Queen Victoria's Island Retreat Tour

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased Osborne House in 1845, when searching for a home removed from the pressure of life at court, ‘a place of one’s own - quiet and retired’, as the Queen herself put it, where “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.” The Italian Renaissance style house was one of Queen Victoria’s favourite homes throughout her long reign and she spent as much time as possible here. Join your host and guide, Mike Stone, on this wonderful tour that includes a full day on the Isle of Wight including lunch at Albert Cottage Hotel, once part of the Osborne Estate, visit to Osborne House itself as well as visits to lovely Arundel Castle and Petworth House, frequented by JMW Turner, to find out more.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Marriott Portsmouth from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception and private dinner with wine and talk from your host and guide, Mike Stone, 'Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight'.

Day 2: Carisbrooke Castle, St Mildred’s Church, lunch at Albert Cottage and Osborne House. 
Across by ferry to the Isle of Wight and to Carisbrooke Castle, dating back to William the Conqueror and home of Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter Princess Beatrice from 1912, for a welcome talk and visit. The museum was dedicated by Princess Beatrice to her husband Prince Henry of Battenberg after his death in 1896, when she became governor of the island. She lived here until her death in 1944. We continue on to St Mildred’s Church and have a private visit including the Battenberg Chapel at Whippingham, where Princess Beatrice was married in 1885. We then head to Albert Cottage for a 2-course lunch with wine. Purchased in 1852 by Prince Albert, the cottage was once part of Queen Victoria's Osborne Estate and used by royal guests. Next it’s on to Osborne House for a free flow visit of the house, including time to visit the grounds and famous Swiss Cottage. Return to the ferry and the hotel for a light dinner of soup and sandwiches. 

Day 3: Arundel Castle and Petworth House.
This morning we visit magnificent Arundel Castle, home of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years, with an illustrious history, including a visit from Queen Victoria. It dates back to 1067 and many of the original features, such a the Norman Keep, medieval gatehouse and Barbican survive to this day. It was largely rebuilt in the 1870s-1890s in the Gothic style and is considered as one of the greatest architectural works of Victorian England, with stunning interiors and an equally impressive art collection with works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto. Our afternoon visit is no less impressive as we head to magnificent Petworth House, an inspiration to and frequented by JMW Turner. It is home to the finest art collection in the care of the National Trust including works by Turner, Reynolds and others as well as a totally natural looking landscape that was, in fact, carefully crafted by Lancelot “Capability” Brown. Return to the hotel for approximately 18.00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size is 48 passengers. 

INCLUDED

• Two night's bed and breakfast at the four-star Marriott Portsmouth, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• Private three-course dinner with wine at the hotel
• Light dinner of soup and sandwiches on the second night 
• 2-course lunch with wine at the Albert Cottage Hotel 
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach transfers, ferry transfers and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Marriott Portsmouth 
The four-star Marriott Portsmouth is located near to Port Solent Marina and a short drive away from the historic dockyards and Spinnaker Tower. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar and lounge, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and comfortable bedrooms with private en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, air-conditioning, minibar, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.

Marriott Portsmouth Hotel Website

MORE INFO - Please click here to see full details of this tour

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.