Hi all!

In today’s blog I wanted to share with you some highlights from my visit to the Isle of Wight, an island in the British Channel off the coast of Hampshire, across the Solent. I’ve been to the island a couple of times, and I must say it has some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen in England.

First and foremost, I have to recommend visiting the island during Cowes Week, one of the oldest and most respected regattas worldwide. Cowes is a charming town is located on the northern tip of the island and is known for its picturesque harbour, quaint shops, and bustling pubs and restaurants. Cowes Week is the perfect opportunity to see some of the world’s best sailors in action. You can watch the races from the shore or from one of the spectator boats that follow the action around the Solent. But Cowes Week isn’t just about sailing. There are plenty of other activities and events to enjoy, including live music, art exhibitions, and food and drink festivals. You can also explore the town’s many shops, galleries, and museums, or take a stroll along the seafront and enjoy the stunning views across the Solent.

Apart from Cowes, one of the most popular areas on the island is the town of Shanklin, which is known for its beautiful beach and charming town center. The beach is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby for refreshments. The town center has a lovely selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants, and there’s even a beautiful Victorian pier to explore. Another great area to visit on the Isle of Wight is Sandown, which is home to one of the island’s longest and most popular beaches. The beach is perfect for families, with plenty of activities and facilities, including beach volleyball, mini-golf, and a pier with rides and amusements. There are also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby, so you can easily spend a whole day here.

One of the island’s most popular attractions is Osborne House, the former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The stunning house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is open to the public for tours. Another popular destination is Carisbrooke Castle, a medieval castle with a fascinating history dating back over 1,000 years.

But if you are looking for a truly picturesque beach experience, head to the village of Bembridge on the eastern side of the island. The village is known for its pretty harbour and beautiful sandy beach, which is backed by colourful beach huts and grassy dunes. The beach is a great spot for walking, picnicking, and swimming, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to grab a bite to eat. Alternatively, head to the west of the island, to Yarmouth, Freshwater and Totland.  There is a beautiful walk across the Headon Warren national trust which takes you to an outstanding viewpoint of The Needles – 100% recommendable!

If you’re looking for a more adventurous beach experience, then head to Ventnor on the southern side of the island. This beautiful town is perched on the cliffs above the sea and is home to a sheltered cove that’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. There are also plenty of rock pools to explore, and you might even spot some dolphins or seals if you’re lucky! But if you are a soul-surfer, then head towards Compton Bay. This is an unspoilt two mile stretch sandy beach on the southern coast. Very popular with surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers!

I hope you get to visit the Isle of Wight soon, and hopefully this blog will help building your itinerary!

Tip: Take the hovercraft from Portsmouth to Ryde to get to the Isle of Wight. It is much more fun than catamarans!