THE ISLE OF WIGHT
The Isle of Wight is a favourite traditional family holiday resort. Its popularity dates from Victorian times, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built Osborne House near Cowes and took frequent holidays there. Ventnor, which still displays much of its Victorian heritage, is the Madeira of the Island, set on the steeply terraced Undercliff. It was renowned for its pure air and benign climate, and the former tuberculosis hospital stood in what are now the lovely Botanic Gardens. In themselves the nooks and crannies of Ventnor and the villas of the famous in neighbouring Bonchurch offer much of interest to explore. Three beaches are within easy reach of the cottage: Ventnor beach itself, with its newly constructed harbour; the charming privately-run Steephill Cove below the Botanic Gardens, and the secluded and totally untouristy beach at Bonchurch.
The great attractions of the Island for us have been its variety and the abundance of things to do to suit all ages and interests. Bathing, windsurfing, golf, a restored steam railway, good pubs which welcome families, summer Carnivals; flowers, birds, insects, historic churches and houses, Roman remains, geology and fossil-hunting (especially dinosaurs), walks long and short on downland, in woodland and along disused railway lines, even a theme park at Blackgang Chine... it's all on the Isle of Wight!
Weblinks:
Tourism
The Isle of Wight Index: http://www.isle-of-wight.uk.com
Wight On Line: http://www.wightonline.co.uk
A more informal page of IOW links: http://www.wight.co.uk
Island Breaks (publishes the Official Pocket Guide: http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk
An internet guide: http://www.wightstay.co.uk/
The Isle of Wight Zoo at Yaverland: http://www.isleofwightzoo.com
Maps
Weather
Detailed weather forecasts for the Island, plus tide tables: http://www.isleofwightweather.co.uk/
Local
The Isle of Wight County Press: http://www.iwcp.co.uk
The Ventnor Regeneration Forum (local conservation): http://www.ventnor-iw.co.uk
Ventnor Botanic Garden: http://www.botanic.co.uk
Transport
Ferries
(Note that it is cheaper to book on-line. Early booking is advisable in high season.)
Portsmouth to Fishbourne / Lymington to Yarmouth
Wightlink http://www.wightlink.co.uk (on line booking available)
Isle of Wight Ferries
PO Box 59
Portsmouth PO1 2XB
Tel. 0870 582 7744
e-mail (information) info@wightlink.co.uk
e-mail (bookings) bookings@wightlink.co.uk
Southampton to Cowes
Red Funnel http://www.redfunnel.co.uk (on line booking available)
Tel. 0870 444 8898
e-mail post@redfunnel.co.uk
Southsea to Ryde
Hovertravel (foot passengers only): http://www.hovertravel.co.uk
tel. 01983 811000
e-mail info@hovertravel.co.uk
Buses
National Express (national ticket booking service): http://www.nationalexpress.co.uk/booking/
Southern Vectis (IOW local fares and timetables): http://www.southernvectis.com/
Bus enquiry helpline: 01983 827005
Trains
Island Line (rail link Ryde Pier Head - Shanklin): http://www.nationalrail.co.uk, http://www.thetrainline.com/