Situated just four miles from the historic market town of Romsey, the village of Sherfield English abuts the Wiltshire border to the west, and the picturesque River Test to the east. Traditionally a farming community, Sherfield English still boasts its own farm shop, and pigs, cattle and sheep are still to be seen roaming the fields along with the horses of several local riding stables.

Midway between the ancient cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury, the village sits on the cusp of the beautiful New Forest National Park, where native ponies, donkeys and pigs graze the open heathland. The area is steeped in history, and visitors will have the chance to walk in the footsteps of local heroine Florence Nightingale, novelist Jane Austen and several Kings of England.

The ill-fated White Star liner RMS Titanic set sail from nearby Southampton, and the Queen and Prince Philip, as well as Prince Charles and Princess Diana, spent the first days of their respective honeymoons just four miles away, at the Broadlands Estate.

With so much going on in the area, the week spent with us will give you just a taster of life in the beautiful Hampshire countryside and the opportunity to see as much or as little as you like. The itinerary includes visits to picturesque Bucklers Hard, a former ship-building village on the Beaulieu river; tours of Winchester, the seat of many early Kings and once a capital city, as well as plenty of restful opportunities to sample a delicious English cream tea, lose yourself in the winding streets of medieval towns and spend time in a traditional welcoming village environment.

Wednesday - Guests arrive. Dinner with hosts.

Thursday - We’ll spend the day exploring the nearby market town of Romsey;
including a guided tour of the ancient Abbey and lunch at medieval King John’s House. Journey back via our sister church of St Margaret’s, East Wellow, where Florence Nightingale is buried. A private showing of a DVD made by villagers to celebrate her life on the centenary of her death.

Friday - A visit to the beautiful city of Salisbury, including a trip to the famous Cathedral with a local guide. Afternoon for shopping or more sight-seeing. Choral evensong in the Cathedral.

Saturday - Discover the history of English ship-building at the picturesque mariners village of Buckler’s Hard. We’ll take a trip down the river to Beaulieu, for a cream tea, with the option of a riverside walk for the afternoon.

Sunday - Morning service at St Leonard’s church. Lunch in the village hall with other guests and hosts. Afternoon at leisure, or a choice of activities including a walk in the New Forest.

Monday - A chance to visit the historic city of Winchester, former capital of
Wessex. A guided tour of the Cathedral, including a visit to Jane Austen’s grave, then the option to see King Arthur’s Round Table, the ruins of Wolsey Castle, or one of Winchester’s many diverse museums.

Tuesday - A tour of some of the most beautiful parts of the New Forest, including Rufus Stone, where William II was fatally injured while hunting, and the lovely village of Burley, a historic tongue-in-cheek home of witches. Evening barbecue.

Wednesday - Take the ferry or enjoy stunning views of the Isle of Wight on the walk to explore Hurst Castle, built by Henry VIII and a prison to Charles I. Afternoon in the nearby priory town of Christchurch.

Thursday - Friends depart