The Cultural Experience Winter Weekend
A Winter Gathering of Historians and Travellers
A Winter Gathering of Historians and Travellers
Join us on the Hampshire coast in January 2027 for another Cultural Experience Winter Weekend, bringing together expert historians, fascinating talks, memorable historical visits and the company of fellow enthusiasts.
Based at the Solent Hotel & Spa, the weekend begins with a full day of illustrated talks from historians leading a selection of our 2027 tours. On Saturday, choose between two specially designed historical excursions: explore Portsmouth’s role in the defence of Britain and the preparations for D-Day, or discover the medieval power of kings, bishops and the Church across Hampshire.
The weekend culminates in a very special private dinner aboard HMS Warrior at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, one of Britain’s most important surviving Victorian warships.
With talks, excursions, excellent food and plenty of opportunity to meet our historians and fellow travellers, the Winter Weekend is designed to be as sociable as it is historical.
Tour Details
Interested in this tour but not ready to book? Register your interest using the link below and we will keep you updated on the progress of the tour.
"The talks from the experts were the highlight – fascinating, accessible, and delivered with real passion."
Previous Winter Weekend Attendee
Itinerary
Friday 22 January 2027 – Arrival and Historical Talks
Friday 22 January 2027 – Arrival and Historical Talks
Arrive at the Solent Hotel & Spa by 09:30, where pastries and coffee will be served during our introductory welcome. During the day, choose from up to five illustrated talks given by historians who will be leading a selection of our 2027 tours. Lunch and refreshments will be provided during the day, followed by dinner at the hotel this evening.
Saturday 23 January 2027 – Choice of Historical Excursions
Saturday 23 January 2027 – Choice of Historical Excursions
Clients must choose one of the following excursions when booking.
Portsmouth at War: D-Day and the Defence of Britain
Visit Fort Nelson, one of the great Victorian forts built to protect Portsmouth, before continuing to The D-Day Story at Southsea, exploring the city’s role in the planning and launch of Operation Overlord. The museum includes LCT 7074, a rare surviving D-Day landing craft.
Kings, Bishops and Power: Medieval Hampshire
Led by expert medieval historian Dr Katherine Weikert of the University of Winchester
Explore medieval power through Bishop’s Waltham Palace, one of the principal residences of the Bishops of Winchester; Romsey Abbey, with its strong royal and aristocratic connections; and Wolvesey Castle, the Old Bishop’s Palace at Winchester. Throughout the day, our historian will examine the relationship between Church and Crown and the influence of bishops, abbeys and royal authority on medieval society.
Lunch is included during both excursions.
Dinner aboard HMS Warrior
Our final evening provides one of the highlights of the weekend: dinner aboard HMS Warrior in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Launched in 1860, Warrior was Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship and represented a revolution in naval warfare. After the day’s excursions, we will step aboard this magnificent Victorian warship for a memorable private dinner in one of Portsmouth’s most atmospheric historic settings.
Sunday 24 January 2027 – Departure
Sunday 24 January 2027 – Departure
The weekend concludes after breakfast at the Solent Hotel & Spa. Additional nights at the hotel may be booked both before and after the event, allowing more time to enjoy the hotel and its leisure facilities or explore the surrounding area.