Shanklin, Osborne House & the Isle of Wight

This exciting break to the Isle of Wight has it all! We delve into history with the intriguing Carisbrooke Castle (did you know it was once a royal prison?!), Queen Victoria's stunning Italianate retreat of Osborne House and a replica model village based on island life in the 20s and 30s. From our base in the ever-popular resort of Shanklin, we also visit two highlights of the Garden Isle, bustling Newport and pretty Cowes.What's Included?
- Return coach travel & ferry crossings- 6 nights at the Shanklin Beach Hotel, Shanklin (JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfast- Entertainment some evenings- Excursions to Carisbrook Castle, Newport, Osborne House, Cowes & Godshill Model Village- Free time in ShanklinOptional excursion to Ventnor, Alum Bay & Yarmouth (£14pp)

Itinerary
Included Excursions\n\nCarisbrooke Castle & Newport (full day)\nOn our first morning we visit Carisbrooke Castle. Over the centuries Carisbrooke has been an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a prison for King Charles I and a royal summer residence. Take the chance to explore the museum, walk around the award-winning Edwardian-style garden and admire the panoramic views from the castle walls. The museum was founded by HRH Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria's youngest daughter, as a memorial to her husband, Prince Henry of Battenburg, and cares for over 30,000 fascinating items connected to the Isle of Wight's history. We continue to the bustling capital of the island, Newport. This scenic town centres on two squares surrounded by elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture. Head to the historic quayside or browse the selection of speciality shops here.Osborne House & Cowes (full day)We discover Queen Victoria's one-time residence on the island, Osborne House. Built as a holiday home and rural retreat in the late 1840s, the Italianate palace reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's tastes and passions and boasts spectacular views across the Solent. It is no wonder that Victoria herself once said, 'it's impossible to imagine a prettier spot.' Here we take an intimate glimpse of royal family life as we wander through the magnificent Royal Apartments as well as the walled gardens and grounds where we find the charming Swiss Cottage, used by the royal children to learn household management. We then head to Cowes, a vibrant and sophisticated resort home to the world-famous regatta that swells the local population each August. Enjoy a stroll along the seafront, browse the boutique shops, or admire many of the town's ornate buildings which date from Queen Victoria's time, in the style popularised by Prince Albert.Godshill Model Village (half day)The charming Godshill Model Village awaits today, a tiny, 1/10th version of Godshill and Shanklin Old Village exactly as they were in the 20s and 30s. Admire the replica houses, pubs and churches, frozen in time and set against stunning gardens featuring Japanese-style conifers and shrubs. It's a lovely little place to escape to!Optional ExcursionVentnor, Alum Bay & Yarmouth (£14pp)Our optional excursion first takes us to Ventnor, once described as the 'English Mediterranean' and a coastal resort built on a series of steep slopes leading down to the sea. Next is Alum Bay, famous for the iconic chalk outcrop known as The Needles and one of the prettiest beaches on the island. Our last stop is the historic port town of Yarmouth which contains some of the oldest architecture on the island including a 16th-century castle.

Shanklin
Shanklin is a stunning village renowned for its splendid esplanade, historic attractions and a host of traditional seaside fun. There's plenty to do, from taking a stroll along the golden blue flag beaches to discovering the beauty of Shanklin Chine - the Isle of Wight's oldest visitor attraction filled with rare plants, wildlife and enchanting waterfalls.

The Isle of Wight
With a wonderful mild climate, shimmering waters and sixty miles of award-winning sandy beaches, the Isle of Wight has been a favourite coach holiday destination for generations.
Discover the incredible range of things to do for all ages and interests, from seaside towns and enchanting villages to fun-packed theme parks and magnificent heritage sites including Queen Victoria's favourite retreat, Osborne House, with spectacular grounds and sumptuous royal apartments. Or how about climbing aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for great views around the island?
Shanklin Beach Hotel (JG2+ rating) Shanklin Beach Hotel (JG2+ rating)
The Shanklin Beach Hotel is located on Shanklin's seafront, offering stunning sea views. The en-suite rooms feature satellite TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a bar and restaurant with views of the esplanade.