The Isle Of Wight – The Pearl Of The Uk’S Islands

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: This morning we make our way to Portsmouth to catch our ferry to Ryde and our hotel. 

Day 2: You may wish to relax at our hotel today or perhaps join us on our optional excursion to Carisbrooke Castle. Carisbrooke Castle sits high and proud in the heart of the Isle of Wight, located in the village of Carisbrooke, near Newport. The Castle is a great fortress that began life as an Anglo-Saxon earthwork defence against Viking raids. Charles I was imprisoned at Carisbrooke in the months leading up to his trial, after his Civil War defeat. Take a moment to experience the beauty and tranquillity of St Nicholas' chapel, built in 1904 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the king’s execution. You will be able to find Charles I memorabilia along with a treasury of objects illustrating the history of the island in the Carisbrooke Castle Museum.  The castle’s best-known modern residents are the much-loved Carisbrooke donkeys who have been drawing up water in the well-house for hundreds of years. Watch daily demonstrations of them working the treadwheel, meet them in their stables and hear more about their story in a film hosted by Jupiter the cartoon donkey, voiced by locally raised comedian Phil Jupitus. If you decide to spend the day at leisure, Ryde has so much to offer and all within walking distance of our hotel. The seafront is perhaps its crowning glory with miles of gorgeous sand, an abundance of attractions and a seawall path taking you past lovely cafes and restaurants. If a spot of shopping beckons then Union Street is perfect with its charming independent shops and superb bars, while the Royal Victoria Arcade is ideal for browsing quirky bargains. 

Day 3: Our excursion today will take us on a tour of this beautiful island. Our tour will include Shanklin Old Village where you will see some of the oldest dwellings on the island and Shanklin Chine; the stunning tree lined gorge cutting its way from the Old Village to the sandy beach and esplanade far below. Our tour would not be complete without a visit to Alum Bay famous for its coloured sand and the iconic landmark of The Needles as well as Godsill, with its delightful medieval church, charming thatched-roofed cottages and a winding main-street lined with traditional tearooms. During our tour we will stop at Isle of Wight Pearl. The historic Brighstone venue is home to an unmissable collection of pearl jewellery, spectacular cliff-top views over the English Channel, a butterfly meadow and a welcoming cafe. 

Day 4: Today, our excursion takes us to East Cowes and Queen Victoria’s summer home, Osborne House. Reflecting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s passions, tastes and style. Ornate furnishings and artefacts from The Royal Collection fill rooms and corridors where Victoria entertained heads of state, inventors, princes and princesses and ruled the vast British Empire. Complementing the magnificent Italianate ‘royal palace by the sea’, are gardens and grounds filled with breathtaking views. A place to relax and discover seasonal colour throughout the year. The ornate terrace gardens are a riot of tulips in spring and the mild Mediterranean climate allows stunning bedding displays in summer.

Day 5:  After breakfast, we say goodbye to this picturesque island and begin our journey home.

Royal Esplanade Hotel Ryde, Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight

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Accommodation

Royal Esplanade Hotel Ryde, Isle of Wight

The traditional, Victorian Royal Esplanade Hotel is located in a superb location, close to the promenade in the heart of the lively resort of Ryde, and just a short walk from the town centre. The restaurant and bar offer attractive décor and comfortable seating areas. There is a large entertainment lounge and a rear outdoor terrace.

All rooms are en-suite with TV, tea & coffee making facilities and hairdryer. There is a lift at the hotel.

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