Holidays 2027
Departs: Sunday 17th October 2027 | 7 Days
Victoria's Beautiful Island
Tour Price: £699.00 per person
Your Holiday Centre
The Victorians adopted the Isle of Wight as a holiday island, and tourism has been its bread and butter ever since. The high chalk downs and famous chines, or clefts, along the south coast appealed to the Victorians sense of picturesque; and the resorts they built have given the island a lasting appeal for lovers of Victorian architecture. The fortifications of the Isle of Wight provide a historic insight into the island's strategic role throughout history. Carisbrooke Castle dates from Norman times and brings history alive to many thousands of visitors each year. Shanklin is located on the east side of the island and has a lift that takes you down to the sheltered sands and pier. The old village has one of the prettiest inns on the island, The Crab Hotel.
Tour Inclusions
- All coach travel
- Ferries
- 6 nights half-board
- Excursions
- Entrance to Osborne House
- Entrance to Carisbrooke Castle
- Entrance to Wildheart Sanctuary
- Steam railway
- Entertainment
- Courier escorted
Special Notes
- Insurance.
- Please inform us of any special dietary needs e.g: diabetic, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.
- Special requests are put forward to the hotel, and they will do their utmost to accommodate your needs.
- All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities.
- The itinerary could be subject to change.
Tour Price
- Price Per Person
- £699.00
Single Room Supplement: £60.00
(double/twin for sole use)
Your Accommodation
Shanklin Hotel
Clarendon Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight.
Tel: 01983 862286.
Situated in a premier location within Shanklin town, the Shanklin Hotel has a well-deserved reputation for always delivering high standards in service and hospitality.
The Starlight Restaurant boasts panoramic views across the sweep of the bay and is recognised for producing high quality food that uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The bars, lounges and restaurant all enjoy panoramic views, making for the ideal place to relax and perhaps plan your exploration of the island.
The hotel has 90 bedrooms, all with bath or shower en-suite and all have direct dial telephones, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
The hotel has a heated indoor swimming pool, spa pool, sauna and gym.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Local Area
Step aboard your luxury coach as you start your journey to Portsmouth and the ferry to the Isle of Wight. We will have a comfort stop en-route for lunch. We arrive at Portsmouth for the short crossing to Fishbourne, where we continue our journey to Shanklin and the Shanklin Hotel where we will spend the next six nights' half-board. Time to relax before dinner.
Day 2: Island Tour
Departing after breakfast, we enjoy a full day's scenic tour of the southern part of the island, taking in places like Ventnor and Black Gang Chine. Continuing along the Military Road, we will have a comfort stop at the Isle of Wight Pearl where you can have a look around the famous pearl shop and have a morning cuppa. From here we travel along the Military Road to Freshwater Bay. Later we will see the Needles and the multi-coloured cliffs of Alum Bay. We continue to Yarmouth, where we will have time for a break. We then make our way back via the 13th century Carisbrooke Castle, picturesquely situated on a hill, long the seat of authority on the island. We will visit the castle in detail on day 5. Then to Shanklin where you will have time to relax before dinner.
Day 3: Osborne House
After breakfast we travel north towards Cowes for a spectacular visit to Osborne House. It's no surprise that Osborne House was Queen Victoria's favourite retreat. Set in magnificent grounds overlooking the Solent, this beautiful stately home promises a fantastic trip out. Trace the footsteps of one of Britain's most popular monarchs as you wander through the terrace gardens, and marvel at the sumptuous interiors and furnishings. Time for lunch in the cafe before returning to the hotel. Time for a rest or maybe a stroll along the promenade before dinner.
Day 4: Steam Railway Journey
Take a ride behind one of the vintage steam locomotives for a special journey back in time. Breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway and experience the sights and sounds of the steam engine puffing and hissing into life. Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and enjoy a unique view of some of the island's unspoilt countryside. A journey on the multi-award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway is an unforgettable experience.
Day 5: Carisbrooke Castle
After breakfast we travel towards the centre of the island to Carisbrooke Castle. The castle is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned. You can still play bowls on the very green that Charles used. For a castle that has lived through more than 800 years of service, including resisting a siege by the French and seeing off the Spanish Armada, it's also wonderfully well preserved. The new Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden is a joy to explore. For hundreds of years the castle's resident donkeys have drawn up water in the well-house. All the donkeys' names begin with the letter 'J'. This tradition started when Charles I was a prisoner at the castle. Whenever Charles I wrote letters, or was planning his escape route, he always signed his letters with a 'J'. So for 150 years all the donkeys at the castle have had a name beginning with 'J'. This is a tradition that continues to be upheld! We return via the picturesque old village of Godshill. A beautiful village full of charm, thatched cottages and legends, with its early 15th century church built high above the town (the church is a steep climb). Returning to the hotel.
Day 6: Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Today we visit Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals that have been rescued from suffering and sea. You will see lions, tigers, lynx, lemurs, monkeys, wallabies, reptiles, farmyard animals and many more species from around the world. Their latest arrivals are two European brown bears who were rescued from Azerbaijan. Benji & Balu, both brothers lived a life of misery as restaurant bears. Here they will learn how to be bears again.
Day 7: Depart Shanklin
A leisurely breakfast will be served from 8am. After breakfast we bid a fond farewell to our hosts at the Shanklin Hotel, we retrace our steps back to Fishbourne and the ferry to Portsmouth. Travelling back, we will have a break at the beautiful town of Winchester. After our lunch we return back to our local area, arriving home late afternoon/early evening.