Elizabeth Hodgson, group organiser for Barnet u3a, tells us about an enjoyable group break in the south of England, taking in Bournemouth, the New Forest and Osborne House.
Our base this time was the Hermitage Hotel in Bournemouth and en-route we stopped off in the New Forest to visit Beaulieu with its world famous National Motor Museum with over 250 vintage, veteran and classic vehicles and nostalgic motoring memorabilia. Despite the rain members explored the extensive house, grounds and exhibitions as well as travelling on the vintage bus. There was certainly something here for everyone.
On our second day, and the main attraction, we set off for the delightful Isle of Wight where our Blue Badge Guide joined us for an informative drive around the island. We spent time in the quaint village of Godshill before our eagerly awaited visit to Osborne House, the much loved home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. We were fortunate in being led by English Heritage guides for our exclusive tour of the ground floor - u3a groups can benefit from free entry to English Heritage properties for educational visits.
The grounds are truly amazing, with a private beach at the foot of the estate which is where Queen Victoria taught her children to swim. Inside, the Durbar Room, designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father, Lockwood Kipling, and master carver Bhai Ram Singh showcases intricate Indian-style plaster work to reflect Queen Victoria’s status as Empress of India.
Back on the mainland for day three, a warm welcome awaited us at the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst with a film and talk by their director, Angus Harley. We kept him busy with many questions about England’s newest National Park and this certainly proved to be a real ‘find’.
We kept him busy with many questions about England’s newest National Park and this certainly proved to be a real ‘find’.
There was also an excellent display of paintings by local artists, a small exhibition area, a café and tempting shop with many items produced by local craftspeople. Some also took the short stroll into the town before we headed to Lymington and everyone spread out for lunch, retail therapy or anything else that appealed.
On our return to Bournemouth some headed for shops, some to an art gallery and others for a quiet sit and chat in the hotel - although at least one did enjoy the sights and lights from the dizzy heights of the big wheel on the seafront!
All too soon, it seemed, we were heading home. The snow was falling as we left Bournemouth and our coach driver safely coped with blizzard conditions. The surrounding fields were transformed into an unexpected white landscape. Fortunately, it did not last too long before turning to rain and by the time we were enjoying our bowls of hot soup at the Whitchurch Silk Mill, the sun had come out.
The 19th century water mill on the scenic River Test still weaves English silk using 19th century machinery and it was fascinating to learn about its journey from the cocoon to end product and see the fabrics it still makes today.
Since starting to organise trips for Barnet u3a back in 2009, we’ve always run a November break as it has always proved very popular. UK trips around this time of year can be challenging, but there are still gems out there to provide interest and variety for all if you look hard enough.
