The Wonders of the Isle of Wight with Russell & Brigitte

 The Wonders of the Isle of Wight 

Today’s outing took us to the iconic Alum Bay and the Needles. For those revisiting, it was a nostalgic moment; for others, it was a chance to marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the chalk stacks rising from the sparkling sea.

We headed to the Sand Shop where everyone chose a unique glass shape to fill with layers of colourful sand. The friendly staff helped seal our handmade souvenirs, that would make memory of our day.

At Alum Bay Glass, we watched master glassblowers create delicate figurines and vibrant vases – a fascinating display of artistry. The adjacent gift shop offered beautiful handmade items, many of which we couldn’t resist taking home. Next was the Isle of Wight Sweet Manufactory. We had the chance to witness the traditional process of making Iron Brew boiled sweets and even taste them straight from the batch. The air was filled with the sweet scent of mint humbugs and rhubarb and custards – pure nostalgia.

Today took us to Monkey Haven, the award-winning primate rescue centre on the island. As we approached, we could hear the melodic calls of the Lar Gibbons echoing through the trees – a magical start to our visit. We were fascinated by the variety of primates, from adorable marmosets and capuchins to the more elusive Diana and Colobus monkeys. We joined keeper Sarah for an informative and engaging talk about the Javan Langurs, one of whom entertained us with his playful antics. In addition to the monkeys, we admired a collection of rescued owls and ventured into the reptile and insect lodge, where we met creatures such as a royal python, water dragons, spiders, and an African Star tortoise.

How amazing is the Donkey Sanctuary. Here, we enjoyed a peaceful walk through the paddocks, meeting a variety of charming donkeys – many of whom were available for adoption. 

With the sun shining, we headed to Freshwater for a peaceful seaside stroll down to the beach.... 

....and of course a scoop (or two) of delicious ice cream 

Spirits were high as we set off for a relaxing garden stroll, followed by a session of archery. Everyone had a go, and Peter wowed us with a bullseye on his very first shot!

The evening entertainment always had us up on our feet dancing the night away. One particular night was made extra special when we got to meet one of the acts and he gave us all a  signed photographs

We made our way to Shanklin for a round of Pirate Adventure Crazy Golf, where the competition was fierce and fun. Iyt was lovely to see such great sportsmanship amongst the group. 

In the afternoon, we returned to Godshill to visit the enchanting Model Village, a beautifully crafted miniature version of Shanklin and Godshill as they were in the 1920s. The intricate railway and buildings fascinated us all. We couldn't believe how life like they were.

Canal Boat Leisure Trips with Midi & Marguerite

Canal Boat Leisure Trips 

Three glorious days were spent on the beautiful canals. After being shown the ropes we were ready to head out on our adventures. 

The journey was tranquil and full of charm. We crossed over a stunning aqueduct and passed the Lower Bittell Reservoir, a serene body of water built in the early 19th century (circa 1810) to feed the canal system. It provided a beautiful view as we glided by, waving to fellow boaters and enjoying photo opportunities along the way.  Everyone took it in turns to steer the boat and we all agreed we'd make great captains. 

Our second boat for our trip was  The Mole—a charming and cosy narrowboat. After a safety briefing and some useful demonstrations, we all pitched in to get the boat turned around using ropes—a skill that would come in handy later! We began our slow and steady journey north along the Ashby Canal, towards Market Bosworth, passing through peaceful countryside, gentle hedgerows, and the occasional family of ducks paddling alongside us. The route winds through rich farmland and quiet waters, offering a calm escape from the hustle and bustle. By our calculations, reaching Bridge 42 near Market Bosworth, that would have been around 5 miles in total—just the right distance for a full day out on the canal we all thought. 

We were thrilled to find our final boat: Sunny Day, an electric boat. True to its name, the sunshine beamed down as we boarded, and the boat lived up to expectations, quiet, smooth, and environmentally friendly. The soft hum of its electric motor made for a serene journey, allowing us to truly appreciate the peacefulness of the canal side scenery. As we glided away from the marina, heading toward Atherstone Locks, the scenery unfolded beautifully. 

 Today’s adventure was for the chocolate lovers! As we approached, it truly felt like stepping into a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—as if we were the lucky winners of golden tickets, entering a world of pure imagination. Founded by John Cadbury in 1824, the brand has grown into a household name. Upon check-in, we were handed some free chocolate—always a good start! Our group explored various zones that brought the magic of chocolate to life. We wandered through displays of old-fashioned cocoa adverts, peeked at the chocolate-making process, and saw how some of our favourite sweet snacks like Dairy Milk, Buttons, and Crunchie are made. 

The highlight for many of us was the 4D Chocolate Adventure, an immersive cinema experience where we ‘flew’ through a chocolatey landscape alongside Freddo and friends. We giggled, reached out instinctively as chocolate swirled past us, and felt every dip and dive from our motion seats. The joy on everyone’s faces was priceless. Of course, nothing could beat tasting the freshly made warm liquid chocolate—it was as rich and delicious as you'd hope. We also hopped on the Cadabra ride, a charming journey through a chocolate wonderland, perfect for photo ops. 

One of our favourite places was the Dreamy Cow Farmhouse, a hidden gem. With rolling hill views, dairy cows grazing nearby, and a friendly owner to welcome us, it was a perfect surprise. We sat in the sunshine, sipping milkshakes and enjoying delicious homemade ice cream. Then, it was time to explore the farm itself. We strolled past goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, rabbits, and chickens — even some peacocks showing off their feathers. Everyone enjoyed feeding the animals and getting up close to them.