Excursions from Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, UK 2019 | Page 3

COWES BY BICYCLE THE NEEDLES BY RIB
Meet your experienced local cycle guide at The Parade and
gear up with a bicycle and helmet. Set off on a leisurely bike
ride through Cowes, passing along the High Street. You will
take a ride on the Chain Ferry, an unusual and interesting
floating bridge, and make your way over the River Medina to
East Cowes. Admire the views back towards West Cowes from
the seafront, where you will be able to identify landmarks such
as the world famous Royal Yacht Squadron. Walk along the Trinity Landing tender pontoons to meet your
RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and the friendly crew. After an
essential safety briefing and demonstration of safety
equipment, step aboard and head out on a scenic tour along
the picturesque Isle of Wight coastline.
St Mildred's Church in Whippingham village, rich in royal
history and heritage, offers wonderful architecture and
excellent views. The Church was designed by Prince Albert
and frequented by Queen Victoria when she holidayed on the
Isle of Wight.
Continue to Newport via picturesque country lanes and cycle
paths, admiring the stunning rural views of the Medina Valley.
The quaint streets of Cowes lead you back to the vibrant High
Street, The Parade and the Trinity Landing tender pontoons.
Your destination is The Needles, a distinctive cluster of three
stacks of chalk that rise vertically almost 100 feet out of the
sea. The impressive Needles Lighthouse stands boldly at the
end of the outermost chalk stack where the weather sweeps in
from the west. Some stunning photo opportunities are found
here before you make the return journey along the coast back
to Cowes.
© visitisleofwight.co.uk
Your skipper shares his/her outstanding local knowledge and
provides a commentary on the landmarks and areas of natural
beauty you will see along the route. Watch out for Gurnard
Bay, beautiful Newton Creek, picturesque Yarmouth Harbour,
Colwell Bay and Alum Bay.
© visitisleofwight.co.uk
© Seadogz
VENTNOR BOTANIC
GARDENS ISLAND GASTRONOMY
WITH ROBERT THOMPSON
Green thumbs and garden lovers, come to the Ventnor Botanic
Gardens to better understand the English world of flora and
horticulture. Robert Thompson is the UK’s youngest chef to be awarded a
Michelin Star, giving him a platform to promote his own style,
ideas and talent amongst the culinary world. Robert’s award
winning restaurant, thompsonʼs, in the Island’s capital of
Newport serves contemporary British cuisine in an open
kitchen concept.
Benefiting from the micro-climate of the Undercliff, Ventnor sits
in a prime position to grow and showcase subtropical and
exotic plants interacting with each other as they would in the
wild. This immersion landscape showcases 30,000 rare plants
and trees as they would be seen in their native environments.
Ventnor's uniquely mild climate and sheltered setting creates
the opportunity to display plants spread across 22 acres of
garden. The planting groups are based on geographical
regions. A guided garden visit introduces you to the various
parts of the garden and offers additional insights.
If you are looking to pick up some tips and add to your
culinary repertoire then this is for you! Drawing on Robert’s
fresh and experienced approach, you will get to see how
different dishes are put together using fresh local produce.
Suitable for everyone from complete beginners to budding
master chefs, these relaxed demonstrations will guide you
through different techniques that Robert uses.
Each demonstration starts with a coffee and catch up in the
bar where Robert will talk you through what he is cooking,
then as the demo comes to a close you will enjoy refreshments
and a three course set lunch. Don’t worry about the recipes,
as you’ll receive a recipe card covering the day.
© visitisleofwight.co.uk
© robertthompson.co.uk
EXCURSIONS FROM COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT, ENGLAND, UK:
CONTACT THE CRUISE LINE’S SHORESIDE TOUR SERVICES PROVIDER