Isle of Wight is England’s largest island. And smallest county (depending apparently whether the tide is in or out – it interchanges with Rutland).
Follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
Read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Apparently one of the most haunted places in the world, it’s also home to more dinosaur fossils than anywhere in England, and also home to one of our natural wonders (The Needles – three chalk columns protruding from the sea).
The Needles are one of the most iconic sights in England, a set of three tall chalk rocks that protrude from the sea. The fourth (‘Lot’s Wife) crashed to the sea in a storm in 1764 (so loud, that it was heard miles away, and you can still see the stump at low tide, a dangerous reef).
Hence the nearby lighthouse (see up to 14 miles away) which is now automated. The chalk ridge continues under the sea to Isle of Purbeck in Dorset.
At one time, it was believed the chalk was connected to Old Harry Rocks 20 miles away. Nearby Alum Bay offers views across the Solent, its sand unique, to create ‘multi-coloured cliffs’.
The Isle of Wight boasts over 60 miles of coastline, with beaches to suit everyone. Sandown and Shanklin are great for families, with soft sand and shallow water.
Compton Bay offers dramatic cliffs, while Ventnor charms with its Victorian seafront. Many spots are quiet even in summer, letting you enjoy the sea air without the crowds.
Stunning Walking and Cycle Routes
Walkers and cyclists love the island’s scenic trails. The Isle of Wight Coastal Path winds all the way around the island, passing rolling hills, woodlands, and chalk cliffs.
Inland, cycle routes take you through peaceful countryside, past thatched cottages and fields full of wildflowers in spring and summer.
Rich Royal and Historical Links
History buffs will love Osborne House, the former holiday retreat of Queen Victoria. You can wander the royal rooms, explore the gardens, and take in the private beach.
The island is dotted with castles, Roman villas, and historic churches. Carisbrooke Castle is a highlight with its donkeys and tales of kings held captive.
Wildlife and Natural Wonders
Nature thrives here. The island is home to rare red squirrels, while its cliffs and downs attract butterflies, birds, and wildflowers.
Dinosaur fans will love the fossil-rich beaches at Yaverland and Compton Bay, where you can hunt for prehistoric treasures. The Needles, dramatic white chalk stacks, are a must-see natural landmark.
Relaxed Island Pace
Life moves slower here. There’s time to wander beachside promenades, sip coffee in sunlit gardens, and watch sunsets over the Solent.
The island’s villages have a timeless charm, with thatched roofs, independent shops, and friendly faces. It’s an easy place to switch off and recharge.
One of England’s Donkey Sanctuaries!
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is always rescuing donkeys from England and abroad, to live out happy lives in peace. A few years ago, the sanctuary was days from closure, but happily trustees stepped in.
Today it’s thriving with new stables for rainy weather, lovely pastures and a special area for donkeys that need special care.
An easy way to raise funds is to sign up with easyfundraising (nominate Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, then anytime you buy things with shops or services, it donates a portion of profits, at no cost to you).
You can if preferred donate anonymously, set up a giving account at Charities Aid Foundation.
A great way to support them is to buy Hedgerow Gin which uses herbs, fruits and berries from local hedgerows, with profits helping to support the sanctuary. Read more on how to help donkey friends.
Seaside Resorts (& lots of yachts)
Isle of Wight is home to popular seaside resorts like Shanklin, Sandown, Yarmouth (reach it by ferry from Lymington on the Hampshire coast).
It’s also home to Cowes, the world’s biggest yachting festival, which attracts 100,000 visitors each year. The unique tidal patterns on the Solent make for a challenging race, so winning is highly prized.
Run for 200 years, unfortunately the festival still ends with a massive fireworks display, which no doubt terrifies local pets and wildlife. Read of alternatives to fireworks.
From Ryde, you can take a hovercraft trip to Portsmouth, just 5 miles over the water in Hampshire. Many people simply enjoy watching these unique vessels ‘take off’ as their undersides expand, ready to ‘skid’ across the water.
Hovercraft do less harm to wildlife, due to lack of rudders.
Home to More Dinosaurs (than anywhere!)
Dinosaurs are of course extinct, but fossils regularly turn up, and often here on the Isle of Wight, and other parts of the Jurassic coast. Chickens are descended from dinosaurs. Paleontologists say if you look at a silhouette of a chicken and dinosaur, you can’t tell the difference.
Although most dinosaurs were small, all dinosaurs (however big) had very small brains, around the size of a lime. They weren’t the crows or dolphins of the animal kingdom, that’s for sure!
Isle of Wight Vodkas (from foraged fruits)
Tipsy Wight steep wild fruits and berries grown on local farms in vodka for ‘absolutely ages’ to produce beautiful unique vodka liqueurs.
Tonic water contains quinine, so check medication (also for rhubarb/grapefruit tonic waters) or use soda water instead as a mixer.
Quinine should also be avoided for pregnancy/nursing. But hopefully you won’t be drinking vodka anyway?
The Birthplace of Victoria Sponge Cake
Victoria Sponge was indeed named after Queen Victoria, who would serve it to guests at her summerhouse on the Isle of Wight.
However, ‘sponge cakes’ go back to the 19th century, when people would take ‘tea and cake’ in the drawing room (dinner was eaten after 8pm back in the day).
This recipe for vegan Victoria sponge cake (The Veg Space) is just one of a few plant-based alternatives to try. It’s super-simple to make and extras keep for a few days, in an airtight tin.
Before cooking, read up on food safety for people & pets
Victoria Sponge Cake (Cupful of Kale) is another decadent recipe, again layering up fluffy vanilla sponges with fresh strawberries, strawberry jam and whipped vegan buttercream.
Flora vegan butters are all free from palm oil, choose the block version for a better cake. Oat milk works best for a soft crumb (avoid sweetened plant milks which could overpower the flavour).
A splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with your plant milk will make your cake even fluffier (the acid reacts with baking powder, making bubbles for a lighter sponge).
