David Noton Photography and VisitBritain
Facts and Figures
Just two miles off the coast of Hampshire in southern England, the Isle of Wight is known for a number of reasons: sailing, holiday destination, music festival, Beatles song. And so visitors are sure to find something of interest within its 146 square miles.
Approximately 140,000 people live on the Isle of Wight, which is England’s largest island. But as many as 2.5 million tourists come to its shores each year, attracted by its good weather and attractions. Even with so many visitors, there are still plenty of pockets of peace and quiet to enjoy.
Freshwater Bay
What to Do
The Isle of Wight is a popular destination for families, drawn to its sandy beaches, zoo, and other attractions. But did you know that it has also long been a favourite in literary circles? The poet Tennyson lived here while Lewis Carroll was a frequent visitor. Karl Marx described the island as “a little paradise”.
Monument to Tennyson. Courtesy of VisitBritain.
Then, of course, there is the isle’s most famous visitor. Queen Victoria and her beloved husband Albert spent many happy times at the magnificent Osborne House. Even after his passing, the monarch continued to make this her getaway. The home is open to visitors and managed by English Heritage. There are also a number of trails and sites around the island that were significant to the queen. Details are available from Visit Isle of Wight.
If lounging on the beach or exploring stately homes is not your style, the Isle of Wight has plenty of outdoor activities to offer. The Solent, the 20-mile long stretch of water separating the island from Hampshire is a busy shipping route. It is also very popular with yachters and water sports enthusiasts. The coastal town of Cowes is renowned worldwide. In June each year, the Round the Island Race attracts more than 1600 boats, while Cowes Week, in August, attracts tens of thousands of spectators and competitors. Even if you’re not a competitive yachter, opportunities abound for kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing. It’s a great way to explore the coast.
Other popular outdoor activities include horse riding, bird watching, walking, and cycling. The island boasts more than 200 miles of cycle routes.
Courtesy of British Tourist Authority.
Special Events and Festivals
The Isle of Wight has several special events designed to attract the outdoor lover. The Isle of Wight Walking Festival started in 1998. The 16-day festival runs from the end of April until mid-May and features dozens of guided walks for all ability levels. As you walk, guides will share stories of the region’s history, local folklore, and lessons about the wildlife. Reservations for walks are advised but it is often possible to show up on the day.
Courtesy of VisitBritain.
For families with little adventurers, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt! Events based on the best-selling children’s book will be held throughout the year. A full schedule and more information is available here.
Getting to the Isle of Wight
There is no commercial airport on the Isle of Wight (although there are private airfields for charters), and so you have the choice between hovercraft or passenger ferry for reaching the island.
The hovercraft is the last commercial service of its kind in the world. The journey between Southsea and Ryde takes just 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you may prefer to take the ferry. A combined 200 crossings per day link Portsmouth, Southhampton, and Lymington to Ryde, Cowes, East, Cowes, Fishbourne, and Yarmouth, with trips taking between 30 minutes and an hour. Options include a passenger-only ferry or a car ferry.
For more information about visiting the Isle of Wight, go to Visit Isle of Wight.
The Needles at Sunset. Courtesy of VisitBritain.