Mini Breaks… Locally

Mini Breaks

Explore the tranquil beauty of Berkshire and Hampshire with its gentle walks, pretty villages and welcoming pubs; the countryside is a hidden gem for visitors. You can find historic houses, fascinating museums and ancient market towns.

If you love literature, follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen at her family home in Chawton or visit naturalist Gilbert White’s house at Selborne. For a taste of Hampshire’s heritage, visit medieval Romsey, Mottisfont Abbey, or the Hospital of St Cross in Winchester. The Vyne near Basingstoke also has a fascinating history while the Watercress Line offers nostalgic journeys by steam train.

From medieval Winchester to the foodie destination of Stockbridge or one of Hampshire’s many farmers’ markets, there’s plenty to tempt the taste buds.

Charming thatched cottages nestle against traditional inns and tea rooms many serving excellent local produce.

Hampshire has 3,000 miles of footpaths and 750 miles of cycle paths, surrounded by beautiful and scenery all year round.

Windsor Castle

No trip to Windsor could possibly be complete without a visit to amazing Windsor Castle, the family home to British kings and queens for over 1,000 years. The size of the castle (5 hectares/13 acres) is breathtaking. In fact, it is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and it’s where Her Majesty The Queen chooses to spend most of her private weekends. You might even time your visit when she is in residence! Look at the flag flying from the Castle’s Round Tower; if it’s the Royal Standard The Queen will be there too. Windsor Castle offers something for everyone and with so many areas to explore please allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to see it all.

Portsmouth

This historic city is home to the Royal Navy and is an action-packed city break combining an irresistible mix of heritage, culture, shopping and entertainment. With top attractions such as the iconic Spinnaker Tower, you can also shop until you drop at Gunwharf Quays the premium outlet village. A must see is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where you can walk aboard historic ships like Horatio Nelson’s HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the breathtaking Mary Rose. You can take a rib ride or sailing boat out into the Solent with stunning views of Hampshire.

Winchester

This medieval cathedral city used to be the former capital of England and still retains its charm from yesteryear and is a great destination for a short city break. Winchester is the official gateway to the beautiful South Downs National Park.

Southampton

The city of Southampton is the cruise capital of Europe and home to PremierLeague Football Team the Saints. This city break destination is a shopper’s paradise with the huge West Quay Shopping Centre and a bustling nightlife with the bars and restaurants
on Oxford Street and in Ocean Village marina. Southampton is now a cultural hub with many West End shows at the Mayflower Theatre.