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Essential Hotels > England > Isle of Wight
The diversity of the Isle of Wight is such that it is often referred to as ‘Britain in Miniature’; indeed it brings together sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, sporting and leisure opportunities and an abundance of attractions, making it a particularly popular south coast holiday destination. The Isle is also known as the Garden Isle thanks to its bountiful natural scenery, evidence of which can be seen in the half of the island that is given over as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It was during the Victorian era that the Isle of Wight first became popular as a tourist destination thanks in part to Queen Victoria who used to visit the island, making Osborne House her home. Other notable visitors flocked to the area and other holiday makers followed them as they sought sun, sea and sand. Even today tourism, alongside agriculture, provides a major component of the island’s economy.
The island is 23 miles across at its widest point and 13 miles from north to south. It is three to five miles from the south coast of the UK in places and is separated from the mainland by the River Solent. Ferries and hovercraft travel from England to the likes of Fishbourne, Yarmouth, Ryde and East Cowes, with the hovercraft proving the quickest method of journey.
It is thought that there are some 500 miles of footpaths around the Isle of Wight, ensuring the island’s position as a favourite among walkers and cyclists. If you would prefer to relax and soak up some rays meanwhile, there are plenty of sandy beaches around the coast, with the likes of Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde among the choices. In all, there are approximately 57 miles of coast and some 67 miles of coastal path. Sailing, particularly around Cowes, is another popular activity and there is a sailing regatta held there each year.
There is an abundance of wildlife around the island, with a flourishing red squirrel population perhaps the most notable feature. The island is known to have its fair share of fossils meanwhile. Other famous attractions around the Isle of Wight include the Blackgang Chine theme park, St Catherine’s Lighthouse, The Needles rock formation, Alum Bay with its coloured sands, Carisbrooke Castle in the centre of the island and the 88-acre Robin Hill country park. The Isle of Wight is famous for its music festival which is held every June and which began in 1970. There is also an International Jazz Festival which occurs on the island.
The island is 23 miles across at its widest point and 13 miles from north to south. It is three to five miles from the south coast of the UK in places and is separated from the mainland by the River Solent. Ferries and hovercraft travel from England to the likes of Fishbourne, Yarmouth, Ryde and East Cowes, with the hovercraft proving the quickest method of journey.
It is thought that there are some 500 miles of footpaths around the Isle of Wight, ensuring the island’s position as a favourite among walkers and cyclists. If you would prefer to relax and soak up some rays meanwhile, there are plenty of sandy beaches around the coast, with the likes of Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde among the choices. In all, there are approximately 57 miles of coast and some 67 miles of coastal path. Sailing, particularly around Cowes, is another popular activity and there is a sailing regatta held there each year.
There is an abundance of wildlife around the island, with a flourishing red squirrel population perhaps the most notable feature. The island is known to have its fair share of fossils meanwhile. Other famous attractions around the Isle of Wight include the Blackgang Chine theme park, St Catherine’s Lighthouse, The Needles rock formation, Alum Bay with its coloured sands, Carisbrooke Castle in the centre of the island and the 88-acre Robin Hill country park. The Isle of Wight is famous for its music festival which is held every June and which began in 1970. There is also an International Jazz Festival which occurs on the island.