Isle of Wight: Castles, Coast and Wildlife

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then we will board the ferry to the Isle of Wight and continue on to our hotel for four nights. Enjoy dinner this evening in the hotel.

Today, enjoy an included excursion to experience the coast of the Isle of Wight and view the famous Needles.

We depart for Cowes, where we board our morning Solent Cruise from the harbour and then travel along the island coastline with views of Hurst Castle and the Victorian forts. Get up close to the active 19th-century Needles Lighthouse, with full commentary throughout the cruise. A bar is on board serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.

We disembark for some free time in Cowes. Nestled on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, Cowes is a charming seaside town renowned for its rich maritime heritage. Stroll along the vibrant waterfront and marina, with views of yachts and sailing boats, and explore the town's independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants.

We return to the hotel for dinner this evening, followed by entertainment.

Enjoy a day at leisure today to enjoy Sandown or why not join the optional excursion to Ryde? Known for its beautiful sandy beach and historic pier, this large town is one of the oldest and longest seaside piers in the UK. Ryde offers a traditional British seaside experience and has plenty of shops and cafés. There is also Appley Park – a peaceful green space overlooking the sea.

This morning we enjoy an included visit to Carisbrooke Castle. This English Heritage attraction is a great fortress which began life as an Anglo-Saxon earthwork defence against Viking raids. The Normans raised the shell keep on its towering mound, which you can climb up for amazing views. The castle's most famous resident was Charles I, who was imprisoned here after his Civil War defeat. You'll find Charles I memorabilia and changing exhibitions in the Carisbrooke Castle Museum. The castle's best-known modern residents are the much-loved Carisbrooke donkeys. They still demonstrate the treadwheel, which once raised water from the castle well. Meet them in their stables and hear their story, then perhaps stop at the tearoom above the castle's former carriage room. It serves a delicious selection of locally produced treats.

After our visit, we have some time in Newport. Stroll through the historic town centre and take in the peaceful views along the River Medina. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants if you wish to have a bite of lunch.

This afternoon we travel back to the seafront at Sandown to visit another fantastic attraction on the island. The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is home to a range of rescued animals, from big cats to brown bears. You'll take a guided tour of the centre and learn about their stories. Its striking bamboo domes are among the first of their kind in Europe and provide spacious homes for lemurs and other primates. Recent arrivals include brown bear brothers Benji and Balu, who were rescued after years of poor conditions and transported more than 3,000 miles to their new home on the Isle of Wight.

Return home.