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This diamond-shaped island has a magic all of its own, with captivating landscapes, beautiful beaches, wonderful seascapes, picturesque villages and a climate as warm and gentle as its people. One of Shanklin’s premier hotels, The Channel View is in a unique location occupying an elevated position overlooking Shanklin Bay. The hotel is a very good standard throughout and is owned by the experienced Gino family who personally
oversee all aspects of this popular hotel. They are justly proud of their reputation for quality with a warm welcome, efficient service, excellent food and attention to detail.
Excursions include: Osborne House, Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Brading Roman Villa, IOW Lavender, Waltzing Waters.
One day we travel the short distance to the Victorian resort of Ventnor and visit the Ventnor Botanic Gardens, we continue via the coast road to Alum Bay making a stop at Isle of Wight Pearl on route. Alum Bay is famous for its multi-coloured sand cliffs and breathtaking views of The Needles and lighthouse. Another day we first visit Whippingham Church, with its connections to Queen Victoria followed by Osborne House, her magnificent seaside residence, enjoy exploring both the splendour of the house and the glorious grounds and gardens. We also spend a day first visiting Brading Roman Villa, one of the fi nest Romano-British archaeological sites in the UK with its beautifully preserved mosaic floors and extensive collection of Roman artefacts. We then pay a lunch time visit to the Lavender Farm, I am told the lavender shortbread is fantastic! Finally we head to Ryde for some free time before going to see ‘Waltzing Waters’ an elaborate water, light and music show.
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The Regency town of Sidmouth is always a favourite destination. A charming unspoilt seaside resort, with a long flat promenade a picturesque town centre and a wealth of fine architecture, Sidmouth’s timeless charm and unhurried way of life never fails to please. The Royal York & Faulkner is a magnificent Regency building, dating from 1810, it enjoys an unrivalled position at the centre of Sidmouth`s elegant Esplanade overlooking the beach, and adjacent to the town centre. Owned and personally run by the Hook family, the hotel has earned a long standing reputation for hospitality and service and is a firm favourite with Easytravel clients.
Excursions: Exeter, Cruise Topsham to Exmouth, Seaton to Colyton Tram ride, Cadhay Historic House & Garden, Lyme Regis. One day we travel to the resort of Seaton where we enjoy a scenic tram journey along the beautiful Axe valley to the ancient town of Colyton. This is followed in the afternoon with a visit to ‘Cadhay’, an historic house built in 1550 a guided tour of this beautiful property is included. Another day we visit Exeter, a cathedral city brimming with colourful character and offering a delightful mix of high quality attractions in a setting of architectural splendour. We then continue to the picturesque village of Topsham for an afternoon cruise down the River Exe to Exmouth. A visit to the unspoilt seaside resort of Lyme Regis will take place on another day with a call made to the Donkey sanctuary on our return. |
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Limpley Stoke is a delightful peaceful country village in the magnificent Avon Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, yet it is only a ten minute drive to the centre of Bath. The Hotel is a traditional Georgian Country House Hotel, set in its own private grounds enjoying picturesque views overlooking the River Avon with its own 16th century village inn at the bottom of the drive.
Excursions: Bath & Roman Baths, Wells, Glastonbury & Abbey, Longleat, Cheddar, Cotswold Villages. On our day of departure we will travel via Cheddar to our hotel, following dinner there will be a talk on the history of Bath from a local tour guide. Monday morning we are joined by our guide for a tour of the beautiful spa city of Bath, we include a visit to the famous Roman Baths you then have the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Tuesday we visit ‘Longleat’ home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. We also discover many of the world’s most majestic creatures – from lions and tigers to zebra and giraffe – as they roam within the magnifi cent Safari Park. Wednesday we visit the lovely market town of Wells followed by the ancient town of Glastonbury, we include a visit to the Abbey. On our return journey home on Thursday we return via Cotswold Villages. |
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The quaint historic town of Hythe is situated three miles from Folkestone on the Kent coast, it has a maze of old streets that are crammed with a variety of speciality shops and antique markets, and retains an air of relaxed and unspoilt charm. The Royal Military Canal built as a defence against Napoleon is now a pretty waterway, which meanders through the town. With over two miles of beach Hythe is a lovely base to explore the south east of England.
The elegant 4* Hythe Imperial built in1880 is set in 50 acres of mature gardens and enjoys an enviable location on Hythe’s seafront.
Excursions include: Leeds Castle, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Barnsole Vineyard, Canterbury, Rye. A day will be spent visiting Leeds Castle, said to be the loveliest castle in the world and in a superb moated setting. Another day we visit the Historic Dockyard at Chatham, ‘meet’ characters of the past as you explore the world’s most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail and discover over 400years of maritime history. We start another day with a visit to the family run Barnsole Vineyard where a guided tour and tasting is included. We then go on to historic
Canterbury where time can be spent enjoying all that this lovely little city has to offer. We travel across Romney Marsh and into Sussex to visit the historic Cinque Port of Rye on another day.. |
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