tidy

i figured that

ChgoGal

HI, tidy. Not an expert on winter in England at all, so others will know better. (Also, maybe check out the tripadvisor forum, too, which has a lot of activity and advice.)

RE: Portsmouth/Isle of Wight
If you are a history buff, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is wonderful. For 19th century history, my tour of the HMS Victory was an amazing experience. However, the tour brings you into the lower decks, and has steep steps and lower ceilings. If there are any mobility challenges or if anyone is somewhat claustrophobia, you may not enjoy the tour. While in Portsmouth, there is a small shopping area by the Spinnaker Tower, which was nice to pick up int'l. clothes for my niece/nephew.

It might be interesting to take the ferry to the Isle of Wight (Fishbourne Port for foot passengers, then bus to Cowes; or Ryde for car) to visit Osborne, Queen Victoria's summer home. The house is wonderful, the gardens are especially gorgeous but in winter, obviously a different experience. Though the fountains and the design may still be beautiful to see. The walk down to the Victoria's beach is great to stretch your legs, though the beach itself nothing special. I believe bits of the film, Victoria and Abdul, were filmed there.

Not sure about staying a longer time on the Isle of Wight, but if you consider it, I'd stayed in the west (Freshwater), and enjoyed my hike on the Tennyson trail to see the Needles. The Dimbola Museum is also there, the former home of photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. I'd stayed in wonderful Weston Manor, but not sure if they have bookings in January. If the temps are around 45-50 degrees, and not rainy, that's not terrible for short hikes if dressed correctly.
Have fun planning!

bilboburgler

like Cornwall i'd only go "the Wight" in the winter if I didn't mind getting wet. It shouldn't be too cold. But really, no don't go. For example WInchester or Salisbury Cathedral are better visits with nice old medievel town structures around.

thursdaysd

Arundel is closed for the winter, but Fishbourne says that it's open, as is Chichester Cathedral. Lewes Castle was someone else, I've never been. Still, there is no certainty as to what will be open anywhere in January, depending on Covid.

tidy

you all have been terrific! I have a draft itinerary set and will check on site opening again in a few weeks. wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate and a blessed holiday season. Stay safe!

northie

We've done a trip out of London staying at Dorchester, Exeter and Penzance with 5 children in January. We did find it enjoyable even though it was winter.
The children were from 11 down and we found lots to see. It was the only time we could meet our friends who were working at Oxford so if you have to you have to.
The children did say "not another bloody church ".

annhig

Thanks, Tidy. You too. and good luck with the planning. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.