Isle of Wight
A rich and varied history surrounds the Isle of Wight from as far back as 1900 BC, when the Beaker people - so called from their distinctive pottery, were its inhabitants. Roman occupation, its development as a strategic defence point, and Queen Victoria’s favourite summer residence, have all helped to give the island its unique charm and identity.
Today, the island is the ideal destination for a break close to home, just a ferry ride away from Southampton, yet appealing as a year-round destination. In summer the Isle of Wight is a must for families, with its endless golden sands and inviting waters for swimming, sailing and all manner of watersports. Autumn and Winter holidaymakers head for its unspoiled countryside and the mile upon mile of marked footpaths through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Established as a ferry company for 1861, Red Funnel has been the Isle of Wight travel specialists for 150 years. With their vast experience of
serving the Island, you can book everything from attraction tickets to spa breaks, ferry travel to festival tickets. Their modern vehicle ferries give superb views across Southampton Water and the Solent, often passing great ocean liners on the short crossing to East Cowes at the Island’s northern most point. Enjoy sea air, sample a specialist coffee, and choose from the tempting hot and cold food options, or log on to free Wi-Fi and catch up on your emails.
A host of attractions for everyone to enjoy are to be discovered whatever the weather. From fun packed theme parks, historic steam railway and exotic wildlife sanctuaries to historical sites such as medieval Carisbrooke Castle and Queen Victoria’s Osborne House. Tickets to these and more are available in advance from Red Funnel with even a discount on entry at many of them (call 0844 844 9988
www.redfunnel.co.uk).
Famous for the international sailing regatta, Cowes Week, and music festivals that include The Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival, the Island hosts a great many varied events throughout the year. Foodies will love the Garlic Festival and Apple Days Festival in August and September respectively, or, outdoorsy types can enjoy the beautiful countryside from the comfort of their saddle during the annual Cycling Festival in September. Delve a little deeper and you’ll discover an eclectic events calendar that has something for all tastes.
The island is a walkers paradise. Enjoy miles of country walks, including the famous Tennyson Trail in the south, where the victorian poet looked west to the Needles. The trail starts at Farringford, Tennyson’s home for forty years. Check out the annual Walking Festival (the largest in Europe!) every May that offers over 300 different guided walks, most of which are free of charge.
A real find is the remote, flat landscape at Newtown Estuary nature reserve, bereft of humans and populated instead by a colony of birds and exotically-named flora and fauna like the corky-fruited water dropwort and the golden samphire. It is the most significant island reserve, with a range of important habitats including mud-flats, salt marshes, ancient woodlands and meadows.
There are many activities to be enjoyed that provide the perfect opportunity to take in the island scenery. Mount up for a hack across the downs or through the surf, or for golf lovers, there are more courses on offer than there are days of the week. View the island’s magnificent coastline from a yacht or surfboard, or for something different why not try llama trekking or tree climbing?
Osborne House 38 The Tourist Handbook Wessex 2011
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