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.
Harry's Hut, Brighstone, near Freshwater, Isle Of Wight, Isle of Wight
This contemporary, well-presented detached property is situated near the centre of the picturesque village of Brighstone on the Isle of Wight, nestled between the northern downlands and the south-west facing sea of The ...
This spacious, detached property, occupying an enviable corner plot position, is an excellent choice for a large family or a group, and will comfortably accommodate up to eight guests across its four bedrooms. Positioned ...
Nestled in the beautiful countryside and set in a small courtyard, these holiday properties combine period features with home comforts to offer extremely comfortable accommodation. The complex also offers stunning ...
A beautifully situated 3 bedroom cottage plus garden room with a further 2 beds.
The property has sea views and is situated on a quiet no-through lane. It has an enclosed garden. The sandy beach of Brook is 5 minutes ...
Beautifully presented, this superb Victorian house offers spacious, well-equipped holiday accommodation and has been lovingly restored. It enjoys a wealth of character and original features such as high ceilings and ...
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Secluded House In Rural Village Location In The Heart Of The Beautiful West Wight. Sleeps 10.
5 bedroom house (2 en-suite, one is on the ground ...
The Auction House is part of a stylish new conversion of Ryde's Victorian sale rooms. It has been equipped and furnished in boutique hotel style to provide a relaxing and luxurious base for your holidays.
Downstairs the ...
This beautifully presented, detached period coastal property is in a lovely location in the West Wight, with sea glimpses across the Solent. It is a perfect holiday base for families to enjoy all that the island has to ...
This semi-detached holiday property is ideally situated just 5 minutes’ walk from Shanklin’s lovely golden sandy beach, accessed via a cliffside lift. There is so much to do in this popular resort which flows around ...
Marina View, Island Harbour, near Newport, Isle of Wight, Cowes
In a superb location on the water’s edge, overlooking the marina, this well-furnished home offers an ideal holiday retreat. Nearby East Cowes has shops, a heritage centre, promenade and Queen Victoria’s holiday ...
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 ...
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space.Living area: With Freeview TV, DVD player and double sofa bed.Dining area.Kitchen area: Galley style with electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and washing ...
Just a 2-minute walk from the town centre, this first floor apartment has been well decorated and furnished, making it ideal for couples, families or get-togethers with friends. For procuring freshly caught fish of the ...
2 steps to entrance. All on the ground floor.Open plan living space.Living area: With Freeview TV and DVD player.Kitchen area: With breakfast bar, electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and washing ...
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space.Living area: With Freeview TV and DVD player.Kitchen area: With breakfast bar, electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and washing machine.Bedroom 1: With double ...
These immaculately presented holiday apartments (refs PSSL, PSSM, PSSN and PSSO) combine the very best of contemporary living perfectly in balance with the properties’ traditional period features and heritage. They lie ...
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 ...
Ashey Lettings, Ashey, near Ryde, Isle of Wight, Ryde and Seaview
These well-presented, semi-detached holiday bungalows (refs 30029 and 28627) with private off road parking make an ideal base, standing peacefully in a small rural, quiet cul-de-sac. Ryde lies approximately 2 miles ...
A cosy, semi-detached Victorian town cottage, within a few minutes’ walk of Gurnard’s main street and beach, in a quiet coastal village, and within 1½ miles from bustling Cowes. This holiday cottage, which enjoys some ...
This beautifully presented, detached period coastal property is in a lovely location in the West Wight, with sea glimpses across the Solent. It is a perfect holiday base for families to enjoy all that the island has to ...
Situated in a quiet un-adopted road, close to Sandown Bay, this quirky spacious cottage provides an excellent base from which to enjoy the island or just unwind. Within walking distance of the award-winning beaches of ...
Bee Cottage is a great mid-terrace, 18th-century holiday home situated in Sandown, home to one of the Islands favourite beaches. Ideal for couples and small families, it retains many of its original features as well as a ...
Beech Cottage, St Lawrence, near Ventnor, Isle of Wight
This lovely, bright and airy, semi-detached holiday cottage, with lovely sea views from many of the rooms, nestles just moments away from the coastal path and is set adjacent to the owner’s home, in the peace and ...
Bella Vista, Ryde, Isle of Wight, Ryde and Seaview
This charming bungalow is ideally located on a quiet country lane with beautiful open views, yet only 1 mile from the nearest beach, making it the perfect holiday retreat. At certain times of the year ducks can be seen ...
These two semi-detached holiday bungalows (30030 and 30031) benefit from being in superb countryside with breathtaking sea views a moment’s walk away, and their position offers a peaceful escape. The area is ideal for ...
This single storey property is located on a holiday site, accessed via an unmade track in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Most of the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust, meaning that the countryside is ...
Great for family holidays, short breaks and midweek escapes, this cosy, two-bedroom property is on the popular Westfield Bungalows site, close to the seafront on the outskirts of Ventnor and Bonchurch. Ventnor is a ...
Brook, Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight, Ryde and Seaview
This well presented, first floor, contemporary holiday apartment is well furnished and located at the end of this popular development, with its own balcony which enjoys glimpses over Wootton Creek and offers an ideal base ...
This quaint, 19th century, end of terrace holiday cottage is set on a quiet road close to the beach and amenities, and has extensive sea views from the lawned garden, patio and balcony. Ideally placed for touring the ...
A beautifully situated 3 bedroom cottage plus garden room with a further 2 beds.
The property has sea views and is situated on a quiet no-through lane. It has an enclosed garden. The sandy beach of Brook is 5 minutes ...
Beautifully presented, this superb Victorian house offers spacious, well-equipped holiday accommodation and has been lovingly restored. It enjoys a wealth of character and original features such as high ceilings and ...
These immaculately presented holiday apartments (refs PSSL, PSSM, PSSN and PSSO) combine the very best of contemporary living perfectly in balance with the properties’ traditional period features and heritage. They lie ...
Ground Floor:Utility room: With washing machine.First Floor:Living/dining room: With Freeview TV, DVD player and CD player.Kitchen: With breakfast area, electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and ...
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 ...
This semi-detached holiday property is ideally situated just 5 minutes’ walk from Shanklin’s lovely golden sandy beach, accessed via a cliffside lift. There is so much to do in this popular resort which flows around ...
This semi-detached holiday property is ideally situated just 5 minutes’ walk from Shanklin’s lovely golden sandy beach, accessed via a cliffside lift. There is so much to do in this popular resort which flows around ...
Corazon, Ashey, near Ryde, Isle of Wight, Ryde and Seaview
These well-presented, semi-detached holiday bungalows (refs 30029 and 28627) with private off road parking make an ideal base, standing peacefully in a small rural, quiet cul-de-sac. Ryde lies approximately 2 miles ...
Offering far-reaching views over fields and surrounding countryside, this compact, detached, single-storey holiday property offers superb walks from the door across miles of countryside. Standing next to the owners’ ...
Enjoying a picturesque and rural setting away from the bright lights, Dean Croft Holiday Cottage offers the perfect location for a walking or cycling holiday, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning countryside and ...
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