If you fancy going overseas this summer while staying in the beautiful UK then set your sights on the Isle of Wight.
With one of the British Isles most southerly latitudes, the Isle of Wight boasts some of our best weather. You’re on an island, so you’re never far from a beach, with 17 of them award winners. And the island’s interior is pretty special too, with almost half of it designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There’s something magical about the Isle of Wight. It might get pretty lively when thousands of fans turn up for one of Britain’s biggest rock festivals in June, but for the rest of the time the Isle of Wight is very laid back, it’s almost like travelling back in time according to many visitors.
Here are five reasons to love Britain’s favourite island.
1 – Beautiful beaches
The beaches of the Isle of Wight aren’t just the best in Britain they’re amongst the best in Europe. The coastline is 57 miles long and boasts a great variety of sea fronts from classic seaside towns to wild and empty shores. Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor deliver the classic seaside day out with all the fish and chips you could need. If you fancy something with more solitude, try Appley or Ryde beaches.
2 – The Royal Island
One early tourist to the Isle of Wight was Queen Victoria. She loved the place, writing “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot,” of Osborne House, the property that was above all her family home. The house today is a top-notch day out with all the luxury you’d expect in a royal residence and very beautiful gardens.
3 – Animal Magic
With family holiday makers flocking to the Isle of Wight there are loads of kid-friendly activities, including lots of wildlife attractions. Trip Advisor rates Monkey Haven in Newport as the island’s most popular attraction. For more sedate residents, check out the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Their more exotic cousins can be trekked with at West Wight Alpacas in Wellow, and there are two zoos at Sandown and a popular falconry centre in Ryde.
4 – Out and About
If you like fresh air, green grass and clean coasts then the Isle of Wight has got everything you need. This is great walking country, and there are a number of trails on the island. The Warrior Trail is named in honour of a famous World War I war house. On such a small island it’s possible to get around the whole circumference pretty quickly on a 67-mile coastal path that’s split into manageable chunks that make a great day’s walking. The Alverstone Walk focuses on red squirrels and the Yar Estuary Walk is another good wildlife spotting opportunity.
5 – Prehistoric Monsters
Scientists have named the Isle of Wight the UK’s “Dinosaur Island”. If the kids fancy finding some real prehistoric footprints they have a great chance on the Isle, which is full of fossils. Brook beach is one of the best fossil-hunting grounds. And a growing number of attractions, including the award-winning Dinosaur Island museum, Blackgang Chine and the Needles, have dino-themed shows, backed up with loads of online and digital material from the island’s tourist authorities.
The Isle of Wight is great caravan and park home territory, with a good choice of sites, all making the most of the island’s beautiful natural attractions.
