Take in the natural and historic highlights of the sunny Isle of Wight on this 3-day escorted group tour from London. Enjoy free time to explore the historic cities of Portsmouth and Winchester and see the place where the Magna Carta was signed by King John in 1215 at Runnymede. On the Isle of Wight, enjoy an included visit to the holiday home of Queen Victoria, Osborne House. Take in views of The Needles, watch the sunset over St Catherine's Down and see the historic Quarr Abbey.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Portsmouth & Isle of Wight ferry
London - Portsmouth - Isle of Wight. Setting off from London, we head south to the coastal city of Portsmouth. There's free time here to climb to the top of Spinnaker Tower for views of the city and the Isle of Wight. You could also follow the historic harbour trails or visit King Henry VIII's warship, the Mary Rose. After a few hours of sightseeing at your own pace, it's time to board the ferry for our crossing to the Isle of Wight. The journey takes less than an hour and you can enjoy drinks and snacks onboard.
Arriving on the Isle of Wight, our first visit is to Quarr Abbey, a beautiful building blending French, Byzantine and Moorish architecture and design. We then make our way to the small village of Shanklin, where the evening is at leisure.
Please note: Check-in closes at 09:00 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:15) - Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal London, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH.
Accommodation: Somerton Lodge B&B, Knights Rest B&B or similar
Overnight: Isle of Wight
Exploring the Isle of Wight
Today we are exploring the Isle of Wight. Departing after breakfast, our first stop is the Yarborough Monument. Celebrating the life of a wealthy earl from the 19th century, this is the tallest monument on the island. We also make a photo stop at Brading Downs, where endless green fields roll across the landscape.
Next we enjoy an included visit to the holiday home of one of England's most famous monarchs - Queen Victoria. She once said of Osborne House "it is harder to imagine a prettier spot" and you will find yourself agreeing with her as you explore the house and its pristine gardens. Built in an Italian style, Osborne House is equally as impressive on the inside, with golden rooms and historically important artefacts and furniture.
From the man-made to the natural, we then visit the main natural feature on the Isle of Wight. The Needles are a series of white stacks protruding from the ocean. Photograph them from the shore or opt for a boat ride out to The Needles for a closer look.
As the sun begins to set, we make a final stop at St Catherine's Down to admire the cliffs and surrounding green valleys. Watch the sunset before we return to Shanklin for the evening.
Accommodation: Somerton Lodge B&B, Knights Rest B&B or similar
Overnight: Isle of Wight | Breakfast
Winchester & Runnymede
Isle of Wight - Portsmouth - Winchester - Runnymede - London. This morning we catch the return ferry back to Portsmouth, and make our way to the historic city of Winchester. Once the capital of Anglo-Saxon England, Winchester is famous for its association with Alfred the Great and is home to a majestic cathedral and the impressive Norman Great Hall. There's free time to take in some of these sights, enjoy a coffee in a quaint local cafe, or browse one or more of the local museums.
Departing Winchester, we have time for a stop in Runnymede. This is where the famous Magna Carta, which limited the power of kings and queens, was signed by King John (renowned as one of England's worst ever kings, and the antagonist in the tale of Robin Hood) in 1215. We then complete our journey to central London, where our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:30 - London Victoria Drop Off, Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Somerton Lodge B&B , Isle of Wight
Located on the Isle of Wight, the lodge is just a 10-minute walk from the cliff top, where a lift provides access to the Esplanade. Shanklin’s shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Set on a leafy, tree-lined avenue, this elegant Victorian hotel boasts good food, south-facing gardens, and a sun terrace. Somerton Lodge is only a 5-minute walk from the centre of Shanklin. The en suite rooms at Somerton Lodge are equipped with a TV, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. A generous cooked breakfast is served in the spacious dining room.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
At a Glance
