Isle of Wight

The largest island off the English coast is a delightful, self-contained community covering an area of 147 square miles, half of which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 67 miles of coastline include dramatic chalk and sandstone cliffs, soft sandy beaches, tranquil sand dunes, marshes and estuaries and deep coastal ravines, while inland there are ancient forests, rolling farmland, downs and river valleys. The mild climate ensures usually good weather, with some fabulous gardens and botanical areas. The Island currently has the highest number of award-winning beaches in England, all managed to the highest standards. The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break, at any time of the year. It is a stunning Island with unspoilt scenery and a wealth of fascinating attractions.

DUE TO CORONA VIRUS THIS TOUR HAS BEEN POSTPONED FROM APRIL 2020 TO OCTOBER 2020. 

THIS TOUR IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. PLEASE EMAIL US TO BE ON THE WAITING LIST

Highlights of the Isle of Wight

• Explore Queen Victoria’s lovely home of Osborne House
• Stay in a lovely hotel in the beach resort of Ventnor
• Drive along the fabulous Military Road to Freshwater
• See the famed Needles off the western coast of the island
• Stroll around the lovely town of Cowes, Britain’s yachting capital
• See where Charles I was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle
• Visit the delightful Mottistone Manor (National Trust) & Appuldurcombe House
• Visit the Classic Boat Museum in Cowes

Itinerary

May be subject to change.

Day 1: 15 October 2020 16 miles

Arrive on the island via Red Funnel ferries to East Cowes. It is then a short drive to visit Osbourne House, former home to Queen Victoria. The drive cross-country, on some delightfully quiet lanes, through Newchurch and onto Ventnor. Stop and visit the renowned Garlic Farm, with an amazing array of the bulbs and everything (and more) to do with garlic. There will be welcome drinks at 8pm followed by dinner.

Day 2: 16 October 2020 65 miles

Explore the western side of the island today, heading along the coast to Blackgang and the superb road to Freshwater. Continue to Alum Bay to see the Needles, and then drive onto the pretty port of Yarmouth for lunch. Then head to Newtown, famed for its National Trust properties, and then along the seafront to Cowes, Britain’s yachting capital. Enjoy a stroll around Cowes, and indulge in a spot of shopping. Then head south to Carisbrooke Castle, and visit this amazing medieval building and wander around the ramparts. Continue south to the idyllic villages of Brighstone and Mottistone, where you can visit the manor. Return to Ventnor on the back roads in plenty of time for dinner.

Day 3: 17 October 2020 50 miles

Discover the island’s eastern half starting with a visit to Appuldurcombe House, with its Owl & Falconry Centre. Continue to Godshill, which is an ideal place to stop for coffee (or hot chocolate Chocolate Island). Drive along some of the wonderful small lanes, wiggling your way up to Newport, to visit the excellent Classic Boat Museum, and the Bus Museum next door. After your visit head over Brading Downs to Ryde, on the north coast of the island. Drive along the esplanade, past the pier, and head on to the lovely village of Bembridge. Then on to Adgestone Vineyard for some samples of their fine wines, before heading to Shanklin old village. Return to Ventnor via the quaint village of Bonchurch. There is a final dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: 18 October 2020 16 miles

Return to Cowes via the pretty village of Godshill. Take the ferry back to Southampton. Once in Southampton, depart for home.

Accommodation

Stay in the Island’s leading 4-star hotel on the south coast of the Island, in the quintessentially English resort of Ventnor. This fabulous hotel is steeped in history and is the perfect base to discover the island’s colourful past. Most of the bedrooms have a view of the gardens with the sea beyond and it is a few minutes stroll to the sandy beach. The renowned restaurant has been consistently awarded 2 AA rosettes. There is an outdoor pool as well.

Garden View Rooms: Overlooking the well-tended grounds and with small sea views, these rooms are decorated with beautiful fabrics and comfortable furnishings. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee making facilities,&  flat-screen televisions. £700 per person, sharing. SOLD OUT
Deluxe Rooms: These rooms offer space and individual style. They are furnished with carefully chosen fabrics and elegant soft furnishings and have views over our stunning gardens and a small sea view. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee making facilities, & flat-screen televisions. SOLD OUT
Premier Rooms: These are the best rooms and offer greater space, elegance, style and comfort. All rooms have wonderful views overlooking the gardens with views towards Ventnor’s dramatic coastline. No room is the same and fabrics are richly detailed and opulent. All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee making facilities, & flat-screen televisions. SOLD OUT

All rooms have partial sea views as a minimum.

Requirements

• This tour is open to all classic, vintage and sports cars of any age
• Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance
• It is a good idea to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jacket, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers