Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight – only 23 miles long by 13 miles wide – is quite a world of its own, managing to crowd into its small surface area an entire realm of unspoilt English landscapes in miniature.

Friday 17th – Monday 20th May 2024

Tour Price £477.00
Single supplement: no extra charge

o Three nights dinner, bed and breakfast
o Three course menu
o Full English breakfast
o All coach travel
o All ferry crossings
o Journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
o Entrance to Osborne House
o Entrance to Ventnor Botanic Gardens
o Escorted throughout

DAY I We head off this morning for our ferry crossing from Southampton to East Cowes, and after arriving on the Island we head to The Garlic Farm, an award-winning family run farm in the Arreton Valley. The family have been growing garlic on the Isle of Wight for over 40 years, and you can explore their produce in the farm shop, which is a treasure trove of garlicky goodness and local delights, and maybe try a few samples as well. The on-site cafe and restaurant serve up dishes made with locally sourced Island ingredients – and it’s not all garlic based! You can also take a walk through the lovely farmland and learn about the history of the farm too. After time to explore the farm and surrounding area, we continue on to Shanklin with time to settle in to our hotel before dinner.

DAY 2 Today we take a panoramic tour of the island stopping at the Botanic Gardens for morning coffee. Set in 22 acres, with over 6,000 species of plants, shrubs and champion trees, this is a lovely place to explore. We then continue our scenic tour of the island, calling at Alum Bay, famous for its multi-coloured sand cliffs and stunning views across the Solent, and the historic harbour town of Yarmouth where you will have time to look around the lovely harbour, ancient church or picturesque pier before heading back to the hotel.

DAY 3 This morning we visit the former royal residence of Osborne House. Queen Victoria’s holiday home boasts graceful Italian-style architecture, stunning gardens and the curious charm of the children’s Alpine chalet and allotments. Explore this 19th century royal estate with its history and artwork – you will soon see why Queen Victoria described it as ‘paradise’. We then make our way back to Shanklin and enjoy time at leisure to explore this traditional British beach resort. Maybe stroll along the seafront and enjoy the golden sandy beaches, or check out the thatched buildings of the Old Village and browse the gift shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.

DAY 4 To start our last day on the Island, we visit Havenstreet Station to join the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a nostalgic 10 mile journey back in time through some lovely scenery. We then bid farewell to the Island and head back over to Southampton on the ferry to complete our homeward journey.