Silversea Luxury Cruises À SOUTHAMPTON

Embrace the exquisite natural splendour, charm and history of a quintessential English village during this memorable, half-day excursion to the spectacular Beaulieu Estate.

Portsmouth, Beaulieu, River, Village and Estate, Great Gatehouse, Palace House, Gardens, Lawns

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Beaulieu, the quintessential English village. Most of the village forms part of the approximately 7,000-acre (2,833-hectare) Beaulieu Estate. Incorporating the 14th-century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House is nestled amidst exquisite grounds and gardens with immaculate spreading lawns and walkways overlooking the Beaulieu River. Palace House has been in Lord Montagu's family ownership since 1538, when Sir Thomas Wrothesley, later the 1st Earl of Southampton, bought the Estate after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Beaulieu Abbey Ruins, National Motor Museum

Nearby sits the lovely ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, which was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John. Although much was destroyed in the 16th century during the reign of Henry VIII, there is still much for visitors to see today. The grounds also house the fabulous National Motor Museum. With an unsurpassed and substantial collection of vehicles ranging from the first motorcars and motorcycles to famous record-breakers, the National Motor Museum has something for everyone; even the mildest of automobile enthusiasts are stunned by the variety of rare and vintage vehicles on display.

Guided or Self-Guided Visit to the Beaulieu Estate, Lyndhurst, New Forest

Upon arrival, you may visit these splendid sites with your guide, or opt to explore the various attractions at your own pace. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier. En route, take a picturesque and relaxing drive through the lovely town of Lyndhurst and New Forest, one of England's National Parks renowned for its famous New Forest ponies, before returning to Portsmouth and your awaiting ship.

Discover the history of Winchester and its legendary sights during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Southampton, Central Winchester

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1 hour drive to central Winchester. Upon arrival, take a short, guided stroll to the entrance of Winchester Cathedral and proceed for a guided walking tour. Learn about the history of Winchester and King Alfred the Great, who united the Kingdom of Wessex and made Winchester its capital in the late-9th-century, and ordered the building of Winchester Cathedral and Winchester Castle. See the unchanged parts of this original Romanesque building, as well as the fabulous Gothic Nave, which was modernised in the 14th century.

Burial Place of Jane Austen, Great West Window, Winchester Cathedral Tour

Next, visit the burial place of Jane Austen, author of Pride and Prejudice, and admire the Great West Window, which was smashed by soldiers during the 17th-century Civil War and later repaired with medieval glass after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. Learn about William Walker, the diver who is credited with saving Winchester Cathedral in the early-20th-century, and walk on floor tiles dating from the 13th century.

Optional Great Hall Visit, Round Table, Free Time, Shops and Cafés

Following your Cathedral visit, take an optional walk up a steep hill to the Great Hall, the only remaining part of the medieval Winchester Castle. It is the oldest and finest-aisled hall in the country, and dates from 1222, when it was built as a Banqueting Hall for King Henry III. It contains the iconic Round Table, which has been claimed to have been King Arthur's Round Table. Following your guided tour, some free time is made available to explore the shops and cafés of Winchester's High Street at your leisure. Guests who do not wish to visit the Great Hall are given extra free time to explore Winchester. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the drive back to the pier.

Leave the city for a half day outing in the nature. Dive through the New Forest and kayak along the Beaulieu River,

Scenic Drive through the New Forest

Depart Southampton and head across to the New Forest for approximately 1 hour drive. This area is a varied landscape of woods, glades, heaths and moors. Dotted with tiny villages and roamed at will by deer, ponies, donkeys and pigs, there is nowhere else quite like it. Slip into the Forest following in the footsteps of Kings and Queens, commoners and gypsies, smugglers and lovers. Over the past millennium a wealth of myth and legend has wound itself around the Forest trees like a clinging vine.

Kayaking Experience

Kayaking is a fun and exciting way to explore this stunning Nature Reserve; spotting wildlife and cruising creaks in your very own stable and easy to use touring kayak. Your approximately 1.5 hour long session takes you along the Beaulieu River, starting at Bucklers Hard and heading up the River towards Baileys Hard. Your guide will teach you all the basics kayaking skills, giving you the confidence to enjoy a tour of the river and to learn some more about the New Forest area.

Beaulieu River

The Beaulieu River is very calm and sheltered and so is suitable for everyone, including beginners. The River is part of the Nature Reserve and is designated 'An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB) and is protected. The woodland on the riverbanks is untouched and is home to lots of wildlife and nesting birds; there will be plenty of opportunity to see a lot of the nature reserve from the river including inlets to explore on route. The Beaulieu River is a tidal estuary, so sessions are fitted around the tides.

Re-board your coach once more for the approximately 1 hour drive back to Southampton to re-join your ship.

Experience Stonehenge, one of England's most historic site on this excursion for guests disembarking and flying after 4pm from Heathrow airport.

English Countryside

Depart and travel from the port around the head of Southampton, passing through the suburbs with their variety of houses and neat gardens, heading towards the open countryside. The fresh green and blossoms of the English countryside heighten the hedgerows and stretches of rural landscapes as we enjoy the pastoral and agricultural views. Next continue on to Stonehenge.

Stonehenge

One piece of magic that never fails to cast a spell over visitors is the awe-inspiring sight of Stonehenge. This mighty symbol of pre-history is a wonder of the world drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness its awesome majesty. Simplicity, solitude and a powerful air of mystery surround this enigmatic and ancient circle of stones set in isolation.

From the bus park, walk to the fantastic new visitors centre to learn more about this wondrous sight then take the short ride on the land train down to these mystical stones. Your guide will accompany you along the pathway encircling the fenced-off stones for close-up views. Listen as they describe what has been concluded from observations and archaeological evidence about the builders, their beliefs, tools, and methods. Alternatively, if you prefer, walk around the area on your own and take advantage of the fine photographic opportunities of the entire stone circle.

At the appointed time, re-group for the transfer to Heathrow Airport.

Experience the history and grandeur of the world's largest inhabited castle during this memorable, full -day excursion to Windsor Castle.

Windsor Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 90-minute drive to Windsor Castle. Originally built as a fortress by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle is one of three official residences of the Queen and has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. From miles away, Windsor Castle can be seen perched on a chalk outcrop overlooking the River Thames, and the charming town and countryside surrounding it.

Windsor Castle Tour and State Apartments

Upon arrival at the coach parking area, pass through security and begin your walking tour of Windsor Castle. Your visit focuses on the castle's two most outstanding features, the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel. Stroll through the immense courtyard of the Lower Ward, which is flanked by St. George's Chapel and leads to the mound and Round Tower. During your visit to the State Apartments, marvel at the painted ceilings, panelled walls, Adam fireplaces, classic furniture, and the priceless paintings and drawings. This magnificent suite of ceremonial rooms is used by the Queen to entertain visiting Heads of State.

Free Time

Your tour will include approximately 1 hour of free time to explore the lovely village of Winsor, browse the local shops and have a spot of lunch at your own expense, before driving to Heathrow Airport, where you will be dropped off at approximately 2pm.

Southampton Walking Tour

Leave the port on foot and walk through the streets of Southampton to the Mayflower Pilgrims Memorial before continuing to the Sea City Museum.

Sea City Museum and the Titanic

The Sea City Museum brings maritime history to life through interactive displays and experiences. Explore the story of the Titanic along with its passengers in the fascinating permanent display. The 1:25 scale model of the Titanic details the lives of the crew and passengers on board the most luxurious ships of its time.

Southampton Gateway to the World

Another well-known display is the Gateway to the world, a unique historic collection of stories of people who have arrived or departed from Southampton over the last 200 000 years.

Spend your time in the museum at leisure before joining your guide for a walk back to the ship.

This full day tour includes a guided visit of Salisbury Cathedral, free time to explore the ancient city of Salisbury and a visit to one of Europe's most famous sites - Stonehenge.

Salisbury

Superbly situated in southern England's rural heartland, few destinations can match the quintessential English city of Salisbury with its centrepiece, Salisbury Cathedral. The awesome sight of the Salisbury Cathedral spire never fails to impress; soaring a breath-taking 123 meters (404 feet) into the sky, it is visible from every direction, dominating the landscape for many miles around. Salisbury is unique amongst medieval English cathedrals, built within one century with no substantial later additions. It is arguably the finest example of the Early English Gothic style of architecture in Britain.

Salisbury Cathedral and Time at Leisure

There is much to see and do in and around the Cathedral as you will see on your guided tour. The spacious and tranquil Close with its schools, historic houses and museums makes a fine setting for the Cathedral. In the Cathedral itself you'll find not only the best preserved of only four original Magna Carta (AD1215) - the famous agreement made between King John and his barons at Runnymede, the basic principles of which have been incorporated into the constitution of the USA but also Europe's oldest working clock (AD1386). After your visit to the Cathedral, take some time to explore Salisbury at your leisure before re-joining your coach for your short drive to Stonehenge.

Stonehenge

The purpose of the world's most famous stone circle remains a mystery. Its origins go as far back as the Pyramids. What today's visitor sees are the mighty remains of a sequence of monuments erected between 3000 & 1000 BC. Most well-known are the trilithons, large doorframe-shaped stone arrangements, made up of 2 standing stones, topped by a lintel stone fixed together by mortice-& tenon joints. The stones are aligned so that on the midsummer and midwinter solstices the sun shines straight through the circle onto the central Heel Stone. Stop at Stonehenge to visit this mystical attraction before re-boarding your coach for a drive through to Salisbury.

Following this fascinating day re-join your coach for the return journey to Southampton.

Conrad St. James

The five star Conrad London St. James sits on the doorstep of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, boasting not only a prime location but also chic design and intuitive service. A smart choice for the modern traveller, St James's Park station is positioned just opposite the hotel and offers a convenient way to get around and explore London. All of the stylish and contemporary rooms features complimentary WiFi and Nespresso machines. Enjoy a distinctive, locally sourced selection of British culinary delights at the authentic Blue Boar Bar or visit the elegant Emmeline's Lounge for a quintessentially English afternoon tea, that includes an array of seasonal and limited edition delicacies.

Corinthia Hotel London

London's elegant, uplifting, grand hotel, intelligently designed for the modern life. Rated among the city's finest, Corinthia Hotel London combines grandeur and heritage with a modern touch and is ideally located in the heart of London, a short walk from many of the city's major attractions. Featuring 283 rooms inclusive of 51 suites and 7 penthouses, two world-class restaurants, a jazz influenced bar and ESPA Life at Corinthia award-winning spa with a BodySPace gym and a hair salon by Daniel Galvin, the hotel is a destination in itself, minutes from the West End and the River Thames.