The Needles
Isle of Wight
Easy to reach | Plentiful attractions & places to visit | Dinosaur fossils Beaches galore | Picturesque villages | Foodie capital of the South Coast
Pocket-sized yet perfect, with over half the island designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty, the Isle of Wight is a hub of yearround activity. So, what can you expect from an Isle of Wight adventure?
Seaside resorts include Sandown which shelters in a beautiful bay with a long stretch of golden sand, a traditional British seafront and pier. Popular Shanklin’ s enticements range from its wide sandy beach to the wooded ravine which is Shanklin Chine and the Old Village where you can potter around shops, restaurants and pubs. Ventnor’ s sand and shingle beach, which is lined by huts converted from Victorian“ bathing machines”, is ideal for lazing and family swimming. Ryde tempts with long expanses of sand, boutique shops, museums and galleries. Bembridge boasts three beaches, a harbour and in 2019, won“ Village of the Year” in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards.
Possibly the island’ s most notable landmark is The Needles where 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 Monkey Haven to name just a few.
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 one of Europe’ s finest sites for dinosaur remains. Find out more at the awesome Dinosaur Isle Museum, 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 an abundance of tea rooms, country pubs, quality restaurants and beachside cafés. Make sure you tuck into local signature produce like gin, garlic, cheese, tomatoes and more.
Lymington
The Solent
Yarmouth Carisbrooke Castle
The Needles
Tapnell Farm Park Brighstone
1 The Royal
2 Luccombe Hall & Luccombe Manor
3 Seaview Hotel & Seaview Holidays
Portsmouth
Southampton
Cowes Osborne House
Fishbourne
ISLE OF WIGHT
Newport
Blackgang Chine
4 Dorset House 5 The Wight
4 Ryde
3 Bembridge
Dinosaur Isle
5 Sandown Shanklin
2
Luccombe Ventnor
See page 7 for Travel information
1
Ventnor
86 Isle of Wight visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 777