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A little island with a lot to offer

11 November 2011

Situated five miles off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is a perfect holiday destination. With diverse and dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages, warm weather and plenty of activities and attractions, Isle of Wight holidays are perfect breaks for all the family.

Separated from mainland Britain by the Solent strait, the Isle of Wight is located only a few miles out in the English Channel yet it feels like a different world. The island boasts one of the best sunshine records of Britain and a relaxed pace of life, which has made it a popular holiday destination for relaxation, rejuvenation and fun since the Victorian age.

Covering an area of around 146 square miles, the diamond shaped island is around 13 miles north to south and 23 miles east to west. The landscape of this relatively small island is very varied; visitors can enjoy the wild headlands and cliffs and dramatic Needles stacks in the west of the island or the long sandy beaches of the 92km of island coastline. Half of the island’s wildlife and landscape are internationally protected as part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the quiet woodlands and river valleys are a treat for the tourist and resident alike. Isle of Wight holidays offer peace, beauty and solitude – an escape from the hectic pace of normal life and the landscape is hugely popular for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers alike. Keen ornithologists will enjoy the huge variety of birds that circle the skies above the Isle of Wight, whilst the land is home to several endangered species from the flourishing red squirrel, rare bats, butterflies and the dormouse – and the soils and cliffs have become the preserved resting place for a millennia of dinosaur bones.

The south of the island has a prominent social, literary and historical prominence which makes Isle of Wight holidays interesting, rich and cultural. Tourists can visit the gardens and estate of Osborne House – the family home of Queen Victoria and Price Albert, Carisbrooke Castle where Charles I was imprisoned before the English Civil War and the old village and wide beaches of Shanklin. There is a balance of picturesque towns and beautiful countryside, modern amenities and a sense of cultural heritage, relaxing activities and adventure sports – a mixture which suits all tastes, ages and interests. The huge range of activities for the beginner and the expert means that visitors to the island can try something new from horse riding to paragliding, marathon running to sailing, surfing to underwater diving.

The island enjoys a temperate climate and Isle of Wight holidays can be enjoyed at any time of year. Summer, with its blue skies, golden sand and safe bathing, is particularly popular for families and those who love to sail. Equally, however, spring is a lovely time to visit the island when the many south-facing gardens and estates are coming into bloom. Autumn and winter can also offer beautiful breaks with wild walks along the cliff tops and cosy pubs to warm up in afterwards. Whatever the time of year, Isle of Wight holidays are always special and unique, lasting in the memory long after you have returned home.

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