There has always been something magical about Isle of Wight holidays. Long a favourite of British families, today there is a lot more going on than fish and chips at the local cafes. Adventure activities such as paragliding, kayaking, and surfing at venues like Compton Beach attract visitors in droves.
An Isle of Wight holiday also offers exceptional natural attractions (Alverstone Mead Local Nature Reserve close to Sandown is well worth a visit), a vibrant art and festival scene, some incredible cuisine based on fresh seafood, and the delights of some truly memorable retro arcades. Ferries to The Isle of Wight disembark at numerous ports and the bus terminals at Portsmouth and Southampton in the U.K. are only a short distance from the ferry ports on the mainland that offer trips to the Isle.
The 25-mile coastline is stunning. The beaches are surrounded by dunes, and soft white sands abound. Visitors can even view dinosaur footprints at Compton Bay. Cliffs. The delights of towns such as Ryde should not be underestimated. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway offers a wonderful day exploring the scenic countryside of the Isle. A trip to Quarr Abbey is highly recommended. The abbey is an operational Benedictine monastery and exploring the grounds is the perfect antidote to modern stress. Both couples and families will welcome the self-catering rental accommodation options around Ryde. These range from ultra-luxurious to down-to-earth, cosy and comfy Isle of Wight holiday cottages.
One of the most unique experiences related to simply enjoying the Isle of Wight is the unique hovercraft service that runs from Portsmouth to the Island. After you disembark you are treated that the best that the town of Ryde has to offer. Appley Beach is great for a family day out - and the kite flying opportunities are fantastic.
There are some great pet-friendly Isle of Wight holiday cottages available for rent (most with exceptional sea views) across the island, so you can enjoy that beach stroll with your four-legged friend. The self-catering cottage accommodation options are fabulous for the family or the romantically inclined who want to set their own pace when it comes to building great memories during their stay.