With a varied coastline, warm climate and stunning rolling landscape, the Isle of Wight combines the best of the British outdoors. Known as the Garden Isle, its high temperatures and humidity support an abundance of flora and exotic plants, making it the perfect destination for this brand-new garden tour next spring.
On this wonderful four-day trip, you can explore five of the island's most beautiful gardens, including the impressive estate at Osborne House, the former Royal residence. Here you'll be joined by The One Show's Christine Walkden, who will give a fascinating talk and answer all your horticultural questions. Together you'll tour the grounds with the head gardener and explore the rooms of Queen Victoria's palatial holiday home.
You'll also enjoy visits to historic Nunwell House and Ventnor Botanic Garden during the best possible time of year - the spring.
Christine's professional career has seen her work at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, before becoming a panellist on BBC Gardeners' Question Time and presenter on Gardeners' World and Great British Garden Revival.
The Isle of Wight has an affable climate, which enables plants seldom seen widely in the UK to be grown there. It will be a delight to share our experiences together.
Christine Walkden
Today you will catch a late morning ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. Your first stop will be the worldfamous Shanklin Chine, which drops 105ft from the top of the cliff to sea level. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the gorge, a natural fissure formed by water cutting through sandstone to the sea. The deeply shaded path winds down beside waterfalls to the shore, which is flanked by more than 150 varieties of wild plants and species of moss. This afternoon, you will have some free time to wander Shanklin's picturesque Old Village before travelling to Cowes to checkin at the New Holmwood Hotel where dinner will be served. D
After breakfast you'll travel to the privately owned gardens at Nunwell House. The gardens were first documented in 1640 when John Oglander recorded that the parlour garden had "all sorts of French flowers and tulips." In the afternoon, you will continue to Ventnor Botanic Garden, famous for its collection of rare plants. The subtropical Undercliff location makes it an ideal environment for rare plants, which are hard to grow elsewhere in the UK. You will then return to your hotel for dinner. B, D
Following breakfast, you will start the day at Morton Manor, which has won the Isle of Wight In Bloom competition several times in recent years and has twice been winner of Southern England in Bloom. Dating back to 1249, the manor boasts a huge collection of Japanese Acers and an Elizabethan sunken garden within a handsomely landscaped garden of mature specimen trees. After lunch, you will travel to Mottistone Manor, which has a colourful array of borders, shrubs and flowering fruit trees overlooking sea views. Here, Christine Walkden will join you as you tour the gardens. This evening you'll return to your hotel for dinner. B, L, D
After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and travel to Osborne House and Gardens, accompanied by Christine. Queen Victoria's favourite home, Osborne House boasts the most impressive formal gardens on the island. You'll enjoy a tour with the head gardener, as well as a unique glimpse inside the residence. After lunch in the Terrace Restaurant you'll enjoy a fascinating talk from Christine, with time for questions. You will then be transferred back to Fishbourne for your return ferry and onward journey home. B, L
A lovely three-star hotel on the water's edge in pretty Cowes
You will stay throughout your trip at the three-star New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes. On the water's edge at Egypt's Point, the hotel enjoys panoramic views of the Solent. The 26 rooms are comfortable and well equipped, with super king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms. The sea-facing lounge and restaurant open onto two outdoor terraces, perfect for watching the activity on the water.
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