Wessex, the counties of the west Saxons and where English history virtually begins. First dinosaurs roamed, then prehistoric man made it his home. Centuries later Celtic tribes settled here before being colonised by invading Roman armies. This is the literary landscape of Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy. It is the site of major medieval cities and some fabulous stately homes and gardens. It's timeless, it's pretty and it's a magical three days!

Tour Code

Depart London

Return London

  WSX

Monday

Wednesday

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NIGHTSTOP

DAY ONE - MONDAY

Departing London we head Southwest, our first stop being at Jane Austen's Chawton home. She spent the last eight years of her life here. The house, where she wrote 'Sense & Sensibility' and 'Pride & Prejudice' amongst others, is now open as a museum. Our next port of call is the ancient Saxon capital of Winchester. There'll be time for lunch and for a guided walk around the city. Sights include the cathedral, one of England's most famous public schools and the legendary 'King Arthur's Round Table'. If there is time, we will also visit the last monastery in England where pilgrims may still claim the 'dole'.

nr Salisbury

DAY TWO - TUESDAY

First on today's touring agenda is Thomas Hardy's county of Dorset. This is timeless England, where life appears to have stood still since Hardy's own. We'll see Hardy's own cottage and that of T E Lawrence (of Arabia), and in the regional centre of Dorchester, hear about Judge Jefferies, 'the hanging judge'. Then to the Isle of Purbeck where we'll spend time exploring Britain's 'Jurassic park' (and perhaps find a fossil or two!), the impossibly pretty, picture-postcard village of Corfe Castle, and then the quaint harbour of Swanage (still serviced by steam train). Our return to our accommodation takes us to the resort of Bournemouth and through the New Forest where we'll see the famed, tiny New Forest ponies.

nr Salisbury

DAY THREE - WEDNESDAY

The magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, with its tall spire and Magna Carta provide our early morning focus before we leave to visit Wilton House, one of England's great treasure house stately homes. You'll find the sheer opulence almost unbelievable. There are paintings by the great masters, fine furnishings, fabulous antiques and a wonderful garden.

Thence, via the Roman fortress of Old Sarum, where you'll enjoy a guided walk. Then to another treasure, the prehistoric Stonehenge.

We've a great finish to our Wessex experience as on route to London we explore the quaint villages of Hampshire and visit either the Duke of Wellington's country home or view the incredible Stanley Spencer wall murals at Burchclere.

London

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