railtour suisse · Self-guided rail tour

Southern England by train

Self-guided 7-day rail journey from London through Brighton, Portsmouth and Bath

Southern England by train, a rail journey with railtour suisse

railtour suisse runs this seven-day, six-night self-guided rail tour through southern England, beginning and ending in London with two-night stops in Brighton, Portsmouth and Bath in between. Travelers ride four second-class trains, including the Gatwick Express and two Great Western Railway services, connecting each city in around one to two hours. The days move at an easy pace: a walk along the Brighton Beach promenade and a visit to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, the Historic Dockyard with HMS Victory in Portsmouth, and the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent in Bath. Accommodation is in a standard double room with breakfast at named 4-star and 3-star hotels. Because there is no tour manager, this trip suits independent-minded travelers who are comfortable making their own way between train stations and hotels while following a fixed, planned route.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this package; confirm availability directly with railtour suisse.
  • This is a self-guided trip with no tour manager: travelers make their own way between London, Brighton, Portsmouth and Bath on the named trains, and arrange their own arrival in London and return journey to Switzerland.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Brighton

    Switzerland - Brighton

    Individual arrival in London. Then take the Gatwick Express to Brighton, which takes about an hour. Discover the beautiful Brighton Beach promenade on a walk and enjoy a typical English fish and chips dinner with a sea view. Accommodation in Brighton for 2 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Brighton

    Brighton

    Start the day with a visit to the Royal Pavilion, the exotic palace built in Indian-Chinese style. Then head to the Lanes, Brighton's winding alleys full of boutiques, antique shops and cosy cafes - perfect for souvenirs. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful view from Brighton i360, the glass observation tower with spectacular views over the city and coast. Round off the day with dinner at a trendy restaurant in the city centre.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Portsmouth

    Brighton - Portsmouth

    In the morning, take the Southern Railway to Portsmouth, a journey of around 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, take a stroll along the harbour, where historic ships and modern yachts dominate the panorama. Visit the Historic Dockyard with HMS Victory and the Mary Rose to immerse yourself in exciting naval history. In the evening, the city centre invites you to stroll through shops and restaurants. Accommodation in Portsmouth for 2 nights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Portsmouth

    Portsmouth

    Start the day at Spinnaker Tower with panoramic views of the harbour, sea and city. Then visit Portsmouth Cathedral and explore the impressive architecture around Old Portsmouth. Round off the day with a leisurely stroll along the coast and a visit to Gunwharf Quays with its boutiques and cafes.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Bath

    Portsmouth - Bath

    The Great Western Railway will take you to Bath in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Once there, immerse yourself in the history of Bath: the Roman Baths and the majestic Bath Abbey impress with their ancient splendour. A stroll across the charming Pulteney Bridge and along the River Avon reveals the picturesque side of the city. Enjoy the evening with a stroll through the old town with its cosy cafes and fine restaurants. Accommodation in Bath for 2 nights.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bath

    Bath

    Experience the elegant Georgian architecture at the Royal Crescent and The Circus. Then relax in the soothing Thermae Bath Spa. Art lovers can visit the Victoria Art Gallery. Round off the day with a stroll through the idyllic Parade Gardens and a coffee with a view of the city.

  7. Day 7

    Bath - Switzerland

    Enjoy one last breakfast in the historic city and stroll through the beautiful old town one more time. Great Western Railways will take you to London in approximately 1.5 hours. Individual return journey to Switzerland from London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A walk along the Brighton Beach promenade ends with a fish and chips dinner with a sea view.
  • Day 2The Royal Pavilion, described as 'the exotic palace built in Indian-Chinese style,' followed by views from the Brighton i360 glass observation tower.
  • Day 3The Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth, with HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, after arriving on the Southern Railway from Brighton.
  • Day 5The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, plus a stroll across Pulteney Bridge and along the River Avon, after arriving on the Great Western Railway from Portsmouth.
  • Day 6Georgian architecture at the Royal Crescent and The Circus, and time at the Thermae Bath Spa.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to London
  • Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast
  • 2 nights in Brighton, Hotel The Old Ship****
  • 2 nights in Portsmouth, Premier Inn Portsmouth City Centre***
  • 2 nights in Bath, Harington's Boutique Hotel****

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, second-class train journeys between London, Brighton, Portsmouth and Bath are included, using the Gatwick Express, Southern Railway and Great Western Railway.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is a self-guided rail tour with no tour manager; travelers make their own way between cities and arrange their own arrival in London and return to Switzerland.
Which trains are used?
The Gatwick Express between London and Brighton, Southern Railway between Brighton and Portsmouth, and Great Western Railway between Portsmouth and Bath and between Bath and London, all in second class.
What hotels are included?
Two nights each at The Old Ship in Brighton (4-star), Premier Inn Portsmouth City Centre (3-star), and Harington's Boutique Hotel in Bath (4-star), all in standard double rooms with breakfast.
What is not included?
The evidence lists second-class train travel and hotel accommodation with breakfast as included; other meals, such as the fish and chips dinner mentioned on day 1, are not stated as included.

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