Escaping the mainland and hopping over to an island always adds a touch of magic to any break, however long or short, and what could be easier than the quick passage across The Solent to the Isle of Wight?
Known for its great beaches and seafront proms like sandy Shanklin Beach and Ventnor, this pocket-sized Isle punches well above its weight!
You'll find buzzing year-round events, an impressive landscape of dramatic cliffs, wildlife-rich estuaries, patchwork fields and secret woodlands.
The Isle of Wight is dotted with enchanting towns and villages and picture-postcard pretty coast and countryside. Discover the unspoilt natural beauty of gentle cliffs, farmlands and creeks in the north west or the chalky cliffs, grasslands and rolling countryside in the south west, all part of the Heritage Coast.
Check out the calendar of events for a trip to remember. Aside from the globally renowned Isle of Wight Festival, are scores of other events. Choose from the less well-known Jack Up Summer Party in August or the landmark sailing event of Cowes Week, from 30 July, the Round the Island Race, 25 June, the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Robin Hill, Ventnor Fringe Festival or family friendly Rhythmtree Festival in July. Check out a full events list here.
The Isle is regarded as one of the richest for Dinosaur discoveries in Europe with plenty of opportunities for enthusiasts including fossil hunting with experts on Dinosaur Fossil Hunts and Footprint Tours. There’s even the chance to encounter two baby Tyrannosaurus Rex in the new Dinosaur Experience at Blackgang Chine. Or visit The Needles Landmark Attraction to enjoy the special effects of The Lost World 4D at the recently added 4D Cinema.
As stately homes go, few beat Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s family home and perhaps the Isle’s most famous attraction. Expect overblown Victorian opulence and extravagant interiors but also extensive grounds with stunning sea views, a beautiful walled garden and hothouses crammed with exotic plants.
The Isle of Wight’s signature local produce is also well worth savouring, not least its Isle of Wight Gin Distillery in Ryde, its garlic, cheeses, tomatoes and gourmet tomato-based products, the iconic Minghella Ice Cream and Grazed Knee Cider. You can even sample the delights of Adgestone Vineyard Island Wines.
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West Sussex has 50 miles of stunning coastline, interspersed with sand dunes, mudflats, marshlands and long sandy beaches that are the perfect place to drink in the magnificent natural beauty of the English seaside.
Running for 2683 Miles the England Coast Path has been more than 10 years in the making. Different stretches are continually being opened and when the entire path is finally completed, visitors will be offered a mind-bogglingly wide choice of walks, anywhere from Northumberland to Kent, along the south coast all the way to Cornwall and north through Lancashire and Cumbria.
Scenic road trips along the coast are magical experiences, allowing you to visit towns, villages and empty, open spaces while enjoying easy driving. So varied is the English coast that the scenery can change with every turn in the road.
