Our itinerary today includes the following:

• Cruise Terminal pick-up - We look forward to meeting you at 08:00am.

• Calshot Castle & viewpoint - View the impressive external walls of Calshot Castle, an artillery fort constructed by the notable Henry VIII on the picturesque Calshot Spit. Take a moment to look out over the stunning Southampton Water, where it gracefully joins the historic Solent. On a clear day, you may be rewarded with a spectacular view of the majestic cruise ships as they glide gracefully across the water.

• Lepe Beach - Enjoy the stunning and expansive views of the long stretch of shingle beach, which is immensely popular among kite surfers and wind surfers.

• Beaulieu - Enjoy a delightful and scenic drive through the charming town of Beaulieu, which is renowned for its picturesque views and welcoming atmosphere. Beaulieu has a bit of something for everyone, offering visitors an informal yet homely mansion that is intriguingly built upon the historical ruins of a medieval abbey, along with the world-famous National Motor Museum showcasing a remarkable collection of vehicles. At the very heart of the estate is Beaulieu Palace House, which began its illustrious history as the 14th-century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, a testament to the rich heritage of the area.

• Hatchet Pond - We can enjoy a delightful brief photo stop at the stunningly beautiful Hatchet Pond. This picturesque location is recognised as the New Forest’s largest body of fresh water, offering a serene and tranquil setting. It is also home to some of the rarest wetland plants and diverse freshwater animals, which have long since vanished from many other parts of the UK, making it a truly unique ecosystem worth appreciating.

• Bucklers Hard - Buckler's Hard is a truly unique village that boasts an interesting history, characterised by its well-preserved 18th and 19th century cottages. These charming homes, which remain almost unaltered, gracefully line either side of a wide central street that leads down towards the scenic Beaulieu River. Visitors can enjoy some time to leisurely explore the breathtaking views and take in the exhibits at the local museum, enriching their understanding of this delightful area.

• Traditional British Afternoon Tea - Let’s take a moment to recharge our batteries and indulge in a delicious, traditional English afternoon tea served in one of Brockenhurst’s most picturesque thatched cottages, where charm and nature come together to create a serene atmosphere.

• Burley - Let's make our way to the picturesque village of Burley, renowned for its intriguing history of witchcraft and enchanting folklore. Oozing with old-world charm, this delightful destination features ponies and cattle leisurely roaming around the village, along with numerous pretty thatched cottages that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Burley has remarkably remained untouched by the passage of time, allowing visitors to experience its timeless beauty. While you're here, be sure to explore the lovely gift shops that line the quaint streets, and be sure to visit the local Burley fudge shop, which is an absolute must for anyone with a sweet tooth!

• Bolderwood New Forest - As we enter the picturesque New Forest, we will make our way to this hidden gem known as Bolderwood. This enchanting location is renowned for its beautiful deer population, so we can only hope to capture some memorable photos during our brief stop of 10 minutes, allowing us to soak in the serene surroundings and appreciate the natural beauty that the area has to offer.

• Rhinefield - Enjoy a scenic drive through the vast expanse of towering redwood and fir trees, where you can marvel at the stunning giants known as Wellingtonia. You will have the opportunity to witness the incredible height and beauty of these majestic trees through our panoramic roof. Additionally, we should have a brief five-minute stop, should you wish to capture these breathtaking trees, before we continue on our journey to the historic Rhinefield House. This impressive estate was famously leased out by Queen Victoria to Miss Mabel Walker in the year 1882, adding to its fascinating history.

• Lyndhurst - Lyndhurst is widely recognised as the largest village in the New Forest and became the natural 'capital' of the surrounding area when William the Conqueror established his extensive hunting grounds here. For many centuries, Lyndhurst served as the favored haunt of royalty, nobility, and commoners alike, making it a notable location in English history. Kings and Queens frequently visited Lyndhurst’s own manor house, which has been an important site throughout the years. Now known as Queens House, this former manor is still home to Verderers’ Hall, the official meeting place of the ancient Verderers’ Court, whose rich history stretches back to at least the 13th century, underscoring its significance in the region.

• Bolton’s Bench - The location tells the historic tale about the Bisterne Dragon and  how the dragon ended up at Lyndhurst, crashing to the ground just outside the town, and his body became a hill which later became known as Bolton’s Bench.

• Cruise Terminal drop-off - We aim to get you safely back to the cruise terminal before 16:30pm.

  Complimentary bottled water will be provided.

  NOTE: If your ship happens to have an earlier departure time than originally planned, we can certainly shorten the itinerary to effectively accommodate your day trip. Please be aware that this adjustment will reduce free-time from the itinerary above. This means we should get you back to the cruise terminal before 15.30pm.