HADES OF WIGHT visitisleofwight.co.uk

HISTORY ACTIVITY RELAXATION ROMANCE NIGHTLIFE NATURE

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he chances are that at some time in the past you’ve visited There are many the Isle of Wight, or you know shades to be explored someone who has. Many people have a distant memory of a and adventures to warm and welcoming island they encountered during childhood be discovered. holidays, somewhere where dinosaurs rubbed shoulders with smugglers, and sandy beaches stretched out into infinity on long summer days. Some of those children grow up and return to the island again and again, whilst others are distracted by new destinations but never forget those magical times they had as a child.

But the island is still here, and there are many shades to be explored and adventures to be discovered or rediscovered. Welcome to the UK’s Holiday island. Let your adventure start here...

David Thornton CEO of Visit Isle of Wight.

2 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 Become a time traveller 4

Coast & County 6

Wight Nights 8

I love Wight 10

Take a walk on the wild side 12

Get the adrenalin flowing 14

Drive less. See more. 16

Travelling to the island 18

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PUBLISHED BY: Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, Osborne House Estate, York Avenue, East , Isle of Wight, PO32 6JX

PHOTOGRAPHY: wightpod.co.uk

3 Become a time traveller

GREAT PLACES TO STAY... Manor Donnose Magna Priory Bay Hotel Arreton Manor is a Jacobean manor Luxuriously appointed Grade II One thousand years of history, house with a fascinating history. Once Listed Victorian thatched cottage unique Tudor and Georgian owned by tucked away down a mile of private architecture. Secluded setting and Henry VIII, Arreton offers 5-star driveway. The cottage opens into a in the second oldest site gold award luxury bed and breakfast, magnificent hallway with a vaulted of human habitation in the self-catering and in the summer a ceiling and a wonderful baronial United Kingdom. Magical and yurt, which is hidden away in 5 acres atmosphere. Beautiful landscaped spiritual with its own private of landscaped formal gardens. An gardens surrounded by National beach and 70 acres of grounds. excellent country pub and well-stocked Trust land. Extensive country and Classic old age style, new age farm shop are within walking distance. coastal walks. features and top quality chefs. 4 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 rom Dinosaurs to Rocket Ships. Fantastic castles, such as Carisbrooke, churches and historical houses including the magnificent Formed at the end of the last Ice Osborne House, former royal residence of Queen Age, the Isle of Wight has a rich Victoria, are evidence that the island has been and fascinating history with much enjoyed by Saxons, Jutes, Normans, Vikings and of it wonderfully preserved. From more. the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romans and beyond, the compact size of the island allows loved the island and made it her all this history to be observed and experienced in a home for many years. Partly as a result it became very short time. a major holiday resort not just for the masses, but also many members of European royalty. During The wild and beautiful coastline of the south of her reign the world’s first radio station was set up 1. the island offers up astounding remains such as by Marconi on the western tip of the island at the the dinosaur footprints at Brook and shows where Needles battery. This fascinating site later became the many dinosaur fossils and skeletons, which a testing station for the Black Knight rocket engine, are now housed at Dinosaur Isle, were found. the most powerful space missile of its time. Take a walk back in time and join a fossil walks.

At least seven Roman villas have been found on the island with Newport and Brading being the A rich and largest ones. Brading Roman Villa, which dates from the 1st century, sits within a designated Area of fascinating history. Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is one of the finest Roman sites in the UK with beautifully preserved 1. Brading Roman Villa mosaic floors and an extensive collection of 2. Osborne House Roman archaeology. 3. Dinosaur footprints at Brook

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Spitbank Napoleonic Fort Lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves on your own private island... A unique holiday dream – arrive by helicopter or sports car to chilled champagne and canapés. Cocktails in the fire pit as the sun SEE MORE... sets. Simply relax and let your cares float To see more time travel experiences, away in the hot pool with the best view great accommodation, attractions and in the world. If this is your dream then upcoming events go to: you can do it all here at Spitbank Fort. www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/timetravel 3. 5 f you are looking for a relaxing The Victorian resort town of is famous If you can tear yourself away from the many break somewhere breathtakingly for its amazing botanical gardens where plants charms of the south of the island, the West beautiful with the best of hotels, from all over the world thrive in the wonderful Wight has some of the island’s most spectacular food and entertainment, then island micro-climate. Ventnor also offers the scenery and the views from look no further. Just 23 by 13 miles, opportunity to stay in the wonderful 4-star are truly breathtaking. You can understand the Isle of Wight is a small island Royal Hotel, one of the oldest and most elegant why Alfred, Lord Tennyson chose to live and with over half designated an Area on the island. write many of his most famous poems here. of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sixty miles of Dimbola Lodge nearby houses the Julia Margaret stunning coastline and a remarkably diverse Nearby is the famous area of natural beauty Cameron photographic museum. A friend of 1. landscape all go toward creating the perfect known as the Undercliff, a fascinating semi- Lord Tennyson’s, she was a pioneer in portrait backdrop for a wonderful holiday. tropical environment like no other on the island. photography and often used Tennyson and his However, before you reach this you simply must friends as her subjects. Whatever time of the year you decide to experience the nostalgia and delightful charm visit, the island is bursting with life, from of Steephill Cove where you will be taken international sailing regattas that attract huge back in time, in arguably the quaintest place audiences to intimate literary and arts festivals on the island, to devour some fresh crab and Whatever time of the year that attract such diverse names as Alan Davies, lobster fished daily at The Boathouse. Reluctant Sir Max Hastings, Louis de Bernieres, Penelope to leave this idyll, you may choose to stay in you decide to visit, the Keith and many others. the unique seclusion of Little Tamarisk with a island is bursting with life. chilled bottle of wine as you watch the sun set 2. from your private terrace.

1. The Royal 2. International sailing 3. Tennyson monument

GREAT PLACES TO STAY... Seaview Hotel and Signal Point Self-catering cottages Situated in Ventnor Botanic Garden, The Seaview Hotel and self-catering Signal Point is nestled on the banks cottages lie in Seaview, a picturesque of the Arid Garden, with an elevated fishing village with quaint streets, position offering fantastic views charming buildings and dinghies bobbing across Ventnor Botanic Garden and up and down on . There’s a the sea beyond. Guests also have beguiling atmosphere of yesteryear all exclusive access to the Botanic around – a perfect antidote to the noise Gardens throughout their stay. 3. and clamour of modern life.

6 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 Coast & Country

Vintage Vacations Godshill Park Farm Bringing you the UK’s original An organic livestock farm airstream caravan holidays situated in an Outstanding plus other unusual Area of Natural Beauty amidst accommodation on the Isle a network of footpaths and of Wight, including a former bridleways which will take you SEE MORE... scout hall and a restored through farmland onto the To see more Coast & Country experiences, ‘off the grid’ beach hut – all downs and the coast. great accommodation, attractions and upcoming restored and decorated to a events go to: high quality ‘vintage’ finish. www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/coastandcountry 7 Wight Nights

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1. White Horse Inn 2. Live music 3. Electric Woods

GREAT PLACES TO STAY... Shanklin Villa Apartments The Hambrough A development of 4 and 5-star luxury Sitting high above the fishing harbour holiday apartments, some with private in Ventnor, The Hambrough restaurant hot tubs and balconies, set a short with rooms offers accommodation by walk from the old village of Shanklin the sea on the southern tip of the island, with its cosy pubs and vibrant with a reputation for fabulous locally atmosphere, with an illuminated walk inspired dishes. All but one of the seven through the beautiful Shanklin Chine spacious bedrooms has magnificent to the beach and seafront. views of the sea and The Hambrough has also been awarded with 5 AA Gold Stars 3. several years in a row. 8 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 f you know where to For something a little different come and Enjoy the spectacular Electric Woods. look the island comes alive at enjoy some of the darkest skies in the south. Stunning evening events featuring a spectacle night with vibrant and varied Our island is well known for its wonderful of light, colour and sound set in ancient entertainment: winter carnivals, dark skies, as celebrated each March with the woodland at Robin Hill Adventure Park & ethereal lantern parades, stunning ‘Isle of Wight Star Party’ attended by astronomy Gardens. As dusk falls, a beautiful array of firework displays, star gazing, nature enthusiasts and professionals. Professor Bill lighting brings a warm and magical glow to the watching, ghost walks, great food Martin of the University of Hertfordshire trees, woodland glades, and paths enhanced and drink, music, theatre, cinema and Centre for Astrophysics and Atmospheric by relaxing music, delicious food and stunning art events... Instrumentation Research has stated “with entertainment. A truly memorable experience. the data we have from the Isle of Wight you Sample the delightful local cider or fine ale potentially have the best combination of dark and a hearty roast dinner in one of the island’s skies and clear weather in the UK.” historic inns, some like The White Horse in The island comes alive at Whitwell date back to 1454. We like to think The opportunity to see some contemporary we’ve learnt what people are looking for as and great cinema classics in the unusual night with vibrant and they sit relaxing and winding down in front of environment of the island’s finest Roman Villa varied entertainment. a roaring log fire watching the ebb and flow of cannot be overlooked and this will certainly country life unfolding around them, and if it’s provide you with a really memorable evening. music you are looking for then you are in the right place as almost every night you will find brilliant bands playing in a pub, club or bistro somewhere near you.

Tapnell Farm Barn End With everything from award- Great for cosy winter evenings! winning glamping lodges This pretty thatched cottage in (Tom’s Eco Lodge), to eco-perches, the small rural village of Whitwell cosy self-catering cottages, and is only two miles from the south even a grand manor house, the coast, secluded coves and beautiful SEE MORE... accommodation offering at Tapnell botanical gardens. Nearby you will To see more Wight Night experiences, great Farm is as large as it is varied – add find The White Horse, one of the accommodation, attractions and upcoming to that stunning sea views, sandy oldest pubs in Britain and renowned events go to: beaches, space to roam and so for its great food and roaring log fires. much to do... www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/wightnights 9 I love Wight

GREAT PLACES TO STAY... The Lakeside Park Hotel Enchanted Manor The Treehouse This luxury 4-star hotel is located Set in sylvan woodland A quirky romantic eco treat in an Area of Outstanding Natural this multi-award winning surrounded by peaceful Beauty, set beside a 20 acre tidal property is a magical and countryside and lovely views lake and 17 acres of countryside. The luxurious hideaway for – there’s even a babysitter views and spectacles of wildlife on serious romantics. Enjoy a available! Also the new the lake are simply beautiful and ever special highlight of badger Shepherd’s Hideaway – your changing throughout the day. watching from enchanted own private cluster of garden follies. gorgeous Shepherd’s Huts.

10 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 ften I feel surprised Savour great pub food and real ale by a cosy at being so loved, and fireside. Imagine you have just been for a wild Over 189 square tremble at my great and windswept walk around the southernmost kilometres of the island happiness.” Written over point of the island where many a ship has been a decade after her wedding, wrecked and as you climb back up the cliff have been designated as Queen Victoria’s words are ruddy cheeked and famished you happen across witness to the fact that the the 16th century Buddle Inn, steeped in charm an Area of Outstanding couple’s passion continued to burn despite the and smuggling history, renowned for its great responsibility of raising a family of nine and the food, music and roaring log fires – you won’t Natural Beauty. burden of her position in life. be disappointed!

1. St Catherine’s Lighthouse In an attempt to provide a reprieve from royal Love the variety at the farmers’ markets and 2. The Buddle Inn duties, Albert acquired Osborne House on the farm shops and enjoy gorgeously fresh fish, 3. Ventnor lobster Isle of Wight, which became a haven from the meat, cheeses, cakes, fruit, veg, chutneys and 4. Isle of Wight Steam Railway world of royal duties and remains today a rich more that taste better than anything you’ve ever and fascinating time capsule of the family’s bought before… happiest days. 1. Discover a sanctuary for your mind and body Follow in the trail of these legendary lovers with a wide variety of beauty, holistic and and discover your own romantic haven on the therapeutic treatments found in top class hotels Isle of Wight. and clinics around the island.

Walk hand in hand across beautiful landscapes Have your very own ‘Brief Encounter’ in the as over 189 square kilometres of the island have privacy of a private first class carriage at the been designated as an Area of Outstanding Isle of Wight Steam Railway and enjoy the Natural Beauty. Visit secluded coves or sail journey through beautiful countryside, passing around dramatic coastlines. Wander through woodland, working farms and stunning views forests of golden beech trees. Gallop on of the Downs. 2. 3. horseback across miles of smooth golden sands.

The Royal Hotel Stay in elegant surroundings as you enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Ventnor with its many festivals and live music. Listed in every Michelin Guide since SEE MORE... it was first published in 1911, To see more romantic experiences, the Royal has also held 2 AA great accommodation, attractions and Rosettes for excellent food for upcoming events go to: over 16 years. www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/romantic_breaks 4. 11 Take a walk on the wild side

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1. Tiger Sanctuary 2. Newtown Creek 3. Ventnor Botanic Gardens

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GREAT PLACES TO STAY... Shalfleet Manor Ford Farm House Shalfleet Manor Barns are within a Ideally situated for those who are few minutes walk from Newtown looking for a peaceful, rural place Estuary which is part of a National to stay, Ford Farm House is set in Nature reserve and is an Area of beautiful countryside and is in a Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is wonderful walking and cycling area. a wonderful and peaceful area for The guest room, with its own lobby walking, or take an estuary safari by and private bathroom, has a king-size boat to see the countless wildfowl French bed and is located in a quiet, and rare wading birds. self-contained area of the house. 3.

12 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 rom the fossilised remains of ancient Some of our reserves are small, fragile and One of the best places to see red squirrels dinosaurs to the preservation of home to very rare species which can only be on the island is , which exotic tigers, the Isle of Wight is home accessed by a permit or viewed from outside has some of the best oak and pines on the to wildlife across the centuries and their perimeter such as the spectacular St island and was mentioned in the Domesday continents. Lawrence woods, where ancient paths penetrate records as a royal hunting forest. Alverstone F the warm and humid woodland. This whole Mead Nature Reserve’s ‘Trail of Discovery’ The island’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty fascinating area is on the largest rotational passes through water meadows and landscape and Heritage Coast offer fantastic landslip in Western Europe. The wood is home woodland and you may even get to feed experiences with dramatic cliffs, long and to many species of bats as the island has an these squirrels by hand! Rylstone Gardens hidden beaches, quiet estuaries, a gently rolling impressive 14 of 17 UK species. Above the in Shanklin and Robin Hill Country Park patchwork of fields with secretive woodlands woodland is High Hat, a spectacular viewpoint also have a number of squirrel hot spots. and open chalk downs, all of which are a haven above the cliffs and forest. for varied, fascinating and in some cases unique species of wildlife found nowhere else in Arreton Down has an amazing 30 species per Britain! square metre including two very important Ancient paths penetrate species, the Great Green Bush Cricket and the Aside from the general landscape, we have Bastard Toad Flax. This area also offers the the warm and humid a number of extraordinary nature reserves most spectacular views from the higher parts woodland. teeming with wildlife and both native and of the down right across the island – north, migrating birds. south, east and west, right as far as the Needles!

Ningwood Common with its varied and Red Squirrels interesting mix of habitats: grassland, clay heath, The Isle of Wight provides a real and beautiful oak woodland is home to many sanctuary for thousands of red squirrels squirrels, dormice and a wide variety of birds, with the Solent acting as a barrier to the delicate wild flowers and butterflies. more aggressive American Greys.

Brook House Headon Hall Cottages Brook House is set in the quiet and These cottages are surrounded by beautiful West Wight, with its own beautiful beaches and breathtaking lovely gardens and surrounded by cliff top walks and also offer fantastic National Trust land. The house is views across the Isle of Wight’s most originally Georgian with some Victorian recognised natural feature, ‘The SEE MORE... changes. A wonderfully comfortable Needles’ rocks. A perfect holiday To see more wildlife experiences, house with bright and spacious destination for anyone who enjoys great accommodation, attractions reception rooms, welcoming bedrooms outdoor pursuits but with many and upcoming events go to: – and peaceful surroundings. fantastic tourist attractions close by. www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/wildlife 13 Get the

1. adrenalin flowing

1. Paddleboarding round the Needles 2. Tree climbing 3. Kayak adverntures

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GREAT PLACES TO STAY... Marine Villa Weston Manor B&B Offering spectacular sea views over Built in 1871 by William George Ward, a towards Culver Cliff, great friend of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, this magnificent villa was built in 1929, Weston Manor has its own private as a luxurious gentlemens’ residence. medieval chapel, a National Trust heritage The architecture, proportions and site and the only one of its kind in the landscaped gardens, with palms over UK. Situated on Moons Hill, Weston the sea, are reminiscent of an elegant Manor is perfectly located for all kinds of Mediterranean villa. outdoor activities. It holds a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, 2013. 3.

14 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 o many ways to get the adrenalin If mobility of any kind is an issue, this will flowing on the Isle of Wight… not stop you enjoying the great outdoors as there are many accessible walks through Imagine the exhilaration of nature reserves, coastal paths with stunning paragliding across the island Solent views, beautiful forests and inland floating gently on the warm through rural idylls and along old railway lines. thermals. Imagine drifting out over the rolling downs, across the chalk cliffs and out across the sea to suddenly see the iconic Needles reveal themselves in all their Paddling silently through stark glory. nature reserves teeming Or how about kayaking around the island’s with migrating birdlife. coast or exploring the secret inland waterways and estuaries, paddling silently through nature reserves teeming with migrating birdlife.

Cycling, hiking, kite-surfing and horse-riding are all ways of getting the most out of the many areas of outstanding natural beauty and the varying terrains of the island, and these are offered to suit all levels and abilities from the extreme to the more sedate.

For those that like a group challenge why not test your driving skills at the new all-weather Wight Karting Go Kart track? The 500m purpose-built track can host ‘Grand Prix’ events on request, granting your group exclusive use of the track in karts reaching speeds of up to 45mph.

Gladices Barn The Old Boat House Perfectly located for walking, This stunning period holiday cottage is cycling, surfing and paragliding in a wonderful waterfront location on in an Area of Outstanding the edge of , Seaview. Set Natural Beauty, this luxury in its own pretty garden and finished to a barn conversion is the perfect high standard, with wooden & tiled floors, SEE MORE... place to relax after a busy this property offers the perfect beachside To see more adventurous experiences, day. There’s a great hot tub, a retreat – rumour has it Jimi Hendrix stayed great accommodation, attractions and barbeque and even your own here to avoid the crowds during the iconic upcoming events go to: private chef can be arranged! 1970 Isle of Wight Festival! www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/adventurebreaks 15 Drive less. See more.

Taste Around The Island Cycle Route, suggested itinerary: Day one Day two Farm B&B Rosemary Cottage With a bike repair and hire shop right on the route, Yarmouth is the ideal With your legs rested, it’s time to climb the route’s highest launching point for your tour. Starting easy and level on the estuary-lined hills. From these downs you gain wonderful views over the rail trail, you then climb those famous chalk hills and descend into the island’s coast and southern tip. Rolling down into the fertile ‘back of the Wight’. These country lanes with close access to wild and Arreton Valley, reward yourself with afternoon tea at the natural beaches will lead you to your first night stop at Chale Bay Farm. Garlic Farm where food hero Colin Boswell’s family have The large rooms are set around a relaxing courtyard. Sit back and soak up grown garlic since the 1940s. Award-winning B&B, Rosemary the panoramic coastal views of your day. Cottage in Newchurch, is your haven for the night, with large gardens and an extensive guest wing to relax in.

16 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 aving arrived on the For families or ‘easy riders’ an ideal beginners For drivers, the options are limitless; Isle of Wight, travellers cycle tour is the Red Squirrel Cycle Trail. This 477 miles of roads criss-cross this dramatic needn’t fear they’ll overnight, day and a half route is mostly flat and landscape, ensuring no single destination is be tied to that same routed down safe, traffic free cycle ways built beyond their reach. Naturally, there are other delightful spot for the on disused railway lines. This wildlife experience forms of passage on the island. Hundreds of duration of their stay. is a wonderful chance to spot squirrels and miles of bridleway and a plethora of equestrian Part of the island’s charm other wildlife in the tree lined hedgerows. centres make horse-riding viable. And for those is how accessible it is – whether visitors have who favour moving by water, sea kayaks, RIBs traversed the slate-blue Solent accompanied by But the island isn’t solely the preserve of and dinghies can all be hired. two wheels, four or simply a stout pair of boots. those with their own conveyance. Visitors on 1. foot can choose between its inland trails or Whatever their preferred mode of transport, Cyclists won’t be disappointed. ‘Bicycle Island’ the contrasting gradients of its circular coastal the island traveller will not be left stranded. teems with trails, byways and a tangle of pretty path, at turns gentle and more precipitous. country lanes that cry out to become lost in. Push your own bikes onto the ferries for free or The train and bus services provide the ideal hire one, including electric assist bikes from one backup for car free country walking with a The island teems with of the cycle hire/tour companies on the island. series of ‘Rambles by Bus’ produced by the Baggage transfer services allow you to take on Ramblers Association and the island bus trails, byways and a a true cycle tour, riding from accommodation company. These ‘bus stop to bus stop’ walks tangle of pretty country to accommodation with only a credit card and through stunning scenery enable you to break picnic to weigh you down. away from the circular walk format and a ride lanes that cry out to on a double decker bus allows you to truly The 62 mile long, ‘Taste’ around the island connect with the island’s motto of ‘drive less, become lost in. cycle route has to be one of the best ways to see more’. see the island. Four days sedate riding (with a 2. few walks uphill) on quiet country lanes allows The Isle of Wight Steam Railway that runs from 1. Open top tours 2. All aboard you plenty of time for stops at local food Wootton to Smallbrook Junction, makes for 3. The Coastal Path producers and gastro pubs on the way. Way- convenient connections to the , marked with distinctive royal blue signs, there whose charming rolling stock will transport is a wealth of quality accommodation along its passengers back in time as well as between route providing a rest from your ‘tour de food’. and Shanklin. Nowhere else in the UK is there a public railway using carriages from the Underground of 1938.

Day three Day four Albert Cottage Hotel George Hotel Day three reconnects you with the The last day of wooded country coast at Bembridge where you can enjoy lanes leads you through historic a seafood lunch at the Crab and Lobster Newtown village and its stunning pub. Through the island’s Northern estuary. From here it’s a relaxing woodlands to your third night at the regal wind down in preparation for a last Albert Cottage Hotel. Step back in time night of luxury in the George Hotel, and imagine yourself a royal guest of a 17th century town house in the Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. heart of Yarmouth. 3. 17 JOURNEY ADVICE By Car (to or ) From London 1 hour From Manchester 4.5 hours From Birmingham 3 hours Travelling to By Rail (to Portsmouth or Southampton) From London 1.5 hours From Manchester 5 hours From Birmingham 2 hours the island By Sea CAR FERRY Portsmouth – Fishbourne 45 minutes Wightlink – Yarmouth 40 minutes Red Funnel Southampton – 1 hour PASSENGER FERRY Red Funnel Red Jet Southampton – West Cowes 25 minutes Wightlink Catamaran Portsmouth Harbour – Ryde 22 minutes – Ryde 10 minutes

* All journey times are approximate

USEFUL CONTACTS GREAT PLACES TO STAY... National Rail Enquiries Ryde Castle Hotel www.nationalrail.co.uk Just five minutes away from the catamaran, , railway Wightlink and bus station, the Ryde Castle www.wightlink.co.uk is perfectly located and affords spectacular views across the Red Funnel Solent. Recently refurbished to www.redfunnel.co.uk a very high standard this former Victorian manor is also close to Hovertravel all amenities and one of the best www.hovertravel.co.uk beaches on the island. 18 The Isle of Wight | Shades of Wight 2014 here’s something magical For those journeying from the west, the about the train journey south soft golden beaches at Bournemouth offer Nothing quite compares from London Waterloo. As a taste of what they can expect from Shanklin with the sight of the the cityscape ebbs into the and Sandown. And for those choosing to travel distance – the iconic profiles via Lymington, whatever the direction of island stealing into of the Shard and London Eye their origin, there are the delights of the becoming more and more New Forest National Park to behold, its winding view as light caresses its liquid before dissolving into the horizon – the B-roads peppered with the famous ponies that tracks open out onto vast swathes of undulating share its name. easternmost margin. meadows, a hint of what lies ahead on the Isle of Wight. Once at the ferry, the enchantment doesn’t stop. The Solent is a forever changing seascape. It’s less than two hours from here to the Witnessed in the height of summer, flooded mainland coast, where island ferry captains with sunshine, its waters glisten a pale wait in pristine uniforms to greet their aquamarine while, in winter, foamy waves rise passengers at Southampton, Portsmouth from its now inky depths to challenge the and Lymington. There’s even a hovercraft sailing boats that bob in their path. from Southsea to Ryde for those who crave the heady hum of propeller blades. But dawn, arguably, is the best time of all to be on-board. Standing on the outer deck with And with the exception of the latter, reserved a cup of steaming tea in hand, nothing quite exclusively for foot passengers, it’s possible to compares with the sight of the island stealing travel by car using these modes of transport: the into view as light caresses its easternmost voyage to which bristles with its own pleasures. margin.

Budding historians driving from the north may Of course, sea-crossings aren’t the only find themselves making a diversion from the means of reaching the Isle of Wight; A34 to Highclere Castle – almost as majestic helicopters and light aircraft are both a property as Osborne House, which they’ll welcome here. For sheer romance, however, doubtless visit upon arrival on the island. it’s hard to beat journeying by water. It is, after all, the island’s most defining feature.

The Fishbourne Inn Ivy Cottage Fore & Aft Apartment Situated right next to the Ivy Cottage is ideally Fore & Aft is in a prime location Fishbourne ferry terminal this situated, just a stones on Fountain Quay adjacent welcoming country pub is also throw from the harbour to the Red Jet passenger ferry just across the road from some and ferry and the fine terminal and Yacht Haven in great country walks. Enjoy selection of pubs the centre of Cowes. Ideal for quality dining, superb ales and and restaurants that sailing breaks, attending one of an extensive wine selection. Yarmouth has to offer. the many regattas or simply a relaxing holiday.

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