Isle of Wight

Shrouded in fog, Amy didn’t manage to see the sweeping coastlines or rolling countryside for the first few days on the Isle of Wight. Luckily, the last day was full sunshine and the spectacular views came into focus.

It was lovely to meet with long-term partners that have featured in the Greatdays’ brochures for many years. It was also good to visit new hotels and attractions as part of developing our programme.

Amy travelled to the island on Red Funnel Ferries and found the experience very smooth and efficient. Lasting just short of an hour, the crossing went quickly with comfortable seating and the possibility of something to eat in the café, a drink in the bar or browse in the gift shop.

Once off the ferry, Amy drove to Ryde to have a look round. There was so much activity! Whilst walking on the pier, the Pier Head Train arrived, a Wightlink ferry docked at the end of the pier and a hovercraft landed onto the sandy beach followed by squawking seagulls. There were many cafés and independent shops to browse along the streets heading to the centre of Ryde. The streets are hilly – make sure you pack your comfortable shoes.

Shanklin and Sandown were next on Amy’s itinerary. Both coastal towns are very close to one another (it is only a 15-minute jog from one to the other!) They have different selling points. Shanklin is split in two by a cliff, with an upper and lower promenade linked by a lift that has a small fee in the main season. Most hotels are up high on the cliff giving the unspoilt views over the sea. On the lower promenade, there are many shops, cafés and bars to choose from in addition to the golden sandy beach to enjoy! The old town is a stroll from the upper promenade where you will find the thatched cottages and winding narrow streets that are often pictured in Isle of Wight publications.

Sandown has a different ‘feel’ to it – Amy found it was more of a typical English seaside resort. A long promenade – that Amy ran along each morning – plenty of shops and beachside cafés for people watching. The Sandown pier stretches into the sea at one end of the town providing a focal point for visitors.

The attractions were in different locations over the island. Amy had lots of driving in between the appointments in her little car. Even though the Isle of Wight is not a big island, the roads are windy and narrow so one really feels in the depths of the countryside at times. The Wight Military and Heritage Museum was a highlight. Amy met with one of the Trustees who kindly conducted a private tour of the Military memorabilia and information on the importance of the Isle of Wight’s role during World War II. There were tanks, uniforms, military vehicles and a real plane called the historic ‘B-N Islander’ to view. The gift shop, book shop and café at the end of the tour were well worth a visit to support this charity.

Amy made a stop off to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for a very pleasant visit to see the rescued donkeys. At 2.30pm they all started braying in chorus. Daphne, one of the many volunteers said that the donkeys were reminding the staff they were hungry! There is a café and many opportunities to talk with the guides to find out more. Whether rain or shine, the donkeys can be seen out in the field or in their barns.

No visit to the Isle of Wight is complete without visiting the ‘big three’…The Needles, Carisbrooke Castle and Osbourne House. Luckily, the weather improved during Amy’s time at each of these attractions. The Needles in all their splendour rose out of the sea. Not all the activities were open as it was low season but in the main season, the chair lifts are a must but not for the faint hearted! They take you to Alum Bay from where you can see the coloured sand close up. The sand shop is recommended to visit and create your very own layered sand gift. Amy had lunch here that was very reasonably priced. There is a gift shop in addition to a glass workshop where they give demonstrations of glass blowing.

The second of the ‘big three’ can be seen from far away. The Keep at Carisbrooke Castle rises high above the landscape. At close quarters, the castle walls are well preserved and visitors can walk along the ramparts – it is a bit uneven though! Amy timed her visit just right as Jigsaw, one of the Carisbrooke donkeys, was raring to go and demonstrated walking on the water wheel so that is turned 3 times. Jigsaw was well aware of the contract: no more than 3 revolutions per day! A Museum, Gatehouse, the Kitchen garden, shop and café are all within the castle walls including the Keep reached only by climbing approximately 30 steps. The view was well worth it though. All the staff were really helpful and knowledgeable that made Amy feel very welcome during her visit to this significant, historic site where Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Beatrice made her home.

Magnificent Osbourne House, former home to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was glowing yellow in the sun opposite Portsmouth and Southampton across the Solent. The island is close to the main land yet one feels very far away. Amy had some time to wander through the ground floor of the house, looking at the paintings hung on the walls under the hight decorated ceilings. There was also time to walk to the beach and Swiss Cottage within the grounds of Osbourne. A shuttle buggy ran at regular intervals to take visitors to the beach café should they have difficulty walking the mile distance. The café and shop were well attended – Amy managed to buy some ‘Wight Whisky’ for her husband before leaving for the ferry in East Cowes.

Click here to view our tours to Isle of Wight