During this year I shall be posting photographs from places around the UK, many of which have not been published before. Where I have previously blogged about a location I will provide a link to the post, though you won’t be able to comment on it as I restrict comments to six months.
I is for IOW – Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a small island measuring 23 miles by 13 miles off the coast of Hampshire in the south of England. Regular ferry services cross from the mainland at Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. Passengers can also choose from catamarans and hovercraft options to Ryde. We went over for a few days break during August in 2008. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side.
There is a lot packed into such a small island from the busy seaside town of Ryde on the north coast to the quieter south coast. The Military Road which runs along the coast between Chale and Freshwater Bay was built by the military in the 1860’s as part of the defence of the Island.
Also known as the Dinosaur Island it is regarded as one of the richest areas for Dinosaur discovery in Europe. There are picturesque inland villages with thatched roofed buildings, traditional seaside resorts, beautiful beaches and a botanic garden and miles of footpaths and cycling tracks.
On the north coast is the lovely town of Yarmouth with ferry crossings over to Lymington (New Forest). The historic port town sits at the mouth of the River Yar and contains some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight, including a 16th Century castle.
A little further east is the Newtown National Nature Reserve with several bird hides which is a nice place for some quiet time.
And if you like visiting historic houses then there is Osborne House. Queen Victoria and Albert bought the Osborne estate in 1845, and built a new mansion here as an escape from court life in London and Windsor.
There are extensive grounds to explore including a walled garden and the ornate terrace garden which is a riot of colours in spring and summer. Take a walk to the private beach where Victoria and the royal children used to swim.
The Isle of Wight has been known as a holiday destination since the Victorian era and it is definitely worth visiting.
TRAVEL WORDS 
We didn’t visit enough when we lived in Portsmouth. Ah well, your discoveries will have to do me instead. Great post!
We thought about moving there but decided it was too expensive. The ferries are very expensive too.
I remember the ferry expense being a deterrent.
I didn’t know that you had lived in Portsmouth. You’ll like P. 😊
It’s changed so much. I was there 1972 – 1974, & it was often called the only northern city in the south. The fact that its town hall was the same as that in Leeds no doubt helped.
I must have only been about 19 when I spent a week there. It feels like another life, but I do remember Godshill quite vividly. How did you get around the island- by car or local bus? You certainly saw plenty. I love the Needles from the mainland shot. Happy Sunday, Jude!
I think we went everywhere except Ryde. Went over with the car. The Needles looks very touristy now.
And I’m sure Blackgang Chine looks very different too. Which reminds me, I haven’t heard from Mari lately. Hope she’s ok 🤔💖
I haven’t seen any comments by her in a while. She lives on the IOW doesn’t she?
She does. 🤗🌺 And while we’re at it, have you heard from Meg lately? She popped up briefly on Instagram when I posted a wild orchid.
Nothing from Meg since her birthday. I emailed her at Christmas, but didn’t receive a reply. She still posts privately, though I can’t remember when she last did. She does some collaboration with Sue Judd, so she might have more news.
Might catch her on Messenger but I’m not a fan. Will let you know. Off out to lunch 🤗🌸
Enjoy!
Chairs in a bird hide! Heavenly.
Indeed!
“Unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side”…..yep, that’s travelling round England for you! The IOW is a lovely place though, some great hiking.
August has never been a good month weather wise.
Beautiful photos – this isn’t a part of England I have ever visited for some reason. I’m sure it’s rather touristy especially in summer but would be an interesting place to explore 🙂
Avoid the school holidays and it’s not too bad. Because it is so small it is easy to see lots of different places in a few days.
Well, a most interesting post, Jude….apparently I visited the IOW when I was 2. So no memories!
Ah, yes, you wouldn’t remember much from then!
😄😄😂
Probably the only place most Americans have ever heard of the Isle of Wight is in the Beatles song “When I’m Sixty-Four”:
“Every summer we can rent a cottage
In the Isle of Wight, if it’s not too dear.”
I’d never heard of the sand cliffs at Alum Bay—or of Alum Bay, for that matter.
Bottles of multi-coloured sand were/are a common souvenir. I didn’t know that of the lyrics, I do know about the IOW Festival in 1970 with Jimi Hendrix and The Doors headlining and I was too young to go.
I still haven’t been there in all this time. One of my friends moved there when she retired, and has invited us over. It’s a long drive from Beetley, (5-6 hours) but we may go one day when we no longer have a dog.
Best wishes, Pete. x
Worth a week I think Pete as long as you avoid the school holidays.
Julie has been before, and would like to go again. We never go anywhere during any school holidays, not even in Norfolk. 🙂 x
Another place I’ve been, but Mr ET hasn’t. I went with friends on a day trip from Portsmouth. We went to Osborne House and then drive right and the island. I’ve told Mr ET more than once we should go for a few days.
There’s plenty to see on the island even though it is very touristy. We rather liked Bonchurch, just east of Ventnor.
That was sneakily done, I for Isle 😉 Never got there though it does look worth a ferry trip. There’s a race track that was more appealing to Les.
Only other I that I could find was Instow and only a few rather crappy photos!
Fair enough, Jude. By the sounds of both you chose the best one.