Mottistone Gardens & Isle of Wight Pearl
We enjoy a Round the Island tour, and break for lunch at Isle of Wight Pearl. Situated on the stunning south west coast of the island, Isle of Wight Pearl holds the largest selection of pearl jewellery in the UK.
In the afternoon, we visit Mottistone Gardens (National Trust, admission extra). Set in a sheltered valley this magical garden is full of surprises, with shrub-filled banks, hidden pathways and colourful herbaceous borders.
Surrounding an attractive Elizabethan manor house this 20th-century garden is experimenting with a Mediterranean-style planting scheme to take advantage of its southerly location.
West Wight
We break for coffee at Dimbola Lodge in Freshwater Bay, home of the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron.
We break for lunch in the picturesque yachting haven of Yarmouth.
We also visit Fort Victoria which has great views over the Solent.
Godshill & The Donkey Sanctuary
Morning visit to the Isle of Wight donkey Sanctuary which cares for about 90 animals at any one time, each with its own unique story, but all have one thing in common – they need a home.
We enjoy a lunch break in picturesque Godshill, before returning to attractive shanklin for some free time to explore.
Osborne House
On our return journey, we visit Osborne House (English Heritage, admission extra) the beloved seaside retreat of Queen Victoria.
The Royal Apartments are full of treasured mementoes persevered almost unaltered since her death in 1901.
The 3* Bourne Hall Country Hotel, Shanklin
Reputedly built in 1860 for one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, this superb country hotel has retained its period features and sense of history.
Uniquely located on an elevated position at the foot of Luccombe Downs, the hotel benefits from both countryside and coastal vistas, but is only a few minutes’ walk from Shanklin Old Village.
Premium rooms and suites available at a supplement (please ask at the time of booking). No lift and some stairs.