How much does it cost?

From £1,249 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,687 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes. Rail travel and seat reservations from your home station to Winchester and back are included (Standard or First Class), along with the return train to Portsmouth on day 2.

Is this an escorted or independent tour?

Escorted, with a Railtrail Tour Manager throughout.

What hotel am I staying in?

The Winchester Royal Hotel for all four nights.

What is included for Christmas Day?

A traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, followed by tea, coffee, and Christmas cake, and a buffet-style evening meal.

When does this tour run?

One departure is listed, in December 2026, from GBP 1,249 per person.

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Winchester Christmas Celebration 2026

Escorted 5-day Christmas Day tour based in Winchester with Portsmouth day trip

Railtrail Tours' Winchester Christmas Celebration is a 5-day escorted tour based at the Winchester Royal Hotel for four nights, with a Tour Manager accompanying the group throughout. After arriving from your home station and settling in over afternoon tea on day 1, day 2 brings a train trip to Portsmouth for free time at Gunwharf Quays, the Spinnaker Tower skywalk, and high tea 105 meters above the harbour at The Clouds Cafe. Day 3 is Christmas Day itself, built around a traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings and a buffet-style evening meal, with a free morning beforehand. On day 4, a local guide leads a walking tour through Winchester's historic sights, including Winchester Cathedral. The pace stays gentle throughout, with a single hotel base and meals included most days. This suits travellers who want the Christmas period handled as a group, with one main excursion, a Christmas lunch, and a historic city on the doorstep, rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.

What to know before you look closer

Only one departure is currently listed, in December 2026 over the Christmas period, so there is no flexibility to choose a different date.
Beyond the Portsmouth day trip on day 2 and the guided Winchester walking tour on day 4, the itinerary centers on meals and free time; day 3 (Christmas Day) has no organized excursion beyond lunch and the evening buffet.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Winchester
Arrival in Winchester
Journey from your home station to Winchester and, on arrival, make our way to the Winchester Royal Hotel, our hotel for the next four nights. Afternoon tea and free time to explore before meeting for our first evening meal together.
Day 2railovernight: Winchester
Portsmouth and Spinnaker Tower
Train to Portsmouth for free time at Gunwharf Quays or a wintry walk across the harbour. Visit the Spinnaker Tower and skywalk, then indulge in high tea at The Clouds Café, 105m above the harbour. Return to the hotel for the evening meal.
Day 3overnight: Winchester
Christmas Day
Merry Christmas! A leisurely, free morning before a traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, followed by tea, coffee, and Christmas cake. Evening buffet-style meal.
Day 4overnight: Winchester
Winchester walking tour
Morning at leisure, then lunch together before a local guide leads a walking tour through the heart of Winchester, discovering key historical sights and visiting the magnificent Winchester Cathedral. Final evening meal at the hotel.
Day 5
Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to Winchester and make your way to the station for homeward journeys.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Day 1: Afternoon tea on arrival before the first evening meal together at the Winchester Royal Hotel.
Day 2Day 2: Visit to the Spinnaker Tower skywalk and high tea at The Clouds Cafe, 105 meters above Portsmouth harbour.
Day 3Day 3: Traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, followed by tea, coffee, and Christmas cake.
Day 4Day 4: Guided walking tour through the heart of Winchester, visiting Winchester Cathedral.

Included

4 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 3 lunches
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £1,249 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,687 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes. Rail travel and seat reservations from your home station to Winchester and back are included (Standard or First Class), along with the return train to Portsmouth on day 2.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?: Escorted, with a Railtrail Tour Manager throughout.
What hotel am I staying in?: The Winchester Royal Hotel for all four nights.
What is included for Christmas Day?: A traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, followed by tea, coffee, and Christmas cake, and a buffet-style evening meal.
When does this tour run?: One departure is listed, in December 2026, from GBP 1,249 per person.