Isle of Wight tourist guide        

Summary
Shaped like a roughly-cut diamond, the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England was such a jewel that it became Queen Victoria’s favourite seaside retreat. With plenty of hotels and traditional guest houses why not book a last minute hotel now at LateBreakHotels.com. Today the destination is ideal for families and couples who enjoy the outdoors. From beaches and rolling countryside to historic towns and picturesque villages, there is plenty to see and visitors can indulge in everything from fishing and sailing to bird watching and llama trekking.

The Isle of Wight is also making a name for itself as a sophisticated short break destination, thanks to its excellent restaurants, vineyard tours, luxury hotels and art galleries. Numerous events in the year, including the summer Music Festival which this year attracted the Rolling Stones and was attended by thousands of revellers, have also helped to broaden its appeal.

Getting there/getting around the Isle of Wight
Up to 350 ferry and hovercraft crossings a day operate to the Isle of Wight from Lymington, Southampton, Portsmouth and Southsea. The journey varies in duration between 15 and 35 minutes. Visitors can arrive at Yarmouth, Cowes, Fishbourne or Ryde.

Once ashore, a car is the best way of exploring the island. Otherwise, Island Line connects Ryde Pier to Shanklin. There are also excellent bus services on the island. Bike hire is easily available, with 200 miles of cycle routes to explore.  Plane and helicopter flights can be arranged for glorious island views.

Beaches on the Isle of Wight
Measuring just 23 by 13 miles, the island may be small but boasts a 60 mile coastline including 13 award-wining beaches.

There are two stretches of Heritage Coastline, which are part of the island’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Tennyson stretch on the south of the island features towering chalk cliffs, the famous Needles rocks and the multi-coloured sandstone cliffs of Alum Bay. The Hamstead coastline on the Solent side is less dramatic but pretty nevertheless.

The east coast features a number of traditional bucket-and-spade holiday resorts such as Ventnor with its botanical gardens, terraced streets and marina. The old town overlooks a sheltered bay and a lovely beach. Other beaches include: Colwell Bay, with views across the Solent and the sand and shingle beach at Freshwater Bay which offers easy access to coastal walks.

There are plenty of sports facilities, including windsurfing, sailing and paragliding throughout the island.

Isle of Wight sightseeing and tourist attractions       

Sightseeing in the Isle of Wight
Steeped in history, the Isle of Wight boasts a number of historical attractions ranging from Saxon buildings and Roman villas to castles.

Osbourne House, an English Heritage property, was Queen Victoria’s home. Visitors can explore its 150-year-old corridors which have changed little over time. Another eminent monarch, Henry VIII, was responsible for the fortifications on the island which had an important strategic location. These include Carisbrooke Castle where Charles 1 was imprisoned prior to his execution, Yarmouth Castle and Fort Victoria.

Keen walkers should take advantage of the well-signposted trails and paths that criss cross the island, including a scenic coastal path. Discover hilltop attractions such a monument to the poet Tennyson on Tennyson Down, a Russian-style monument on St Catherine's Down and St Catherines Oratory, a 14th century lighthouse.

Cowes Week is an annual fixture in the island’s summer calendar attracting a colourful yachting set, but the harbour town with its 1950s atmosphere is worth exploring all year round.

Family attractions in the Isle of Wight
Enjoy a ride on the island’s steam train, which offers a five mile journey from Wooten to Smallbrook Junction. Passengers can alight at Havenstreet where there is a children’s play area, woodland walks, and a museum dedicated to the island’s railway history.

Needles Park theme park offers a scenic chairlift ride, a traditional carousel, golf and regular firework displays in August. Alternatively, visit the Dinosaur Isle Museum containing a wonderful fossil collection, life-sized dinosaur displays as well as a guided fossil hunt tour at nearby Yaverland beach. There’s also Blackgang Chine Fantasy Theme Park, Amazon World Zoo Park and Seaview Wildlife Encounter – Flamingo Park.

Day trips around the Isle of Wight
Visit the 1.5 acre Model Village at Godshill where visitors can enjoy miniature gardens, thatched houses, trains, balloons and an airship.

Keen anglers can enjoy full-day sea fishing trips during the autumn and winter with Yarmouth Sea Trips. Shalfleet Manor Estuary Safaris also runs year-round trips on Newtown estuary offering the chance to learn about local birdlife, with viewing best between September and March.

The island also has a llama centre where family treks and sunset treks can be arranged. Golfing and horse-riding is also available on the island.

Isle of Wight restaurants and nightlife         

Eating out in the Isle of Wight
There’s everything from fish and chips to fine dining on the Isle of Wight. Locally-made produce includes excellent seafood such as crabs, fish and lobster to ice cream, bacon, lamb and chicken. Local apple juice, cider, wines and beer made using traditional island methods combining spring water and yeast are worth sampling too.

Tuck into delicious award-winning gourmet food at the George Hotel at Yarmouth or the Pond Café at Bonchurch. Local produce features high on the menus at St Helens Restaurant, the Crab and Lobster Tap & Stables Restaurant, which boasts the oldest license on the island, and the Driftwood Beach Bar n Grill, offering the island’s only licensed beach bar.

Nightlife in the Isle of Wight
The island is a largely laid back place, with most evenings spent in a local pub or enjoying traditional summer seaside entertainment. Newport also has two theatres – the Apollo and the Medina.

However, the island explodes into action during its major festivals – Cowes and Newport become exceptionally busy around any of the sailing events. Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Festival and International Jazz Festival attract tens of thousands of visitors.

Shopping in the Isle of Wight
Newport, the main town in the centre of the island, has a number of high street shops as well as a weekly Friday farmers market in St Thomas’ Square where you can pick up meats, cheeses and honey.

Union Street in Ryde is excellent for clothes, fashion and jewellery or you can find books and curios in the Royal Victoria arcade. Other popular souvenirs include local’s wines, cider to garlic, asparagus and tomatoes.