Holidays on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is located just off the centre of Southern England and is linked to the mainland ports of Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth by vehicle ferries and high speed passenger catamarans and hovercraft. It is shaped like a diamond, 23 miles long by 11 miles wide with a fascinating history and extraordinary heritage making the Island an enjoyable and interesting holiday location for every age and interest.
A rural island with 80% of its land area devoted to agriculture, embracing sheep rearing on the downs and arable farming in the lowlands. Traditional patterns of woodlands and hedgerows, with small fields still prevail, providing a natural and interesting landscape.
Within a few miles of the countryside breathtaking views of the Solent and English Channel occur with quaint and interesting yachting harbours to explore. Seven long distance trails are available to walk or cycle, providing the ability to travel around the entire island. If you prefer public transport the Isle of Wight has frequent bus services to all parts of the island. This makes it very convenient to go for a long walk and get a bus back home.
If you love walking and getting out into the fresh air the Isle of Wight has over five hundred miles of footpaths to explore, all well maintained and signposted. Leaflets can be obtained from the Tourist offices. A favourite walk is the Warren from Totland Bay to the Needles. Here you can see the Needles Battery and the famous Needles rocks. Also here is the old Rocket Site where the rockets were tested that launched the UK's first space satellite way back in 1971.
The complexity of chalk downland, arable farmland, forestry, hay meadows, sea cliffs, sailing harbours and creeks all within close distance makes the island unique as a holiday destination for all members of the family.
Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House are both run by English Heritage. The castle is in excellent condition and you can walk around the walls, see the museum showing much of the history of the Isle of Wight and see the donkey raise water from the well by walking inside a huge wheel. Osborne House was the island home of Queen Victoria and has stunning grounds where you can often see Red Squirrels.
Fairway Farm is located within easy distance of all of the attractions and activities available on the island.
