Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a tranquil haven away from the rest of the UK holiday scene. There is no bridge from the mainland so you feel slightly cut off. This makes for a very different holiday. Although it is a very small island, there is plenty to explore.
You can have a traditional beach holiday at Sandown. If you want the same, but quieter visit Shanklin or Ventnor.
There is Queen Victoria's retreat, Osborne House. This is well worth a visit. The gardens are also good. We also found the small village of Godshill charming and delightful. We would also recommend the Bus and Boat Museums on the Island. They are both fascinating.
Rocket testing near the Needles Battery
The old rocket testing site near the Needles Battery is fascinating. Between 1956 and 1971, it was used to test the Black Knight and Black Arrow space rocket engines before they were sent to Woomera for launching.
Top tip: Cross from Lymington to Yarmouth (with Wightlink). It's the shortest and least busy crossing.
Isle of Wight - Best
- Breathtaking drives around the Island - perfect for a classic car touring holiday [editor]
- Ventnor Botanic Gardens - an absolute delight [editor]
- Isle of Wight Classic Boat Museum Some fantastic boats - well worth a visit [editor]
- Also visit (next door to the Boat Museum) the Bus Museum (Isle of Wight Bus Museum, Newport Harbour, IoW, PO30 2EF) which is also very good [editor]
Isle of Wight - Worst
- Alum Bay - it's far too commercialised [editor]
Accommodation
The Isle of Wight has many hotels and guest houses to suit all tastes and pockets.
Top tip: Don't book online - phone the hotel direct and negotiate a cheaper price.
Post your commentsOpinions
Foxhills of Shanklin
Stayed in: August 2004 Rating: Excellent Official rating: ETB 5 Diamonds and Gold Award (and also 5 Red Diamonds which is awarded to the top 10% of the guest accommodation approved by the AA nationwide)
This small hotel is excellent. It is beautifully decorated and has a lovely garden. It is in a peaceful and quiet location and the owners are friendly and helpful. I would recommend it without reservation.
Foxhills has been awarded Five Stars Gold by Visit Britain in the Guest Accommodation sector. Foxhills has also been awarded Five Stars by the AA. This is the highest accreditation level attainable in the new uprated standards that have been brought in in the last year by all the assessment bodies.
Go to: Foxhills Hotel, Shanklin, Isle of Wight
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