Gardens of Hampshire & The Isle of Wight
United Kingdom
Fully Guided3
Nights-
B&B
Flights & TransfersYour Guided Group Holiday To Hampshire & The Isle of Wight
Join us to uncover the wonderful gardens of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Our first excursion will be to West Dean Gardens, which has gone through many transformations from Medieval, through to the Tudor and Victorian periods. We’ll take a ferry to the Isle of Wight to visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favourite retreat as her beloved husband Prince Albert designed some of the house. Later we’ll discover the colourful and vibrant Mottistone Manor Gardens. Before visiting the world renowned garden of Exbury Gardens, which belongs to the Rothschilds, we’ll have free time to do some shopping or sightseeing in Winchester. We’ll visit the gardens of Mottisfont Abbey and see the incredible selection of trees and plants in Sir Harold Hillier’s Garden. This garden tour provides a fantastic opportunity to be inspired by some of the best-known gardens in England.
Please Note : Garden Tours, by their very nature, involve walking moderate distances each day, with the amount of walking, as well as the presence of slopes and steps, varying from tour to tour. As individual assistance cannot be provided, participants should ensure they are comfortable with the physical demands involved. If you are unsure about the level of activity or terrain on a specific tour, please contact Frances MacDonald for more detailed information on the terrain of particular gardens. Mob: 086 843 6624 Email:[email protected]
Tour Map
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Leisurely
What does this level mean?
Day
Travel to London and West Dean Gardens
1
MorningAfternoon
West Dean Gardens
MorningOn arrival at London Gatwick Airport, we will transfer by private coach to West Dean Gardens. Situated at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex, West Dean is one of the country’s finest restored gardens open to the public.
Highlights include an impressive collection of working Victorian glasshouses, a beautifully designed walled kitchen garden, a sunken garden and a magnificent 300-foot Edwardian pergola.
Travel to Winchester
AfternoonFollowing our visit, we continue to Winchester, where we will check in to our hotel.
This evening, join us for a welcome dinner.
Isle of Wight, Osborne House & Mottistone Manor
2MorningAfternoon
Isle of Wight & Mottistone Manor Gardens
MorningThis morning, we travel to the Isle of Wight for a visit to Mottistone Manor Garden. Set within a sheltered valley, the garden features shrub-filled banks, hidden pathways and colourful herbaceous borders surrounding the attractive Elizabethan manor house.
The 20th-century gardens include an innovative Mediterranean-style planting scheme, making the most of the island’s southerly location.
There will be some free time to explore the gardens and enjoy lunch at leisure (at own expense).
Osborne House & Garden
AfternoonThis afternoon, we visit Osborne House and Gardens, the much-loved former seaside residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Explore the beautiful gardens and grounds, which reflect the Victorian passion for horticulture and the couple’s love of the Italian landscape.
Our ferry departs in the late afternoon/early evening for the return journey to the mainland and our hotel in Winchester.
This evening is free to dine at leisure in one of Winchester’s many excellent restaurants. Rosie will be happy to offer suggestions and recommendations.
Mottisfont Abbey Gardens & Exbury Gardens
3MorningAfternoon
Mottisfont Abbey Gardens
MorningThis morning, we visit the gardens at Mottisfont Abbey, renowned for their romantic character and beautiful setting.
Highlights include the celebrated walled garden, ancient trees, babbling brooks and sweeping lawns, creating a wonderfully tranquil setting to explore.
Exbury Gardens
AfternoonThis afternoon, we visit Exbury Gardens, the world-famous gardens created by the Rothschild family. Set within a unique riverside landscape, Exbury offers an oasis of tranquillity, with an outstanding collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens.
For those who wish, some areas of the estate can also be explored aboard the gardens’ narrow-gauge steam railway.
This evening is free at leisure in Winchester.
Sir Harold Hillier’s Garden and Return to Dublin
4Full Day
Sir Harold Hillier’s Garden and Return to Dublin
Full DayThis morning, we check out of our hotel and begin our final day with a visit to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.
Set across 180 acres, the gardens feature a remarkable collection of trees, shrubs and hardy plants. The award-winning gardens have a strong focus on horticulture, conservation, education and recreation, providing a wonderful finale to our garden tour.
Later this afternoon, we transfer by private coach to London Gatwick Airport for our return flight to Dublin.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
