Isle of Wight
ABOUT THE AREA
You’ll find you’re in the perfect position to explore the rest of the island – most of its towns, beaches and attractions are less than half an hour away.
As the crow flies, you’re about 5 to 10 minutes from the south (“Jurassic”) coast and its varied beaches, and because so many of the island’s pretty villages and towns are within reach, the options for eating out are many and varied. Or hire one of our recommended chefs to cook for you “at home”.
Whether it’s days out or at home, rain or shine, staying in or eating out, whether you want to have a celebration or be completely relaxed with family and friends, there will be something to please everyone.
Things to Do
The Isle of Wight is full of attractions, most of them within a half-hour drive.
For golfers there’s a choice of 8 visitor-friendly greens, and for walkers a huge network of footpaths in rolling countryside right on your doorstep.
The Isle of Wight also offers riding, shooting, water sports, fishing, go-karting and archery and other adventures.
Visit Queen Victoria's hideaway, Osborne House, now under the care of English Heritage, walk along the ramparts of Carisbrook Castle, peer at the mosaics at Brading's Roman villa, or visit Tennyson's house, Farringford.
There are all kinds of places to visit beyond the historical sites -- the Needles, Ventnor Botanic Garden, Steephill Cove and Godshill's model village and foodie shops are just some of them. And as you tour the island, catch up with the ever-increasing variety of Isle of Wight produce - its tomatoes, its honey, its wines, its Gallybagger cheese, its seafood, its Mermaid Gin and its now-famous garlic products, which you can explore and sample at The Garlic Farm.
The coastal villages and towns are delightful in different ways, and along the way you'll come upon cafes, gastropubs, restaurants, cream teas, museums, craft shops ... you'll never run out of things to do.