PRIVATE HAMPSHIRE & SURREY TOURS | couples • families • small groups

HAMPSHIRE & THE SOUTH
Choose your own regional day tour from our variety of options...

● Day-tour options from London in private vehicle with accredited driver-guide.
● Tailor-made for couples, families or small private groups (up to 7 persons).
● Pick-up/drop-off at any London hotel or residence. Typical timings: 09:00-18:00.
● Subject to openings & availability. Any admission fees payable on entry.
● Price (per car): 1-2 persons=£400.00; 3-4=£440.00; 5-7=£480.00. Admissions extra.

Tour Choice A:select any 2 from the 10 options below to create your full-day tour:

Option 1: Arundel Castle
Ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 800 years, few castles can match the setting and history of Arundel. First built before the Norman invasion of 1066, it later became the first 'queen’s castle' in the country. A treasure house of paintings, furniture, books and tapestries. Highlights include the Baron’s Hall, the Grand Staircase and the Great Dining Room. On the way to Arundel pass through nearby delightful Sussex village of Amberley, with its picturesque thatched cottages and parish church.
● Open Apr-Oct: Tue-Sun; Aug: daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 2: Chawton
In the village of Chawton in Hampshire stands the 17th century house where Jane Austen spent a productive part of her writing career. This is where she wrote Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion. It is now a small private museum and has been welcoming visiting Austen fans since as far back as 1947. The museum contains a fascinating collection of objects and books actually owned by the novelist, and other odd artifacts, such as a gun found under the floorboards! We will also view the manor house once owned by her brother. A traditional pub lunch can be arranged at the Greyfriar Inn, handily placed right opposite the house!
● Open Mar-Dec: daily; Jan-Feb: Sat-Sun. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 3: Chichester Cathedral
Chichester is a city on the south coast of England containing the only medieval cathedral in the country with a detached bell tower. The spire dominates the picturesque surroundings. Inside, Romanesque meets Gothic in the ornate architecture. Hear how this church became a centre for reconciliation between Britain and Germany after World War Two, and seek out the burial place of the great composer Gustav Holst, most famous for his Planets suite.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 4: Hampton Court
Hampton Court is a national treasure. It’s actually two palaces in one, covering both the Tudor and Stuart royal dynasties (Henry VIII actually stole it!). Highlights include the authentic Tudor kitchens, Great Hall, and Chapel Royal. There’s also an important art collection, an ancient working tennis court, and the magnificent gardens featuring the world’s oldest maze for you to get lost in! 500 years of royal history comes alive here.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 5: Parham House
Parham House is a genuine Elizabethan house. Begun in 1577 and restored in the 20th century, it offers a fine insight into period architecture. Those with a penchant for fine stitchwork, needlework and embroidery will find an unusual collection here. And which English country house would be complete without stunning award-winning gardens?
● Open Apr-Sep: Wed, Thu, Sun; Aug: Tue-Fri + Sun. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 6: Petworth House
Petworth has been an aristocratic palace and connoisseur’s dreamhouse since the 12th century. It contains the National Trust's finest art collection, yet it is a work of art in itself, beautifully set in a 'Capability' Brown landscape. In fact, the artist Turner painted it many times. Simply superb example of English architecture and grounds.
● Open Mar-Nov: Sat-Wed. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 7: Polesden Lacey
Just beyond the outer reaches of London lies the historic Polesden Lacey estate in the county of Surrey. But how to describe it in a nutshell? Royalty, society, politics, power, influence, intrigue, scandal, money, snobbery, parties, beer, architecture, interior design, rare treasures, fine art, tapestries, porcelain, jewellery, gardens, excess, luxury, quality… that’s Poleden Lacey!
● Mar-Oct: Wed-Sun; Nov-Feb: Sat + Sun. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 8: The Vyne House
Taking its name from the ancient vine that still grows by the entrance, the Vyne is a large manor house originally built as a great Tudor statement of power. Suitably impressed, King Henry VIII visited on at least three occasions. Today it spans 400 years or architecture, a microcosm of English design emcompassing Tudor, Palladian, Georgian and Victorian, and including contemporary furniture, portraits, textiles and sculpture. Truly unusual in its perfect preservation of these styles. Outside, the parklands, wetlands and woodlands are a haven for birdlife and wildlife.
● Mar-Oct: Sat-Thu. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 9: Winchester
An historic city that has appeared as a movie location many times, including the recent film version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. An old Roman town, it became the capital of England during the Dark Ages. There are strong connections with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and King Alfred the Great. The great Domesday Book was compiled here in 1086. It is the burial place of both King Canute and King Rufus, and Henry III was born here. Winchester College, founded in 1382, is the oldest public school in England. Winchester Cathedral, built in 1097, is one of England’s oldest. Both Henry IV and Bloody Mary were married here. It is also the burial place of Jane Austen.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 10: Wisley RHS Gardens
10 miles from Central London lies Wisley, Britain's best loved garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society. It’s a working garden with a diverse and unique collection. It is said ‘If it can grow at Wisley it can grow anywhere.’ Features include the Alpine Meadow, Arboretum, Bamboo Walk, Fruit Field, Model Gardens, Pinetum, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Vegetable Garden, Vineyard and Tropical Glasshouse. If you love flowers and plants you cannot miss it.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Tour Choice B: Select any 1 from our 6 full-day tour options below:

Option 1: Hi-Definition Tour: A Day in Winchester
Our special Hi-Definition Tours are perfect for those wanting a more singular tour experience. The tour is focussed on just one town, which means less time spent in the vehicle, and more time to enjoy a fuller day. Discuss your options with your guide. For example, you might prefer more detailed tours of local attractions, or have some time alone for a spot of shopping, or relax with a leisurely lunch. Perhaps a combination of all three! It's your tour and your choice.

This particular tour brings us to Winchester, an historic city that has appeared as a movie location many times, including the recent film version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. An old Roman town, it became the capital of England during the Dark Ages. There are strong connections with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and King Alfred the Great. The great Domesday Book was compiled here in 1086. It is the burial place of both King Canute and King Rufus, and Henry III was born here. Winchester College, founded in 1382, is the oldest public school in England. Winchester Cathedral, built in 1097, is one of England’s oldest. Both Henry IV and Bloody Mary were married here. It is also the burial place of Jane Austen.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 2: Jane Austen Tour
Click here for this Hampshire tour option in our Arts & Culture section.

Option 3: Beaulieu Palace
Click here for this Hampshire tour option in our Family section.

Option 4: Churches of England - The South
Click here for this Hampshire tour option in our Arts & Culture section.

Option 5: Gardens of England - The South
Click here for this Hampshire tour option in our Arts & Culture section.

Option 3: Portsmouth Historic Dockyards
Click here for this Hampshire tour option in our British History section.

Option 6: Roman Britain - The South
Click here for this Hampshire tour option in our British History section.

ALL ENQUIRIES CLICK HERE. FOR BOOKINGS CLICK HERE.

PRICE OPTIONS:

HAMPSHIRE & THE SOUTH CHOICE: PERSONALLY-GUIDED FULL DAY TOUR OPTIONS	PRICE (Full day 9 hours).
BY PRIVATE CAR (1-2 passengers)	£400.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.
BY PRIVATE CAR (3-4 passengers)	£440.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.
BY PRIVATE CAR (5-7 passengers)	£480.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.

HOW THE TOUR WORKS:

● Important note: 'Private tour' means a privately chartered guided tour. It does not entail exclusive private access. We do not offer tours to individuals wishing to join a larger group (for this you require a scheduled coach tour operator).

● The guide: Your tour will be conducted by a friendly qualified guide (or driver-guide for car tours) providing a knowledgeable commentary, and assisting with practical issues. Where venues offer in-house guides or audio devices, your guide will still escort you.

● Pick-up/drop-off: You can be picked-up for your tour anywhere in the London area, whether at your hotel, place of residence, or venue of your request. The same applies as a dropping-off point after the tour.

● Timings: The guide will meet you at the recommended start time or at a start time of your request. The duration of this tour is timed from pick-up to drop-off and includes built-in stops for photo opportunities, facilities, and a 1-hour lunch break.

● Lunch: An appropriate restaurant, traditional pub, or sandwich stop can be arranged for lunch (note: tour price does not include food or refreshments). Alternatively, you may want to bring a pre-packed lunch. The guide usually takes a rest during this period.

● Clothing: Clients should dress appropriately making allowances for the changeable British weather, outdoor activities or visiting churches, etc. Our main tip is to dress comfortably. For more tips to help make your tour even more enjoyable click here.

● Format: The tour has been specially researched and designed by our staff (copyright applies) and is exclusive to Your London Tours & associates. Selected elements of different tours can be combined to create even more options. See our Pick & Mix page.

● General: Rest assured with Your London Tours: All our tours are tailored to YOUR requirements. The guide will be exclusively dedicated to your family or group during the tour itself, so you will be able to relax and enjoy your day.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR IN 3 EASY STEPS:

STEP 1: Send e-mail to tours@yourlondontours.com with the following information:
● Name or brief description of tour required.
● Date service required.
● Number of adults/children, age of children.
● Full address of hotel, place of residence or venue to be picked up from or met.
● Special interests or information to help us make your tour more enjoyable.
● Lead contact name and full billing address.
● Home phone number or cell phone number.

STEP 2: On receiving this information we will e-mail a reply confirming availability, price and payment procedure. If the tour is unavailable, eg, attractions are closed or we are fully booked, we will inform you or provide details of another operator.

STEP 3: If you are happy with your tour booking please make payment as directed.
Payments can take up to 48 hrs to process. On receiving payment, we will e-mail a tour confirmation and receipt. Please check details carefully and e-mail us with any queries.

BOOKING POLICY AND NOTES:
• Bookings are dealt with on a one-to-one basis via e-mail only.
• We do not accept bookings with less than 72 hours notice.
• To secure your preferred date we recommend booking well in advance.
• All tours subject to availability. Booking will not go ahead until availability is confirmed.
• Tour is not guaranteed to go ahead until 100% of payment is received.
• Administration fees may be added for extensive itineraries or supplementary guide hire.
• We do not arrange flights, accommodation, travel tickets or tickets for events.
• We do not usually pre-book tickets for attractions. We recommended these are paid
for at the gate on the day. In circumstances where pre-booking is the only option for
attractions, tickets must be paid for in advance and are non-refundable.

FOR ENQUIRIES CLICK HERE. FOR BOOKINGS CLICK HERE.

Vehicle spec:
Silver Mercedes-Benz Viano V6, seven-passenger luxury people carrier, high-spec interior trim with leather seats, armrests, headrests, air-conditioning, climate control, sound system, front and rear electric sunroof, sliding passenger doors, luggage space.

Driver-guide info:
Our driver-guides are smartly presented, knowledgeable and friendly. They are professionally qualified and drive fully insured private hire vehicles. They carry the 'Blue Badge' accreditation allowing them to conduct tours, walks and interior visits of the major London venues and many other attractions in the UK.