Isle of Wight is well known for the annual Isle of Wight music festival in mid to late June, and Cowes Week, an annual sailing event in early August. For the rest of the time it’s a tourist destination that has something to suit everyone.
Situated just off the south coast of England, Isle of Wight tends to be taken for granted by those living a ferry ride away on the mainland. I have been to the Island a few times, but always on a day trip when the length of the stay was dictated by ferry schedules.
When my brother and sister-in-law visited in mid May it’s a great opportunity to stay for a few nights to explore the island. With the link provided by the AirB&B host we had a 25% discount off the car ferry crossing with Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and the return from Yarmouth to Lymington.
Orchard Leigh Cottage, Bonchurch
I was so happy to have found this 2 bedroomed cottage in the delightful village of Bonchurch tucked away in the south-eastern corner of the island, within walking distance to Ventnor. It’s the first time I used AirB&B and I’m very pleased with process, accommodation and location.
The tranquil village of Bonchurch has a local pond full of large fish and ducks. It’s just across the road from the cottage.
Osborne House
We took an early morning ferry crossing to Isle of Wight from Portsmouth, which took only 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Fishbourne we headed straight for Osborne House for the day before checking in at our accommodation.
Osborne House was Queen Victoria’s island retreat, purchased in 1845. Needless to say it had all the splendour as befitting a monarch. It’s been under the management of English Heritage since 1986. The grandeur of the exteriors and opulence of the interiors make further description superfluous. Just let these sample images speak for themselves!
The imposing exteriors
The magnificent gardens
The sumptuous interiors
The private beach overlooking The Solent
Swiss Cottage
While lucky children get a small playhouse in the garden, Queen Victoria’s 9 children had Swiss Cottage built for their recreation a mile from the main house! It’s now a museum.
Ventnor
Situated on the south eastern corner of the island, Ventnor is a quaint seaside resort renowned for its steep hillsides, subtropical gardens, and sweeping views of the English Channel.
Built in the 19th century, Ventnor was once a fashionable health resort. Today, much of its Victorian charm is preserved in the buildings and promenade.
The Royal Hotel, Ventnor
When I was searching for restaurants on the island, my attention was immediately caught by the description of The Royal Hotel in Ventnor! It’s a 19th-century establishment renowned for its “historical significance, elegant accommodation, and exceptional dining experiences”. Established in 1832, The Royal gained its current name after Queen Victoria’s patronage.
With such high recommendation, we couldn’t resist having Sunday lunch at the hotel’s Geranium Restaurant. We were not disappointed. The setting was grand, the food was good and we had brilliant weather to enjoy the garden!
Newport – the county town of the Isle of Wight
Newport is the administrative heart of the Isle of Wight, located near the centre of the island. We only had time to look around the town centre after our Sunday lunch. Although it’s the island’s principal shopping destination, it was not buzzing with shoppers on a Sunday afternoon!
Area Of Natural Beauty (AONB)
Our final day on the Island was set aside to visit The Needles. On our way there from Bonchurch we drove along the coastal road that hugs the south coast of the island. Once we left the more built-up area behind, driving along this coastal road was like gliding through a living postcard!
The road snaked between dramatic chalk cliffs and windswept hills. The English Channel unfurled endlessly to one side and rolling green fields dotted with sheep and the occasional lonely farmhouse on the other. No wonder this part of the world is designated Area Of Natural Beauty!
Compton Bay
We made a stop here as the the sight of clusters of yellow wild mustard flowers framing against the distant chalk cliffs was too good a photo opportunity to miss!
The Needles Landmark Attraction
This is situated above Alum Bay. There’s no admission fee, just an all-day parking charge.
There’re a range of facilities, including a sand shop where my brother and sister-in-law created their own sand ornament using the bay’s naturally coloured sands as a souvenir. This tradition is said to date back to the Victorian era when Queen Victoria was presented with a special souvenir made from these sands.
Alum Bay
Alum Bay is famous for its striking multi-coloured sand cliffs. Access to the beach is available via a chairlift or a 185-step staircase. We chose to walk down and take the chairlift up!
Alum Bay is not just picturesque but is also a significant geological site. The beach is a restful place to look out onto the sea where it merges with the sky in the far horizon.
The colourful, multi-layered sand cliffs of Alum Bay are created by the presence of various minerals. The vibrant hues range from red and grey to white and yellow.
The Needles
The Needles are a striking natural landmark consisting of three distinctive chalk stacks that rise approximately 30 metres out of the sea, extending westward from Alum Bay. The Needles Lighthouse is a vital navigational aid in the English Channel. It was constructed in 1859 and automated since 1994.
Our return car ferry was from the quaint little port of Yarmouth to Lymington.
Next stop is North Devon ….after a few days’ rest!
Though our 4 days in Isle of Wight passed as if in a flash, happy memories were captured ….
