Isle of Wight Discovery Tour 2022 - DHTour

Price

From$1,180 pp

Save To Wish List

1020

4, 5 or 8 Days / 3, 4 or 7 Nights

Availability : July 2, 5

Start: Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight, England

End: Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight, England

Isle of Wight Discovery Tour: 3, 4 or 7 nights based at Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or [email protected] to book.

Visit some of the Isle of Wight’s many attractions. Explore Carisbrooke Castle to meet the donkeys which power its water pump and delve into its many layers of history, which includes the imprisonment of Charles I prior to his execution. Enjoy the exotic blooms which thrive in the sheltered gardens at Mottistone and the sub-tropical gardens at Ventnor and learn a little about the island’s interesting geology at Shanklin. A coastal drive will reveal the island’s beautiful and varied coastal scenery including the iconic Needles – a row of chalk sea stacks. There will also be plenty of time to relax at our clifftop country house and enjoy the sweeping views across Freshwater Bay.

Tour Details

Highlights:

Visit Osborne House – once home to Queen Victoria
Explore ancient Carisbrooke Castle
Enjoy the beauty of Ventnor’s famous Botanic Gardens
Gaze upon The Needles and explore Cowes
Wander through the picturesque town of Shanklin

Pick Up Location & TIme

Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight PO40 9RB (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.

Drop off Location & Time

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.

Price Includes

High quality en-suite upgraded accommodation at Freshwater Bay House
Excellent food in our country house, full board (B,L,D daily)
The services of our knowledgeable leader, ensuring you get the most from your holiday
Full-day excursions with all transport on touring days in a good-quality, comfortable mini-coach

Meals

All meals from dinner on arrival day, to breakfast on departure day

breakfasts
lunches
dinners
teas

Price Excludes

Airfare
Transfers
Pre / Post hotel nights
Travel to/from the Country Hotel (The nearest train station is Lymington Pier on the mainland. This is immediately adjacent to the ferry terminal)
Admissions (please allow approx. £10 per day for entrances)
Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
Travel Insurance

What to Expect

Unpack Once!

Explore places of interest, beauty, heritage and wonder. Enjoy active guided sightseeing on relaxed-pace trips to revel in the history, landscapes, architecture and culture of your chosen destination. Our knowledgeable leaders will provide fascinating detail to bring it all to life. Travel between locations by mini-coach or public transport following a carefully planned itinerary.

Accommodation at a country house hotel
Full Board Meals – from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day
Knowledgeable leader
Transport between locations

3 Nights Itinerary

Day 1Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. (D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 2Carisbrooke Castle & Mottistone Gardens

Carisbrooke Castle sits in the centre of the island and we’ll spend time exploring and learning about its history with time to climb the ramparts and meet the donkeys in the pumphouse who help pump water up from the well. In the afternoon, after stopping for a refreshing cuppa, it’s time to head for the peaceful gardens at Mottistone which surround an Elizabethan manor. Located in a sheltered valley, these enchanting gardens enjoy their own micro-climate. This means that the flowering season of familiar favourites is extended and plants usually associated with the Mediterranean region thrive.(B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 3Along the South West Coast

Today we enjoy the island’s spectacular coastal scenery starting with a scenic drive along the island’s Military Road. Running parallel with the island’s southern coast from Freshwater to Chale, it offers unbeatable views of the coast. The road takes us to Ventnor and a visit to its sub-tropical Botanic Gardens. The gardens are split out into zones of the world so you can travel from New Zealand to the Mediterranean to Japan in a few paces! (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 4Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

4 Nights Itinerary

Day 1Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. (D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 2North East Wight

Modern Quarr Abbey has a fascinating history. Discover this, then we’ll head to Ryde, for the opportunity to travel on both the Isle of Wight Railway and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. We then take the scenic route around Brading Haven, seeing the island’s only remaining windmill, before rounding off the afternoon by visiting Brading Roman Villa, one of the finest Roman sites in the UK. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 3Isle of Wight Villages

Be charmed by the pretty village of Brighstone, followed by a lunch stop at historic Appuldurcombe House before exploring the village of Godshill. From there we’ll head to the 17thcentury old town hall in Newtown, then take a stroll down to the quay-side of the salt-marsh nature reserve. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 4Cowes & Osborne House

The focus today is on the island’s royal connections. We head to West Cowes for a pleasant walk through Cowes across the floating bridge to East Cowes. The afternoon is spent at the island’s premier visitor attraction – Osborne House. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 5Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

7 Nights Itinerary

Day 1Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. (D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 2Carisbrooke Castle & Mottistone Gardens

Carisbrooke Castle sits in the centre of the island and we’ll spend time exploring and learning about its history with time to climb the ramparts and meet the donkeys in the pumphouse who help pump water up from the well. In the afternoon, after stopping for a refreshing cuppa, it’s time to head for the peaceful gardens at Mottistone which surround an Elizabethan manor. Located in a sheltered valley, these enchanting gardens enjoy their own micro-climate. This means that the flowering season of familiar favourites is extended and plants usually associated with the Mediterranean region thrive.(B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 3Along the South West Coast

Today we enjoy the island’s spectacular coastal scenery starting with a scenic drive along the island’s Military Road. Running parallel with the island’s southern coast from Freshwater to Chale, it offers unbeatable views of the coast. The road takes us to Ventnor and a visit to its sub-tropical Botanic Gardens. The gardens are split out into zones of the world so you can travel from New Zealand to the Mediterranean to Japan in a few paces! (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 4Free day

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 5North East Wight

Modern Quarr Abbey has a fascinating history. Discover this, then we’ll head to Ryde, for the opportunity to travel on both the Isle of Wight Railway and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. We then take the scenic route around Brading Haven, seeing the island’s only remaining windmill, before rounding off the afternoon by visiting Brading Roman Villa, one of the finest Roman sites in the UK. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 6Isle of Wight Villages

Be charmed by the pretty village of Brighstone, followed by a lunch stop at historic Appuldurcombe House before exploring the village of Godshill. From there we’ll head to the 17thcentury old town hall in Newtown, then take a stroll down to the quay-side of the salt-marsh nature reserve. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 7Cowes & Osborne House

The focus today is on the island’s royal connections. We head to West Cowes for a pleasant walk through Cowes across the floating bridge to East Cowes. The afternoon is spent at the island’s premier visitor attraction – Osborne House. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House

Day 8Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Dates and Prices

3 night package Departure Dates	Per person (single or twin)	Single in a double room
2022: July 2	$1,180	$1,300

4 night package Departure Dates	Per person (single or twin)	Single in a double room
2022: July 5	$1,570	$1,730

7 night package Departure Dates	Per person (single or twin)	Single in a double room
2022: July 2	$2,650	$2,930

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.

Supplement applied for single in a double room.

Rates are in $ CAD. Rates include room upgrade (better) and membership fees.

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or [email protected] to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.

During your Discovery Tour you’ll have the opportunity to visit many fascinating places. The following is our provisional programme, and your leader may adjust it at their discretion, taking into account factors such as weather, local opening times, or other events. This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.

Most admissions to places of interest are not included. Please allow up to £10 per day for admissions to all the places of interest we will be visiting. The full adult price is given but there are usually good reductions for parties and seniors. If you are a member of the National Trust, English Heritage or similar, remember to bring your card for free admission to their properties. Please bring cash as card machines are not always available at all venues.

Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.

Travel Details:
Address is: Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight PO40 9RB

By Rail:
The nearest train station is Lymington Pier on the mainland. This is immediately adjacent to the ferry terminal.

By Ferry:
The Wightlink Lymington to Yarmouth ferry is the most convenient for Freshwater Bay. Alternatively the Red Funnel Southampton to East Cowes ferry is often the cheapest option if you want to take your car to the Isle of Wight

By Taxi:
It is possible to get a taxi to Freshwater Bay House. The 5-mile journey from Yarmouth ferry port takes approximately 15 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Alpha Cars. As a guide price, it cost £20 per 4-seat taxi in 2019. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:

Alpha Cars*
Tel: +44 (0) 1983 280280
Email: [email protected]
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Freshwater Bay House Manager.
*Alpha Cars is not owned or managed by us.

By Car:
From Yarmouth turn right out of the ferry terminal onto the A3054 and over the bridge across the River Yar. After 1 mile turn left down Pixley Hill, signposted to Freshwater Bay. Turn left at Freswater Garage and continue along Afton road. At the Lifeboat station turn right and follow the road round passing the Albion Hotel on the left. The entrance to Freshwater Bay House is the next driveway on your left.

From East Cowes: Follow signs for Newport following A3021 and then A3054. Continue through Newport and Carisbrooke. Turn left onto the B3401 through Calbourne. At the T junction with Afton Road (A3055) turn left and then right by the Lifeboat station and follow the road round passing the Albion Hotel on the left. The entrance to Freshwater Bay House is the next driveway on your left.

Alternatively leave your car on the mainland and travel to the Isle of Wight as a foot passenger. There is a pay and display car park at Lymington Pier – price approximately £8.50 per day.

Hotel Descriptions

Freshwater Bay House - Isle of Wight Garden tour

Freshwater Bay House - Isle of Wight Garden tour - bedroom

Freshwater Bay House - Isle of Wight Garden tour - eating

4

Freshwater Bay House

Holidaying on the picturesque Isle of Wight doesn’t get any better than at Freshwater Bay House. Stood atop the island’s classic white cliffs and dominating the bay that it is named after, Freshwater Bay House has a gorgeous location. As well as 43 bedrooms, many decked out in blue and white printed wallpaper featuring foam-tipped waves breaking softly across the walls that act as a promise of the coastal scenery to come, there are three lounges and a friendly bar. Extensive gardens give on to the coast path, with a staircase that drops to the beach one way, while a path leads away across Tennyson Down towards the Needles in the other direction. If you’re experiencing some of the island’s plentiful sunshine (it averages around 2,000 hours a year), head to Alum Bay for coloured sands or Compton Bay for dinosaur footprints. Explore Carisbrooke Castle, stroll through Ventnor Botanic Gardens and keep an eye out for red squirrels in Borthwood Copse and America Wood.

Address: Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight PO40 9RB

Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Stay in one of the main building’s bright, beautifully presented rooms, many that come with sea views. They’re mostly spacious and chic, styled to acknowledge the house’s nautical connections but with a modern twist of dove greys, clean whites and contemporary furniture. With 43 bedrooms, Freshwater Bay House has plenty of space and there’s a range of Good, Better and Best Rooms to choose from: Rooms 19 and 20 on the first floor come with spectacular sea views out over the English Channel; Rooms 18 and 22 are sumptuous corner rooms with expansive views over both the bay and Tennyson Downs. If it’s a room with a view you’re after, ask for Room 24, a superb, spacious corner space with five large windows all overlooking the gardens and bay, with its own private sitting room to relax in. Request Room 39 on the second floor and you’ll get an attractive corner room complete with a bath to soak in after a day of coastal walking.

All ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ and ‘Best’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers.

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, outdoor swimming pool, multi-purpose activity room, lounges, library and board games to borrow

After a day walking on the coast, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax by sitting in the extensive gardens or challenge a fellow guest to a game of croquet. If you’re visiting with children, turn them loose in the outdoor playground area or watch them splash in the large heated alfresco pool – there’s seating with sea views for you to enjoy a drink in too on a hot English summer’s day. For something less strenuous, snag a comfy chair in one of the three cosy lounges to read a book, play a board game or just hideaway; there’s a grand piano in one if you’re feeling musical. Head to the bar before dinner to perch on a tall stool with a perfect gin and tonic made with the Isle of Wight’s very own Mermaids Gin and a chance to catch up with your companions.

Map

Photos

View more tours of the Isle of Wight