Blooming Beautiful Gardens of the Isle of Wight

7 Days
TBC
From Only £1,199.00
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Overview

Lovingly known as the 'Garden Isle', the Isle of Wight is celebrated for its beautiful countryside and quintessentially English rolling landscape. Stay in the vibrant seaside town of Ryde and explore this wonderful island and its lush gardens on our relaxing holiday.

Includes

  • Return Optimum coach travel
  • Return ferry sailings
  • Escorted by a Skills Holiday Host
  • 6 nights half board
  • Excursions to Ventnor, Ryde, The Needles, Yarmouth, Quarr Abbey & Cowes
  • Guided tour of Ventnor Botanical Gardens
  • Admission into Osborne House
  • Free time in Ryde

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Today, we travel south before crossing the Solent by ferry, arriving at our hotel later today.

One of the UK's original seaside destinations and much loved by Queen Victoria, explore Ryde in your free time this morning. You'll find a quirky mix of traditional seaside fun, home to long stretches of sandy beaches and a thriving, independent shopping scene. Later, we visit the Benedictine monastery of Quarr Abbey. Situated in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Quarr is home to a small group of Benedictine monks who strive to dedicate their lives to the glory of God. Feel free to explore the church, wander around the tranquil grounds and gardens, visit the art gallery or browse the bookshop for light historical reading.

This morning, we visit far east of the island with a visit to the small town of Yarmouth, a historic port with a pretty marina. Sitting at the mouth of the River Yar, you'll find a sixteenth-century castle alongside some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight. Afterwards, we will take you to the iconic Needles at Alum Bay, renowned for its multi-coloured sand cliffs and stunning Solent views. Today's final stop is the nearby Farringford House and Gardens, the home of the renowned poet Lord Albert Tennyson from 1853 until his death in 1892, where you'll be free to explore this lovingly restored Gothic house and its tranquil estate.

A full day at leisure in your vibrant resort of Ryde, the Isle of Wight's largest town. Enjoy the traditional seaside charm, from its long stretches of sandy beach to its independent shops and cafés. Ryde also boasts a quirky musical claim to fame; it is widely believed that The Beatles' hit "Ticket to Ride" was inspired by a visit Paul McCartney and John Lennon made here in the early 1960s.

Welcome to Ventnor, one of Britain's most famous Victorian health resorts with a unique micro-climate. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the famous Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Found just a short distance from the seafront, this unique garden is unrivalled for its collections of subtropical plants, including its impressive collection of succulents and cacti, flowering aloes and mature palm trees. We return via a visit to the picture-postcard village of Godshill.

Our final full day excursion takes us to the sailing destination of Cowes and Queen Victoria's Osborne House seaside palace, where she often visited with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children. Take an intimate glimpse into Queen Victoria's family life as you tour the nursery and private rooms of the Royal couple. Marvel at the magnificence of the Royal Apartments, stroll around the magnificent formal gardens and step out onto Queen Victoria's private beach (a pleasant 20-minute stroll from the palace).

After breakfast, we travel home by ferry and road.

The Royal Esplanade Hotel 3* (Ryde)

 

 

Overlooking the Solent on Ryde’s seafront, this charming Victorian hotel is ideally located opposite the Hovercraft terminal and just a short walk from the beach, shops and town centre. The hotel features a restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace, while many rooms offer sea views across the water. Its central location and excellent transport links make it a convenient base for exploring the Isle of Wight.

 

Hotel Facilities

  • Bar

  • Restaurant

  • Lift

  • WiFi

Pick-up Points

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name Address
Alfreton Bus Station, Hall Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BT
Arnold High Street Bus Stop, Outside Leisure Centre Car Park, Arnold, NG5 7EE
Beeston Lace Road, behind the Cricketers Pub Beeston, NG9 2LA
Bulwell Aldi (Bus Stop SW12), Sellers Wood Drive, Bulwell, NG6 8GE
Chesterfield Coach Station, Beckingham Way Chesterfield, S40 1TH
Derby Bus Station, Bay 27 & 28, Derby, DE1 2AY
Heanor Market Place, Wilmott Street (Market Square side) Heanor, DE75 7EG
Ilkeston Wharncliffe Rd, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5GF
Leicester St Margarets Bus Station, Stand SA, Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG
Leicester Fosse Park Leicester Fosse Park, Bus Stop, Fosse Park Avenue Next to ASDA (opposite petrol station), LE3 2LL
Long Eaton The Green, Outside The Butchers, Long Eaton, Notts, NG10 1HQ
Loughborough Amber Rooms, The Rushes Loughborough, LE11 5BE
Lutterworth George Street, Outside Wycliffe Rooms Lutterworth, LE17 4EG
Mansfield Fire Station Bus Stop, Rosemary Street Mansfield, NG19 6AA
Nottingham Mount Street, Alongside the Grosvenor Casino, Nottingham, NG1 6HE
Ripley Market Place, Express Stand Ripley, DE5 3FJ
Rotherham Interchange Bay C1/ C2, Frederick Street, Rotherham , S60 1QB
Sheffield Pond Hill, Opposite Penny Black Public House Sheffield, S1 2BG
Toton Tram Stop Park and Ride, Toton Lane Notts, NG9 7JA

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