson did not allow any break or time for refreshments which with older people(which we all were) is necessary.
Review by Mr Roger Wood who travelled 30-September-2016
The private viewing at the Mary Rose museum was a privilege: excellent speaker (Christopher Dobbs). Fort Nelson a hidden gem.
Review by Mr Anthony Clifton who travelled 30-September-2016
Review by Mr Derek Milemen who travelled 30-September-2016
Our room was very good, though as it overlooked the hotel's swimming pool, we were aware of swimmers and jacuzzi users both early morning and very late evenings. The breakfast menu was extensive and the dinners were excellent. Obviously having an after dinner speaker who had been so involved with the Mary Rose was a huge bonus. Scott Anderson, who we have had the pleasure of being with in Stratford, was very good too.
Review by Mr Colin Towler who travelled 30-September-2016
This was a most excellent weekend visit. I had no difficulty in ticking all aspects shown above. The private guided tour of the Mary Rose Museum was the highlight of the visit, but I found the Fort Nelson tour particularly appropriate as my father was a gunner in WW1 and the guide pointed out the type 0f gun that my father's horses would have hauled.
Review by Mr Ian Bullock who travelled 30-September-2016
Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday see you next year
Review by Mr Anthony Geraghty who travelled 30-September-2016
Overall this was a v enjoyable trip but would have been helpful had the written information re Day 2 explained that the Royal Armouries tour was entirely outside. I was not dressed for this and became very cold. Also the tour over ran by 45 mins - causing a bit of pressure on the lunch break, and made the end of the day tiring at Southsea Castle. But felt everything else was good and will certainly look at booking other tours. Private viewing and lectures were excellent - access to these was worth the trip alone: will never forget the evening at the museum, and tour managers very approachable and helpful. Looking forward to returning!
Review by Mrs Lynne Hackett who travelled 30-September-2016
Review by Mr Richard Bilous who travelled 30-September-2016
Review by Mrs Judith Brown who travelled 30-September-2016
Review by Mr Martin Robinson who travelled 30-September-2016
We all thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The highlight was the Mary Rose, the talk on the first evening and the private visit which allowed us space and time to wander the museum. We also found the historic dockyard very interesting, especially perhaps Warrior. Sunday was also excellent, partly because the weather was so nice: it might be a good idea to look at the D-Day museum rather than the smaller fort for a visit: Fort Nelson was fine but the earlier one had limited appeal.
Review by Mrs Pamela Minshall who travelled 30-September-2016
We had a great time and found the tour to be well organised and well described in your brochure and will certainly look to do other similar tours in the near future
Review by Mr Keith White who travelled 30-September-2016
Very good, informative tour; Tour Manager friendly and efficient; tour guides also very good.
Review by Mrs Valerie Clayphan who travelled 30-September-2016
Mary Rose excellent, so anything else just a filler - but OK. Hotel roomy and comfortable after a bed board was secured. Full marks to the receptionist who used her initiative to solve that. Food rather poor - chicken and salmon are the two staples for cut-price catering. Overall a good experience.
Review by Mr Geoffrey Brown who travelled 29-July-2016
Excellent visits. Excellent speaker.
Review by Mr Michael Webley who travelled 29-July-2016
Review by Miss Anne Haddon who travelled 29-July-2016
Admin was excellent except apparently we should have been told to bring photographic ID and we weren't (in practice we didn't actually need it!) One concern was that on Saturday we had a full day in the Dockyards. We felt - particularly given the average age of the group - that we should have been given a mobile no. or a contact point to enable us to contact the Tour Manager if needed.
Review by Mr Robin Short who travelled 29-July-2016
Review by Mr Patrick Collings who travelled 29-July-2016
Review by Mrs Ann Humble who travelled 29-July-2016
Review by Mrs Lorna Burdge who travelled 29-July-2016
Christopher Dobbs's depth of knowledge and enthusiasm was brilliant.
Review by Mr John Cluley who travelled 29-July-2016
Clearer explanations of mobility requirements. 2 people who had suffered from strokes struggled. Staff coped superbly but the guests must have been disappointed at times.
Review by Mrs Sylvia Wall who travelled 29-July-2016
Enjoyed the experience would repeat.
Review by Mr John Greenwell who travelled 02-October-2015
Review by Mrs Janet Rhodes who travelled 02-October-2015
Our overall impression of the tour was excellent. The tour leaders were superb as were the coach drivers. Our only slightly adverse comment would be with the hotel, which generally was good but seemed a little unprepared for a group of 100 plus to be served at breakfast and dinner, particularly when the rest of the hotel was full! Also, the design of the hotel with rooms up to the 4th floor overlooking the restaurant and pool areas is very claustrophobic with no outside light or ventilation - but it was alright for only two nights!!!
Review by Mr John Turner-Knell who travelled 02-October-2015
Review by who travelled 02-October-2015
Flight/Train/Ferry travel not applicable.
Review by Mr Keith Paling who travelled 02-October-2015
Review by Mr Antony Edye who travelled 02-October-2015
Staff at the hotel were excellent but sometimes were let down by poor administration. The breakfast arrangements on the first morning were particularly chaotic. However, the whole trip was very enjoyable. Chris Dobbs contribution was especially appreciated.
Review by Dr Thomas Locke who travelled 02-October-2015
Really enjoyed this. The tour guides were all well organised, helpful and friendly creating a good atmosphere. The Mary Rose visit and talks were excellent giving a real insight into what it was like to be a Tudor mariner.
Review by Mrs Joyce Palmer who travelled 02-October-2015
The dinner on the second afternoon was a rush with many people leaving before coffee was served in order to catch the coaches for the Mary Rose Museum. I think the hotel was under staffed possible.
Review by Mr Graham Miles who travelled 02-October-2015
The food service was not very good! Watery soup followed by raw vegetables, Not enough plates for breakfast and no saucers under the cups! Sunday breakfast was served with sliced bread. Not up to the standard I would expect from a Marriot Hotel. I have no complaints about the staff - they did their best. Nevertheless a good weekend..
Review by Mrs Mary June Brodie who travelled 02-October-2015
By car from the north ..no hotel directions. After 300 miles confronted by -Portsmouth east and Portsmouth west...I choose the wrong one!!!
Review by Mr Colin Green who travelled 02-October-2015
Hotel was reasonable but service was very poor at mealtimes and would not recommend it in the future. One does need a holiday after these trips!
Review by Mr John Platt who travelled 02-October-2015
The hotel had a problem with staffing levels, particularly regarding breakfast. We found Scott's on coach commentary a little verbose.
Review by Mr Paul Blay who travelled 02-October-2015
Well organised and thoroughly enjoyable weekend.Evening trip to Mary Rose Museum excellent and wine reception was wecome! As always,Travel Editions came up trumps!
Review by Dr Sharon Patrick who travelled 02-October-2015
Our first trip with TE but not, we hope, our last. Very impressed with helpfulness and efficiency of Scott. . Just one adverse comment - the hotel catering staff were under-manned and disorganised at the breakfasts, and where did they get their 'scrambled egg?!
Review by Mr David Walmsley who travelled 02-October-2015
Issues with some aspects of the hotel - housekeeping and food not up to standard on a couple of occasions. Staff excellent and got the impression they were over stretched.
Review by Mrs Joy Morrison who travelled 02-October-2015
Chris Dobbs was excellent and a big asset to the whole tour.
Review by Mrs Camilla Legh who travelled 02-October-2015
The hotel, while generally good, had difficulty in serving the dinners and breakfasts to us - possibly due to insufficient numbers of servers. Breakfasts were especially chaotic when they really struggled to get tea and coffee to the tables. But overall this was an excellent tour and very enjoyable.
Review by Mr Kevin Goodwin who travelled 02-October-2015
The speaker and guide, Christopher Dobbs, was absolutely brilliant. It was amazing to hear about the Mary Rose from someone who has been and still is so involved with the the Ship. The staff at the hotel were delightful and helpful but the overall organisation at the hotel was quite poor. There were problems on both days at breakfasts with crockery and food not being available.
Review by Mrs Mary Williams who travelled 02-October-2015
This was a wonderful long weekend that felt like a week! Felt we did so much but did not feel rushed. It was so informative and a great belated birthday present for my husband who enjoys all the history in Portsmouth Dockyard. Thank you look forward to joining another of your trips in the future.
Review by Mrs Barbara Leggett who travelled 05-June-2015
It would be useful to add "frequent traveller" membership numbers on the booking form (Marriott hotels for us this time). The included meals were of good quality but the accompanying wine was rather poor. We noticed that some people bought their own wine.
Review by Mrs Rosemary Badman who travelled 05-June-2015
A memorable trip.
Review by Mrs Rosemary Crossland who travelled 05-June-2015
We loved the Mary Rose evening and Chris Dobbs was a brilliant host/speaker. There were a lot of annoying hiccups with the Marriot Hotel including being issued with room keys for a room already occupied.
Review by Mrs Julie Hall who travelled 05-June-2015
Superb if tiring weekend, we should have stayed the extra night but had to return home to Exeter. The only thing we might have changed is a swap of Fort Nelson to Portchester Castle which we feel may be more relevant. It would also utilize Mikes obvious knowledge more!!
Review by Mr William Bailey who travelled 05-June-2015
Review by Mr Paul Newman who travelled 05-June-2015
The only niggle was the condition of the coaches: double glazing was completely fogged, there was a loose piece to the first seat we had to pass and some seats were jammed in a reclining position.
Review by Mrs Janice Owen who travelled 17-April-2015
The Mary Rose evening was the highlight as it should be. Lecturer Chis Dobbs was appraochable personable and ready for debate - he made the trip for us Loved the Sunday at Fort Nelson and HMS Alliance .Food at Marrriot all a bit tasteless, and pity it is so far out of Portsmouth itself. We stayed an extra light and felt a bit of a captive audience with no transport of our own.
Review by Mrs Christine Hall who travelled 17-April-2015
The Marriot hotel staff were excellent. We were offered a room on 2nd floor which had no access to fresh air as it overlooked the closed in swimming pool/dining area with noise/smell etc. We were immediately (no hesitation) given, excellent 4th floor room, and suggest booking 4th floor or above - very good lift service. Met several others, who did not change rooms, and found 2nd floor stuffy. - Meals and service very good. The tour was particularly well planned - briefings/lectures excellent with just the right amount of time on our own allowed for maximum enjoyment of each interesting project. Even 'dinner', at the unlikely time of 4.30pm, on the Saturday, proved a tasty and refreshing break between visits.
Review by Mr Micheal Montagu who travelled 17-April-2015
Review by Mrs Jarmaine Haddon who travelled 17-April-2015
hotel staff were not first class just a bit amateurish
Review by Mr David Turner who travelled 17-April-2015
remind me not to do a 4 footed trip again. The visit was more intense than I would have wished. I found it particularly exhausting but then that comes with age !!!!!
Review by Ms Jean Maunder who travelled 17-April-2015
Very interesting and well structured tour. Disappointment at having an internal window. Some low level noise during night hours. .Second dinner disappointing.
Review by Mrs Jean Aslett who travelled 17-April-2015
The Sunday itinerary was too long
Review by Miss Gillian Read who travelled 17-April-2015
A thoroughly enjoyable weekend with very knowledgeable and pleasant tour managers.
Review by Mrs Anne Pinnock who travelled 17-April-2015
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and were very impressed with how organised the trip was. I only wish more young people came on these fab history trips. We were quite a novelty being the youngest by far but everyone was lovely and we had a super time and learnt lots. Chris Dobbs was an inspiration and his talks made the trip.
Review by Mrs Helen Kerry who travelled 17-April-2015
Review by Ms Karol Puleston who travelled 17-April-2015
Hotel was excellent apart from the meal on the second night which was very second rate. The hotel waived the car park charge which was a welcome surprise.
Review by Mr Paul Weller who travelled 17-April-2015
A well organised and very interesting weekend. The timetable worked perfectly and all guides/lecturers knew their subject very well, also the delivery was first class. The choice of accommodation was excellent.
Review by Mr Edgar Horn who travelled 17-April-2015
If any negatives, it was only that the weekend was so full that I was left wanting more time at, or another visit to, most of the attractions.
Review by Mr David Harland who travelled 17-April-2015
Pre-tour information is London-centric and does not give travelling directions for cars coming from the West. Evening meal service on the Saturday was so slow we had to leave for the Mary Rose Museum before coffee was served to our table. Otherwise a brilliantly informative and fascinating tour which I highly recommend - so much so we are considering repeating the experience next year.
Review by Mrs Ginny Straugheir who travelled 17-April-2015
Hotel. Food was excellent, but hotel was a bit dated and noisy at night ( road traffic, deliveries and other guests ). Tours. Private viewing of Mary Rose was special, as were the talks by Christopher Dobbs. Good mix of guides tours to sites and time to explore on our own.
Review by Mr Robert Cort who travelled 17-April-2015
Archaeological expert Christopher Dobbs' talks in particular were well presented and informative.
Review by Mrs Roo Lumb who travelled 07-November-2014
An excellent short break It would have been good to have another optional night's stay on Sunday night. I live in the north of England and paid a high rate for another night. If you have preferential rates it would have been good to have another night as an optional extra. A most interesting visit, with excellent guides .
Review by Mrs Barbara Robertson who travelled 07-November-2014
An enjoyable break. Well organised and considerate tour managers.
Review by Mr Philip Laughton who travelled 07-November-2014
It would be nice if there were instructions to hotel from the west of the country as we only had details to hotel from the east and London
Review by Mrs Pamela Lewis who travelled 07-November-2014
wonderful weekend, well organised and conducted tours. tour managers and host christopher dobbs first class. many thanks
Review by Mr David Revis who travelled 07-November-2014
Marriot HOTEL VERY GOOD withexcellent staff Over all first rate .Comfortable bed.Superb lecturer:Chis Hobbs, and first rate tour leaders. 2nd dinner at the hotel not so good.
Review by Mr Gordon Brown who travelled 07-November-2014
Mike Stone & Scott Anderson did a excellent job with their knowledge and managing skills Christopher Dobb's input made the weekend perfect. We hope to book again with you in 2015
Review by Mrs J Pockett who travelled 07-November-2014
Perhaps an extra half hour at the Mary Rose museum. A busy schedule but maybe fit in the D-Day embroidery at Southsea Castle too
Review by Mrs Margaret Bardell who travelled 07-November-2014
Excellent weekend, lots to see and learn and the private visit to the Mary Rose Museum with Chris Dobbs was of course the icing on the cake!
Review by Miss Maureen Giles who travelled 07-November-2014
All very satisfactory. The Mary Rose experience much enhanced by the enthusiasm of Chris Dobbs
Review by Mr M Morrell who travelled 07-November-2014
Very enjoyable and interesting..
Review by Mr Robert Leith who travelled 07-November-2014
The weekend experience was made memorable by Dr Dobbs. He was an excellent speaker, so knowledgeable, approachable and helpful. He answered all questions affably and did not talk down to anyone.
Review by Mrs Sally Hurry who travelled 07-November-2014
Chris Dobbs was superb and made this excellent trip into a most memorable occasion
Review by Mr Michael Pointer who travelled 25-September-2014
Best thing was 2 museum experts. First speaker , the Author on ships not useful
Review by Mrs Caroline Coles who travelled 04-April-2014
I had trouble with the train on the way back but that had nothing to do with Travel Editions. The organization by the guides was tremendous considering the size of the group. I have nothing but praise for them. I am already booked on another trip this year. Reach for the sky.
Review by Mr John Menzies who travelled 04-April-2014
Review by Mr Gerald Eva who travelled 04-April-2014
Review by Mr Anthony Johnson who travelled 04-April-2014
Superb trip. Excellent organisation. Tour guides very knowledgable.
Review by Dr David Moody-Jones who travelled 04-April-2014
Hotel food very average. Adan Constant - an acknowledged expert but a very average speaker. I personally would like lectures to be more formal - not just around a meal.
Review by Miss Pamela Johnston who travelled 04-April-2014
We would like to comend David the tour leader on bus 3.He was considerate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Review by Mrs Helen Roberts who travelled 04-April-2014
The Hotel was of an excellent standard, the bedroom was only beaten by mine at the Hilton at Wokingham for your Royal Places Tour several years ago. The Tour Leader, Mike Stone was as always very efficient and the Speakers were very interesting. (I note that some of the Hotels you use have ceased to charge for Car Parking, I find such charges very irritating eg. Holiday Inn Lincoln £15 a night !!! ) I found your recently released British Tours very interesting and booked "Reach for the Skys" yesterday from my Mary Rose Hotel
Review by Mr Edward Whitaker who travelled 04-April-2014
Another excellent tour. This was our third tour with you. The tour manager Gay was really helpful and professional as were all the guides. Very well organised as usual. Looking forward to more trips in the New Year
Review by Allen who travelled 20-October-2013
Great time. Very friendly staff made us so welcome.
Review by Grey who travelled 20-October-2013
Excellent trip and information. Tour Guide Gay had whole trip well managed and time keeping first class. Blue badge guide, Jackie, gave us an excellent tour of Portsmouth with informative commentary while our venue opened late following staff training. Hotel reasonable but expensive for sundries and no choice for meals. Overall, thoroughly enjoyable experience. Will think seriously about another trip with TEditions.
Review by Pilcher who travelled 20-October-2013
Review by Sellings who travelled 20-October-2013
Review by Stopp who travelled 20-October-2013
We thought that on day 3 visiting Fort Nelson the local guide concentrated on detail of the accommodation whilst generally ignoring the very interesting guns etc.At Southsea Castle we were guided to the café and were then on our own to look at the Castle entirely.This is not to say we didn't thoroughly enjoy our break.
Review by Triggle who travelled 20-September-2013
We enjoyed every aspect of this holiday. The only problem was the length and too scientific nature of the lecture at the Mary Rose museum
Review by Browning who travelled 17-October-2013
Review by Hollidge who travelled 17-October-2013
I had an amazing time. Loved every minute of the private view of the Mary Rose. Thank you
Review by Lott who travelled 17-October-2013
For future tours omit the Navy Museum at Fort Nelson and substitute the D Day museum on Southsea sea front.
Review by Lake who travelled 11-October-2013
Very well run tour. Portsmouth & Mary Rose Exhibition
Review by Walters who travelled 17-October-2013
Review by Kennett who travelled 17-October-2013
The 'expert's' talk at the Mary Rose was far too long and took time off the seeing the ship and all the memorabilia---which was really what we all wanted to see. This an observation, not a complaint.
Review by Rawlins who travelled 17-October-2013
The information from the Speaker's and Tour Manager's were as usual "Top Rate" "Thank You" again
Review by Hill who travelled 17-October-2013
Without a car the opportunity for walking was non-existant and the nearby motorway was noisy in the bedroom with the window open. Our 3rd night stay which we booked extra caused difficulties for the staff who cancelled our swipe key for that day. Stairs were difficult for older people and there was no choice of upstairs or down.
Review by Wright who travelled 17-October-2013
The trips on the final day to Fort Nelson, the Portsmouth Museum and Southsea Castle were a little less than inspiring, and not on a par with the dockyard and Mary Rose Exhibition, which was astounding.
Review by Thomas who travelled 17-October-2013
Review by Cook who travelled 11-November-2013
Review by Keefe who travelled 11-October-2013
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Portsmouth and were very impressed with the content of the programme. In particular, the fact we were able to speak with one of the original divers on the wreck brought the whole experience more alive.
Review by Marcham who travelled 11-October-2013
An informative and interesting tour certainly worth a return. Our Guide,Scott and Jackie were very helpful,informative and amusing.Our speaker Chris Dobbs very entertaining and interesting.
Review by Duckett who travelled 11-October-2013
Review by Lister who travelled 11-October-2013
it would be helpful if the Marriot reviewed the breakfast facility and housekeeping. with a departure of 0945hrs, Sat, couldn't cope with 120 pers. housekeeping ran late on the early evening visit to Mary Rose access to room limited. Otherwise great weekend
Review by Bell who travelled 11-October-2013
Review by Townend who travelled 11-October-2013
The marriot has good accomodation and the reception staff were very helpful. The catering for breakfast was very poor in the administration and organisation. There were not enough spaces and every day there was quite a long wait to be seated. The food however was very good. The third night we were not told we had to reserve a table for the evening meal and all the members of the group that had stayed for a third night were forced to eat at the bar or wait for one and a half hours to eat in the resturant. Our Tour guide was excellent she made the trips even in the pouring rain.
Review by Williams who travelled 11-October-2013
Thoroughly enjoyable, with eloquent and knowledgeable leaders. Despite the changeable weather we were able to complete all the tours. The private Mary Rose viewing was the highlight. Hope to revisit when drying finally complete in 4 years' time.
Review by Ward who travelled 11-October-2013
very well organized and interesting speakers hotel Ok
Review by Knott who travelled 11-October-2013
Mary Rose museum quite outstanding and attendants most friendly and helpful. I could not do dockyard or castle etc because of my disability.
Review by Dismore who travelled 11-October-2013
Davison/Walker party felt we could have spent 2 days in thePortsmouth Maritime Museum area. Sat was a very heavy day and was spectacularly good all round but with not enough time to visit all things of interest. In contrast, Sun was very light and we could have cut short this day by a few hours, especially the very long lunch break.
Review by Davison who travelled 27-September-2013
Review by Marven who travelled 27-September-2013
We are both in our mid eighties and tire easily. consequently we had to forgo some of the visits. This in no way affected our enjoyment of the trip - it was excellent, very many thanks
Review by Reynolds who travelled 27-September-2013
Review by Williams who travelled 20-September-2013
Review by Murrell who travelled 30-September-2013
A great weekend thank you. Well organised, friendly, informative and very good accommodation. Couldn't have asked for more. Please keep us informed of others like this.
Review by Swindin who travelled 27-September-2013
Review by Sample who travelled 27-September-2013
Review by Fowle who travelled 27-September-2013
Review by Goodale who travelled 27-September-2013
Review by Godwin who travelled 27-September-2013
our 1st experience of Travel Editions but very impressed with all aspects of the weekend. Action packed with high quality inputs.
Review by Simcock who travelled 27-September-2013
First night after dinner presentation was difficult to hear at the back and needed sound aplification. Hotel extra charges for Wi-Fi serrvice left a bad taste in the mouth with an otherwise excellent service.
Review by Hayes who travelled 20-September-2013
The hotel and food were excellent
Review by who travelled 20-September-2013
Guides and Tour Manager knowledgeable and informative. The tours on the Saturday and Sunday would benefit by starting out one hour earlier from the hotel (there would still be plenty of time for the breakfast and preparation). This would allow more time for walking round and viewing exhibits. The evening visit to the Mary Rose Exhibition with talk and entry for the tour group only was excellent, although almost inevitably there was still not enough time to study the exhibits. No more than one hour would have been adequate for the visit to the Portsmouth City museum.
Review by Goulding who travelled 20-September-2013
Review by Boyton who travelled 20-September-2013
This was a well organised and very interesting tour. The 3 tour managers for such a big group of 111 were all excellent and knowledgable. Accommodation was vey comfortable and food was good. Staff at the Portsmouth Marriott were friendly and helpful. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Thank you.
Review by Mr Taylor who travelled 20-September-2013
Review by who travelled 20-September-2013
Review by Mr Molyneux who travelled 20-September-2013
The talk on the Mary Rose could be briefer as time limited to see the exhibits. The history and technique of the discovery was excellent, but detailed description of the finds could be omitted as the real thing is next door!
Review by Mr Hollis who travelled 20-September-2013
A really good and informative week end break. Portsmouth museum a bit poor & not necessary
Review by Mr Stiles who travelled 20-September-2013
An excellent weekend - superbly organised - speakers and tour guides very pleasant, informative and helpful. Look forward to future tours with your organisation.
Review by Cheek who travelled 20-September-2013
I would very much have preferred double the time at Fort Nelson which was fascinating and much less time at Southsea Castle and the museum.
Review by Cryer who travelled 21-September-2013
Many in the group felt we had too little time at Fort Nelson. Our guide was very good but had insufficient time to show us much and we had too little time to go round on our own.
Review by Masri who travelled 20-October-2013
Review by Owen who travelled 11-October-2013
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