As well as being a county in its own right, the Isle of Wight is the largest island in England. Accessible by both ferry and hovercraft services from the mainland to harbours at Yarmouth, Ryde, Fishbourne and Cowes, this jewel of an island is diamond-shaped, covering an area of 380 sq kilometres. With its central, hilly spine, it is possible to view different sides of the island from the same vantage point, and the lush countryside is also transected by several rivers, including the Medina and the Eastern and Western Yar.
Situated at the foot of the English mainland, just three miles off the coast of Hampshire, and between the English Channel and the strait of water known as the Solent, the island has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times. Indeed Queen Victoria herself was a frequent visitor, building her Summer residence, Osborne House at East Cowes. The Victorian Poet Laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson lived at the western point of the island, at Freshwater, which was also the birthplace of the 17th century architect and polymath, Robert Hooke. The late, Oscar-winning film director Anthony Minghella was also born on the island, and his family still produce ice cream for the local population. Other famous residents include Dame Ellen MacArthur, Alan Titchmarsh, Bear Grylls and David Icke.
With a beautiful, diverse natural landscape, the island is often referred to as 'England in miniature'; it is also notable for its flora and fauna, being one of the few remaining places in England where red squirrels flourish; other notable wildlife includes the Glanville Fritillary butterfly, the dormouse and several species of rare bat. The area is also one of the most important areas in Europe for dinosaur fossils.
Things to do on the Isle of Wight
The island is a wonderful place to explore, particularly on foot and by bicycle; there are numerous well-kept footpaths and cycleways, including a 62 mile 'Round the Island' route for the more committed cyclist, and 67 miles of long-distance coastal footpath.
The Isle of Wight is well-known for its events and festivals. 'Cowes Week' is perhaps the most famous sailing event in the UK, with the regatta taking place each August. The island is also home to multiple musical events, including the Isle of Wight Festival (successfully revived in 2002), the more niche boutique 'Bestival', an international jazz event, and the one day 'Summer Madness'. The microclimate of the island is particularly suitable for growing garlic bulbs, and for almost thirty years the annual Garlic Festival at Newchurch has provided aficionados of this aromatic with the opportunity to sample both traditional and more exotic culinary expressions - including garlic beer and garlic ice cream.
Top Destinations
Carisbrooke Castle - Now an English Heritage property, the impressive castle was once a prison for the beleaguered King Charles I during the English Civil War.
Osborne House - Queen Victoria's favourite Summer retreat, the house is open to the public as a fascinating museum, containing all sorts of royal ephemera. In the gardens of the main house, lies the Swiss Cottage, a home-in-miniature for Victoria's nine children. The grounds are now also used as a venue for open-air concerts.
Blackgang Chine - Originally built in a ravine (or 'chine') at the southern tip of the island, this popular family amusement park developed in an area supposedly known for its smuggling activities. Bizarrely, due to the instability of the coastline and the continual threat of landslides, the attractions are continually being moved inland onto firmer ground.
Bembridge Lifeboat Station - On the eastern tip of the island the RNLI station overlooks a particularly dangerous rocky outcrop, where boats still run aground. Construction of a new boathouse and an inshore lifeboat station are underway.
The Needles - Perhaps the most famous image of the island, this series of distinctive chalk stacks sit out to sea off the coast of Alum Bay, at the western-most point of the island. Ironically, an additional (and supposedly the most needle-like) stack is thought to have collapsed in 1764. The red and white striped Needles Lighthouse stands at the end of the line of rocks, and was manned by keepers up until 1994.
Situated in an idyllic rural location surrounded by picturesque farming countryside. Nettlecombe Farm is a working farm with many animals, there are some glorious walks around the farm with breathtaking views of a large ...
The Auction House is part of a stylish new conversion of Ryde's Victorian sale rooms. New for the holiday market, it has been equipped and furnished in boutique hotel style to provide a relaxing and luxurious base for ...
South facing compact but roomy cottage in an elevated position looking out over the beach, coastal cliffs and sea
The cottage is perfect for:
• sitting in the garden, watching the waves and enjoying the ...
Dove Cottage, 3, Lynch Lane, Calbourne, Calbourne, Isle of Wight
Welcome to Dove Cottage, a charming 18th century thatched stone cottage in the picturesque village of Calbourne.
From August 2012, this property is being made available for holiday letting, so there is availability ...
Boniface cottage is a deceptively spacious terraced cottage in central Ventnor. Situated equidistant from Bonchurch, at the eastern end of Ventnor, and the Spyglass Inn at the western end - and a short walk to both.
It is ...
This modern, single-storey holiday apartment is an extension of the owner?s popular guest house, located in a quiet residential area and only a 5-minute walk to a sandy beach. The open plan living room and kitchen leads to ...
Ideal for coast or countryside Ideally located along a quiet country lane, only 200 yards from the picturesque centre of Brighstone village which has thatched-roof shops and cottages, small museum, local shop, pub and ...
This semi-detached bungalow is situated in the grounds of a popular holiday village and makes a comfortable base for enjoying the site and the island. Set within 55 acres of grassed and wooded grounds, this is an ...
Excellent sea viewsOffering stunning extensive sea views, this terraced holiday cottage is accessed at the end of a country lane, offers homely holiday accommodation and is ideal for couples or small families. Located ...
South facing compact but roomy cottage in an elevated position looking out over the beach, coastal cliffs and sea
The cottage is perfect for:
• sitting in the garden, watching the waves and enjoying the ...
South facing compact but roomy cottage in an elevated position looking out over the beach, coastal cliffs and sea
The cottage is perfect for:
• sitting in the garden, watching the waves and enjoying the ...
9 Afton Barns, Freshwater, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
Beautiful coastal walks Situated in a pleasant rural location this well-presented holiday bungalow is one of a number of barn conversions set around a spacious communal lawned area. Patio doors lead from the living room ...
Anchor Cottage is a delightful 18th-century period fisherman?s cottage just a few minutes? walk from the sea. This terraced cottage is full of character with the living room featuring an old beamed fireplace, exposed ...
This comfortable, well furnished waterside holiday cottage offers views over the harbour. The first floor living room has two balconies, to take advantage of the nautical scenery. The Southampton ferry, 200 yards, and ...
This charming Grade ll listed thatched cottage, the end one of a row, is located along the village road, close to the local shop, post office and pub serving food. Having been lovingly restored and modernised, this ...
This detached holiday home sits in the pretty village of Havenstreet, 2 miles from Ryde. The village is home to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and the station is a 5-minute walk from the property. Ryde is noted for its ...
Ideal for coast or countryside Ideally located along a quiet country lane, only 200 yards from the picturesque centre of Brighstone village which has thatched-roof shops and cottages, small museum, local shop, pub and ...
This charming, homely and well presented holiday cottage enjoys far reaching views over fields and has a lawned enclosed garden. The end of a terrace of three pretty cottages, it is conveniently located along the main road ...
Shared indoor and outdoor swimming pools.This semi-detached holiday bungalow is in the grounds of a popular holiday village. It is set within 55-acres of grass and woodland, and is an excellent location to enjoy a variety ...
This semi-detached holiday bungalow is located in a lovely area of West Wight in a quiet position within a small coastal development of privately owned holiday homes. The bungalow itself is set on high ground with ...
In a quiet coastal position with sea and downland views, this lovely former coastguard?s cottage provides well equipped and tastefully furnished holiday accommodation. There are many scenic walks and cycle routes, and the ...
Dove Cottage, 3, Lynch Lane, Calbourne, Calbourne, Isle of Wight
Welcome to Dove Cottage, a charming 18th century thatched stone cottage in the picturesque village of Calbourne.
From August 2012, this property is being made available for holiday letting, so there is availability ...
Located in an AONBOffering superb views over woodland to the front and rolling countryside to the rear, this charming character terraced cottage with large lawned garden makes a cosy, convenient base for those wanting to ...
This detached holiday bungalow is situated in a quiet road at the edge of Freshwater village. Freshwater has a variety of shops, supermarkets and sports centre with indoor swimming pool. This beautiful part of the island ...
Holiday Village - leisure facilitiesThis semi-detached holiday bungalow is in the grounds of a popular holiday village. It is set within 55 acres of grass and woodland, and is an excellent location to enjoy a variety of ...
Haddon Garden Cottage (PAAH) and Haddon Lake Boathouse (PFFB) are tucked away in the glorious 2-acre grounds of Haddon Lake House, voted one of the country?s finest gardens in the series I Own Britain?s Best Home & Garden. ...
Haddon Lake Boathouse (PFFB) and Haddon Garden Cottage (PAAH) are tucked away in the glorious 2-acre grounds of Haddon Lake House, voted one of the country?s finest gardens in the series I Own Britain?s Best Home & Garden. ...
Less than 400 yards from beachOnly 400 yards from the popular sandy beach and 250 yards from the shops, pubs and restaurants, Harry House makes a very convenient holiday home. It is centrally located and is deceptively ...
Offering wonderful extensive views across the surrounding countryside over the downs to Newport, the island?s capital, this attractive holiday barn has been thoughtfully converted and stands within the grounds of the ...
This modern, terraced holiday home enjoys lovely views directly over Wootton Creek and is conveniently located for numerous island attractions. Osbourne House, Queen Victoria?s wonderful home and gardens, is about 10 ...
Offering super sea views, this attractive property has been refurbished throughout providing comfortable and tasteful holiday accommodation, presented to the highest of standards. One of a pair of Victorian cottages, the ...
These well designed maisonettes (one located on the ground floor and one located on the first floor) have been skilfully converted from a Victorian villa. Fully refurbished throughout they offer modern and spacious living ...
This modern, single-storey holiday apartment is an extension of the owner?s popular guest house, located in a quiet residential area and only a 5-minute walk to a sandy beach. The open plan living room and kitchen leads to ...
This modern, single-storey holiday apartment is an extension of the owner?s popular guest house, located in a quiet residential area and only a 5-minute walk to a sandy beach. The open plan living room and kitchen leads to ...
These two holiday cottages sit in the grounds of Weston Manor, offering very comfortable accommodation. Weston Manor Gate House stands detached whilst Marigold Cottage is one of a pair. They are located in a pretty part ...
In a superb location on the water?s edge, overlooking the marina, this modern, well furnished home offers an ideal holiday retreat. Nearby East Cowes has shops, a heritage centre, promenade and Queen Victoria?s holiday ...
Mayfield, Wootton Bridge, Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight
Save 11% for a 21 nights break in May
This light and airy modern holiday home is located in an attractive setting overlooking picturesque Wootton Creek. Neatly presented, it is ideal for families or couples, with the advantage of three shower rooms. This area ...
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