Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight Explorer
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Carisbrooke Castle ©English Heritage
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IOW Steam Railway train travelling through the countryside ©Isle of Wight Steam Railway
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Isle of Wight - IOW Steam Railway
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Osborne House, Isle of Wight ©English Heritage, Picture by Jim Holden
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Guard opening the train door ©Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Often described as the UK’s holiday island, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination at any time of year. This tour includes visits to Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle and a trip on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Dates
19th April, 3rd May (x2 hotels), 11th June, 5th July & 13th September, 4th October, 18th October 2027
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Southampton for ferry to Isle of Wight
Once you have arrived, drive to your hotel and take in the country lanes and views over the sea on your journey.
Day 2
Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House
Our tour starts with a visit to Carisbrooke Castle, an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king’s prison and a royal summer residence. Be sure to look out for the Carisbrooke donkeys demonstrating the turning of the wheel drawing water from the well.
After lunch we arrive at Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s palatial holiday home. There’s an opportunity to visit Victoria and Albert’s private apartments, their bathing beach and children’s play-cottage for an intimate glimpse of royal family life. Then stroll through the garden terraces with stunning views across the Solent.
Day 3
Free day to explore
Enjoy a free day to relax in the hotel, take a walk, or perhaps take one of the frequent buses to another part of the island. Shanklin Old Village is a favourite attraction, where most of the picturesque cottages clustered around the thatched Crab Inn have now become craft and gift shops or restaurants.
Optional suggested attractions:
Why not take a trip to Butterfly World in Newport and see hundreds of butterflies flying freely in a natural environment! You have the opportunity to learn more about our butterflies, visit the Italian & Japanese Gardens, Koi Ponds, Fountains, Jumping Jets, Cafe, Medina Garden Centre and more!
Wight Heritage and Military Museum is a great way to spend a few hours including a visit to the cafe and bookshop. Run by volunteers, this museum has artifacts and memorabilia from World War II that are significant to the Isle of Wight. If pre-arranged, guides can give demonstrations and impart their knowledge.
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has free entry but donations are welcome. Rain or shine, the donkeys are on view either in the field or in the large barns. If you are visiting in the afternoon, the donkeys may remind you they are hungry by braying collectively in chorus!
Day 4
Ryde and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
This morning we spend time in the undulating seaside town of Ryde, it is easy to spend a few hours visiting the many cafes and shops. Take a stroll along the promenade and you may see the Hovercraft come in to land on the beach followed by its seagull followers.
After lunch we step back to a bygone era with a journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Relax in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages as the train makes its way through the beautiful countryside. Whilst here explore and discover the historic collection of locomotives, carriages and wagons through Train Story. You’ll uncover the lasting impact the railway has had on our lives with interactive activities and stunning displays. Journey through the Island’s locomotive history with many engines dating back 140 years. There is a large cafe barn that welcomes groups and serves cream teas – this must be pre-arranged in advance.
Day 5
Travel home
Featured hotels
Brunswick Hotel, Shanklin ***
All 33 rooms at the Brunswick Hotel offer amenities such as a flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, WiFi and en-suite shower or bathroom. The Brunswick Hotel has a bar and entertainment space make your stay more enjoyable. The property also boasts an outdoor terrace with seating on the front lawn near the upper promenade, a games and TV room, an indoor pool and restaurant serving dinner in the evenings and hot and cold breakfast in the morning. The hotel is just a few minutes walk to the lift that takes visitors from the upper promenade to the lower promenade. For your information, there is no lift at this hotel. There complimentary coach parking is available.
The Brunswick Hotel offer a ‘Virtual Cruise’ package which includes the following:
Day 1- Glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival – Set sail for Spain with evening entertainment after dinner.
Day 2 – English breakfast served with a Spanish dish available. Classic Spanish dinner. Spanish themed evening entertainment. Set sail for Italy.
Day 3 – English breakfast with Italian dish available. Classic Italian dinner. Italian themed evening entertainment. Set sail for Greece.
Day 4 – English breakfast with Greek dish available. Classic Greek dinner. Greek themed evening entertainment.
Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin ***
Located near the very convenient lift (payable direct) from the upper promenade to the lower promenade, the Ocean View Hotel has extensive views over the sea set high on the cliff top. Its 100 bedrooms with TV, tea and coffee making facilities, WiFi and hairdryer. The rooms have either sea view (at a supplement) or rear views. The large restaurant overlooks the sea and the upper promenade path and serves evening meal and cold buffet breakfast with hot options served to the table. There is a well stocked bar for your evening socials. Complimentary coach parking is available on site at the back of the hotel. Please note the swimming pool is permanently closed at the hotel.
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- The Ocean View Hotel Shanklin Isle of Wight Exterior
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- The Ocean View Hotel Shanklin Isle of Wight Exterior
Royal Esplanade Hotel, Ryde ***
The Royal Esplanade Hotel is a great base for your stay on the Isle of Wight. The hotel faces the promenade of Ryde overlooking the Solent and features 70 rooms with TV, en-suite bathrooms with either bath or shower, tea and coffee making facilities. There is a large restaurant to the front of the hotel that serves breakfast and evening meal, a lounge, an entertainment space with dance floor and Harry’s bar for those who wish to have a cosy night in. Within walking distance to the centre of town and the pier. Coach parking is off site in nearby coach parks payable direct.
Brunswick Hotel, Shanklin ***
Based on minimum 20 people
| Dates | 5 days / 4 nights | Single supplement |
| 19th April 2027 | From £515.00 per person | £0.00 supplement on first 5 single rooms |
| 3rd May 2027 | SOLD | |
| 5th July 2027 | From £572.00 per person | £0.00 supplement on first 5 single rooms |
| 13th September 2027 | From £557.00 per person | £0.00 supplement on first 5 single rooms |
Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin ***
Based on minimum 25 people
| Dates | 5 days / 4 nights | Single supplement |
| 3rd May 2027 | From £477.00 per person | £95.00 supplement |
| 11th June 2027 | From £497.00 per person | £90.00 supplement |
| 13th September 2027 SOLD | From £499.00 per person | £95.00 supplement |
| 4th October 2027 | From £473.00 per person | £70.00 supplement |
Royal Esplanade Hotel ***
Based on minimum 20 people
| Dates | 5 days / 4 nights | Single supplement |
| 3rd May 2027 | From £497.00 per person | £0.00 supplement for first 5 single rooms |
| 18th October 2027 | From £497.00 per person | £0.00 supplement for first 5 single rooms |
