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.

Portsmouth, Central Winchester

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute 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 approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, is one of the Official Residences of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It covers an area of 13 acres and contains, as well as a royal palace, a magnificent chapel and is both home and workplace for a large number of people. Over the years, various monarchs added to the castle, giving the familiar, fairytale profile it has today. Key "master-builders" who enhanced Windsor Castle were Edward III in the 14^th century, Charles II in the 17^th century and George IV in the early 19^th century. The marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle took place at Windsor Castle in May 2018.

Departing from Portsmouth relax on board your comfortable private motor coach on the drive to Windsor. On arrival walk up Castle Hill to approach to St. George's Gate, and take this opportunity to get a view of the vast scale of Windsor Castle. Within the Castle walls it is a collection of buildings, indeed it is a small village where more than 150 people live and work throughout the year.

Enjoy an audio tour of the Castle, including the splendid State Apartments and grand St. George's Hall, where the queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal collection.

After touring the Castle, you can enjoy an optional guided walking tour of Windsor & Eton or relax with some free time to explore the town of Windsor and Eton before returning to your awaiting ship in Portsmouth