Description
The Isle of Wight has a great deal to offer with many superb sandy beaches, mile upon mile of stunning countryside and coastal walks and all the usual modern holiday facilities in the resorts. Sandown is the island's principal resort, and offers a wealth of entertainments. Sandown Bay is the largest on the island and offers a long, safe, sandy beach framed at either end by stunning white cliffs contrasting with the rich blue sea. There are good shops and an open air market on Mondays. Dinosaur Isle offers life-like dinosaur models and skeletons. There is also a pier, directly in front of our hotel. In addition, Sandown boasts Brown's Pleasure Park, swimming and squash at the Heights Leisure Centre and a fascinating Geological Museum. There are plenty of evening entertainments to suit all tastes. Nearby Brading has Wax and Doll Museums and a Roman Villa complete with mosaic floors.
Itinerary
TOUR OPERATES SATURDAY TO SATURDAY
EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
Full Day Excursion to Alum Bay and Godshill
We journey across the island to Alum Bay, famous for its coloured sands. Nearby are the magnificent chalk Needles, the remains of a ridge which once joined the island to the mainland. We return via the picturesque village of Godshill.
Full Day Excursion to Osborne House and Cowes
We travel to the north of the island to see Queen Victoria's spectacular hideaway, Osborne House, where she died in 1901 (admission included in the tour cost). We also visit Britain's yachting capital, Cowes.
Half Day Excursion to Rosemary Vineyard and Ryde
We travel along the eastern coast and have a fascinating vineyard visit (included in the tour cost) before continuing to Ryde. Ryde offers many shops and a splendid pier with outstanding views across the busy Solent.
Venue Information
The Ocean Hotel
Sloping majestically down to the seafront from Sandown’s High Street, the Ocean Hotel has spacious public areas with extensive gardens and an outside heated salt water swimming pool (available mid May – mid September). The Colonial Lounge bar is the popular heart of the hotel with nightly entertainment. The Ocean’s light and airy restaurant has an excellent reputation and offers delicious 3-course waiter-served menus. Most of the 96 bedrooms are served by a lift although some bedrooms are accessed via a flight of stairs. Rooms have bath or shower, wc, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Tel. 01983 402351