Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is one of few habitable islands in England and is an ideal location for a holiday, short break or day out. Situated just off England's South Coast, the Island holds a unique coastal location, but is within only 30 minutes of the UK mainland from Portsmouth.

The Isle of Wight resembles a diamond shape, with Newport, the county capital, at its center. The largest town, Cowes, plays host to the world's largest and most prestigious yachting event each year. Each August, the World's eyes turn on this small and beautiful area of the UK. This island has a magic all of its own - and is one of the UK's sunniest and warmest places.

| The Isle of Wight, England |

The Isle of Wight is approximately 23 miles East to West, and 13 miles North to South, being about 150 square miles in area. The Island and its countryside can be comfortably covered by car, bus or cycle within two days. The Island has many areas of outstanding natural beauty – rolling countryside, forests, farms, picturesque villages and seaside resorts.

As you would expect of any holiday area, the Island has a wealth of natural and man-made attractions, as well as superb coastline and countryside. With over 500 miles of roads and footpaths, all these are easily accessible and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The Island's geographic profile has been formed over many thousands of years, by the water of the English Channel. From the rocky cliffs of The Needles on the West Coast, over to the sandy beaches of Sandown and Shanklin on the East, no other UK holiday resort offers so much to the national or international visitor.

Over 1.8 million people visit the Island each year - about one third of these are day trippers, with the remainder staying 2 days or more. Ventnor, on the South Coast, in particular, enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate, and the main holiday resorts of Shanklin and Sandown regularly top the UK sunshine charts. Whether you want to stay in hotel luxury, or pitch your tent, there is a wide variety of accommodations available, close to all the action.

It is just 2 hours South of London, lying just off the centre of southern England, the Isle of Wight is known as the Garden Isle. Within its boundaries, the Isle of Wight contains a wide variety of landscapes from sheltered river valleys to wild wind swept headlands, from long golden sandy beaches to forests, picturesque villages and market towns. It is truly England in miniature. The Isle of Wight is blessed with a very favourable climate, being consistently warmer and sunnier than the English mainland, with sub-tropical plants growing in sheltered south facing gardens.

You can take a little train, go hiking, rent a car or a bicycle and enjoy the various places on the island!

Attractions in Isle of Wight:

Arreton Manor | Carisbrooke Castle | Isle of Wight Zoo | Osborne House | The Needles Park | Yarmouth Castle