Both King Alfred and King Arthur's names begin with the same letter and they did live a long time ago.

However, that will come as little consolation to weary travellers lured to Hampshire on a wild goose chase.

Customers are being tempted to stay at the Royal Hotel in Winchester on a two-night "King Arthur Package".

Guests will have the chance to relax at the three-star 75-bedroom hotel, enjoy two free tickets to the new King Arthur blockbuster film and a guided tour of the city, reputed by some to be his legendary capital.

The walk will take in Arthur's Round Table in the Great Hall and, according to publicity, "the statue of King Arthur".

But anyone on the guided tour in for a long walk.

It could almost become a modern-day quest the Holy Grail.

For there is statue of King Arthur Winchester.

The hotel's public relations firm eager to extol the virtues of the package seem to have confused Arthur with the city's more high-profile king, Alfred, who does have a statue in honour.

John Cotter, sales and marketing director of Marston Hotels, which owns the Royal, said: "It was over-exuberance on the part of our PR company.

They knew of the Round Table and then research found a statue and they assumed was Arthur, not Alfred.

"Initially I hit the roof but now people talking about us and helping to Winchester on the map.

We are getting lots inquiries."

If the prospect of an Arthurian adventure is of interest, time is running out.

The break costs £56.50 per person per night and is available until August 13.

Meanwhile, Arthur scholars from around the world are meeting in Winchester for conference on the king.

Opened by self-styled Hampshire druid Arthur Pendragon the conference lasts until Friday.

More than 50 speakers at University College Winchester will reflect on the impact of the Arthurian legend.