A day trip to Mottistone Manor
and
Ventnor Botanic Garden

This suggested day trip to Mottistone Manor and Ventnor Botanic Garden will appeal to the less active who appreciate beautiful things. You will explore the grounds of the 15th century manor, visit picturesque villages, enjoy lunch at one of our favourite pubs then meander through exotic gardens before ending the day on Ventnor seafront.

To begin, if you have not already done so, we strongly recommend you purchase the O.S. Explorer Map OL29 of the Isle of Wight. These are available from Amazon.co.uk

Suitably armed, you will then be able to follow our suggested routes, or plan your own alternatives!

To reach the island I again recommend the Wightlink ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth.

Once ashore, turn LEFT out of the harbour onto the A3054, then RIGHT after only half a mile onto the B3401 sign-posted Ventnor. After a further half mile or so, ignore left turning to Thorley; keep straight on along Wilmingham Road to its junction with the B3399 Newport Road.

Turn LEFT and continue for approximately two miles then turn RIGHT where you see a sign for Chessell Pottery. Although you have turned right you are still, in fact, on the B3399. Continue for about two miles past the turning to Brook and 'The Sun Inn' at Hulverstone. Shortly afterwards you will come to the entrance to Mottistone Manor car park on the left hand side.

The car park is on the left BEFORE you see the manor house, so it's likely you will miss it first time. Not to worry! Turn by the church and retrace your route for a hundred yards.

Mottistone Manor

Dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, the magnificent Mottistone Manor is now owned by The National Trust. Built of local stone with deep-set, mullioned windows and leaded lights, the house simply drips with history. One can imagine the BBC filming yet another Jane Austin novel here, but unfortunately there is no lake for Mr Darcy!

This year (2008) the picturesque gardens will be open to the public from 15th March to 2nd November each day except Fridays and Saturdays. The house is normally closed to visitors because it has tenants in residence. However, it opens just one day each year - and this year it will be open on Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May 2008 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm only.

Depending on when you choose to visit, you will appreciate the colourful herbaceous borders and the well-kept organic kitchen garden - and children will enjoy hunting for the little flower-pot men that have been hidden alongside the paths all around the grounds!

If it is too early for lunch at this point, you may enjoy a leisurely stroll on to the downs across the Mottistone Estate. The pathway is clearly marked and it begins near the car park.

On leaving Mottistone Manor, turn left and continue along the B3399 for approximately one mile until you enter the quaint village of Brighstone (formerly Brixton). Here you may care to park in the village centre (by the church) in order to fully enjoy the thatched cottages and village atmosphere. Make a point of visiting The National Trust shop and museum in North Street. The shop sells some wonderful gadgets and the well presented museum transports you back to bygone days. I just love the school photos on display!

The National Trust Shoppe and Museum

From Brighstone we suggest you continue along the B3399 to Shorwell for lunch at the ever popular Crown Inn (The Three Bishops in Brighstone itself is a good 'family' pub, but we prefer the more traditional Crown at Shorwell) Here, on sunny days, you can enjoy sitting outside where a crystal clear stream trickles the full length of the garden.

The Crown Inn at Shorwell (rear view - as seen from Brighstone)

Refreshed and rested, you will be ready to move on. From the Crown Inn car park, turn left then almost immediately right at the mini roundabout into Farriers Way (B3399 again). Then enjoy this beautiful country lane as it winds its way through the downs to Chale Green. At the junction, turn RIGHT and continue on the B3399, past The Wight Mouse Inn and on to the T junction with the main A3055 in Chale itself. Turn LEFT and continue on, past Blackgang, then uphill towards Niton.

Shortly after the entrance to Blackgang, you will see a 'Viewpoint' notice pointing to a car park on the right. From here, on a clear day, you have a fantastic view of the south coast of the island all the way to The Needles.

View along south coast towards The Needles (on a stormy day!)

When you reach Niton, turn RIGHT at the crossroads in the village centre, then continue straight ahead, past the Post Office, and uphill (still on the A3055).

This road from Niton to Ventnor takes you along 'The Undercliff' - a lush area of undulating land caused by ancient landslip. Here the road winds through untamed woodland at the base of towering cliffs. Soon you will emerge from the trees on to 'Undercliff Drive' and the village of St Lawrence. Follow the road for a further half mile or so until you see the entrance to Ventnor Botanic Garden on the right hand side. (CLICK HERE for more information)

Later, having explored the fabulous gardens, you may like to drive down to Ventnor Esplanade to relax on the shore, or enjoy a drink or two at one of the splendid hostelries!

Simply continue along the A3055, past Ventnor Park, then take the first right into Belgrave Road, then first right again into Bath Road which winds down to the Esplanade.

The Spy Inn on the western edge of the beach is a favourite for food - especially seafood - but to watch the evening sunsets you will do well at the Ventnor Winter Gardens bar situated above the small harbour on the eastern side of the beach. From here you have a splendid view across the bay and right down the coast to Woody Point. A licensed cafe/restaurant is also available at the Winter Gardens, run by Perks of Ventnor, where you can enjoy an evening meal.

The view from Ventnor Winter Gardens bar and terrace

When it is finally time to return to Yarmouth for your journey home, may we suggest that you return to Niton along the A3055, then stay on this wonderful road (with fabulous views) all the way along the south coast to the Brook turning. From here, drive through Brook village; bear left back to the Chessell Pottery, then left again on the B3401. Continue for approximately two miles, then turn right, sign-posted Yarmouth. This road will bring you on to the A3054 just outside Yarmouth. Turn left, and you will soon be at the ferry port.

We sincerely hope you've enjoyed your day-trip to Mottistone Manor and Ventnor Botanic Garden. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

Our favourite day trip: to Ventnor and Steephill Cove


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