Winchester & Jane Austen

One of Europe's greatest medieval cathedrals, with the longest Gothic nave in Europe, Norman crypt, Jane Austen's grave, and a 900-year story of kings, saints and William Walker the diver who saved it from sinking.

Park in Winchester's Chesil Street or Tower Street car park, ten minutes' walk to the Close. Start early — the nave is at its best in morning light.

The last surviving fragment of Winchester Castle, home to the legendary Round Table of King Arthur — a 13th-century oak disc once repainted for Henry VIII, hanging on the wall of 'the finest aisled hall in England'.

Five minutes' walk up from the Cathedral. Combine with a stroll through the medieval city walls and Westgate Museum (included in the ticket).

The red-brick Chawton cottage where Jane Austen wrote, revised and published all six of her novels — her writing table sits beside the window where she worked between 1809 and 1817.

Drive east on the A31 to Chawton. Pre-book — rooms are small and entry is capped every 20 minutes. Cassandra's Cup tea room is across the road.

Heritage steam railway running ten miles through the Hampshire countryside between Alresford and Alton — named for the watercress once shipped to London on these rails, now a 'Freedom of the Line' day of vintage carriages.

Finish at Alresford station for a late-afternoon steam run to Alton and back. Hop off at Ropley to see engines being restored. Last trains usually around 5pm.