"Isle of Wight Magic" Isle of Wight by Tolik

Isle of Wight Travel Guide: 337 reviews and 615 photos

The Isle of Wight is one of few habitable islands in England and is an ideal location for a holiday, short break or day out. Situated just off England's South Coast, the Island holds a unique coastal location, but is within only 30 minutes of the UK mainland from Portsmouth.

Yarmouth Town

The Isle of Wight resembles a diamond shape, with Newport, the county capital, at its center. The largest town, Cowes, plays host to the world's largest and most prestigious yachting event each year. Each August, the World's eyes turn on this small and beautiful area of the UK.
This island has a magic all of its own - and is one of the UK's sunniest and warmest places. The Isle of Wight is approximately 23 miles East to West, and 13 miles North to South, being about 150 square miles in area. The Island and its countryside can be comfortably covered by car, bus or cycle within two days but we were lucky to stay here for a week. The Island has many areas of outstanding natural beauty – rolling countryside, forests, farms, picturesque villages and seaside resorts. As you would expect of any holiday area, the Island has a wealth of natural and man-made attractions, as well as superb coastline and countryside. With over 500 miles of roads and footpaths, all these are easily accessible and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Wotton Creek

The Island's geographic profile has been formed over many thousands of years, by the water of the English Channel. From the rocky cliffs of The Needles on the West Coast, over to the sandy beaches of Sandown and Shanklin on the East, no other UK holiday resort offers so much to the national or international visitor.
Over 1.8 million people visit the Island each year - about one third of these are day trippers, with the remainder staying 2 days or more. Ventnor, on the South Coast, in particular, enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate, and the main holiday resorts of Shanklin and Sandown regularly top the UK sunshine charts. Whether you want to stay in hotel luxury, or pitch your tent, there is a wide variety of accommodations available, close to all the action.

Last visit to Isle of Wight: May 2002
Intro Written Sep 9, 2002
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Reviews (14)

The Needles Park Off The Beaten Path (2)

This is one of the most popular family destinations. The park set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is no... more travel advice

Ventor Botanic Garden Things to Do (3)

Located on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight, the Botanic Garden has exotic plants, trees, flowers and shrubs from... more travel advice

Osborne House Things to Do (3)

We really enjoyed visiting Osborne House. It's been the country retreat of Queen Victoria for over fifty years until her... more travel advice

Carisbrooke Castle Things to Do (3)

Carisbrooke Castle is a popular tourist attraction as well as being a venue for field trips for local schools (they say,... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
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Comments (10)

Helga67 Jun 5, 2006 at 1:32 PM Report Abuse

Great tips on an island that I will visit soon.
budapest8 Sep 11, 2005 at 7:26 PM Report Abuse

I'm an ex Isle of Wighter so enjoyed your pages...I haven't been back for more than 20 years so I miss the place. Always love to read other peoples stories about the Island and see their pictures,TIM
starship May 20, 2005 at 8:17 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page with really useful tips and information. I've always wanted to visit Isle of Wight (there is also a town named this where I grew up in the States) because of Osborne House and the Isle of Wight glass I collect.
freya_heaven Apr 9, 2005 at 12:18 PM Report Abuse

Helpful page page, thanks, We are off to the Isle of Wight next week (~_~)
beluga Dec 28, 2004 at 5:13 PM Report Abuse

visited Carisbrooke castle when i was about 7 yo ... i remember being very impressed with it .. nice page
cheekymarieh Feb 23, 2003 at 12:46 PM Report Abuse

Great page. We used to visit the island when I was a child. I have some great memories of the place. Hope you saw more of the Roman villa then was visible 20 years ago!
SwissGuard Dec 2, 2002 at 3:57 PM Report Abuse

Osborne House is awesome!
herzog63 Nov 20, 2002 at 10:30 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting! My Ancestors come from here. Thanks for the page!
Experience2000 Nov 18, 2002 at 6:39 PM Report Abuse

I love Carisbrooke Castle!
GlenHickory Sep 12, 2002 at 5:36 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful island!