Isle of Wight
Holiday on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is just 23 miles by 13 miles with an incredible 57 miles of stunning coastline. The largest island in England, with its mild climate, rare wildlife and award-winning beaches, it’s easy to see why the Isle of Wight has been a popular tourist destination since Victorian times. Best known for The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, it's just a few miles off the coast of Hampshire and a county in its own right. You'll find miles of sandy and pebble beaches in locations like Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde, where you can also visit the oldest seaside pier in England. Discover the history and scandalous past in this interesting holiday destination with so much to offer.
Lakeside Holiday Resort
The superb Lakes Rookley resort offers luxury lakehouses, holiday cottages, caravans and hot tub holiday homes set in leafy parkland in the heart of the Isle of Wight. The resort has a heated indoor pool and outdoor pool, an on-site bar and restaurant and entertainment. The central location makes it a great place to stay for exploring the island.
About The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight was Queen Victoria's holiday destination of choice, and Prince Albert likened the view across the Solent to that of the Bay of Naples. Visit their opulent holiday home, Osborne House, for some of the most stunning views and immerse yourself in history for the day. For a bird's eye view of the island, take the amazing chair lifts to see the famous Needles Rocks and Lighthouse or a pleasure boat to get a closer look. Regular attractions are the annual Isle of Wight Music Festival and the huge sailing regatta at Cowes which attracts over 1,000 yachts. Nature lovers will be interested to know that the Isle of Wight is one of the few places in England where the red squirrel is still found. If you’re a beach-lover, there's plenty to see and do, plus with the island's rich dinosaur heritage, you might like to try your hand at fossil hunting. The island is recognised as a top cycling destination and has the UK's oldest continuously held marathon which has been run every year since 1957. Whether you're in search of beaches, history, family fun attractions or tranquillity in beautiful surroundings, the Isle of Wight could be your perfect holiday destination.
Things to do on the Isle of Wight
Osborne House
Visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria's holiday home and gardens, and her private beach with views across the Solent reminiscent of the Bay of Naples.
Red Squirrels
Wildlife enthusiasts and keen photographers will love spotting the russet red twitching tails of red squirrels in one of the few places to find them in the UK.
Isle of Wight Beaches
Have fun in the sun or go fossil hunting on a choice of beaches, from Shanklin, Ventnor, and Ryde, which has the oldest seaside pleasure pier in England.
Appuldurcombe House
Discover the scandalous history of Appuldurcombe House, a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture with grounds by landscape designer Capability Brown.
5 Reasons to Holiday in the Isle of Wight
1. Take an amazing chair lift ride or pleasure boat trip to see the iconic Needles Rocks and Lighthouse.
2. Explore the romantic Carisbrooke Castle near Newport with its beautiful Edwardian garden, museum and chapel.
3. Enjoy the rides and events at Blackgang Chine Land of Imagination, a theme park near Ventnor, and Robin Hill Country Park near Newport.
4. Spend the day at Osborne House, to see Queen Victoria's private apartments and the actual bathing machine she used on her private beach.
5. Take a magical walk through Shanklin Chine, a tranquil leafy gorge with winding woodland paths and enchanting waterfalls loved by poets and artists.