3-Day Isle of Wight and the Southern Coast Small-Group Tour From London

Exploring the stunning Isle of Wight and the captivating Southern Coast of England is an opportunity not to be missed. This 3-day small-group tour from London promises a personalized experience, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and rich history. From the iconic Osborne House to the breathtaking white sea cliffs, each day is carefully curated to provide travelers with an immersive and unforgettable journey. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or a chance to explore the area’s cultural heritage, this tour offers something for all. But what sets it apart, and why should you consider joining?

This experience made our list of the 8 Best 3 Day Tours In London.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Inclusions and Accommodations

3 Meeting and Departure Information

4 Tour Details and Activities

5 Exploring the Isle of Wight

6 Discovering Southern Coast Highlights

7 Osborne House and Bombay Sapphire

8 Booking and Cancellation Policies

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A 3-day small-group tour from London exploring the Isle of Wight and southern coast highlights, including beaches, white sea cliffs, and historical sites.
Visit to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former residence, and the Bombay Sapphire Distillery are featured in the tour.
Comfortable 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach transportation with an English-speaking driver-guide is provided.
Two nights of en-suite accommodation with breakfast in a 3-star hotel or B&B, and entry to Osborne House are included.
Departure from Green Line Coach Station in Victoria, London, with a minimum age requirement of 5 years for travel.

Tour Overview

This 3-day Isle of Wight and Southern Coast Small-Group Tour from London, operated by Rabbies Trail Burners, allows visitors to explore the island’s beaches, white sea cliffs, and historical sites from the Norman, Roman, and World War eras.

The tour also includes a visit to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former residence, and the home of Bombay Sapphire gin.

With a maximum of 16 participants, this small-group experience provides an intimate and personalized way to discover the highlights of the southern coast.

Travelers will be transported by a comfortable 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and guided by an English-speaking driver-guide throughout the journey.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in London

Inclusions and Accommodations

Included in the tour package are 2 nights of en-suite accommodation with breakfast, provided in a 3-star hotel or bed and breakfast.

Transport is by a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, and an English-speaking driver-guide is included.

The entry fee to Osborne House is covered.

Guests are allowed 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person, with one piece similar to a carry-on size plus a small personal item.

For those arriving by train or underground, the closest station is Victoria Train and Underground Station.

Taxi drop-off is available at Buckingham Palace Road and Elizabeth Bridge.

Meeting and Departure Information

The tour departs from the Green Line Coach Station, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH at 09:15 am.

The closest station is Victoria Train and Underground Station, which is convenient for those arriving by train or underground. Guests can also arrange for a taxi drop-off at Buckingham Palace Road and Elizabeth Bridge.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the minimum age for travel is 5 years.

Group bookings of up to 8 guests are accommodated, with separate room bookings required.

Tour Details and Activities

During the tour, guests will have free time in Portsmouth from 11 am to 1 pm.

Advance ticket reservations are recommended for those who want to visit the Mary Rose or HMS Victory. Quarr Abbey tickets will be reserved for purchase on the tour.

The B&Bs where guests stay are located on the outskirts, typically a 20-30 minute walk from local amenities. While hotels may be more centrally located, a similar walking distance to town may still be required.

Guests should inform the tour operator about any stair difficulties to ensure appropriate room arrangements can be made.

Exploring the Isle of Wight

Guests embark on a journey to explore the picturesque Isle of Wight, where they’ll discover a rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and local culture.

They’ll stroll along the island’s stunning beaches, admiring the iconic white sea cliffs and taking in panoramic views.

Key historical sites, including remnants from the Norman, Roman, and World War eras, provide insight into the island’s past.

The tour also includes a visit to Osborne House, the former residence of Queen Victoria, and the home of Bombay Sapphire gin.

With ample free time, guests can enjoy the island’s charming towns and villages, sampling local cuisine and exploring the unique shops and attractions.

Here's some more things to do in London

Discovering Southern Coast Highlights

After exploring the Isle of Wight‘s natural beauty and historical sites, the tour then ventures along the southern coast, showcasing a diverse array of highlights.

Guests will have free time to explore the vibrant city of Portsmouth, where they can visit the Mary Rose or HMS Victory upon advance reservation.

The tour also includes a stop at Quarr Abbey, where tickets can be purchased on-site.

Throughout the journey, travelers will witness the region’s stunning white sea cliffs and learn about its rich history, from the Norman and Roman eras to the two World Wars that left their mark.

The small-group format ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

Osborne House and Bombay Sapphire

The tour includes a visit to Osborne House, a former royal residence that was once the beloved home of Queen Victoria and her family. This English country house offers a glimpse into the Queen’s private life and offers stunning views of the Solent. Travelers will also visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, where they can learn about the history and production of this iconic gin. The following table provides more details about these key stops on the tour:

Site	Description
Osborne House	Queen Victoria’s former summer residence; features lavish interiors and beautiful gardens overlooking the Solent
Bombay Sapphire Distillery	Birthplace of the popular gin brand; offers guided tours and tastings
Duration	Approximately 1-2 hours at each location
Accessibility	Osborne House has some uneven surfaces and stairs; distillery is wheelchair-accessible
Advance Booking	Recommended for Osborne House to avoid queues

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Confirmation for the tour is typically received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the minimum age for travel is 5 years. For group bookings of up to 8 guests, separate room bookings are required.

Cancellation is free up to 21 days in advance. The tour’s price starts at $711.32 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

Guests should be aware that some accommodations may be located on the outskirts of the towns, requiring a 20-30 minute walk to local amenities, and that centrally located hotels may also require similar walking distances.

Therefore, informing the tour operator about any stair difficulties is advised for specific room arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will We Have Free Time to Explore on Our Own?

Yes, the tour includes free time in Portsmouth from 11 am to 1 pm, allowing participants to explore on their own. Advance ticket reservations are recommended for attractions like the Mary Rose or HMS Victory.

What Should I Pack for the Tour?

The key items to pack for this tour are comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing for varying weather, a small backpack or daypack, sun protection, and any personal medications or travel essentials. Pack light to make the most of the free time.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks for the tour, but the operator recommends enjoying the local cuisine during the scheduled breaks. Coolers and picnic supplies are allowed, though storage space may be limited on the mini-coach.

Are There Any Opportunities to Take Photos?

This tour offers ample opportunities to take photos. The itinerary includes visits to scenic coastal areas, historical sites, and the Queen’s former residence, providing a variety of picturesque settings for capturing memorable photos throughout the 3-day excursion.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

According to the tour overview, the schedule includes free time in Portsmouth from 11 am to 1 pm. Plus, tickets are reserved for a visit to Quarr Abbey during the tour. The specific durations at other locations aren’t explicitly stated.

The Sum Up

This 3-day small-group tour from London provides an immersive exploration of the Isle of Wight and Southern Coast. Travelers will experience the region’s natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions, including visits to Osborne House and the Bombay Sapphire distillery. With comfortable transportation, en-suite accommodations, and breakfast included, this tour offers a well-rounded and hassle-free way to discover this captivating area.