Isle of Wight is England’s smallest county, depending on whether the tide is in or out (then it’s Rutland). You can reach it by hovercraft from Portsmouth to view The Needles (three rocks protruding from the sea – there were four, but one crashed into the sea in a storm) and the annual Cowes boating festival. Local food and flowers flourish here, thanks to the temperate climate (also visit the lovely donkey sanctuary!)
popular seaside resorts (and lots of yachts!)
The island is home to many popular seaside resorts including Shanklin, Sandown, Yarmouth (reach it by ferry from Lymington on the Hampshire coast) and Cowes (known for its world-famous yachting festival).
hovercrafts are better for marine wildlife
You can also visit Ryde by hovercraft, which flies on a cushion above the waves, so not affected by tides. And unlike boat rudders, hovercrafts are safer for marine wildlife (and swimmers) as they don’t drag the ocean surface.
