Let’s Visit Isle of Wight (England’s Largest Island)
Isle of Wight is England’s largest island, and smallest county (apparently depending on whether the tide is in or out – it swaps places with Rutland). Known for its beautiful beaches, Isle of Wight Coastal Path (circles the entire island) runs for 70 miles, circling the entire island.
Home to popular seaside resorts like Ryde (which you can reach by hovercraft), Sandown and Shanklin, it’s also home to The Needles rocks (one of England’s official natural wonders!)
Out walking? Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and other toxic plants/trees) and on leads during nesting season (and near barnyard friends and wild ponies).
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
Situated on the Solent
The Solent is a 7000-year old stretch of water, formed when sea levels rose during the last Ice Age, to flood the River Frome estuary, causing the Isle of Wight to separate from the mainland.
This narrow stretch of sea is a very important haven for seagrass meadows (home to endangered sea turtles and sea horses) and rare chalk reefs.
Never use jet skis, they harm many creatures, and cause noise pollution and accidents, and drive baby gulls and seals away from their parents. Report any wildlife crime to Crimestoppers (anonymous).
Birthplace of Victoria sponge cake
Queen Victoria had a holiday home on Isle of Wight, where she would entertain guests with a slice of vegan Victoria sponge. When not dining out, you can criss-cross the island on a lovely railway, or just walk it (there are lots of trails).
Home to dinosaurs and ghosts!
The Jurassic coast (which is kind of around Dorset and the Isle of Wight) is home to many fossils of our ancient dinosaur friends. Isle of Wight also is apparently the most haunted place in England!
Isle of Wight donkey sanctuary
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary (set in 55 acres with walking trails) also rescues mules and ponies, helping animals that have been rescued from beach rides to turning water wheels, or guardians becoming ill or losing their land. Rescuing each donkey costs around £1000, read more on how to help donkey friends.
How to help:
- easyfundraising (a portion of the price of goods you buy donates at no cost to you). Or give anonymously at Charities Aid Foundation.
- Hedgerow Gin and Wildheart Sanctuary Gin both benefit the sanctuary.
Check medication, before consuming grapefruit gin. Choose soda water (over tonic water) for some medical conditions (check paper inserts). Recycle corks at off licenses, or send off in bulk to Recorked.
Getting to the Isle of Wight
The hovercraft from Portsmouth to Ryde is fast and fun, although it can feel bumpy in windy weather.There are car ferries from Southampton to East Cowes and Lymington to Yarmouth.
If you get seasick, sit mid-ship when you can, keep your eyes on the horizon, and sip water!
