GROUP ORGANISER David Pratt Tel: 01424 772 174

Hayling Island

GROUP ORGANISER David Pratt Tel: 01424 772 174

HOLIDAY Hayling Island

HOTEL Langstone Hotel

DEPARTURE DATE Sunday 14 May 2017

ACCOMMODATION INCLUDES 6 days (5 nights) dinner, bed and breakfast

JOINING ARRANGEMENTS As required by David Pratt

YOUR HOTEL – Langstone Hotel AA««««

Northney Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0NQ. Tel: 023 9246 5011

The hotel is situated on the northern shore of Hayling Island. The location makes this luxury hotel an ideal retreat. The 2 AA Rosette award winning Brasserie Restaurant occupies a prominent position overlooking the Langstone harbour and estuary. The Compass Bar & Lounge is of contemporary décor, with a conservatory style area. The air-conditioned gymnasium is fully equipped with state of the art equipment. The large indoor swimming pool is ideal for doing lengths. After your exertions in the gym or the pool, relax on the poolside loungers or in the sauna cabin or steam room or Jacuzzi. Guests can stay connected with complimentary high speed internet access. The en-suite guest rooms have TV, telephone, iron & ironing board, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift. (148 bedrooms – 40 ground floor)

Sunday 14 May 2017 – To Hayling Island

Our holiday begins as we travel to the walled city of Chichester. Cosmopolitan, fashionably elegant and unashamedly quirky, the city centre is made for exploring with its unique nooks and crannies. At its heart lies the Tudor market Cross and Norman Cathedral surrounded by a host of independent shops, stylish restaurants and pavement cafés. From Chichester it’s a short drive to Goodwood the home of the Earl and Countess of March, which combines the glamour of a great country house with the warmth of a family home. It also provides a dramatic setting for one of the most significant private art collections in the country. The State Apartments, restored to their full splendour, reflect the exoticism and opulence of the Regency era. After visiting Goodwood we resume our journey to Hayling Island for 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Langstone Hotel.

Monday 15 May 2017 –Salisbury

An excursion to the county town of Wiltshire where, on arrival we have, for those who would like it, a walking tour of this historic city which is dominated by its magnificent cathedral. Those who wish to simply relax in the environs of the Cathedral may do so. The cathedral, begun on Easter Monday 1220, took 38 years to complete. It is looked on as the first example of early English architecture and the spire is the highest in England. It has an entrance for every month of the year, a window for every day and a column for every hour - 8760 altogether. The finest tomb within the Cathedral is of William Longspere who witnessed the signing of the Magna Carta. In Cathedral Close is Mompesson House (NT) and beyond there are timbered houses with delightful overhanging gables.

Tuesday 16 May 2017 – The Basingstoke Canal and Milestones

Today we head to Colt Hill Wharf in Odiham where at 10.15am we enjoy a 2 to 2½ hour cruise aboard the “John Pinkerton II” in the peaceful surroundings of the Basingstoke Canal (please note that access to the boat is by five steps down from the rear deck, with handrails on each side). There is a well-stocked bar on board with drinks and light refreshments on sale. After the cruise we visit Milestones, Hampshire’s Living History Museum. Imagine an open-air museum inside a massive modern building, a network of streets with shops, a village green and even a pub, dating from Victorian times and the 1930s with a surprise around every corner. Milestones is packed full of the things that ordinary people used in the past. Stroll around the streets, talk to characters in period costume and call in at the Milestone Café, the Edwardian pub and gift shop. Buy an old penny and ration coupon at Reception and spend it in the 1940’s sweet shop. In 1942 when rationing was introduced, people were only allowed 2oz of sweets each week. Amongst their favourites were pear drops and sherbet lemons. What will you choose to spend your precious ration coupon on?

Wednesday 17 May 2017 – Romsey and Mottisfont

Our excursion today takes us first of all to the ancient and prosperous town of Romsey which sits on the banks of the River Test, one of the finest trout and salmon rivers in Europe. Mediaeval streets cluster around the magnificent Norman Abbey, the largest parish church in Hampshire, whilst the mediaeval King John’s House, Tudor Cottage and former Victorian Gun Shop together make up the Heritage Centre. After our guided tour of the Abbey and time at leisure in Romsey we move on to nearby Mottisfont NT (£10 admission charge not included, so bring your cards if you are members) where ancient trees, bubbling brooks and rolling lawns frame this 18th century house which has a mediaeval priory at its heart. Maud Russell made Mottisfont her home in the 1930s, bringing artists here to relax and create works inspired by Mottisfont’s past, including an extraordinary drawing-room painted by Rex Whistler. Those artistic traditions continue with a permanent 20th century art collection and major exhibitions in the top-floor gallery. Outside, carpets of spring bulbs, a stunning walled rose garden, rich autumn leaves and a colourful winter garden make Mottisfont a feast for the senses all year round.

Thursday 18 May 2017 – The Watercress Line and Hinton Ampner

Today’s excursion takes us to the handsome Georgian ton of New Alresford (pronounced Allsford) which is famous for its clear chalk streams and watercress farms. Here we catch the Mid Hants Railway’s 11.00am train and experience the sights, sounds, smells and magic of steam travel on the Watercress Line as we travel to Alton and back. Opened in 1865, the railway was soon nicknamed for its early role in transporting this locally grown crop to markets in London and beyond. Our journey ends at 12.35pm in New Alresford which is a vision of pastel perfection with colour-washed houses and specialist shops. Around 2.15pm we rejoin our coach for a short drive to Hinton Ampner ( £9 admission charge not included -NT cards needed for members again). This elegant country manor was lovingly rebuilt by its last owner, Ralph Dutton, after a catastrophic fire in 1960. Enjoy the beautifully proportioned rooms which house his exquisite collection of ceramics and art, each window offering undisturbed views of the tranquil countryside. Beautifully manicured lawns lead the eye down avenues of sculptured topiary, past borders full of the heady scent of roses, to breathtaking views across the South Downs.

Friday 19 May 2017 – Home via Petworth

After breakfast its farewell to our hosts as we leave the Langstone Hotel and travel to Petworth NT (£12 admission charge not included so again bring your NT cards) which has a rich and varied history waiting to be discovered. Stroll through state rooms saturated with internationally important paintings such as Van Dyck, Reynolds, Titian and Blake, together with classical and neo-classical sculptures. Follow in the footsteps of J.M.W. Turner who spent long periods at the mansion under the patronage of the 3rd Earl of Egremont, and whose paintings of Petworth Park can be seen here today. The servant’s quarters by contrast offers a glimpse of life “below stairs”. Imagine the hustle and bustle of servant life in the historic kitchens and myriad ancillary rooms. The landscape gives every impression of being totally natural but in reality nothing is further from the truth. The park was transformed in the 1750s and early 1760s by Lancelot “Capability” Brown. From Petworth we head for home, back to our original joining points.