Isle Of Wight & Osborne House – Turkey & Tinsel At The Medehamstede Hotel

Itinerary

What's Included?

Includes

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• 4 nights at a selected hotel on the Isle of Wight (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast (includes traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner)
• Mince pies & coffee/tea on one afternoon
• Entertainment some evenings
• Excursions to Ventnor, Alum Bay, Yarmouth, Newport, Osborne House, Cowes & Ryde

Itinerary

Day 1

After joining the coach, we cross over on the ferry and make our way to our hotel.

Day 2 – Island Highlights

Our fabulous Island Highlights tour takes us to many of the island’s famous sights. We visit Ventnor, a lovely resort built on a series of terraces and Alum Bay to admire the multi-coloured cliffs and famous chalky outcrop, The Needles. We also visit the historic port town of Yarmouth, which contains some of the island's oldest architecture, including a 16^th-century castle. We continue to Newport, regarded as the capital of the Isle of Wight, with a historic quayside and a selection of independent shops.

Day 3 – Osborne House & Cowes

Today we have the chance to explore Queen Victoria’s one-time residence on the island, Osborne House at this most magical time. Enjoy the many decorations throughout the house and see what a royal Christmas was like during Victorian times. Built as a holiday home and rural retreat in the late 1840s, the Italianate palace reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s tastes and boasts spectacular views across the Solent. It is no wonder that Victoria herself once said, ‘it’s impossible to imagine a prettier spot.’

Afterwards, we head to Cowes, a vibrant and sophisticated resort home to the world-famous regatta that swells the local population each August. Enjoy a stroll along the seafront, browse the boutique shops, or admire many of the town’s ornate buildings which date from Queen Victoria’s time, in the style popularised by Prince Albert.

Day 4 – Ryde

We make our way to Ryde, with its stunning gardens, eclectic mix of shops and England’s oldest pier. Take a moment to watch the many boats moored in the town’s bustling harbour or stroll across Appley Beach’s fine golden sand.

Day 5

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head home.

Isle of Wight

With a wonderful mild climate, shimmering waters and sixty miles of award-winning sandy beaches, the Isle of Wight has been a favourite coach holiday destination for generations.

Discover the incredible range of things to do for all ages and interests, from seaside towns and enchanting villages to fun-packed theme parks and magnificent heritage sites including Queen Victoria’s favourite retreat, Osborne House, with spectacular grounds and sumptuous royal apartments. Or how about climbing aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for great views around the island?

Isle of Wight Carousel

Accommodation

Hotel

Medehamstede Hotel, Shanklin

JG2 rating

The family-run Medehamstede Hotel is situated in the coastal town of Shanklin. Set within spacious, well-kept gardens, the Victorian building has plenty of character.

Please note: The Medehamstede Hotel has no lift but has some ground floor rooms (with a few steps to navigate).

Hotel Rating

JG2 rating

Hotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.