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The Isle of Wight - History and Heritage, Action and Adventure

11 November 2011

Whether you are looking for action and adventure, family fun or relaxation and rejuvenation, the Isle of Wight is the ideal choice for a holiday destination. With golden beaches, protected natural landscape, dramatic seascapes and charming villages, Isle of Wight holidays offer everything for everybody.

The Isle of Wight is a perfect choice for families. No long, hot car journeys, no airport queues, no immunisation worries or extortionate exchange rates, the Isle of Wight has up to 350 ferry crossings each day and is only a ten minute hovercraft journey from the mainland. Children and young people will love the escapism and adventure of Isle of Wight holidays: they can explore dinosaur remains at Dinosaur Island, enjoy the rides, mazes and fairytales of Blackgang Chine Fantasy Park and come face-to-face with the animals of the island zoo. A great family day out is a visit to Carisbrooke Castle where King Charles I was imprisoned; children can lose themselves in history by dressing up as a Norman crusader or a Civil War soldier and meet the castle donkeys. And for those who want to return to the simple pleasures – take a bucket, a spade, a swimsuit and a towel down to the sandy beaches and safe swimming pools of the seashore. Sometimes there is nothing better than sand between your toes and an ice cream in the sunshine.

For those who have a little more adventure in their hearts, Isle of Wight holidays are perfect. There is so much on the island that will get the heart race going and the adrenaline pumping. With more footpaths per square mile than any English county, a huge network of cycle paths and miles of bridleways, the Isle of Wight offers walking, riding and biking for all levels of experience and expertise. With 62 miles of cycle paths and an amazing 165 miles of bridleways, cyclist and horse riders can enjoy the fresh air and adventure of the island landscape.

For walkers there are signposted pathways, trails, the wonderful Isle of Wight Coastal Path and plenty of pubs and teashops along the way for a well-deserved refreshment. On an island that has an area of 146 square miles, there are over 500 miles of paths for the shortest ramble to the longest hike. Dependent on pace, the Coastal Path can be walked in around four days and takes in the varied landscape of dramatic cliffs, the famous Needle stack and peaceful river valleys.

Isle of Wight holidays are also ideal for those that prefer water and waves to dry land. Whether a first-time beginner or a seasoned professional, an adventurous visitor can enjoy the many water sports such as diving, windsurfing, power boating and kite surfing. There are many ports and sailing sports around the island; a keen sailor can charter their own boat or a novice can enjoy the relaxation and views of a water cruise. If you are really bold, there are paragliding opportunities off the west of the island – this amazing adrenaline rush allow you to see the island from a whole new height and would bring an intense and memorable experience to any holiday. Although it may not be everybody’s idea of a holiday activity, the Isle of Wight hosts Britain’s oldest constant marathon which has been run continuously since 1957. Passing through Newport, Shanklin and Sandown, the run takes in a total climb of 459 metres and finishes in Ryde with a very welcome cup of tea or pint of locally brewed Goddards “Fuggle-Dee-Dum” beer.

Whilst Isle of Wight holidays are ideal for rejuvenating the body, they also offer the chance to relax the mind and soul – and the stomach! Every Friday, the Farmers’ Market held in Newport sells produce that has been caught, reared, brewed and grown on the island. With locally brewed beers and fresh seafood, visitors can sample the best tastes of the island from land, shoreline or surrounding sea. The markets are beneficial for the local community and in this age of food air miles, to know that the produce has travelled a maximum of 23 miles is a special and important environmental consideration.

Isle of Wight holidays would not be complete without a visit to Osborne House, the summer home of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children. Throughout the years, the house was a popular retreat for Alfred Lord Tennyson, Charles Dickens and European royals and Queen Victoria is often quoted as saying of the area “it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”. The art, furniture and opulence of the state rooms, the formal gardens and rolling estate land give an insight into the lives of the Royal Family and are hugely popular attractions to todays’ visitors.

As ever, this island of contrasts is not just about the past – it is about the future and youth. The Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival music event sees thousands of people flocking to the island to dance, don fancy-dress and enjoy music from international stars such as Jay-Z and The Strokes who follow in the legendary footsteps of Jimi Hendrix’s iconic 1970 performance.

From families to youngsters, adventurers to those in search of a quiet retreat, the island offers everything. Isle of Wight holidays are diverse, special and unique – come, visit and find out for yourself.

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