No matter what the weather, the Isle of Wight is always a popular destination for day trips or short breaks away. The beautiful island is home to Queen Victoria’s private beach at Osborne House which is now open to the public for the first time. Plus it has recently had a royal visit from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during the last day of their Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK, where well-wishers greeted them in Cowes. So if you fancy holidaying at a royal seaside retreat, take a look at Door2Tour’s pick of things see and do on coach holidays to the Isle of Wight…
Osborne House, East Cowes
Keeping with the royal theme, this stunning stately home and grounds was where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children. Tours around the house and grounds allow you to take a peek into their intimate family life. You can admire the magnificent Royal Apartments and take in breath-taking views from the terraces across the Solent. No holiday to the Isle of Wight would be complete without a visit here!
Sandown Beach, Sandown
This very popular blue flag beach provides families on UK coach holidays with plenty to do from Crazy Golf to a Mini
Fairground, and the large pier dates back to 1879. There’s a wide choice of café’s, pubs and restaurants to choose from. It is quite heavily commercialised, but if you fancy somewhere a bit quieter you can head further towards the edge of the beach where it meets Lake beach and at the other end Yaverland beach.
Owl and Monkey Haven, Newport
The Island’s award winning newest attraction holds an ever growing diverse collection of birds of prey and primates. It is a rescue centre and sanctuary, which nurses animals in need of care and attention. This reasonably priced attraction also has a tea room, children’s play area, gift shop and the Wise Owl Learning Centre for groups and schools.
The Garlic Farm, Newchurch
The Garlic Farm is free to enter, and hosts The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival every year in August. They’ve been growing garlic on the Isle of Wight for over 30 years and are the UK’s largest specialist garlic grower. You can sample the vast array of types of garlic and maybe even try a garlic ice cream!
Sally’s Riding School, St Helens
Being a well-established riding school with a good selection of horses and ponies, Sally’s Riding School has something for everyone whether it’s your first time or you’re an absolute pro! Within reach are a mixture of picturesque bridleways, country lanes, and beaches; the main beaches they use being Bembridge and St Helens.
Carisbrooke Castle, Carisbrooke
Dating back to 1100, Carisbrooke Castle is the place where King Charles I was imprisoned and you can still play bowls on the very green Charles used to. Within the grounds are a free museum in the castle, a keep, two deep Medieval wells, a church, a visitors centre, a café and grass areas within and outside the castle walls. For hundreds of years, Carisbrooke’s famous resident donkeys have powered the water in the well-house.
Ventnor Botanic Garden, Ventnor
Set in 22 acres, the gardens have their own mini climate nestled in The Undercliff; it holds the warmth so well that, combined with the moderating influence of the sea, frost is extremely rare. You can take a wander amongst sub-tropical and exotic plants and trees from around the world. On site there is also a café, a visitors centre and a children’s playground.
Shanklin Chine, Shanklin
Shanklin Chine is one of the Isle of Wight’s oldest tourist attractions, which opened in 1817. This historic gorge spans from upper Shanklin Old Village to the lower Shanklin beach and is an ever popular location for poets, artists and writers. Unique plants, wildlife and enchanting waterfalls thrive in this wooden coastal ravine.
Have you been on holiday to the Isle of Wight? What would you recommend that people should see and do when visiting the island?