Isle of Wight is England’s largest island. And smallest county (depending apparently whether the tide is in or out – it interchanges with Rutland). 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 awawy) 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’.
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.
It’s expensive to rescue and care for donkeys, so do support them if you can, with financial help (anonymous if preferred) or items on their wish list. 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)
As well as being 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?
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 kitchen safety for people and 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.