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We start the day crossing the chalk downs of Hampshire to Winchester, a beautiful city steeped in an atmosphere of calm and antiquity. Sometimes known as the legendary Camelot, this pretty, country market town is sure to impress if you're interested in history and culture. The capital of England under Saxon and Norman kings and the seat of Parliament after that, Winchester still radiates history. The great Norman cathedral begun in 1079 is one of the longest in Europe and is rich in treasures and rare manuscripts. Inside we will see the tomb of the writer, Jane Austin and the famous mortuary chest containing bones of Saxon kings.
Winchester was established in 827 as the capital of the Kingdom of King Alfred the Great. The most loved and esteemed of all England's kings, King Alfred encouraged the revival of learning and monastic life. His influence on Winchester was made clear in 1901 with the unveiling of the great King Alfred statue, which looks down over Winchester city. Incidentally, legend has it that if a young maiden circles the statue three times Alfred's sword will fall. Shall we test it?
Leaving the cathedral we’ll take a short walking tour of the centre. At the western side of the old city, stands all that is left of the Norman castle, which occupied this site, the Great Hall. It is regarded as the finest hall in all England, outside of Westminster. It is the site of many Parliaments and the place where Sir Walter Raleigh heard his death sentence pronounced. Of interest to Arthurians is the giant replica of King Arthur's Round Table hanging high up on the inside wall. It was painted in alternating green and white wedges, with the names of Arthur's knights centred round an image of "King Arthur".
We will travel through Wessex countryside to arrive at Britain’s most famous ancient monument. Enjoy a private tour of Stonehenge, a 5,000-year-old stone monument of unique importance, a World Heritage Site, surrounded by burial mounds - some older than the monument itself.
We’ll motor along a peaceful river valley to reach our final stop - Wilton House, the 460 year old home to the Earl of Pembroke. The House contains many splendid State Rooms including the magnificent Double Cube room, which has offered filmmakers the perfect setting for films such as, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mrs. Brown and most recently Pride & Prejudice. The house contains one of the finest art collections in Europe, with over 230 original paintings on display, including works by Van Dyck, Rubens, Joshua Reynolds and Brueghel. Also on show are Greek and Italian statuary, a lock of Queen Elizabeth I's hair, Napoleon's despatch case, and Florence Nightingale's sash. During the Second World War Wilton House was the HQ of Southern Command. Much of the planning for D-Day was done here. There are 21 acres of landscaped parkland, water and old English rose gardens, Palladian Bridge and adventure playground.
Nearby is the Wilton Shopping Village, located in an historic, riverside setting. You’ll find a wide range of factory outlet shops all with discount prices. Leading brands in fashion, textiles, glassware, china, golf equipment and much more – not to mention the finest names in carpets from The Wilton Carpet Factory Shop and the famous Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop.
An alternative to Wilton House is a visit to Salisbury. There is an abundance of historical buildings peppered throughout the city to explore – including the majestic sight that is Salisbury Cathedral's spire, Britain's tallest, standing at a breathtaking 123 metres - together with modern high street shops that are mixed with specialist retail outlets with something for everyone.
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