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“The Garden Isle” Osborne, Quarr Abbey and Tennyson’s Home, Private Gardens and Manor Houses on the Isle of Wight.
Nunwell, North Court and Mottistone
From The Royal Hotel,
Ventnor (4 stars)
25– 28 May 2010 (3 nights) |
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Enjoy the Isle of Wight, with its warmer climate and relaxed way of life, visiting some of the lesser-known places on the “back of the Wight”. The delightful family homes of Nunwell and North Court, the exotic Ventnor Botanical Garden and the gardens at Mottistone Manor – together with wonderful scenic and coastal drives to Tennyson’s home at Farringford and the Old Needles Battery. Discover the tranquillity found at Quarr Abbey, the impressive mosaics at Brading Roman Villa and return to a much-loved favourite, Osborne House. Stay at the family-owned four star Royal Hotel in Ventnor, dining in the two AA rosettes restaurant and relaxing in the lovely gardens. Jackie Parry, an expert Isle of Wight Guide and author, will accompany you.
Tuesday 25 May: Either join the coach to depart 11.30 from Macdonald Botley Park Hotel Southampton (cars can be left for duration and there are rooms available the night before) or Southampton Central Station at 12.00 or at the Red Funnel Ferry terminal 12.30 for the 13.00 ferry. En-route to the hotel a visit will be made to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s summer home and rural retreat, “a place of one’s own, quiet and retired” and her favourite royal residence. Time to enjoy the house and gardens with a cream tea in the Victoria Hall before continuing to The Royal Hotel. Welcome drink served before dinner.
Wednesday 16 June: Morning visit to North Court in the attractive village of Shorwell, a family home originally built in 1615 for the deputy Governor of the Island, it is the largest manor house on the Island with extensive gardens, the exotic and unusual plants alongside England’s most traditional favourites. Refreshments and if time a visit to Shorwell Parish Chruch, rated as one of England’s top 1000 churches. Continue along the Old Military Road to Freshwater Bay for a light lunch in the Garden Restaurant at Farringford Hotel, once the house of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, a tour of the house and visit the recently restored library - Lord Tennyson's second study. After lunch a visit to The Old Battery – the Victorian Fort situated on the Needles Headland with spectacular views of the Needles and mainland Dorset coast. (Weather permitting). Return to the hotel stopping for a visit to the stunning gardens at Mottistone Manor.
Thurs 27 May: Today a guided tour Quarr Abbey kindly given by one of the Benedictine monks. The unusual exterior and interior of the Abbey is built entirely of bricks was designed by a French monk-architect Dom Paul Bellot. Refreshments in the Abbey gardens before continuing to Nunwell. This beautifully furnished family home with attractive gardens, is of great historic and architectural interest. The owners Colonel and Mrs Aylmer will take the tour. A short visit a hidden gem, the Roman Villa at Brading, and an opportunity to purchase some lunch before returning to Ventnor and an afternoon visit to the Botantical Gardens. These gardens were started in the 19th century when the site was developed as a chest hospital. The founder, Arthur Hill Hassall, as well as being a medical man, was also a keen naturalist. He was well placed to exploit the gentle microclimate of Ventnor and being situated at the heart of the undercliff, the gardens can grow a variety of temporate, subtropical and exotic plants.
Friday 28 June: The morning is free to enjoy Ventnor before departing at 11.30. If time allows a stop will be made at Whippingham Church before catching the 13.30 ferry from Cowes arriving Southampton 14.30 – the coach will drop off at Southampton Station before continuing to Macdonald Botley Park.
Tour Cost:
Price per person £519
No single supplement for single rooms
(otherwise £90 single supplement will apply)
Non-refundable deposit £100 pp
Please advise where you will be joining the tour and if you require an extra night before the tour at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel (£57BB SS £30) – to be reserved at time of booking.
Price includes:
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Three nights accommodation, dinner and full English Breakfast |
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Entries to houses and gardens, lunch Farringford, tea at Osborne, refreshments where stated. |
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Executive coaching, ferry tickets and professional tour guide |
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Staying at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor (4 star) |
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