Isle of Wight holiday 2023
ISLE OF WIGHT COACH TRIP REPORT
MONDAY 17th TO FRIDAY 21st JULY 2023
On Monday 17th July, 45 trip-goers boarded the coach at 8.30am at Llantwit Major train station for the start of our 5 day trip to the Isle of Wight. We had intended to stop in Winchester around lunchtime but due to the M4 being closed around the Bristol area, we had only got as far as Chepstow by 11.15am so we called in at Chepstow Garden Centre for a break for refreshments. We continued on our journey to Portsmouth, still in slow traffic at times, and arrived at the ferry terminal with 15 mins to spare before our crossing. We later heard that there had been a fatal accident on the M4, and we were grateful that we had got to our destination safely, and our thoughts were with the families of the 2 women who sadly lost their lives that morning.
After arriving on the island, we continued on to our hotel, situated at Bembridge Coast. The hotel is part of the Warners Group and we were warmly welcomed by 2 members of staff who handed us a pack with our room keys and information about the hotel. After settling in and unpacking, we headed to the dining room to enjoy a 3 course dinner, served by very helpful and friendly staff. Warners hotels provide nightly entertainment in the form of live music and shows, or you can visit the cinema and enjoy a film night, or simply sit in one of the lounges and enjoy a drink and a chat!
After a delicious breakfast the following morning – the hotel offers a wide choice including a full cooked breakfast, cereals, omelette, fresh fruit and much more – around half of our party boarded the coach for a visit to the seaside resort town of Sandown, famed for its long sandy beaches, traditional seafront and pier. Those who opted out enjoyed a free morning exploring the hotel facilities and grounds, or going on a coastal walk.
The coach returned to the hotel to pick up the rest of our party for a visit to Osborne House near Cowes, built specifically for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. We explored the grand house, wandered among the beautiful gardens, learnt about the childhoods of their 9 children at Swiss Cottage, and sampled the delights of the terrace restaurant and café, finishing the day off with a visit to the gift shop.
Wednesday morning saw us setting off to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for an hour`s scenic journey through countryside in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages. The train story discovery centre and museum gave us a fascinating insight into how the steam railway began, and we were able to see skilled craftspeople restoring the trains, and even enjoy a free falconry show!
Our next port of call, on Wednesday afternoon, was the quintessential English village of Godshill, with its medieval church, charming thatched-roofed cottages, and a winding main street lined with traditional tearooms and independent shops offering local crafts and produce. There is also a highly detailed model village to enjoy, and the most amazing cream cakes could be found in one particular tearoom, much to the delight of Dave, our driver!
On Thursday morning we visited Ventnor Botanic Garden where the temperature is 5 degrees higher than the rest of the island and the UK mainland, and where we marvelled at the impressive collection of over 30,000 rare and sub-tropical plants and trees. We spotted some of the resident lizards scuttling through the leaf litter in the Mediterranean Garden, and did a quick tour of the glasshouse which was so humid it took your breath away!
We then went on to Mottistone Gardens for the afternoon, a National Trust property with stunning views towards the coast. The gardens are spectacular, divided into various areas of interest, and are beautifully planted and maintained. Quite a few of our party thought they were some of the best they`ve ever seen! Also there is the Shack, a tiny tardis-like structure, cleverly designed to create a comfortable, if compact life, 1930`s style. We finished our visit with a browse in the second-hand bookshop and the gift shop.
Following our final tasty breakfast, we checked out of the hotel on Friday morning and headed off to Busy Bees on the outskirts of Ryde, a family-owned, award-winning garden centre with an array of items for both the home and garden. It was probably lucky that we only had a short time here as the coach soon filled up with plants and Dave started to look worried!! We boarded the ferry at 11.20am for the crossing back to the mainland and made our way home, returning to Llantwit just before 5.30pm.
We were very lucky with the weather, and the sun shone for us. It was a great week! Thankyou to everyone who joined us and we hope you had a lovely holiday. Huge thanks, as always, to Pencoed Travel, and especially to Dave who goes above and beyond to look after us, and who makes my life as organiser much easier.
Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Rees & Elaine Brown
