A family-run Shropshire coach tour company has launched a new spring break blending world-class gardens, royal heritage and waterfront dining in historic Portsmouth.
Wisteria Tours, already established for its day trips to glorious UK gardens and short breaks in Europe has opened bookings for a Hampshire tour on April 30.
The five-day Hampshire Gardens, Osborne House and Historic Portsmouth tour picks up holiday-makers from Shrewsbury, Telford and Ellesmere.
Jacky Burnell, co-owner of Wisteria Tours, said: “We’ve designed this tour to appeal to people who want variety in a single break. You get the peaceful experience of world-class gardens, the fascinating heritage of a royal retreat, and then the buzz of a vibrant waterfront destination with excellent shopping and dining – all without the stress of organising it yourself or doing all the driving.
“We’ve had a number of bookings already and it is proving really popular with couples and pairs travelling together, who benefit from our special twin and double room pricing.”
The itinerary opens with Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, a 180-acre world-renowned garden arboretum. Day two takes visitors to Exbury Gardens, a spectacular 200-acre woodland and formal garden estate, complete with a miniature steam railway ride.
Day three is dedicated to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, Queen Victoria’s private retreat. The final garden day features West Green House Garden, a series of beautifully designed walled gardens.
Day four is devoted to historic Portsmouth. The day begins with a harbour boat tour of the Naval Base with onboard commentary, allowing visitors to see warships past and present from the water.
After the boat cruise, visitors have free time to explore Portsmouth at leisure. Gunwharf Quays, just a four-minute walk from the boat dock, offers over 90 outlet stores and 30 bars and restaurants with waterfront views. For those interested in naval heritage, the Historic Dockyard is a 10-minute walk away, home to HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum and HMS Alliance.
Sue Burnell, who runs Wisteria Tours alongside Jacky and their mother Jackie Crick, said: “What makes this tour special is the balance. It appeals to people who love gardens and heritage, but who also want to experience a proper seaside destination – good food, shopping, waterfront atmosphere. Portsmouth delivers all of that in a compact, walkable setting.”
Throughout the tour, Wisteria has built in flexibility. Many experiences include optional guided tours, leaving visitors free to join group activities or explore independently.
The five-day tour includes four nights at the Solent Hotel and Spa in Hampshire. Couples or pairs travelling together benefit from the twin and double room pricing structure.
The tour is accompanied personally by Jacky and Sue Burnell.
For further information and to check availability, visit www.wisteriatours.com
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