These tours have been suggested by Frances Brook who is based in Lymington, near Southampton, Hampshire. She is qualified also to guide in Windsor Castle and London. Frances' details may be found in the London, Southern England and South West England sections of the list of members and on her web site
Stonehenge and Salisbury
Visit the awe inspiring prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge which dates back 5,000 years. Salisbury's graceful cathedral with the tallest spire in England is nearby. The city's mother town Sarum inspired Edward Rutherfurd to create his epic novel of the same name. This can be a full day tour if it includes a site visit to Old Sarum (or to Wilton House, famous for its beautiful proportions and outstanding art collection).
65 miles (Half or full day).
New Forest and Beaulieu
Former hunting terrain of heath and forest, 144 square miles where ponies, cattle and deer live wild. Lovely setting for Beaulieu, once an important mediaeval abbey now famous for the National Motor Museum, a fine collection of vintage and veteran cars. Palace House can be visited and an exhibition of Cistercian Monastic life in the remaining abbey buildings. 70 miles (Half or full day)
Portsmouth
Nelson's flagship "The Victory" is highly recommended with vivid descriptions of life at sea below decks in the 18th C. The mighty HMS Warrior, Henry VIII's Mary Rose, HMS Alliance Submarine and D Day Museum are alternative attractions in this impressive naval port.
55 miles (Half or full day)
Jane Austen tour including Chawton House
Chawton House was once her home and has many personal mementoes. Sites in Winchester with connections can also be visited, and the exhibition in Southampton's Tudor House Museum on her life there.
36 miles: 60 miles if Southampton included (Full day).
London
A general panoramic tour to include the main sites or one focused on your special interests. Take a tailor-made tour of the great metropolis in comfort.
135 miles. (Full day).
Oxford (with Blenheim Palace option)
City of learning and wonderful architecture. Fine cloisters, quadrangles and gardens to visit with Bodleian Library and Ashmolean Museum.
100 miles 130 with Blenheim. (Full Day)
Bath and Stonehenge
The hot spring which was held sacred still gushes forth at the fascinating Roman Baths Museum. Elegant terraced rows, squares and crescents where Georgian society paraded, and excellent boutiques and shops make this tour a favourite. Stonehenge can be visited en route.
135 miles. (Full day).
Glastonbury and Wells
Arthurian legends about Glastonbury are rife... the mystical ruined abbey is said to have been his burial place. The energetic can climb the Tor for a great view. Wells has an outstanding gothic cathedral and moated bishop's palace.
160 miles: (Full day).
Stratford on Avon
Through the Cotswold Hills with pretty, stone built villages to Stratford. The timbered cottage, birthplace of William Shakespeare in 1564, his wife Ann Hathaway's family home and the church by the river where he is buried can be visited.
200 miles. (Full day).
Brighton and Arundel
Brighton is famous for the Prince Regent's exotic palace the Royal Pavilion with its onion-domed roofs. The interior is equally amazing. Wander through the narrow "Lanes" for bargains and bric-a brac in little boutiques. Return through Arundel where the splendid fortress, ancestral home of the Duke of Norfolk looms above us.
135 miles. (Full day).
Windsor and Eton
The Castle at Windsor is the largest inhabited one in the world. Visit the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel (burial place of Kings and Queens) and Queen Mary's dolls' house, true to tiniest detail. Stroll down to Eton College - one of England's most exclusive schools.
100 miles. (Full day).
Isle of Wight
Through the New Forest to Lymington and a half hour's ferry journey to the Isle of Wight. Visit Queen Victoria's Osborne House, the imposing Norman fortress of Carisbrooke and enjoy an extraordinary variety of scenery.
100 miles. (Full day).
Thomas Hardy Tour
To Dorchester, "Casterbridge" in many of Hardy's novels set in Wessex. See the cottage in the woods where he was born, and a host of other sites connected with the stories such as Tess of the D'Urbervilles, flexible to include your favourites!
About 100 miles. (Full day).
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