Blackgang Chine

Luccombe 1

2

Ventnor

The Needles

Easy to reach | Plentiful attractions & places to visit | Dinosaur fossils Beaches galore | Picturesque villages | Foodie capital of the South Coast

With over half the island designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty, the Isle of Wight may be pocket-sized, but is a hub of year-round activity and boasts a vibrant events calendar.

Seaside resorts include Sandown, a classic seaside town with brilliant beaches, loads of fun things to do, ample eateries and a pier. Popular Shanklin’ s enticements range from its wide golden sands and seaside cafés to the wooded ravine which is Shanklin Chine and the Old Village with its shops, restaurants and pubs. Well-loved Ventnor’ s sand and shingle beach is lined by huts converted from Victorian“ bathing machines”, which you can hire on a daily basis. Ryde has some of the island’ s most spacious beaches along with boutique shops, museums and galleries. Bembridge boasts three beaches, a harbour and views over the Solent, while the small Edwardian resort of Seaview has a great beach, quirky shops and enticing places to eat.

The Needles are possibly the island’ s most notable landmark and a ride on the chairlift between the beach and sand cliffs is spectacular. Family-friendly attractions include Blackgang Chine Theme Park, Tapnell Farm Park and the award-winning primate rescue centre, Monkey Haven.

History and heritage can be uncovered at the various castles, monuments and ancient burial grounds along with Osborne House, the former holiday residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The island is also renowned as one of Europe’ s finest sites for dinosaur remains. Find out more at the awesome Dinosaur Isle Museum, perhaps join an organised fossil hunt or guided fossil walk, and trawl Compton Bay or Yaverland to see if you can dig up your own T-Rex!

If you have the nautical know-how, the Isle of Wight is one of the best places to sail, with Cowes being the island’ s maritime gateway. Kayaking, surfing, bodyboarding and coasteering may also appeal, whilst on dry land, options include cycling, golf, horse riding and over 500 miles of footpaths.

The Isle of Wight is also considered a true foodie paradise! As soon as you step off the ferry you’ ll find yourself spoiled for choice with thatched tea rooms, country pubs, modern bistros, beachside cafés, farm kitchens and fine dining restaurants. Make sure you tuck into local signature produce like gin, garlic, cheese, tomatoes and more.

Map Key

1 The Royal

2 Luccombe Hall & Luccombe Manor

3 Seaview Hotel & Seaview Holidays

4 Dorset House 5 The Wight

See page 7 for Travel information

Sandown Shanklin

90 Isle of Wight visit your local travel agent or call 03444 937 777