By Phillipa Kilby; Regional Manager
The Isle of Wight makes such a fantastic holiday and what I love the most is its perfect for all age-groups. We stayed in Wight View in Island Harbour (holiday property reference 19581), and found it to be a great base for exploring the vast array of island activities.
The ferry journey from Portsmouth to Fishbourne is only about 45 mins, and is especially exciting for children who feel they are ‘going abroad’ when they get on the ferry!
The accommodation we stayed in is modern and very well furnished, and is close to some lovely walks, one of which goes to a great pub/restaurant called The Folly, where dancing on the tables to live music is the norm at the weekends! There is also a new bistro on the marina but it was being refurbished when we stayed.
We visited Osborne House, which is a stunning former holiday residence of the late Queen Victoria, and highly recommended, also we loved the Victorian architecture of Ventnor, which is where they have the botanical gardens.
There is miles of heritage coastline with some of the most breathtaking views drive (or take a tour bus) along the Ventnor to Freshwater Military Road, and take your camera!
Its only about 40 minutes drive to any part of the island, and we made the most of it by visiting the amazing rock formations of Needles, great dog-friendly beach at Colwell Bay (sandown and Shanklin and Ryde also have lovely sandy beaches) .
The pretty villages of Shanklin Godshill and Brighstone all have historic buildings and tea-rooms.
We love animals, so it was great to visit the donkey sanctuary, and Sandown a zoo where the white tigers for ‘Tiger Island were filmed, my husband played golf, and we found some lovely romantic restaurants on the waters edge. Also Carisbrooke Castle made a great day out, which is steeped in history. And of course, not forgetting Cowes, referred to as ‘the yachting mecca of the world!’ We even saw some red squirrels, which are almost extinct in other parts of the uk (due to the grey squirrel invasion!)
I would really recommend this destinaton and this accommodation, as it is great for families or couples.
We hope this provides you with some inspiration to enjoy a lovely cottage holiday on the Isle of Wight. Please feel free to search for a holiday cottage on the Isle of Wight on our website or read more about the Isle of Wight in one of our destination guides.
Have you got any personal experiences of great holidays on the Isle of Wight? Let us know by posting a comment.
Agree there so much to do on the Island. You are never too far away from the lovely coastline, the interior of the Island consists of beautiful countryside and the food is excellent. Fantstic place for a short or long break. With the Ferry over, it really does feel like your abroad.