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The Isle of Wight is the smallest county in the country. It measures 23 miles from east to west, and 13.25 from north to south, giving a total area (including inland water) of 94,146 acres, or 147 square miles. The Island is divided into two boroughs - Medina & South Wight, with Newport as the all-Island capital, although Ryde is the largest town.
There is a total of 477 miles of roads on the Island, and almost as many miles of footpaths & bridleways made up of 1,400 separate public rights of way, including a number of officially designated long distance trails.
Chine is the local name for a feature where a stream has cut through solid rock. The Island has many examples on its south-eastern & south-western shores. Chines appear very different. Some, especially on the southwestern shores are barren, while others (for example Shanklin Chine) are rich with exotic vegetation in the unique microclimate. List of chines:- Shanklin, Luccombe, Blackgang, Walpen, Whale, Shepherd's, Cowleaze,Barnes, Marsh, Chilton, Compton - there are other minor chines.
Geologically the Island can claim a virtually unique characteristic in the coloured sands of Alum Bay. Caused by various minerals in the sands, the strata are nowhere as diversely tinted as at Alum Bay. Moreover, their perpendicular nature bestows a compactness on the feature not found elsewhere - with the exception of Whitecliff Bay in the east of the Island, which forms the opposite end of the formation.
Wild life also has a special place on the Island. It is one of the few places left in the UK where the red squirrel still lives. (There are no Grays on the Island.). The only known natural colonies in the British Isles of the Mediterranean Wall Lizards are at Ventnor. The Island also has its own butterfly found nowhere else in the world. Many species of Butterfly and Moth including the Glanville Fritillary and the Adonis Blue. Resident birds include the Dartford Warbler, Peregrine Falcon, Common Buzzard, Barn Owl, Short-Eared Owl and Hobbies are among the many species of migrant birds also to be seen throughout the year.
Osborne House was the favourite residence of Queen Victoria, and was where she died. It was designed by the Prince Consort in the style of an Italian Villa. It is in keeping with the beautiful gardens which slope northwards to the Solent. The house was presented to the nation in 1902 by King Edward VII. It is now used partly as a convalescent home for naval & military officers. The state apartments and the Swiss Cottage where the royal children were taught small-scale housekeeping, are open to the public.
The unspoiled coastline at St.Lawrence
Carisbrooke Castle where King Charles 1 was held before being taken to the Tower of London to be executed.
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Cowes week: Always the first week in August, it is the most prestigious event to be held on the Island. Teams from around the world compete. 60 foot Maxi’s content for the Admiral’s Cup, whilst smaller craft race in the same waters. To the outsider it looks like mayhem on water. During the day, the town comes alive with Buskers, Jazz Bands, String Quartets all playing on their own street corner pitch. At night Balls, Concerts, Crew Parties, and of course Royalty at the Royal Squadron all add to the week when the worlds media is focused on the Isle of Wight. The finally is one of Europe’s largest Firework displays on the Friday night
Perhaps the most famous view of the Isle of Wight is this one of Godshill. This lovely village has been spoilt beyond repair, however no visit to the Island is complete without a cream tea here.
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The Needles is one of the most dangerous stretches of water for sailors. Two currents meet here and is a great place to view the ‘Round the Island’ yacht race. The largest yacht race in the world with over 1800 participents. Many don’t get round the Needles
One of the best kept secrets of the Island is the Devils Chimney in the heart of ‘The Landslip’. It is a natural rock formation and a favorite with walkers.
Those who know where it is....
Take a train from Smallbrook to Wootton and relive the glory of steam. Visit Havenstreet where a dedicated band of enthusiast have restored original Island steam engines. This is the real thing, I remember traveling on these very trains as a kid
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Did you know?
Owing to its geographical isolation, the Island's local dialect was once particularly rich with its own vocabulary. But easier communications, beginning with the Victorian railways, caused it to gradually disappear.
Nevertheless, Caulkheads (locals) welcome the Overners (visitors).
Over one million people spend their holidays on the Isle of Wight each year. South Wight in particular is blessed with an almost sub-tropical climate, and Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor regularly top the British sunshine league.
The Romans called the Island Vectis.
The highest point is St. Boniface Down at Ventnor, which is 240 metres (787 feet) high, although generally speaking the highest ground extends from Culver Cliff to Tennyson Down above the Needles, as an east-west alignment of chalk downs which straddle the Island.
The Island's three main rivers are the Medina, the East Yar and the West Yar. All the three flow north and drain into the Solent or Spithead. West Wight is, in fact, almost an Island in its own right, since the West Yar rises only a few hundred metres inland from Freshwater Bay.
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