SUSSEX & HAMPSHIRE TOURS - private driving tour options from London

SOUTH COAST CHOICE
Sea, sand, ships, and a little southern comfort.

● Personally-guided full-day driving tour from London.
● For couples, families or private groups. Duration: 9 hours.
● Prices and practical details listed below. Bookings: tours@yourlondontours.com.

ITINERARY - CHOOSE ANY ONE OF THE 10 OPTIONS

Option 1: Arundel & Chichester
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. Chichester is a cathedral city on the south coast. It is the only English medieval cathedral to survive with a detached bell tower, and the spire dominates the picturesque surroundings. As an alternative to the cathedral, we can visit the remains of the Roman villa-palace at nearby Fishbourne. Discovered by accident by drain-diggers in the 1960s, it features superb floor mosaics dating back almost 2000 years. Nearby, the village of Bosham features one of the oldest churches in the country.
● Seasonal opening. Not Mondays.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 2: Bodiam Castle & Great Dixter Gardens
Strangely, given their proximity to the coast, the castles of Sussex were not as robust as those in other parts of the country. Bodiam Castle was built on the Kent-Sussex border to defend the area from French invasion during the Hundred Years War, somehow the designers sacrificed strength for beauty. Set in the middle of a moated lake and surrounded by a dream-like Arthurian landscape, it was used as a film location for the legendary medieval romp Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as well as episodes of Robin of Sherwood and Doctor Who. Great Dixter was originally built in 1450, but in the 20th century it was knitted together with a 16th century house by designer Nathaniel Lloyd. It was the birthplace of his son, Country Life garden writer Christopher Lloyd, thus naturally boasts 57 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 3: Brighton Rocks!
Brighton is probably the most famous English seaside town and it is still very popular with holidaymakers and day-trippers: there’s a modern shopping centre which includes the quaint ‘Lanes’ district full of odd little shops; there is an original Victorian penny arcade for your amusement; there is the famous pier full of fun, candy floss, and of course, Brighton rock; there is the magnificent royal Pleasure Pavilion built by the Regent Prince George, aka Georgie Porgie. There are lots of things beside, that you might like to be beside, beside the seaside, beside the sea!
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 4: Jane Austen Flavoured Tour - Chawton & Winchester
Alongside Agatha Christie and J.K. Rowling, Jane Austen must surely be regarded as one of the most widely-read female authors in English literature. At Chawton in Hampshire is the 17th century house where Austen spent her last eight years. 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. Next, we make our way 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.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 5: Parham House & Herstmonceux Castle
Parham House is a genuine Elizabethan house. Begun in 1577 and restored in the 20th century, it offers an unusual collection of fine stitchwork, needlework and embroidery, and of course, stunning award-winning gardens! Strangely, given their proximity to the coast, the castles of Sussex were not as robust as those in other parts of the country. Indeed, many were built to look impose their beauty on the countryside rather than their strength. Herstmonceux Castle was built in 1441 as a defensive residence, but by Victorian times had become a picturesque resort. Today, there are 500 acres of parkland and spectacular moated surroundings to enjoy.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 6: Petworth House & Nymans Gardens
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. Nymans is homely garden on a grand scale (12 hectares). It was built in Victorian times by a German family with advice from the foremost gardeners of the day. Despite the house burning down, the gardens carried on, with the burnt walls claimed by nature. It was one of the first gardens to be preserved by the National Trust in 1949.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 7: One for the Boys - Portsmouth & Beaulieu
Perhaps a little male orientated this tour, but should at least keep them interested. Surrounded by water, the city of Portsmouth has been a significant naval port for centuries, and is home to the world's oldest dry dock. Here, many of the Royal Navy’s most famous fighting ships can be visited including Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose, which sank in neighbouring waters during a battle in 1545 and was not seen again until it was raised in 1982. Also Admiral Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, the ship on which he was shot during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. And HMS Warrior, which, when completed in 1861, was by far the largest, fastest, most heavily-armoured warship the world had ever seen. Beaulieu, pronounced Bewley, was an abbey founded in 1204 and has been home to the aristocratic Montagu family since 1538. The third Baron started the famous National Motor Museum. Cars, cars, and er, cars. And boats. In fact a collection of those used in the James Bond movies. Nearby is Bucklers Hard – a recreated maritime village.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 8: The Two Winnies (recommended for families)
This tour is themed around two memorable characters who simply share a name. Winston Churchill was recently voted the greatest Briton of all time. His life span stretches from Bismarck to the Beatles. He had a great historical impact, not just his leadership during World War II, but right across the 20th century. This tour visits Chartwell, Churchill’s private family home. It is truly a great monument to a great man. In actual fact, it was partially built by him. Visit his study, his bedroom, his painting studio. Or you can just sit and relax in the magnificent landscaped gardens with a superb panoramic vista of Kent, Churchill’s favourite view. Then we visit Ashdown Forest, the setting for the famous Winnie-the-Pooh stories, written by A. A. Milne for his son Christopher Robin. The author's country house was situated just north of the forest and several of the sites described and illustrated in the books can be easily identified, although their names have been changed. Pooh Sticks Bridge (yes, it actually exists) is open to the public, and a local shop called Pooh Corner, which sells Pooh related products, can also be visited.
● Not Mondays.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 9: Winnie the Pooh and the Jungle Book (recommended for kids)
First, on this tour, we visit Batemans, house of writer, poet and children's author Rudyard Kipling. Here we will discover original illustrations from his most well known work the Jungle Book, the shrine to his lost children, the garden he laid with the money from his Nobel Prize for literature, and his Rolls Royce in the garage. Then, from the Jungle to the Forest, as we visit Ashdown Forest, the setting for the famous Winnie-the-Pooh stories, written by A. A. Milne for his son Christopher Robin. The author's country house was situated just north of the forest and several of the sites described and illustrated in the books can be easily identified, although their names have been changed. Pooh Sticks Bridge (yes, it actually exists) is open to the public, and a local shop called Pooh Corner, which sells Pooh related products, can also be visited.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

Option 10: Wooded Wonderland - Leonardslee & Sheffield Park
Tree-huggers unite! This tour is for lovers of the great outdoors. Sheffield Park is an internationally-renowned landscaped arboretum over 55 hectares. Much is spectacularly set around four lakes that mirror the planting. Plus Monet-like water lily ponds, stunning views and and amazing colour. Its autumn display is said to be unrivalled. Nearby, Leonardslee is a woodland garden set among seven lakes. As well as world-famous floral displays, it features a model Victorian village and an early motor car exhibition.
● Entrances payable - family/group rate available. Not included in tour price.

PRICE OPTIONS
SOUTH COAST CHOICE: PERSONALLY-GUIDED FULL DAY TOUR OPTIONS	PRICE (Full day 9 hours).
BY PRIVATE CAR (1-4 passengers)	£400.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.
BY PRIVATE CAR (5-7 passengers)	£430.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.
RENT-A-GUIDE (transport provided and arranged by client)	£240.00 (per group) + any entrance fees.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
● 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.

● Important note: 'Private tour' means a privately chartered guided tour by luxury car, mini-coach or public transport. We do not offer tours to individuals wishing to join a larger group (for this you require a scheduled coach tour operator).

● Availability: To avoid disappointment, we recommend early booking to secure your preferred date. Dates may be subject to the availability of appropriate guides. Access to attractions may also be subject to daily or seasonal variations in opening times.

● The guide: Your tour will be conducted by a fully accredited & qualified guide who will confirm your itinerary at the start of the tour and provide a friendly and knowledgeable commentary throughout. For private car tours the guide will also drive the vehicle.

● 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 any 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 of 09.00 or any time of your request. The duration of this tour is 9 hours from pick-up to drop-off, which 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.

● Price: As shown in the table above. It does NOT include entrance fees (we recommend they are paid on the day) lunch or refreshments. Payment methods, privacy, cancellation and refund policies and full terms & conditions are listed on our Prices & Bookings page.

● 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.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES