Offices
Founded in 1986 by the husband and wife team Lynette Arblaster and Tim Clarke, Arblaster & Clarke are now recognised as the world’s number one provider of specialist wine tours. We are sometimes called a ‘boutique tour operator’, we remain small and independent, with a firm commitment to the provision of the highest quality wine tours available.
Ever since we started Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours we have been based in this lovely corner of East Hampshire, now part of the South Downs National Park. For the first few years we were based in the ‘Arts & Crafts’ village of Steep in the beautiful and historic Tudor house ‘Restalls’. It has its own section the Arts & Crafts movement’s bible, “Small English County Houses of Today” as the only restoration featured in the book. (published circa 1905). Steep is also famous for Bedales school and the classic English country pub ‘The Harrow’.
Our old office was in the village of West Liss where we were based for some 10 years. These dated back at least 200 years, and possibly to the late medieval period. West Liss too has its old country pub, ‘The Spread Eagle’.
Our new office, Cedar Court, is located in the market town of Petersfield, just a short walk away from the High Street. After some redecoration (and a few rugs spread around for Clovis to feel at home), we are now settled in. We have more space in this office, however we occupy only part of the building on the first floor.
The site has been associated with tour operating for many years and the specialist division of a large tour operator was based here. Prior to our purchase it was called ‘Meon House’. The name of course had to be changed. The original name of the old Georgian house was ‘Cedarcote’ – hence ‘Cedar Court’. Part of the building is listed as a building of historic importance grade 2. The Cedar of Lebanon in the garden is listed too.
You are welcome to come and visit us, but please check that the person you want to see will be available and not off winetouring!
Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours
Cedar Court
5 College Street
Petersfield
Hampshire, GU31 4AE
We really believe holidays are important, and strive to give you a pleasurable experience from the moment you first call us. Our full-time ‘in house team’ (pictured above, there are more staff in Marketing and Accounts) are experts in the areas they manage and share a passion for great wine and food – wherever it is to be found.
If you choose to book your holiday with us, you come face to face with the people who personally put together every aspect of the holiday. It is likely that the person who answers the phone, will have set up the tour, know the hotels, have tasted the wines, written the itinerary and then joins you on the tour.
To find us
Petersfield is in Hampshire and just off the A3, the main London – Portsmouth road.
By Road: From London follow the A3 signposted Portsmouth. On route you will pass through Surrey, by-passing Guildford before the Devils Punch Bowl at Hindhead. Continue along the A3 signposted Portsmouth, Petersfield.
At the only roundabout on the A3 take the 2nd exit straight ahead and continue along the A3 towards Petersfield. Several miles on from here, at the sign post for Midhurst/Petersfield exit onto the slip road. You will have joined the A272.
At the roundabout take the first turning off – to Petersfield on the B2070. You will pass Churchers College on your left before joining a one way system. Continue on the one way system taking the right hand lane and following the road round to the right.
On your left you will see the ‘White Hart’ pub. Arblaster and Clarke Wine Tour offices are directly opposite. There is a giant Cedar tree right out the front. – You can’t miss us! If you get to the ‘Good Intent’, you’ve gone to far – turn right and go round the one-way system again!
You can park your car around the back in our visitors car parking space. To get to the car park take the first small right hand turn alongside the building. If you miss this turning don’t worry follow the one way system round to the right (like a roundabout) and you will soon be back where you started.
The journey from London should take a little over one hour. If our car park is full please use the Waitrose car park opposite us or the Old Town Hall car park. Both are only a couple of minutes walk away.
By Train: We are just over an hour from London. Take a train from Waterloo on the Portsmouth Harbour line which runs every 15 mins and all trains stop at Petersfield.
When you arrive, walk straight out of the ticket office, across the road (mini roundabout) and carry straight down Lavant Street, you will need to go straight over at the crossroads to the bottom of the street, where there is a T junction. Cross the road and turn left. Soon after turn right into Waitrose car park. Walk straight through the car park heading towards the exit over the other side (ignoring the left turning) onto College Street. Immediately in front of you is Cedar Court (with the purple A&C sign on the front of the building).
Walking from Petersfield Station takes approximately 10 minutes.
