Small but perfectly formed, the Isle of Wight is often described as ‘England in Miniature’ which is especially apt in the springtime with our lush green fields, banks of spring daffodils, blossoming hedgerows and emerging wildlife.
Our weather is warming up too thanks to our unique microclimate, we are often at the top of the charts for UK average temperatures and hold the accolade for the UK’s sunniest Island!
Along with the weather and longer days, Spring brings a burst of flora and fauna with much of our woodlands bursting with the first flush of flowers, including primroses and bluebells. Nature is awakening from its winter slumber in many of our natural habitats including saltwater estuary, woodland, freshwater marsh, coastal headlands and south-facing chalk downland. In fact, the Isle of Wight’s natural landscape and habitats have been deemed so diverse and important to wildlife that over half of the Island is now designated as Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as AONB) and the whole of the Isle of Wight, including its seas, was granted UNESCO Biosphere status in 2019 and is home to over three thousand specially protected areas.
There are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching in spring as many species now return to our shores, or butterfly spotting with up to 40 species recorded on the Island each year. The lucky wildlife watcher may also see red squirrels or the recently reintroduced white-tailed sea eagle.
Spring brings a calendar full of events that celebrate the Isle of Wight's culture, heritage, and creativity. Easter is celebrated at many of the Island’s top-rated attractions - visit Tapnell Farm Park to meet newly born fur babies, Blackgang Chine to let your imagination run wild, or Osborne for a glimpse of springtime royal life in the Victorian Era. Our events make the most of the time of the year with walking festivals, comedy and live music; plus there are several blooming gardens to visit such as Farringford - the former home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Ventnor Botanical Garden where you’ll discover an impressive collection of rare and exotic plants and trees.
Waggy tails are more than welcome here on the Isle of Wight! We’re one of the most dog-friendly places to visit, with a massive variety of walks, beaches and forests to be sniffed, places to be explored and acres of downland and open land to be scampered on. Dogs are welcome on most of our beaches all year round and there are loads of places to eat and to stay in that are fully geared up for visitors of the four-legged variety