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The Isle of Wight was adopted by the Victorians as a holiday island, and tourism has been hugely popular there ever since. The high chalk downs and chines which stretch along the south coast were of strong appeal to the Victorians and the resorts they constructed along the coast still illustrate the sublime Victorian architecture.
During the summer months the island is crowded with visitors – its safe bathing and impressive sunshine record make it ideal for family holidays. The island itself is 23 miles from east to west and 13 miles from north to south. During off-peak times a morning’s drive can cover most of the better-known places; a major road makes a complete circuit of the island while and inland circular route passes through villages, farmlands and heaths. This is more problematic during high season, although there are plenty of good spots to picnic or go for a walk. In fact, the National Trust owns more than 5000 acres of the island, and there are a good collection of marked footpaths. Some of the Isle of Wight’s most idyllic towns are discussed here:
Bembridge
A quiet seaside village with good bathing and fine sands at low tide. The wide harbour is well-suited to sailing and it is one of the most popular for yachtsmen on the island. Four forts, which can be found offshore are the relics of Victorian defences for Spithead.
Brighstone
A small picturesque village with thatched cottages. The Orange Chine and Chilton coast is a mile south and there are good walks to be had over the nearby Brighstone Downs.
Carisbrooke
The one-time capital of the island boasts an imposing 12th century castle that dates from Norman times, built on the site of a Roman fort. Charles I was imprisoned here in 1674 as was his son Henry and daughter Elizabeth. Visitor are allowed to walk along the high ramparts which afford fine views of the castle remains and surrounding green countryside. One of the best walks on the island starts from the western reaches of Carisbrooke: a lane climbs southwards to the downs and to an old Roman road leading to the nearby Shorwell.
Calbourne
A beautiful village notable for its low stone and thatched cottages. It also has a picturesque Norman church and a charming watermill.
Cowes
This popular town is split into two: Cowes and East Cowes which are separated by the River Medina. Cowes is Britain’s yachting capital while the Royal Yacht Squadron is housed in Cowes Castle. Built by Henry VIII to defend the coast, its brass guns remain and stand ready on Victorian Parade. They’re used to start races during Cowes Week and also to fire Royal Salutes.
Osborne House is located to the south-east. It was at one time the home of Queen Victoria at the time of her death. The house was originally designed as an Italian villa and visitors can see the state and private apartments which have been preserved from Queen Victoria’s time. The Swiss Cottage play house built for the Royal children also still remains. Nearby is Norris Castle, where the young Princess Victoria would frequently stayed with her mother.
Godshill
This small village on a steep hill has a cluster of picturesque thatched cottages which nestle in the shadow of a 15th century church. The ruins of Appuldurcombe House, lie a mile to the south.
Mottistone
This village features a collection of historical buildings including a beautiful Tudor manor house and an ancient 12th century church. A path by its Lych gate leads to the Long Stone, a large pillar which is part of a long barrow dating from 3000 BC.
Newport
The ‘Capital’ of the Isle of Wight lies at the mouth of the River Medina. It features an excavated Roman villa, a collection of picturesque attractive houses and a guildhall designed by 19th century architect John Nash.
Ryde
Ryde boasts a pier that stretched for 4 miles. Built in the 19th century the electric railway was added in 1880 and was one of the first in the world. The town itself has a large sandy beach, excellent seafront gardens and parks and an amusement corner for children.
Sandown
Sandown Bay extends for 6 miles between the chalk headlands of Culver Cliff and Dunnose in the south. Sandown itself is a popular resort, with a fine beach and esplanade and amusement parks.
Shanklin
The town centre overlooks a sheltered beach and pier. The old part of town includes on the most attractive inns on the Island, the Crab. The idyllic Shanklin Chine lies close-by and is a deep winding glen that is plush with ferns and foliage.
Shorwell
A collection of thatched cottages, weeping willows and a brook add to the charm of the town, as does a 15th century with its distinctive poppy-head pew.
Ventnor
This picturesque resort is built on a series of terraces that zigzag down to the seafront. Nearby is St Boniface Down, the highest point on the island at over 700 ft. This shelters the town and its beach from cold winds and helps the local Botanical Gardens to thrive.
Yarmouth
This is the most continental of the Isle of Wight resorts and is a popular yachting centre. Its castle was constructed in the mid 16th century. A ferry which runs from Lymington offers a pleasant way of reaching the Isle of Wight.