Isle of Wight - The Diamond Isle 2

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 Depart from your home area travelling to the Isle of Wight, crossing via ferry, arriving late afternoon at The Channel View Hotel-Shanklin. 4 night's stay-dinner bed and breakfast.

Day 2 This morning we travel to Cowes, best known as the world's premier yachting centre and the islands main port with natural harbour. From here we travel the short distance to Osbourne House, Queen Victoria's palace by the sea. Look out for Victoria's opulence, extravagant interiors and jaw-dropping Indian décor in the Durbar Room. Osbourne was built as a family home and as you walk through the Queens bedroom, the nursery rooms and even royal bathrooms, you get an intimate glimpse into royal family life.

Day 3 This morning we head to Godshill, one of the most photographed and prettiest villages on the Island. Afternoon free to explore Shanklin. The hotel is close to Shanklin Chine a gorge with rare plants and delightful waterfalls that leads down to the esplanade, alternatively you could use the Cliff lift to take you up. A nice place to sit is Rylstone Gardens with daily events at the bandstand. Old Shanklin is worth a visit with its lovely old thatched buildings housing quaint little shops and tea rooms.

Day 4 Today we head to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a return journey on-board through the pretty countryside. From here we head on to the seaside resort of Ryde where you can obtain lunch. We return to the hotel via the coastal town of Bembridge, and its famous windmill.

Day 5 We leave the hotel after breakfast and head back to Fishbourne for the mid morning ferry. We make a stop in Winchester on the return journey (time permitting) and arrive back early evening.