Description
NEW FOR 2025! Head south and get well and truly stuck into the festive season for a weekend brimming with seasonal fun and Christmas markets galore. Trails of twinkling lights, glittering Christmas trees, warming mulled wine, wooden chalets bursting with unique gifts and plenty of wintery cheer. Historic Winchester is a real treasure trove of English heritage and its popular market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and quality vendors. Bournemouth's popular Christmas Tree Wonderland in the lovely Victorian Lower Gardens is a delight as is the Alpine Market in the Square.
Itinerary
Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner- Welcome tea / coffee- Porterage- Visit to Winchester Christmas Market- Visit to Bournemouth- En-route visits to Hook and Benson on Thames (time permitting)
Festive Weekend
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head south with a stop in the quaint town of Hook (time permitting). Arrive at your countryside hotel for the next 3 nights with porterage and a welcome tea or coffee. DBB\n\nDay 2 - 3 At leisure with two included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nWinchester Christmas Market\nEnjoy a visit to Hampshire's county town, Winchester, a handsome market town and once one of the mightiest settlements in England. With its unique location in the shadow of the great medieval cathedral, Winchester Christmas Market is widely regarded as one of Europe's best. Numerous chalets are home to hand-picked exhibitors offering exclusive gifts that you won't find on the high street - from hand-crafted decorations and festive treats to craft beer and mulled wine. You may like to pop in to the Cathedral itself to explore its1,000 years of history (entrance approx. £13.50 pp in 2024)\n\nFestive Bournemouth & the Christmas Tree Wonderland\nEnjoy a later start today as you head to Bournemouth, always popular any time of year - a cosmopolitan resort town full of charm and character with a superb range of attractions, parks, gardens and of course, its soft sandy beaches. For any last minute Christmas shopping, you'll find a huge range of big-name brands, department stores, independent retailers and boutiques as well as several small indoor shopping arcades to explore. There is a great range of delicious fare, yuletide treats and festive trinkets at the Alpine Market in the Square and as the light fades take a stroll through the Lower Gardens to enjoy the annual Christmas Tree Trail featuring spectacular illuminated trees and sparkling decorations. Return to the hotel in time for dinner.\n\nDay 4 - Set off this morning and head to Benson on the River Thames (time permitting). Maybe take a stroll along the Thames Path, perfect for watching the boats coming and going. Onward to interchange in the afternoon.
Venue Information
4* Contemporary Hotel
Norton Park Hotel & Spa\nSet amid 54 acres of peaceful parkland in glorious Hampshire countryside just north of Winchester, this 4* contemporary hotel is focused around an elegant 17th century manor house with original oak panelling and timber beams. The main part of the hotel is a modern wing where there is an upscale restaurant and a casual bar and lounge. Sleek, stylish guestrooms are located in two accommodation wings and feature all mod cons including flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Covered walkways connect the three parts of the hotel and there is a lift in the main part of the hotel. The health club and spa has an indoor pool with a vaulted glass ceiling, steam room, sauna and gym. Singles are double / twin for sole use. There is a lift as well as ground floor rooms