Gardens of Hampshire & The Isle of Wight
United Kingdom
Fully Guided
Flights & Transfers
Your 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 National Trust Site of Hinton Amper 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.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Leisurely
Day
Travel to London and West Dean Gardens
West Dean Gardens
MorningOn arrival in London Gatwick airport we will transfer by private coach to West Dean Gardens. Situated at the foot of the South Downs the gardens in West Sussex are one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public. Highlights include an impressive collection of working Victorian Glasshouses, a walled kitchen garden, a sunken garden and a 300 foot Edwardian pergola.
Travel to Winchester
AfternoonFollowing our visit we continue onwards to Winchester where we check in to our hotel. Join us for a welcome dinner this evening!
Isle of Wight, Osborne House & Mottisone Manor
Isle of Wight & Osborne House
MorningThis morning, following our early breakfast, we travel by coach and ferry to the Isle of Wight. Our first visit today is to Osborne House & Garden, a former royal residence in East Cowes built as a summer home and rural retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. We will have some free time here too for lunch at our leisure (not included).
Mottisone Manor Garden
AfternoonOur afternoon visit is to Mottisone Manor Garden, located in a sheltered valley with shrub-filled banks, hidden pathways and colourful herbaceous borders. It surrounds an attractive Elizabethan manor house these 20th-century gardens are experimenting with a Mediterranean-style planting scheme to take advantage of the southerly location. Our ferry departs late afternoon/early evening for our return journey to our hotel.
This evening is free to dine in one of Winchester’s many restaurants. Frances will be happy to advise and offer suggestions.
At Leisure & Exbury Gardens
At Leisure
MorningThis morning is free to explore the historical city of Winchester- perhaps visit the Cathedral or do some shopping!
Exbury Gardens
After a leisurely morning we depart for a visit to Exbury Gardens, the world famous garden of the Rothschild Family which offers an oasis of tranquillity during summer months. Home to a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens in a unique riverside location. Some of these fascinating gardens can be navigated aboard a narrow gauge steam railway.
Evening free at leisure in Winchester.
Hinton Ampner, Sir Harold Hillier’s Garden and Return to Dublin
Hinton Ampner
MorningThis morning we check out of our hotel and start our day with a visit to the elegant country house and gardens of Hinton Ampner. This National Trust property is renowned for its beautifully manicured lawns, avenues of sculptured topiary and breathtaking views across the South Downs. We will have free time for lunch at our leisure here (not included).
Sir Harold Hillier’s Garden and Return to Dublin
Our journey continues onwards to Sir Harold Hillier’s Garden, where he has assembled a remarkable collection of trees, shrubs and hardy plants set in 180 acres. The award winning gardens specialise in horticulture, conservation, education and recreation.
Later this afternoon we transfer to London Gatwick 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.
Customer Reviews
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.
