Just off England’s south coast lies the Isle of Wight surrounded by a stunning coastline and a wealth of heritage. We explore this lovely island on our short luxury coach break to discover its picturesque villages, spectacular scenery and royal heritage, all combining to make a wonderful destination in the Spring.
Top of the list is Osborne House, the beautiful Italianate home beloved of Queen Victoria. Not to be missed is a tour of this beautiful island taking in the spectacular coastline including marvellous views of the famous Needles rocks.
The historic port town of Yarmouth has many interesting sights and lovely cobbled streets. Take a ride on the Isle of Wight Steam railway through the unspoilt countryside before exploring Shanklin, a traditional English seaside resort with beautiful beach and esplanade.
This morning we will make our way down to the south coast to Portsmouth to board the ferry and make the short crossing over the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
En route to our hotel at Shanklin we will visit Quarr Abbey. This working monastery is home to a small group of monks who welcome visitors to experience the peace and calm of life here whilst enjoying the visitor centre, walled gardens, orchards, woodland walks and farm. The original abbey ruins are still visible near the sea. The monks grow enough produce to support themselves, the café and the farm shop.
Today we enjoy a coach tour of this beautiful island, most of which is an area of outstanding natural beauty, taking in the stunning coastline and rural scenery as well as picturesque villages and vibrant towns. The tour will include Alum Bay and the famous Needles, the 3 huge white chalk rocks guarded by a 19th century lighthouse and accessed by a chairlift down to the bay, where you can see the famous coloured sands.
Historic Yarmouth is included on the island tour, located on the opposite side of the island to our hotel in Shanklin. Yarmouth is a charming little port and harbour town with cobbled streets and many independent shops and cafés waiting to be explored. It is guarded by a Tudor castle overlooking the pier. There is a model railway centre here too.
A lovely day visiting Ryde, not only the main port on the island but also a hilly seaside town with Appley beach and stone tower visible from Portsmouth. Its architecture harks back to Victorian times and there is even a postcard museum displaying postcards of days gone by.
We also take a relaxing ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway where you can enjoy travelling through the unspoilt countryside on a majestic steam train in beautifully restored vintage carriages.
We return to our hotel with time to walk to the thatched cottages of Shanklin Old Village before making your way to the town and then by lift to the esplanade seafront with glorious views of the beach and Sandown bay or visit Shanklin Chine, a leafy and tranquil gorge with winding paths and waterfalls.
A real treat today as we visit Osborne House, beloved royal seaside retreat of Queen Victoria. This palatial Italianate villa is set at the centre of a vast coastal estate which was inspired by visits to the Bay of Naples by Prince Albert. Queen Victoria was so impressed by the beauty of the area that they chose to raise their family here and you will see the private family apartments as well as the state rooms in all their ornate glory.
Step outside onto the garden terraces to admire the beautiful flowers and views before taking a walk in the gardens and down to the private bathing beach. There are several refreshment opportunities as well as shops, a museum and an exhibition space.
After breakfast we must leave our hotel and the Isle of Wight, taking the return ferry from to Portsmouth, where we will make a stop to visit Gunwharf Quays. Time for a bit of retail therapy in the excellent shopping village which has over 90 premium retail outlet stores as well as a variety of refreshment options all overlooking the Solent. From here we continue our homeward journey arriving back around tea-time.
This beautiful Victorian country house was originally built for one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting and is now an elegant family-run 3* hotel set in its own mature grounds.
The hotel retains some original Victorian features whilst offering contemporary accommodation and facilities. Enjoy rural and coastal views across Sandown and Shanklin Bay, only a few minutes’ walk from Shanklin old village. The comfortable double and twin bedrooms are located in the Albert and Beatrice wings of the hotel offering en-suite bath or shower, beverage tray, TV, radio alarm clock, hairdryer and telephone.
Locally sourced seasonal fare is served in the stylish restaurant which caters for all dietary requirements. The leisure facilities include both indoor and outdoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna as well as a beauty room. No lift but there are 3 ground floor rooms, subject to availability.