Isle of Wight News & Travel

by garybembridge

Isle of Wight Tourist Information

If you are looking for Isle of Wight tourist information, you will find that there are many online sources. Typically, they are divided into categories, according to what part of the island you are planning to visit. Although the total area is only about 380 square kilometers, there are attractions packed into practically every square kilometer.

One of the major attractions is the Coastal Footpath, a 107km circular path that follows the coastline around the island as much as possible, deviating onto roadways only when necessary. It’s a relatively easy trail, with only a few significant hills, that is open all year round.

The footpath is listed as an attraction in all of the major towns, including Yarmouth in the west and Sandown in the east. Walking, cycling, bird watching and generally appreciating the natural beauty of the island has made the island a popular alternative to the traditional British seaside holiday.

For those that prefer not to walk the circumference of the island, transportation is easy. Major roadways lead from each of the main towns and connect the small villages. Ferries, which include the unique use of hovercraft, connect the island to mainland England.

For Isle of Wight tourist information concerning air transportation directly to the island, you can consult the Isle of Wight Airport or the Bembridge Airport, both of which are outside of Sandown, 1.9km to the west and 4.3km to the northeast, respectively. As they are not international airports, it is easier for most people coming from outside the UK to fly into a major airport on the mainland and rent a car.

The Island Line, a passenger railway, connects Ryde, in the north, and Shanklin in the south. A comprehensive network of buses services the entire island. But, by far the most popular mode of transportation once on the island is cycling. Cycles can be brought along or rented at many convenient locations.

If you need Isle of Wight tourist information in order to choose accommodation, you can request a free “official” accommodation guide from the island’s main tourism site. Hotels, guest houses, caravan parks, campsites and B&Bs;are among the many options that you have to chose from. There is something to fit any budget, close to popular attractions or well off the beaten path.

With dozens of interesting places to visit, you will have no trouble filling your time. In fact, you may need to return for several visits, in order to see it all. Hopefully, the Isle of Wight tourist information included above will help you plan your trip.

by Nathan150

Cowes Week

With 40 races every day and over 1,000 boats on show, Skandia Cowes Week is a huge event in the British sporting calendar.

Cowes is the largest sailing regatta in the world! It lasts for eight days and takes place every August in the Solent waters off Cowes in the United Kingdom.

History – Cowes Week takes place after Glorious Goodwood and before the Glorious Twelfth (the first day of the grouse shooting season). The first race was for a “Gold Cup of the Value of £100″, held in 1826. The following year King George IV showed his approval of the event and presented the ‘King’s Cup’, presented at every event until 1939. The early 1900′s saw Cowes Regatta build in size and popularity, showcasing an array of sailing vessels. In the decades following World War II, yachting moved away from its image as a rich man’s sport to modest self-skippered 30 foot yachts. In 1995, following two years during which Cowes Week was supported by the County Council, Skandia became official sponsor of the event.

Join in the fun – The event is open to amateur sailors as well as Olympic and World Champions. There really is something for everyone at Cowes Week, reagrdless of age or ability. If you’d like to take part in the sailing, get in touch with Cowes Combined Clubs. The Notice of Regatta are published in March / April every year with an entry form for competitors.

Berthing – Berthing in Cowes during the Regatta is in high demand. Don’t delay! Arrange your berthing early to ensure you get a spot. Shepards Wharf Marina has undergone major re-development in recent years. It’s now a vibrant venue and home to a crew bar, restaurant, trading village and nightclub during Skandia Cowes Week. For those wanting a quieter berthing alternative during Skandia Cowes Week, the re-developed marina in East Cowes, with new ‘Club Style’ facilities, is another option. If you do not require a walk ashore facility, there are a number of options within the harbour. Swinging Moorings in Cowes Roads or pontoons south of the chain ferry are both available via Cowes Harbour Commission.

Not just for sailors – Cowes Week is a popular tourist event provides fun and entertainment for the 100,000 people who flock to the isalnd each year to soak up the atmosphere. Over the years the regatta has been visited by royalty and world-famous celebrities as well as naval warships, super yachts and square-riggers. Each class is made up using the IRC (International Rating System) which ranks the yachts’ individual measurements. Class Zero has the biggest boats (up to 30 metres long) and Class Seven, the smallest.

Party time – Why not soak up the Solent sun and the party atmosphere and enjoy the parties and live entertainment. There are tastes to suit everyone during Cowes week, with plenty of pubs, bars and restaraunts to chose from. If you are not planning to sail there is plenty to do during the day as well as at night. The High Street has a wide choice of art galleries, antiques, clothing and gift. A spectacular firework display on the Friday evening is watched by tens of thousands of people from the shore and from hundreds of boats off the sea front.

Getting there – For visitors from abroad, the nearest airports are either Eastleigh (Southampton) or Hurn (Bournemouth) but all of the London airports are within easy reach by taxi or train. There is also a heliport (tel. +44(0) 1983 280909) in Cowes especially for the regatta. There are regular ferries to and from the Island and even during Skandia Cowes Week there is no need to book as a foot passenger. However, if you plan to bring a car to the Island (remember that parking at Cowes is very limited), then bookings are essential.

More Isle Of White Ferry Articles

by Chalkie_CC

Find Fabulous New Forest Hotels And Restaurants Quickly And Easily

Anyone wanting the best New Forest accommodation needs to look no further than The Cliff House Hotel and Restaurant in the New Forest near New Milton. The district of New Forest, in the south of England, used to be a hunting ground for the royal family. The area was originally established in 1079 by William the Conqueror for deer hunting.

The New Forest region has an interesting ecological, historical and agricultural background. The local inhabitants still practice traditions that were bestowed upon them by the Crown. The locals were then known as commoners, and today they still pasture cattle, ponies, donkeys and pigs in the forest.

Whether you are visiting the area for a wedding, a business meeting, a relaxing holiday, or you are just passing through, the New Forest area has many interesting places to visit. There are beautiful farms, wildlife parks, leisure activities, museums and gardens. And when it comes to accommodation there is lots to choose from.

The Cliff House Hotel and Restaurant is one of the most delightful hotels in the New Forest. It is found in Barton-on-Sea, a charming coastal village that boasts unrivaled scenery. From here, the eye can encompass spectacular views that span Christchurch Bay, the Purbecks, and The Needles.

This hotel is perfect for a family holiday or a relaxing retreat where you can escape from the noise and pollution of the city. Bournemouth, a bustling seaside resort, and Southampton are just 30 minutes away, so there\’s always something to keep the kids entertained.

Other attractions in The Cliff House Hotel area are the Solent and the Isle of Wight, the Dorset coastline as well as Mudeford and Christchurch. There is also a championship 27 hole golf course nearby. You can catch a ferry from the nearby town of Lymington to the Isle of Wight.

The Cliff House is a family-run establishment which has recently been upgraded and refurbished. The hotel offers luxurious accommodation and a charming atmosphere that you won\’t find anywhere else in the New Forest. The restaurant serves excellent English cuisine, and all dishes comprise ingredients grown by local producers.

In addition to the restaurant, Cliff House offers specials for dinner and lunch each day. If your appetite is on the light side, you can order a pastry with coffee or tea and take in the glorious scenery. During the warmer weather you can have a drink and a snack on the lovely alfresco patio, or enjoy cycling, horse riding, sailing and other activities nearby. The Cliff House indeed offers the finest New Forest accommodation.

Related Isle Of Wight Ferry Articles

by FoolishCross

Escape to the past on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has 60 miles of stunning coastline including award-winning beaches spectacular cliffs, creeks and marshland as well as the famous Needles – three towers of rock jutting out from the sea at the western extremity of the island. Inland there are picturesque villages, downland, farmland, river valleys, and a rich diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna.

The Isle of Wight became popular in the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria made much-loved Osborne House her home. It is now open to the public and thoroughly recommended for the insight it gives into royal life.

The Victorians laid out Sandown’s broad seafront promenades and beautiful parks and gardens. The magnificent sandy beach slopes gently and there are all kinds water sports on offer. The cliff-top path offers a wonderful walk, with panoramic views of the bay and continues all the way to Shanklin where you can visit the famous Chine, a dramatic fissure in the rock where a 45 foot waterfall cascades through boulders and ferns to the shore.

Ventnor is a Victorian town with a Mediterranean feel, and one of the sunniest spots on the island. Built on a series of terraces beneath St. Boniface Down, the town’s roads zigzag down to the seafront past the beautifully planted Cascades – sub-tropical gardens overlooking the sea. Ventnor grew up as a health resort in the Victorian era. The famous Ventnor Botanic Gardens occupies the site of the former Royal National Hospital with Mediterranean, Alpine and medicinal herb plantings, herbaceous borders, shrubs and trees.

The West Wight has many areas of outstanding natural beauty – rolling countryside, peaceful forests, picturesque villages and breathtaking coastal scenery. However it is the wide choice of excellent beaches within easy reach that attract visitors. Families will enjoy the delightful small beach at Totland. Nearby is Alum Bay, renowned for its coloured sandstone cliffs with a chairlift to the beach below, from where, weather permitting, you can take a boat trip to view the Needles rocks and lighthouse. Colwell Bay is a family beach with golden sands and good for swimming whilst the wilder beach of Compton Bay is very popular with surfers.

Car ferries to the Isle of Wight depart from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Yarmouth to Lymington and Southampton to East Cowes.

Find More Isle Of Wight Ferry Articles

by -pea-

Make the Most of the British Coast

While Britain may not be famed for its temperate weather, it does boast some coastal destinations that represent the highlight of any sight-seeing holiday. From colourful and cheerful seaside resorts to beautiful natural coastal formations, there’s somewhere to suit all types of holidaymaker on the British coast.

For a start, holidaymakers can take a trip to Kent’s coastline see the white cliffs of Dover for themselves or they can walk the sands of Freshwater Beach in Pembrokeshire Wales and know they are on a beach with famous connection – Freshwater was used in both the sixth Harry Potter film and in Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe.

If you’re searching for stunning nature reserves you’ll find plenty along the 100 mile Merseyside coastline or in Cornwall – which boasts the longest stretch of coastline in the UK. Cornwall is also home to the famous Eden Project while the surfing and clubbing scene in Newquay and the quaint beauty of St. Ives ensure that this area of the UK coastline has something for everyone.

The Isle of Wight provides a snapshot of the glory boasted by the British coast and is well known not only for its beautiful beaches but for the fact that those same beaches provided inspiration for literary greats Keats, Tennyson and Dickens.

The coasts of Scotland also features a wide range of attractions to visitors, from the fabulous selection of coastal fishing villages in Fife – stop off in Anstruther to sample what is reputedly the best fish and chip shop in the country – to the coast of Inverness which offers some great wildlife spotting opportunities. Cromarty in Inverness is well known as a great area for sighting bottlenose dolphins, seals, porpoises and occasionally Minke whales.

The extensive coastlines of Britain also offer plenty of scope for watersports and hiking trips, while the numerous resorts that dot the coastline ensure that anyone looking for traditional, relaxing pursuits on their holiday will also be well catered too.

For sailing fans, there are a number of coastal destinations around the UK that offer great starting points for boating trips while surfers will find catching the waves in top surfing spots such as Cornwall, Thurso and Snowdonia a breeze. What’s more, there are numerous ferries to Britain, so visitors embarking on a coastal holiday will have the option of approaching the coast on the waters surrounding it, and starting their holiday as they mean to go on.

Make the most of the British coast; explore the fabulous towns and sights available along the UKs coastline.

More Isle Of Wight Ferry Articles

by Peter Curbishley

More About Hampshire, UK

Hampshire’s New Forest area is in fact a National Park, attracting visitors and tourism industry is an important economic source of this area, with millions of visitors in 1992. Southampton Boat Show is the best annual sports events that is held in the county and it attracts visitors from the country. In 2003 alone, the county had a massive total of 31 million day visits and 4.2 million longer stay visits.

Significant ports are situated at both the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, with the former who handles a large percentage of the national container payloads and Portsmouth is a home to a vast Royal Naval base. Traditionally the docks have been the big employers of these cities, although again mechanisation has changed the face of the economy.

The education system in schools in Hampshire, which includes Southampton and Portsmouth is fully organised. Geographically in the interiors of Hampshire LEA are twenty four independent schools, where as Southampton has 3 and Portsmouth has 4. Very few Hampshire schools have the sixth forms, which differs in every district council.

Natives of the county have been called Hampshire hogs since the 18th century, just because Hampshire has been long associated with pigs and boars. Hampshire has connections with the literary world, as it is the birthplace of authors including Charles Dickens and Jane Austen and the homes of others, people like Charles Kingsley.

Austen had spent most part of her life in Hampshire and completed writing all of her novels in the county, it was here where her father was a clergyman at Steventon, Hampshire. Hampshire is also connected with visual art, it had a painter named John Everett Millais as a native resident and the cities and its countryside have been the theme in most of the paintings created by L. S. Lowry and J. M. W. Turner. Explorer Lawrence Oates and entertainers such as Peter Sellers, Benny Hill, Craig David and Carl Barat were born here.

It is quite safe to develop sailing areas in its safe waters, with many yatch clubs and many production houses on the Solent. The game of Cricket was mostly developed in south east England. Hampshire County Cricket Club is a successful first class team.

The county has several professional football teams such as Premier League, Portsmouth F.C. and a great side Southampton F.C., which have earlier been arch rivals. Adjoining the Beaulieu Palace House, Thruxton Circuit is Hampshires formost motor racing course with the National Motor Museum is located inside the New Forest. A famous international event, the Farnboroug Airshow is, held every alternate years.

Southampton Airport, is an international airport with an accompanying main line railway station, which is situated in the Borough of Eastleigh, near to Swaythling in the city of Southampton. Ferries link the county to the Isle of Wight and European continent through cross channel and cross Solent. South Western Main Line railway from London to Weymouth that goes via Winchester and Southampton and then on to Wessex Main Line from Bristol to Portsmouth and also runs throughout the county.

The M3 motorway connects London with the county. The M27 motorway plays the role of a bypass for the major collection and serves as a link to other locations that are settled on the south coast. Other significant roads included are the A3, A31 and A36. The county has a high level of car ownership, uses less than normal trains and buses, but the level of bicycle users is quite high.

by conner395

Top Wedding Venues in Isle of Wight

Overview

The Isle of Wight is a small island situated in the Solent, 4 miles from the nearest city of Portsmouth, in Hampshire. The Island is easily reachable by ferry from Portsmouth Harbour or by Hovercraft in a much shorter time. This Island offers wedding guests the opportunity to get away from it all and enjoy the mix of rich, verdant countryside and exquisite coastline, as well as some really fabulous beaches, one of the best sandy beaches being the stretch of coastline to the south of the Isle of Wight.

1. The Enchanted Manor

What could be a better location for your wedding than to hold it at the Enchanted Manor tucked away on a romantic island? The hotel is exclusively 5-star, offering fairytale luxury for wedding celebrations, renewal of vows and other very special and memorable occasions. The wedding party that consists of no more than 30 guests will enjoy a very special day tailored just for your wedding. Each wedding is completely exclusive. You can choose an Exclusive Enchanting Fairytale Wedding and Honeymoon full and complete package: quite simply, if you have dreamt it, the Enchanted Manor will have already put those dreams into practice! For further details, read the report written about the Enchanted Manor in April 2010s ‘The Bridal Guide’: http://www.enchantedmanor.co.uk/wedding.jpg

2. The Priory Bay Hotel

The Priory Bay Hotel nestles amongst its 70 acre estate overlooking the Solent beyond Bembridge and the coast of Spithead, close to the cliffs. The two terraces off each of the dining rooms provides guests with excellent views of the nearby seafront, whilst you can sit back and relax with al Fresco dining at the Beach Café, looking out towards the spectacular views of Priory Bay. This is a beautifully appointed hotel with very friendly staff, ensuring your wedding and reception will be a romantic occasion, well-organized and no attention spared. The Priory Bay Hotel is licensed for Civil Weddings, so you can hold your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place.

3. The Royal Hotel, Ventnor

Situated in the south of the Island, The Royal Hotel is the largest 4-star hotel on the Isle of Wight. The coastline of Ventnor is truly breathtaking and a lovely setting to hold your wedding day. This hotel holds a Civil Wedding license and, with its reputation for truly distinguished cuisine, your wedding reception will be in the hands of first-class chefs and sommeliers to serve you and your guests with some of the finest wines, and attentive, friendly service throughout.

4. Northcourt, Shorwell, nr Newport, Isle of Wight

This Jacobean manor house was built in 1615 and now stands amidst 15 acres of glorious gardens in the peaceful setting of the village of Shorwell. Guests can gaze in wonder at the charming sunken garden, or exclaim over the lovely views from the North Wing that looks out over the paddock. During events, there is parking here for more than 100 cars, whilst the Music Room is an ideal setting to hold your wedding, with room to seat up to 75 guests although a larger party could be accommodated in a marquee that can be erected in the grounds, where guests may enjoy meandering around the gardens that have been restored to national acclaim. This is a truly lovely place to hold a traditional wedding reception, with the historic house presenting the perfect façade for your wedding photos.

5. Osborne House

Hold a wedding fit for a queen at Osborne House, indisputably Queen Victoria’s preferred home, a private estate that runs down to the sea. The house, as you would expect, is beautifully appointed, with many opulent and sumptuous rooms that are ideal to hold a small wedding reception. The Durbar Room, reminiscent of the Indian continent, is available for hire to up to 80 guests, as well as the magnificent Victoria Hall and Orangery that opens out onto the terraces of the garden. For the larger wedding party there is space here for a large marquee to be erected, either in the grounds or on the dry expanse of Osborne House’s private beach, with room for many hundreds of guests to be catered for.

6. Eastmount Hall Hotel, Shanklin, Isle of Wight

The proprietors of Eastmount Hall Hotel, conscious of the burgeoning cost of weddings nowadays, have put together special wedding packages at a range of budgets, where your price is quoted and they add no extras to the cost of that package. The most economical package is the combination of a late reception combined with an evening party, providing a disco and buffet for up to 65 guests, as well as including the Bridal Suite for the wedding night. The most comprehensive package involves hiring the whole hotel for the whole weekend, commencing with canapés and welcoming drink, followed by a rehearsal dinner of five courses. The wedding breakfast is included, along with the evening reception, a buffet meal, together with disco and accommodation for the Saturday night. Again, this package is fully inclusive.

Related Isle Of White Ferry Articles

by naturenet.net

Inspire Your Imagination With The New IOW Impressions

The IW is a very comfortable home for the islanders that live on this beautiful island as well as being a cozy retreat for those wishing to have a nice secluded holiday. The IOW always welcomes its islanders and holiday makers offering a wide range varied types of accommodation. The pretty towns and villages of the Island with their charming hotels and guest houses are glad to provide all guests with a qualitative service expected by delivered by well trained staff keeping up with all the traditions in hotel sector.

You can choose whatever you want and like with regards to accommodation. Obviously this is very dependent on your preferences and budget, you have for example an opportunity to choose from luxury hotels like that of the Lakeside Park Hotel to that of many much smaller B&B variants dotted all over the Island. Everyone can find suitable accommodation for his or her needs and demands. Whether you take a superb luxury accommodation or that of a value for money hotel, you will have an unforgettable holiday on the Isle of Wight.

All the most exciting moments should always be remembered in the photos and pictures that you take. Questions are often asked by the visitor about the Islands` many resorts. What can the Isle of Wight offer to the visitor? When was this or that town built? What happened during here in long ago? Who lived here and so on? These questions are answered when you start to explore the exciting and rich history of the Isle of Wight. Besides interesting history, the island is famous for its natural beauty. From lush and green forests to marvelous sandy beaches and sea views, you are free to enjoy your holiday on the IOW during any season of the year.

What accommodation type would you prefer? Well, some people do like luxury apartments with the whole range of facilities, being fully included. They do not want to care about everyday life issues; they just want to devote themselves to a entertaining with a super lifestyle. But, many holiday makers prefer more informal hotel or guest houses. Holiday makers by definition are very curios to find out more about their new surroundings, they are curious and want to find about all the new things available for them to do. Some people wish to stay in a more quite rural setting; many places are available from caravans to chalets at very reasonable prices, throughout the Island. By the way, the most important factor when on holiday in my opinion is the company you are going with not the place you are stay at. So always make sure you like who you are going with so that you enjoy your stay wherever you choose.

Many of the holiday packages available also offer to a built in ferry service charge for you. All accommodation owners are sure to welcome you with a warm and friendly way when you arrive at selected destination. You arrive as a guest and leave as a friend.There is also some a really good selection of accommodation for the younger visitors, who enjoy the camping sites, caravans and holiday parks. Select a superb location in natural surroundings and have fun with your family or friends.

Isle of Wight Accommodation and inspire yourself with a great deal of new and fresh impressions as well as enriching your photo gallery with many new pictures.

More Isle Of Wight Ferry Articles

by Stuart Bryant

Accommodation in Ryde And Ventnor

As we promised here is some more information with regard to the accommodation within the beautiful Isle of Wight. As before we intend to go off go on one of our descriptive tours. Today we want to stop at some really attractive places in Ryde, Ningwood and Ventnor. To tell you the truth, these towns are one of my favourite towns on the Isle of Wight. First of all, they are nice places to visit.

Ventnor is a very beautiful town with its tropical palms and there is most defiantly a special spirit you can feel being inside the town. There are a range of restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars for adults to enjoy themselves. The Marina Parade is a good choice in Ventnor. Ventnor is one of the popular destinations among holiday-makers. It ideally suits for those who want to see island attractions, exploring historical places and natural beauty, as well as the like for a traditional beach holiday. These apartments are furnished and equipped with a very high criterion. You can sit and contemplate the beautiful view of the sea panorama out of your bedroom. Ventnor Bay is 50 metres from the apartments` entrance. All apartments are equipped with autonomous electric heating systems, laundry rooms with washing machines.

Satellite TV, DVD, video and other entertainment facilities are installed in every flat free of charge. Convenient parking space is available for every apartment. If you want to stay at Ningwood, then Orchard Cottage welcomes you. Ningwood is situated halfway between Yarmouth and Newport. You can simply access this small hamlet by road once off the car ferry. It is a four bedroom comfortable thatched accommodation. The house itself refers to the 17th century. It will turn you back to the atmosphere of olden times.

The accommodation provides you spacious rooms for your rest and relaxation. You can have a nice cup of tea in beautiful gardens. If you want to have a tasty dinner, nip in the car and around the corner to find the Horse and Groom open for you. Welcoming public houses have now a status for good meals. Onwards on our way is Ryde. Ryde is famous for its many eating places to visit. Ryde Pier is a well-known landmark with its railway, ferry terminal as well as bus station. Anyone should find in this town something very special for his/ her own soul and interests.

Here we are glad to present at your benefit Ryde Castle. This accommodation is located fortuitously on the seafront, at the same time still close to the centre of the town. This large and comfortable accommodation provides you with elegantly furnished rooms. Holiday facilities are at qualitative level. You will be very satisfied. A beloved couple or a big family with many children can have a nice beach holiday. It is the perfect place for children to have fun with road train, mini merry-goes-round at Peter Pans Playground…

If you want to find a particular Isle of Wight hotel, simply research in the world of unlimited cyber space. Be sure that once you have visited the beautiful Isle of Wight, you will not forget it. And you will not be bored as there are so many fabulous tourism places to see on the island.

by karenwithak

Hotels – Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight lies off the South coast of the British Isles, and is a popular destination for those looking to get away and relax, as well as providing an opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings.

The island is renowned for it’s beaches and countryside, and can provide opportunities for quiet and relaxing holidays without the hustle and bustle of crowded hotels of a resort holiday.

With picturesque landscapes and serene little holiday cottages, these locations are ideal if you’re looking for a quiet getaway.

When looking for accommodation, there is a wide selection of different accommodation on offer around the island.

Bed and breakfasts in traditional locations are a popular feature of such excursions, and visitors can choose from a range of holiday homes and cottages around the island.

Some visitors also choose to embark on self-catering holidays in a wide variety of accommodation – from farmhouses to barn conversions and even old manor housing.

The island is also popular destinations for walking and cycling holidays, as well as wildlife excursions, with miles of countryside around you and a whole variety of rare and unusual species of flora and fauna to see.

Dotted throughout the lush landscape, you can find a number of different attractions – from farms, wildlife sanctuaries and centres for sporting and marine activities along the miles of coastline.

Ferries and hovercrafts from the mainland are relatively cheap, but it is advisable to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Try and plan your holiday in advance, as services can be affected by bad weather.