DEPARTURE DAY
A leisurely drive to the south coast of Hampshire. We set sail from Southampton for a scenic crossing of the Solent to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Our first taste of the Island as we make our way to our hotel.
THE NEEDLES at Alum Bay
A tour along the South Coast to the Needles at Alum Bay. Needles Park has a chairlift to the beach (ticket price not included), from which you can see the famous coloured sands, Needles rocks and lighthouse. We continue on through Freshwater to Yarmouth with its castle built by King Henry VIII (entrance not included).
OSBORNE HOUSE
Entrance to magnificent Osborne House, holiday home of Queen Victoria, preserved much as it was when the Queen died there in 1901. Visit the palatial staterooms, gardens and private beach.
NEWPORT and GODSHILL
Off to Newport. Lots to see, including excellent shopping, ancient inns, the harbour, Carrisbrook Village. Returning, we call into the island’s most picturesque village, Godshill, with its thatched cottages and hill-top church - an ideal stop for a cream tea.
SHANKLIN
Shanklin is one of the oldest resorts on the island, famous for its natural springs. Shanklin Old Village boasts picturesque craft and gift shop cottages clustered around the thatched Crab Inn. Shanklin’s public parks and gardens are a delight to visit. Tower Gardens and Rylstone Gardens run alongside the Chine (a dramatic fissure in the rock where a 45 ft waterfall cascades through boulders and ferns to the shore).
RETURN DAY
We take the morning crossing back to Southampton, cruising past Portsmouth, and return home for late afternoon.