Isle of Wight
6 day Holiday - Wednesday 24th June 2026
Highlights...
- Osborne House
- Carisbrooke Castle
- The Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Welcome to the Isle of Wight, a small but historically rich island separated from the mainland county of Hampshire by the Solent, a narrow stretch of sea. The Isle of Wight offers a refined blend of history, heritage, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy culture at a relaxed pace. The Island enjoys a mild climate and a strategic position that has shaped its long and varied history. Human settlement on the Isle of Wight dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence from the Stone and Bronze Ages. The Romans occupied the Island in the 1st century AD, leaving behind villas and roads that reflect its importance within Roman Britain. After the Roman withdrawal, the Island was settled by Anglo-Saxons and later became part of the Kingdom of Wessex.
In the Victorian era, the Isle of Wight gained prominence as a fashionable retreat when Queen Victoria made Osborne House her family home. This elegant estate provides a fascinating insight into royal family life, with beautifully preserved interiors and tranquil gardens overlooking the Solent. This royal association brought prestige and encouraged tourism, which continues to be an important part of Island life today.
At the heart of the Island stands Carisbrooke Castle, a medieval fortress with over 1,000 years of history. Once a royal stronghold and later the place of imprisonment of King Charles I, the castle offers panoramic views and a powerful sense of the Island’s strategic importance.
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No visit is complete without seeing The Needles—three striking chalk stacks rising dramatically from the sea at the western tip of the Island. This iconic natural feature perfectly captures the Isle of Wight’s timeless appeal. Rich in history yet wonderfully unhurried, the Isle of Wight invites you to explore, reflect, and enjoy.
Did you know ?
The island played a key role in planning and training for D-Day. Troops were stationed there, and beaches were used for practice landings before the Normandy invasion
Lakeside Park Hotel & Spa β
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We will be staying at the 4-Star Lakeside Park Hotel and Spa, situated in Ryde. This luxury hotel is located in an Isle of Wight designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, set beside a 20 -acre tidal lake, with 17 acres of countryside. Enjoy the quiet, relaxing countryside surroundings with its ever-changing spectacular views of the lake and all its wildlife. The comfortable bedrooms are all en-suite, and have: contemporary décor, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi access, TV, telephone, personal room safe, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. There are a limited number of fully accessible bathrooms subject to availability. The hotel offers leisure activities, which include a 10-meter indoor pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. The hotel also has one of the best spas on the island offering health and beauty treatments (hotel guests receive a 10% discount). The Brasserie Restaurant has been designed to offer a relaxing mood and reflect the natural surroundings. It has views overlooking the stunning and picturesque lake. The menus offer fresh food that is prepared featuring some of the very best island produce. The three- course dinner each evening includes two glasses of house wine or soft drinks. e
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 24th June
Arriving by door-to-door car at The Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross, you will be greeted by your tour manager who will be with you throughout the holiday. Lunch, along with tea and coffee will be available before we board the coach. We will then commence our journey to Portsmouth ferry terminal, for the ferry crossing to The Isle of Wight. Upon arrival at the hotel your tour manager will assist with check-in, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before the evening meal.
Meet our Blue Badge Guide
Jackie Parry is an experienced Blue Badge guide based in Portsmouth. Fluent in French and German with a Masters in Regional and Local History and Archaeology, she is also co- author of the Foxglove Guide to the Isle of Wight. The island is her favourite destination, and she loves showing visitors all that it has to offer and hopes that they will share her enthusiasm.
Day 2 – Thursday 25th June
This morning we will be meeting our Blue Badge Guide Jackie Parry, who will be with us for the next 3 days. We depart for a guided tour of Quarr Abbey, a monastery run by a small group of Benedictine monks devoting their lives to god. The ancient Abbey of Quarr was founded in 1132 by Baldwin de Redvers, who later became Lord of the Island. After lunch, we will board one of the steam trains for a return trip from Havenstreet station, taking in Wootton and Smallbrook Junction, to enjoy the island’s stunning countryside. We will then take a short trip to the picturesque village of Godshill, home to a medieval church and charming thatched cottages.
Day 3 – Friday 26th June
Today we will be heading to Ventnor Botanic Gardens via a panoramic coach journey, taking in views of the Downs, Sandown and Shanklin. Our guided tour of the gardens will allow us to enjoy the colourful blooms, stunning scenery and extensive subtropical and exotic plant collection. A light lunch will be served at The White Pearl, where you will have the chance to explore their flagship show room and explore unique replicas-including a beautiful recreation of Princess Diana's iconic pearl dress. We will then be departing for the Needles and Yarmouth, with a photo opportunity at Alum Bay before returning to the hotel.
Day 4 – Saturday 27th June
Once again in the company of Jackie Parry, we will be visiting Brading Roman Villa. It is one of the finest sites in the UK offering a unique insight into Roman life in Britain, from beautifully preserved mosaic floors to an extensive selection of Roman archaeology. We will be taking lunch and a tour of The Donkey Sanctuary, learning all about these gentle creatures, before departing for Carisbrooke Castle. The famous 12th century castle where Charles I was imprisoned after his defeat in the English Civil War, and was also the home of Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter; Princess Beatrice. This will be a self-led visit and give you the opportunity to enjoy the museum in the Castle’s Great Hall and the tranquillity of the Chapel with its lovely altar painting.
Day 5 – Sunday 28th June
After breakfast, we will be spending the day at Osborne House for a self-led tour, to gain an unforgettable glimpse into the private family life of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. From sumptuous interiors and art collections inside, to a peaceful beach and marvellous gardens outside, a day out at Osborne has something for everyone. Explore Osborne’s vast grounds, follow the interactive tree trail and find the unusual Swiss Cottage, where the royal children played, gardened, cooked and collected unusual objects in their own private museum. Victoria and Albert bought and built Osborne to fulfil the Queen’s desire for a ‘place of one’s own – quiet and retired’. Its dazzling interiors, art collection, gardens and grounds reflect their personal passions, taste and style.
Day 6 – Monday 29th June
After breakfast and check out, assisted by your Tour Manager, we set off to the ferry terminal to board our ferry. On arrival in Portsmouth, we will head straight to The Bull Hotel where you will be able to enjoy your two-course farewell lunch before door to door chauffeur cars will take you home.
Total Price of the Holiday: £3,075 per person
Deposit: £300
Balance due:
26th March 2026
Whats Included:
- Return door to door car service
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- Ferry crossing from Portsmouth
- 5 nights at the 4-Star Lakeside Hotel & Spa
- 3-course dinner with two glasses of wine every night
- Full English or continental breakfast every morning
- Light lunch with coffee or tea on five days
- Farewell 2 course lunch on last day
- Blue Badge Guide on 3 days
- Admission/talks/tours at all properties visited:
β Ventnor Botanic Gardens
β TheNeedles
β Yarmouth
β QuarrAbbey
β HavenstreetSteamRailway
β Brading Roman Villa
β DonkeySanctuary
β CarisbrookeCastle
β Osbourne House
β Signed copy of Isle of Wight guide book - Gratuities
- The services of your Tour manager throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
Room Upgrade: Upgrade to an Lake view room for an extra £450
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
