Hampshire Gardens, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight & Historic Portsmouth

Itinerary

Day 1, Travel from Shropshire, visiting Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield Nr. Romsey

A delightful start to this tour takes us to Sir Harold Hillier’s well established Gardens and Arboretum. Beginning in 1953, this distinguished plantsman assembled a remarkable collection bringing together the most comprehensive and unrivalled collection of trees, shrubs and hard hardy plants in the UK. Today the garden is at the forefront of nurturing and sustaining national collections for the enjoyment and education of everyone, both now and in the future.

There are so many beautiful gardens in this 180 acre, world-renowned garden arboretum. To name a few, the Himalayan Valley is lined with Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, Pieris, and many other plants. The Centenary Border is the longest double mixed border in the country. Bamboos are mixed with bold herbaceous perennials such as the enormous Gunnera manicata in the Bog Garden. An atmospheric valley of Japanese and other maples and shaded by mature oaks in the Acer garden. Hillier’s is also home to the UK’s largest collection of Champion Trees – the biggest, rarest or oldest of their kind.

Refreshments

The Garden Restaurant & Tea Rooms is perfect for a leisurely lunch or for a quick bite to eat. You can even pre-book for a gorgeous Afternoon Tea. The Courtyard Café at the main entrance to the Gardens offers light lunches and a lovely selection of cakes, pastries and hot drinks.

Aiming to arrive at the hotel around 17.00 there is time to relax before we reconvene for pre-dinner drinks followed by a 3 course dinner.

Day 2, Exbury Gardens with introductory talk and miniature steam railway

Spring is a breathtaking spectacle at Exbury. With 200 acres of woodland, herbaceous and formal gardens to enjoy, Exbury is one of those must-see destinations. Following an introductory talk about the garden you are free to explore the gardens and riverside walks at your own pace.

More than 100 years in the making the gardens were designed and curated by the de Rothschild family. In spring, the extensive camellia collection along the two Camellia Walks is ablaze with a range of vibrant shades and the garden’s world-famous azaleas and rhododendrons fill the gardens with colour.

Included is a fun ride on the miniature steam railway which tours 1.5 miles of the northern part of the gardens. Meandering through the Summer Lane Garden – which isn’t accessible on foot – the Rock Garden and through the tunnel, the train stops to refuel for the return journey. Watch out for wildlife as the train circles Dragonfly Pond on its return journey.

Seek out the tea room when you are ready for a hot drink or lunch and leave time to visit the shop.

Day 3, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight

In the morning the coach will take us to the harbour for the ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight and onward to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s family retreat.

A day at Osborne House is a memorable experience offering a glimpse into the private family life of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The royal couple bought and built Osborne to fulfil the queen’s desire for a ‘place of one’s own – quiet and retired’. Its dazzling interiors, art collection, gardens and grounds reflect their personal passions, taste and style.

Discover the sumptuous state rooms, where the Queen of England entertained her important guests. Peek into the family rooms of Victoria and Albert and their nine children. Relax on Queen Victoria’s private beech. Explore the world of the Victorian royal children at Swiss Cottage.

The gardens, surrounded by breath taking views, benefit from the mild Mediterranean climate. Wander through the Victorian walled garden with its espaliered fruit trees, and explore the wider parkland with its historic trees, many planted by Prince Albert.

Day 4, Historic Portsmouth, harbour boat tour and free time

See warships past and present this morning on a short harbour cruise of the the Naval Base with onboard commentary. After the boat cruise you are free to explore Portsmouth at your leisure.

Things to do in Portsmouth

Ending our boat cruise at Gunwharf Quay, we are perfectly placed for exploring the delights of Portsmouth.

If you have a head for heights and enjoy spectacular views consider visiting the the Spinnaker Tower, a 170-metre high landmark observation tower and the centrepiece of the redevelopment of Portsmouth Harbour. It has three viewing platforms one on top of the other at heights of 100 m, 105 m and 110 m. Just 4 minutes walk from Gunwharf Quay, you can book a viewing slot and even stay for High Tea!

10 minutes walk from the Quay is the Historic Dockyard Museum, a captivating journey through naval history. Board historic ships and explore impressive museums showcasing the Royal Navy’s heritage. Step aboard HMS Victory to see Nelson’s legendary warship, or step back in time in Henry VIII’s favourite ship at the Mary Rose Museum. Dive into the depths with HMS Alliance. Find out about the Georgian Navy’s history at The National Museum of the Royal Navy, witness traditional boat building at Boathouse 4, and learn about naval armaments at the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower. See Accessibility information here

12 minutes walk away, at the Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery you can take a journey through Portsmouth’s heritage, discover the world of Sherlock Holmes, see fascinating works of art, trace the history of Portsmouth FC and a whole load more besides.

Please note that entry into any of the venues is not included in the price of the holiday. You can either pay on the day or follow the links to book online. There may be special offers if you visit more than one venue.

Alternatively you can stay at Gunwharf Quays, for a variety of shops and dining all in one place. From fashion and unique gifts to tasty meals, there’s something for everyone.

We will return from Portsmouth for dinner at the hotel.

Day 5, West Green House Garden, Hampshire and travel to Shropshire

Our final day takes us to West Green House gardens, a delightful series of walled gardens surrounding the charming 18th-century house. The gardens of offer a distinctive sense of place created over two decades by Marylyn Abbott a renowned Australian garden designer. We will have coffee on arrival with an introductory talk followed by free time in the garden then a light lunch.

The garden has many original features including a grand water staircase, providing the focal point to the Nymphaeum fountain designed by Quinlan Terry.

By the house is a charming small topiary garden where water lilies flourish in small water tanks sunk in the ground. Beyond, is are a dramatic new Persian water garden in a woodland glade, a newly restored lake, more follies and fancies, new walks and massive plantings of snowdrops, daffodils and fritillaries.

Departing the gardens we will make our way back to Shropshire with a comfort break en route.

Booking your place

£1,330 per person sharing a twin / double room + £205 supplement for sole occupancy.

£150 non-refundable deposit is payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Travel arrangements

Departing Shrewsbury 08.30 on Thursday 30 April and arriving back in Shrewsbury around 19.30 on Monday 04 May. All timings are provisional, are dependent on traffic on the day and will be confirmed 7-days before travel.

The itinerary

On occasion we may need to make changes to the planned itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. If this does happen we will get in touch to let you know the alternative arrangements.

And finally…

You are strongly advised to take out your own travel insurance to cover you for any emergency or cancellation or loss of luggage etc.

We have an ‘All Weather Policy’ which means the tour will go ahead come rain or shine unless the Met Office announces it is unsafe to travel. You are advised to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

Please look at the Hotel Information and Mobility & Accessibility sections further down this page for information on venues.

Solent Hotel & Spa, Hampshire

The Solent Hotel & Spa, Hampshire Rookery Avenue, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 7AJ

T: 01489 880000 E: reception@solenthotel.co.uk

This charming hotel with its light and airy interior is a haven to relax in while we are visiting the south coast. Enjoy access to the hotel’s wellness space which includes a pool, salt sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and storm shower!

Accessibility & Mobility Information

For detailed information on accessibility and mobility at destinations click on the destination name to go to the appropriate page for each location.

Hampshire Gardens, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight & Historic Portsmouth

Tour Information

This tour takes us to the lovely county of Hampshire. Visiting three very different gardens, historic Portsmouth and spectacular Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s holiday home on the Isle of Wight, this tour offers both variety and beauty.

Included in the Tour

Gardens, historic Portsmouth and stunning Osbourne House

Itinerary

Day 1, Travel from Shropshire, visiting Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield Nr. Romsey

Day 2, Exbury Gardens with introductory talk and miniature steam railway

Day 3, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight

Day 4, Historic Portsmouth, harbour boat tour and free time

Day 5, West Green House Garden, Hampshire and travel to Shropshire

Booking your place

Osborne House

Exbury Gardens

West Green House Garden

Sir Harold Hillier Garden