4 nights at the 4-star Norton Park Hotel & Spa, Sutton Scotney with breakfast plus 3 dinners
Free parking at the hotel Porterage
Welcome drink
Coach transfers to and from your excursions (includes two bottles of water per person, per day)
Return ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight
Excursions to Highclere Castle, Osborne House, Ryde, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway & Lymington Horse-drawn cruise on the Kennet and Avon Canal with coffee and cake 1 dinner* at a local restaurant
Complimentary umbrella, leather ticket wallet and luggage labels
Accompanied by a knowledgeable Tour Manager throughout
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
*Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
Day One: Arrival Check in to the Norton Park Hotel & Spa in the afternoon.
Later, we enjoy a welcome drinks reception hosted by our tour manager.
Day Two: Horse-Drawn Barge Cruise on the Kennet and Avon Canal & Highclere Castle
Our first visit takes us to Kintbury where we take a step back in time for a traditional boat trip on the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal on a horse-drawn barge. Here we take in the calming natural scenery as we gently meander down the still waterways and enjoy some delicious coffee and cake.
In the afternoon we head to the world-famous residence of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle, the filming location for the much-loved Downton Abbey television series and film. Here we discover the familiar rooms and vistas used in the series - both the Drawing and Dining Rooms forming the backdrop to many memorable moments and withering put-downs from Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess. The cellars of the castle hold the Egyptian Exhibition which explores the achievements of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 while outside, the distinctive gardens and spectacular parkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown are a delight to explore.
Day Three: Isle of Wight - Osborne House & Ryde
We board the ferry this morning for our day on the beautiful Isle of Wight. Our first stop is the palatial seaside retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Osborne House, an impressive holiday home constructed in the Italianate style to reflect the island’s more temperate climate and featuring spectacular views across the Solent from the palazzo-style terraces. Here we get a glimpse of Royal family life during Victoria’s lengthy reign as we explore the magnificent Royal Apartments and the impeccably designed themed rooms which perfectly reflect the Royals’ tastes and passions.
In the grounds there’s the charming Swiss Cottage, used by the Royal children to learn household management and the peaceful walled gardens which were meticulously overseen by Prince Albert who even planted some of the trees that are still standing today.
Next, we visit Ryde, a delightful seaside town that is renowned for its vast sandy beach that stretches across the island’s north-east coast for miles. Here we have time to spend at leisure to take in the many attractions the town has to offer. Sip a coffee at one of the local cafés, stroll along the beach with an ice cream or find a memento of your visit at one of the many shops before we rejoin the ferry for our crossing back to the mainland and return to the hotel.
Day Four: Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway & Lymington
This morning we travel to Exbury Gardens, nestled in the New Forest National Park beside the scenic Beaulieu River. Named after Lionel Nathan de Rothschild who created one of the finest woodland gardens in the country and covering a 200 acre site, the gardens are home to the world-famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees. We have time to explore the pathways, woods, parkland and ponds of this remarkable environment as well as enjoy a relaxing trip aboard the 12 ¼ inch gauge Steam Railway that glides through the ‘Summer Lane’ Garden, the extensive Rock Garden and the lovely Dragonfly Pond. Later we spend some free time in the coastal town and former smuggler’s port of Lymington, with its cobbled streets and attractive quayside, and the pretty old-world village of Brockenhurst where we enjoy a delicious early dinner at the rustic and charming restaurant, The Pig.
Day Five: Departure After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Norton Park Hotel & Spa
Set in 54 acres of peaceful grounds on the outskirts of Winchester, the charming and stylish 4-star Norton Park Hotel & Spa blends historical elegance with contemporary chic, from the red-brick of the main hotel to the 17th-century Tythe Barn and the beautiful sculpted gardens that are perfect for a stroll. The hotel facilities include modern bedrooms with a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making facilities, a restaurant, bar and lounge, as well as a large leisure complex and spa complete with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym for the perfect luxury stay (spa treatments are available at an extra cost, pre-booking advised).