Wightlife Summer 2018

FREE GUIDE

Summer 2018

TM

THE GREAT WIGHT OUTDOORS

EXPLORE ISLAND RIVERS INSPIRATIONAL

175 TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACKGANG CHINE LOC AL GUIDE

EVENTS, DESTINATIONS & BEACHES

GO.STAY.DO!

INCL UDE FREE TO U S RING MAP O F T ISLE OF W HE IGHT

Wightlink’s essential guide to the Isle of Wight attractions | eating out | island map | accommodation | travel guide | wightlink.co.uk

ISLE OF WIGHT

EXPLORE THE EXTRAORDINARY

Visit us at the South-Western tip of the Isle of Wight,

an unforgettable boat trip or delight in one of the UK’s most

explore our wonderful natural coastline and discover the

picturesque open-top bus rides.

world famous Needles Rocks and Trinity Lighthouse from

Take time to explore our rich and varied history and have

Alum Bay – the Island’s most iconic location.

your photo taken at the World Famous Marconi Monument,

Set within an area of outstanding natural beauty, experience

which marks the precise location where Guglielmo Marconi

our spectacular chairlift and grab a bird’s eye view of the

undertook his pioneering work at the end of the 19th Century,

multi-coloured sand cliffs of Alum Bay and the stunning

which led to radio and all telecommunications as we know

turquoise waters beyond. Take things easy on the beach, enjoy

it today.

SAVE 25% ON ALL ATTRACTIONS WITH OUR SUPER SAVER TICKETS.

WATCH OUR CRAFTSMEN AT WORK

RETURN TO THE LOST WORLD 4D FILM

SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS

DELICIOUS HOT AND COLD SNACKS

SHOP LIKE A VICTORIAN

JURASSIC ADVENTURE GOLF

GET CLOSE TO THE NEEDLES ROCKS

EXCITING FREE SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT

Landmark Location – grab a bird’s eye view from our spectacular chairlift Landmark Attractions – new for 2018 – The Lost World 4D film and Sega active zone Landmark Shopping – Taste the Wight in our retail outlet Landmark Events – join us for music & fireworks every Thursday throughout August

Relax and unwind with a speciality coffee in Marconi’s Tea Rooms or indulge in a spot of lunch before watching a fascinating demonstration courtesy of our Alum Bay glassmakers, learning all about how traditional confectionery is made in our Sweet Manufactory or making your own unique coloured sand souvenirs in our Sand Shop.

For further information please call +44(0)1983 752 401 or visit our website.

Only pay to park your car and for the activities you want to enjoy.

theneedles.co.uk The Needles, Alum Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0JD

WELCOME —

r u o y o t e Welcom . . . e r u t n ve Island Ad Welcome to your summer edition of Wightlife magazine, your essential guide to the Isle of Wight…

It’s been a busy and exciting time for Wightlink. Our new flagship Victoria of Wight, powered by the latest hybrid technology, will be in service this summer. This is a milestone in itself and the latest phase of our £45 million investment in our fleet and facilities.

On the Por tsmouth route, our new double-deck ramps are in operation making your journeys to and from the beautiful Isle of Wight easier and speedier. We have also opened a new customer building in Por tsmouth and are highlighting some of the route’s rich history in special heritage displays on the ground floor and top deck.

Whether you travel on our car ferries or catch our FastCat passenger service, we’re sure you’ll enjoy your journey with Wightlink. We’d love it if you’d share your experience on TripAdvisor.

Many people call the Isle of Wight ‘the Garden Isle’ and it’s cer tainly a fruitful and bountiful place. We are proud to be working in par tnership with many of the Island’s leading companies to sell a wide range of Island produced or supplied goods at our Wight Taste outlets. Enjoy locally roasted coffee, Wight Crystal spring water, or perhaps a freshly made sandwich and a bottle of real ale.

As we always want to make sure your experience travelling with us improves year on year, we are delighted to share the news of our latest industry awards - Family Traveller’s Best Family Ferry Operator, a Cer tificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor and three Loo of the Year platinum awards!

Wightlink is proud to be your link to the Isle of Wight.

Chief Executive Officer Image: Exploring Mermaid Rock, Freshwater Bay

The minimalist way to wear Freshwater pearls. So chic.

Freshwater pearl on sterling silver, yellow and rose gold plated sterling silver. Single bangle from £130

CHILTON CHINE, MILITARY ROAD, BRIGHSTONE, PO30 4DD | TEL 01983 740352 | iowpearl.com

CONTENTS —

Contents Enjoy the view on the way to The Needles Old Battery.

14 LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE Being surrounded by water, why not take advantage and get out and enjoy it?

From dipping your toes in, to full submersion, there is something for everyone.

10 THE GUIDE

What not to miss on your trip to the Isle of Wight this summer.

20 A TRULY TIMELESS ATTRACTION Blackgang Chine celebrates its 175th Anniversary.

26 ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL Take a safari around our animal attractions, as well as where to spot some local wildlife.

34 RESTORATION ISLAND There are many places and projects that are working hard to maintain the Island’s rich heritage.

40 EMBRACE THE RAIN

30 RIVERS RUN THROUGH IT

It might be summer but we still get the odd shower so read our top 10 guide to what to do when the heavens open.

A guide to some of the best riverside walks and cycle routes on the Isle of Wight.

88 PORTSMOUTH Explore this vibrant waterfront city rich in maritime history, with a wide selection of restaurants, shopping and bars.

92 LYMINGTON & NEW FOREST 98 EVENTS C ALENDAR Every year the Island hosts a jam-packed season of events for everyone to enjoy.

A gateway to the Isle of Wight, the historic market town of Lymington also acts as an open door to the New Forest National Park.

94 THE GENERATION GAME The Island appeals across the generations and many families have been coming back to holiday here for years.

104 IW FESTIVAL 50 TH ANNIVERSARY The iconic Isle of Wight Festival celebrates 50 years.

110 VISITOR INFORMATION 108 WIGHT TASTE

A list of tourist information points and Wightlink travel information.

Discover all the delicious local Island producers on offer in our on board shops.

Here you will find all our advertisers’ vouchers in one place, making sure you don’t miss out on a great bargain this holiday.

112 VOUCHER PAGE

115 USEFUL NUMBERS A useful list of numbers you might need from doctors to taxis.

CoNTENTS CONTENTS — EdITor Lindsay Becker ProduCTIoN MaNaGEr Jo Butt SENIor dESIGNEr Thea Welsford arTWorKING Jo Butt, Luke Nesbitt, Dillon Earley advErTISING SalES David Brooks, James Rolfe dISTrIBuTIoN MaNaGEr Brian Curd fINaNCE adMINISTraTor Karen Barnes ProduCTIoN Christie-Lee Booth, Marie Woodward, Sophia Whittle PrINT Precision Colour Printing

CoNTrIBuTorS Lindsay Becker, Neve Johnson, Carol Flux (Natural Enterprise), Visit Por tsmouth, Go New Forest PhoToGraPhy James Bridle, Charlie Price, Luke Nesbitt, Tim Addison, Julian Winslow, UKSA, Jason Swain, Andy Barnes, Timothy Wells, IW Adventure Activities, Paul Hales, Andrey Sulitskiy, Edward Keith, Nick Lucas, Tom Gruitt, Neil Southwell, Visit Isle of Wight, Tackt-Isle Adventures, Visit Portsmouth, Go New Forest CovEr ShoT Island Visions Photography.

Winkle Street and Calbourne Stream.

Read more about our rivers on page 30.

35 Orchard Street, Newport, IW, PO30 1JZ 01983 556844 | info@solent.co solent.co/wightlife

Island days to remember Share days out where history happened and memories are made.

Wightlife magazine is published by Solent on behalf of Wightlink. Content and copyright remains the property of Wightlink. No photographs may be reproduced without prior consultation. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any claims made in advertisements or editorial, opinions nor for any decision made based on these advertisements or opinions. The publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from late appearance or non-appearance of any advertisement. All opening times, admission charges and other details were correct at the time of going to press (March 2018). Wightlink is a partner of Visit Isle of Wight and works closely with it to promote the Isle of Wight.

42 ISlaNd dESTINaTIoNS

Wightlife has divided the Island into six areas and provides a packed guide to each one so you can get the most out of your visit.

44 ISlaNd MaP

our map provides an overview of the Isle of Wight with the main roads as well as visitor attractions, beaches and places of interest.

Carisbrooke Castle

osborne

NORTH NORTH EAST W E ST CENTRAL

EAST

osborne

SOU TH

4 6 N o rTh

The northern part of the Island includes Cowes, East Cowes and Northwood looking out towards the busy shipping lanes of the Solent.

yarmouth Castle

50 NorTh EaST

Coastal villages and bustling towns from fishbourne and Wootton around to Bembridge harbour including ryde, St helens and Seaview.

Carisbrooke Castle

60 EaST

The beautiful sandy beaches of Sandown Bay stretching from Shanklin through to yaverland and including the historic town of Brading.

yarmouth Castle

72 SouTh

‘Back of the Wight’ following the rugged southern coastline from luccombe and Bonchurch to Niton, featuring the town of ventnor.

visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

76 WEST

The western peninsular running from Brighstone in the south via The Needles to yarmouth and Newtown Creek on the north coast.

8 2 C ENTra l

Covering the county town of Newport and the surrounding villages of Carisbrooke, Calbourne, arreton, Godshill and rookley.

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

WIGhTlINK.Co.uK WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

ISlE o

A 30 YE RS OF B US

S ES IN

CEL EB R

30

G IN AT

1988 - 20

18

CARPENTERS ROAD • BRADING • ISLE OF WIGHT • PO36 0QA • 01983 613760 • WWW.OASIS-IOW.COM

rvings • Lighting rs • Candles • Ca • Gifts • Silk flowe gs Ru • s ion sh Cu e • Bedding • claimed furnitur

Re Teak furniture •

5% Wightlife 2018

Void if duplicated or photo copied, Customer must surrender voucher at time of purchase, Voucher can only be redeemed in store (Does not include Coffee shop, telephone or online orders), Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discounts or combined with other vouchers. Valid until 30th September 2018

• Home decor ducts • Jewellery Soft toys • Food pro • s aft icr nd ha li • Glass wall art • Ba ral craft supplies Root furniture • Flo

Coffee shop OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MONDAY - SATURDAY 9AM TO 5.15PM SUNDAYS 10.30AM TO 4.30PM (DOORS OPEN AT 10AM) Coffee shop open daily until 4.30pm (4pm Sundays)

WE ARE

HERE

oduces menu intr e “Th g the e food usin homemad edients.” finest ingr

THE GUIDE —

the guide The who, the what, the where on the Isle of Wight...

VICTORIA OF WIGHT Our brand new flagship ‘Victoria of Wight’ is now on the water.

The environmentally friendly ferry went down the slipway on Wednesday, 8 February 2018 at the Cemre Shipyard in Yalova, Turkey.

Innovative green features include, hybrid battery technology to reduce noise

and emissions; recycling energy from the lifts and using surplus heat from the engines to warm passenger areas.

Our crews are now training hard to make the most of the opportunities offered by the innovative technology and you’ll be enjoying a crossing on Victoria of Wight soon.

Big Birthdays

It’s big birthdays a plenty on the Isle of Wight this year...

WIGHTLINK PHOTO COMPETITION

Photographic competition winner, Kevin Cant

Love the Isle of Wight’s great outdoors? Love photography? Head over to the Wightlink website for details on how to enter our latest photo competition – there are some fantastic prizes on offer! wightlink.co.uk/competition

The oldest is most certainly Blackgang Chine which celebrates 175 years since it first opened back in 1843. Still a much loved attraction today as it was in times gone by, you can read all about the planned celebrations and how the Chine has changed over the years on page 20.

10

30

EARS OF 30 Y BU SI NG TI

S ES N

CELE BR A

Look out for some of our previous winners photos throughout the magazine.

1988 - 2

The Isle of Wight Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary with huge

names including Depeche Mode and The Killers headlining this year’s event.

01

8

It’s the big 3-0 for Oasis.

The shop is a treasure trove of homeware, furniture and gifts. Popular with locals and visitors alike, read the full story on page 58.

THE GUIDE —

OUR DESTINATION GUIDES START ON PAGE 46 —

—

—

DO STAY EAT

We’re going on a bear hunt...

As seen on Channel 4, and based on the original children’s book, Visit Isle of Wight are teaming up with ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ for some very special Isle of Wight family adventures in 2018. Highlights include a series of National Trust Bear Hunt Adventure Weekends, where little ones can follow

a Bear Hunt trail and claim their free “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” sticker… you may even meet the Bear!

Other events include a We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Weekend at Robin Hill and a Bear Hunt themed Isle of Wight Children’s Literary Festival in October.

RYDE SLIDE & IW PRIDE! Apart from being a great rhyme, Ryde Slide and Pride are back this year, bigger and better than ever. IW Pride won the bid to host UK Pride this year on Saturday, 21 July 2018 with a big beach party, street parades and tonnes of fun.To book tickets and find out more, visit iwpride.org

Ryde Slide continues the party vibe on Sunday, 22 July 2018. The 200 metre giant inflatable water slide takes pride of place down the centre of Union Street, Ryde’s main shopping street.

To book tickets and find out more, visit rydeslide.uk.

The popular Character Inn group is celebrating 20 years of Island pubs.

Starting with The Bugle Yarmouth in 1998 it has grown to eight pubs, the latest being The Crab & Lobster in Bembridge.

22ND - 25TH MARCH

30TH

BIRTHDAY

GREAT BEER DELICIOUS FOOD FUN GUARANTEED!

The Spyglass Inn, possibly the Island’s most iconic pub, thanks to its perfect location right next to the sea in Ventnor, turns 30. Head over for great food, real ales and live music.

Goddards Brewery is celebrating its 25th anniversary, which means it has brewed a whopping 10,207,013 pints in that time – cheers!

They have also brewed a special beer to celebrate IW Pride on the 21 July 2018. The bottle and pump clip features the famous Pride rainbow and heart and is called ‘Island Pride’.

Get yours from early May.

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

11

LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE —

e h t n o e Lif e v a W n a Oce

One of the perks of being on an Island, is the obvious proximity to the sea. There is nothing more refreshing than spending a day by the water, but whilst you are here, why not push the boat out (sorry) and spend some time out on the water...

View the Island from an alternative perspective and get some unique photos whilst you’re at it. Take the leisurely ‘blue route’ from Alum Bay to The Needles. See the coloured sands of Alum Bay, the Needles Battery, Victorian coastal defence and secret rocket testing site, as well as wildlife, shipwrecks and plenty of selfie opportunities.

INSTAGRAM-WORTHY VIEWS OF THE ISLAND:

For a bit of added exhilaration, the ‘red route’ is run by the high speed RIB ‘Skye Rose’. A 15 minute fast trip running underneath the 120 metre chalk cliffs in Alum Bay, with close-up views of the gun slots, smugglers caves, Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. Pass around the end of the Lighthouse into Scratchell’s Bay, around St Anthony’s Rock, whilst cruising under the 90 metre cliff over-hang, back around the Needles Lighthouse to the beach - phew!

For those that have shaky sea-legs and want a relaxing and fun time on the water. The Needles Pleasure Cruise is a great way to spend some time at sea, without getting wet.

Cruises operate from Easter through till October and if the weather is uncertain or your party is larger than 20 people it is wise to call ahead.

You might have thought the ferry ride across and a blow up lilo was as close as you were going to get to the big blue, but there is plenty of fun to be had out on the waves, from the staying relatively dry, to the full immersion version.

Whatever floats your boat, there is something to suit...

The Yarmouth Rose pleasure cruiser off the chalky cliffs of west Wight.

14

LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE —

CATCH YOUR OWN DINNER: Why not combine the fun of being out on a boat with the thrill of catching your own fish? Black Rock Charters operate out of Yarmouth and its ‘Mackerel Fishing Trips’ run from June through to September.

The friendly crew will offer help and guidance, show you how to prepare your fish, as well as give you tips on how to cook your catch.

KARTING #1 Family Action Attraction

www.wightkarting.co.uk Wight Karting, Brading Road, Ryde, IOW, PO33 1QS,

Fishing off Freshwater at sunrise.

There is plenty of fun to be had out on the waves, from the staying relatively dry, to the full immersion version.

Adrenaline fun for all ages – from 8 to 88!

Cachalot Charters in Bembridge offers a variety of fishing trips, from a leisurely two hours to a longer deep-sea trip. Following the seasons as the fish do, expect to catch mackerel during the summer months and potentially cod as the autumn sets in.

GET THE HEART RACING: Have the ride of your life with a RIB or powerboat trip. Rebel Marine offer luxury trips from either its Fishbourne base or from Cowes Yacht Haven. Enjoy a ‘Sea Safari’ on board ‘Lightning Rebel’. Whether it is a 60 minute thrill ride, battle of the boats or a whole day exploring the Solent, you are bound to have fun (and definitely get wet).

Test your skills – it’s more fun in the rain!

WET WEATHER GEAR PROVIDED

On the east coast, Bembridge Powerboats can take you out on a ‘Blast Out’ or a ‘Solent Treasure Hunt’ where children will collect their own certificate if they drive the RIB. If you have your own qualifications, you can take advantage of the ‘bareboat charters’ which allows you to hire for a day, week or longer should you wish.

with code 10offwl – see our website for details and T&Cs WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

15

LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE —

OPEN ALL YEAR SHOPS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • LARGE FREE CAR PARK

LARGE GIFT & FASHION SHOPS • LANDSCAPED GARDENS

STYLE INTERIORS - www.styleinteriors.co.uk Top: Children learning to sail with UKSA. Left: paddleboarding off Freshwater. Right: surfing at sunset

See the coloured sands of Alum Bay, The Needles Battery, Victorian coastal defence and secret rocket testing site, as well as wildlife, shipwrecks and plenty of selfie opportunities.

SAIL AWAY:

COFFEE SHOP - Homemade Cakes & Lunches - delicious!

For those keen to experience some classic sailing, there is no place better than Cowes to start. Home to the international Lendy Cowes Week in August, the town lives and breathes sailing. UKSA offers a huge range of industry recognised courses for the novice, to the experienced sailor brushing up on their skills.

Younger ones with a taste for the water can join one of its seasonal camps, designed for young people (8 – 15 years old) of all abilities to learn how to windsurf, sail or kayak under the expert guidance of the instructors.

HAVE-A-GO WATERSPORTS:

01983 840364 • www.theoldsmithy.com 16

If you are looking for a more action-packed water adventure, choose from a vast range of water activities that everyone, from complete beginners to the more experienced, can get involved in. It doesn’t have to be costly or too technical thanks to the friendly faces down at Wight Water in Lake. Based on Dunroamin Beach, you can try surfing,

LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE —

REAL PUBS GREAT LOCATIONS

Top: Take the plunge, try coasteering. Left: Sunset sailing. Right: Get the wind in your sail at Sandown

Traditional countryside pub with old world charm, Arreton.

01983 539361 = PO30 3AA arretonbarns.co.uk

paddleboarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing. If you are lucky, you might catch local resident Ross Williams, former world champion, riding the waves or even teaching. If you are looking for a more action-packed water adventure, choose from a vast range of water activities that everyone can get involved in.

From dinghies to boards and kites, and wetsuits to stand-up paddleboards, it’s all at Tackt-Isle Adventures, based on the Duver in St Helens. Book as a group or an individual, and make sure to find out about the kids activities offered during the holidays. Some of the activities are weather dependent so it’s worth ringing ahead beforehand.

Characterful pub overlooking the Medina river at Newport Quay.

01983 525828 = PO30 5BS bargemansrest.com

Watersports on Bembridge Harbour

Unparalleled panoramic views from Shanklin Esplanade.

01983 862641 = PO37 6BS thesteamer.co.uk

Arguably the Island's best seaside location, Ventnor.

01983 855338 = PO38 1JX thespyglass.com

Isle of Wight Adventure Activities offers a range of family-friendly experiences including kayaking, paddle boarding and are the only provider of coasteering on the Isle of Wight. A unique adventure sport where you experience the exhilaration of sea level traversing, rock climbing, cliff jumping and swimming into sea caves. Expect to clamber over rock archways, swim through wave filled gaps, climb up cliffs and duck underwater into invisible caves. Coasteering is a coastal exploration along the wild and beautiful Isle of Wight coastline.

And if you still don’t fancy getting wet after all that, you can enjoy the sea from the beautiful (and dry) beaches that surround us. Or, a little paddle never hurt anyone...

Lindsay Becker 18

A marvel by day - A wonder by night

Registered Charity No. 1173736

VISIT Our PuB on the Beach

Open since

1817

Open from 17 March 2018

01983 866432

01983 863882

Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6BW

Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6BN

CELEBRATING 201 YEARS Open daily in 2018: 22nd March – 24th May 10am – 5pm 25th May – 30th September 10am – 10pm Closed 1st October – 19th October Reopening 20th October – 28th October (Half Term 12.00 noon to 7pm)

Seasonal Exhibitions, Tea Gardens, Nature & Heritage displays and Gift Shop. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a trip through our glorious Chine.

FABULOUS CREAM TEAS

www.shanklinchine.co.uk

Follow us on

Shanklin Chine Shanklin Chine celebrated its 200th Anniversary Year in 2017 making it the Island’s oldest established tourist attraction. Millions of visitors have passed through the stunning tree-lined gorge, gazing at its breath-taking natural beauty... an inspiration to generations of visitors for two Centuries. A Sight of Important Nature Conservation – Shanklin Chine is now a registered Charity (1173637) to ensure it is preserved for future generations.

There are few places on the Isle of Wight, let alone England, that can boast such a tranquil and picturesque location. The Chine truly is a natural spectacle, carved by Mother Nature’s own handsover thousands of years.

It cuts its way from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade far below...and is the perfect place to spend a lazy morning, afternoon or evening.

during the summer whilst enjoying performances from our talented performers playing every week through July & August.

Check our website for illuminated events, including “Music in the Chine” @shanklinchine.co.uk or telephone 01983 866432 – Open from 22 March 2018

Seasonal Exhibitions, Tea Gardens, Nature & Heritage displays and Gift The wondrous Chine here is a very Shop. Wander amid the tranquillity great lion; I wish I had as many guineas until dusk, and then enjoy the as there have been spyglasses in it” hundreds of lights illuminating the John Keats – July 1819 narrow paths, streams and waterfalls

Fisherman’s Cottage Our Pub on the Beach – The Fisherman’s Cottage is nestled just below Shanklin Chine on the beach... famous for its warm welcome and delicious home cooked food.

Check our website for details of times & menus.

01983 863882 | www.fishermanscottageshanklin.co.uk

A TRULY TIMELESS ATTRACTION —

A Truly Timeless Attraction...

Blackgang Chine feels like it has been here forever. Ask anyone that has ever visited the Isle of Wight or indeed lived here, Blackgang will have permeated many childhoods and formed the backdrop to many memories.

When Islanders take a holiday away, and the conversation turns to ‘where are you from’, invariably someone will pipe up with the classic line “oh yes, I went there on a school trip years ago, I remember going to Blackgang Chine”.

The park opened when the tourism trade was in its infancy and the idea of taking a holiday was, to most, an alien concept. As the trend for well-spent leisure time increased,

Alexander Dabell, the founder of the park, realised the opportunity that Blackgang offered. People were beginning to seek out new healthy holiday resorts, close to the coast.

As the railway network was improving and getting closer to the south coast, the Isle of Wight became an increasingly attractive holiday destination.

Deciding to act upon this, Blackgang Chine opened in 1843 and its draw was a large whale skeleton which had been stranded off the local coast, near The Needles.

Alexander Dabell had bought it at auction, sold off the blubber, had the bones bleached, then transported it across the Island to be displayed for visitors to marvel at. When Queen Victoria visited the curiosity in 1853, the fate of the park was cemented and its place as a visitor attraction was sealed.

Blackgang beach showing the extent of the coastal errosion

20

A TRULY TIMELESS ATTRACTION —

Today, the park is still very much in the family, having moved through the generations. For its 175th anniversary, it is headed up by Alec Dabell, great, great grandchild of the original Alexander. We caught up with him ahead of the celebrations to find out what exactly it is that has made Blackgang Chine so enduring; why it is still a hugely popular visitor attraction now in 2018 as when it first opened way back in 1843?

Skeleton of the whale at Blackgang Chine

Blackgang Chine is a facilitator of people’s creativity, it is a place that enables you to remove the adult constraints and basically, let your imagination run wild. One day you could be fighting a pirate battle on the raging seas, the next you could be holding up a bank in the wild west…

Blackgang Chine has been drawing visitors since the mid 19th century

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

21

A TRULY TIMELESS ATTRACTION —

Why do you think Blackgang Chine has endured over the years, still being as popular today in the 21st century as it was in the 19th century?

“Imagination and creativity are still as relevant as they have always been. Blackgang Chine is a facilitator of people’s creativity, it is a place that enables you to remove the adult constraints and, basically, let your imagination run wild.

One day you could be fighting a pirate battle on the raging seas, the next you could be holding up a bank in the wild west or encountering a dodo or dinosaur! Each person’s experience is completely unique, the only thing that is constant is the making of memories”.

What is it about Blackgang that appeals to different generations?

“We have had families return to us again and again.

From being children on holiday with their parents or grandparents, to bringing in their own children down the line. We have had some families who have returned each year for the past 30 years. The feeling of playing with your children, letting go and not having to behave like an adult can take years off you. It appeals to the Peter Pan in all of us”.

Blackgang Chine feels like it has been here forever. Ask anyone that has ever visited the Isle of Wight or indeed lived here, Blackgang will have permeated many childhoods and formed the backdrop to many memories.

Top: Unleash your inner cowboy. Left: Plenty of fun to be had. Right: All fairies welcome

How has Blackgang evolved and reinvented itself over the years?

“As tourism has evolved, we have too. We recognise that much of our appeal here is that certain parts haven’t changed, but as our imagination evolves, so does the story of the park. We like to use elements of the past and reinvent and improve in order to move forward. A great example is our Area 5. We blended some of our older dinosaurs with the new generation animatronic versions to create a new area, giving people what they want. The thrill of the new, but with some of the well-loved and ‘classic Blackgang’ they have come to expect”.

How will you be celebrating the 175th anniversary?

“This will be a year of celebrations and we will have many fun events taking place, from our wonderful firework nights and big birthday bash, to immersive street theatre. We have a great event called ‘Blackgang and the Curious Timeboat’ which centres around an inventor and a pirate who have to find crystals throughout their journey. This will be played out during the summer, unfolding all the way through the season to October.

So although 175 years ago seems relatively recent in the grand scheme of things, when you consider that within that time, cars, electricity and even tea bags have been invented, you can start to get a grasp on just how old that is. Even time itself (GMT) came after Blackgang!”

See our events listings on page 98 for more details on these and other fun events taking place across the Island.

Top: The original attraction. Left: Blackgang c.1950. Right: Underwater Kingdom

22

Lindsay Becker

A S P E C I AL DAY O U T .uk

st

ea

y. c o

iw

BUY E & ONLIN S AV E ! mr a i l wa

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet, Nr. Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 4DS Tel: 01983 882204 | iwsteamrailway.co.uk

SP E CIAL E VE NTS 2018 For a full list of events visit iwsteamrailway.co.uk/events

W E LCO M E A BOA RD, I MMERS E YO U RS E L F IN A L I T T L E PI EC E OF P R ES ERVED HI STO RY. Settle back and take in the stunning Island countryside in the comfort aboard one of our beautifully restored carriages. After a journey that takes in the five miles between Wootton, Havenstreet, Ashey and Smallbrook Junction, alight at Havenstreet for a fun-packed day for all the family.

Visit Train Story, where our unique heritage railway comes to life. A fully interactive museum (under cover for those rainy days) you will see our historic collection of locomotives, Victorian and Edwardian carriages – if the carriage doors are open climb aboard and take a look inside.

Explore our decorated woodland, enjoy a light snack or a hearty meal in our refreshment room.

Before you leave don’t forget to visit the gift shop, brimming with many heritage and collectable items, the perfect souvenir to mark your day out.

Head to Havenstreet station, the heart of our Railway and focal point for many activities and events.

30 March – 2 April – Easter Fun - An 'Eggs'travaganza!

26 – 28 May – Ivatt Locomotive Gala For the first time on the Island see three Ivatt engines; 41298, 41313 and 46447 all in operation together.

30 June – 1 July – Teddy Bear Days. NEW for 2018!

7 – 8 July – The 1940s Experience You'll be wowed as you're taken back to this exciting era all in the shadow of the heroic Spitfire.

29 – 31 July – The Railway Folk Meet the Railway Folk in this interactive street theatre and children’s entertainment event.

24 – 27 August – 44th Island Steam Show The August Bank Holiday event, an action packed day!

22 – 23 September – 2nd Cider and Cheese Weekend

HAVEN FALCONRY Daily flying displays from Haven Falconry Bird of Prey Centre at 11.40 and 13.40

22 – 26 October – Wizard Week Dress up for wickedly wonderful half term fun. All children riding the train get a 'ghastly' goody bag.

OPE RATING DAYS Open most days April to June, every day between July & September, also on various days in October & December.

Full details can be found online at: iwsteamrailway.co.uk COWES

EAST COWES

ED RM INA

RYDE

FISHBOURNE BINSTEAD

WOOTTON BRIDGE

WOOTTON

I II

AM

NEWPORT

SMALLBROOK JUNCTION

II

HAVENSTREET

II

I

III

ST E

II

RA I I I I I I LW I I I AY II

I I

II

II

I I IIII

II

II

II

ASHEY

b /iwsteamrailway | a @iwsteamrailway x @isleofwightsteamrailway

Shide WOOTTON

Downend

HAVENSTREET

Arr

eton Down

ASHEY

B r a d i n g SMALLBROOK D own JUNCTION

*Alight at Smallbrook junction for Island Line services to Ryde & Shanklin

*

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL —

All Creatures great & small

Wander around the ‘Wallaby Walkabout’ at Tapnell Farm Park

The are plenty of ways to get up close with the animals and wildlife on the Isle of Wight. Whether it’s big cats in the zoo, monkeys swinging by or just a glimpse of a red squirrel, there is something for everyone on our animal safari…

MONKEY HAVEN This primate rescue centre won the Small Visitor Attraction 2017 award from Visit England. As the name suggests, this is a place of ‘monkey business’. From capuchins (think Marcel in Friends); marmosets (the mini monkey, rarely growing above 20 cm tall), to cotton top tamarins with their shock of ‘mad professor’ style white hair, there are more than 12 species to discover.

snout’ with over 200 of the world’s most unusual, beautiful and endangered creatures. Get up close with a screaming hairy armadillo, marvel at a red panda, try to spot the many species of tropical bird flying through the rainforest above your head or count the crocodiles in the pond. Make sure to take a stroll through the Lemur Walkthrough and the Wallaby Walkabout.

As well as a zoo, Amazon World Zoo Park is a centre for education and conservation. As members of the British and European Zoo Associations they participate in international breeding schemes that help safeguard the future of some of the rarest animals in the world. Take part in the daily Meet the Animal sessions, visit the on site café, gift shop and a large Jurassic themed adventure playground, to keep the kids occupied for hours.

As well as monkeys, The Haven is also home to various species of owl, from the bright white arctic snowy owl to the teeny-tiny Australian boobook. One of the most unusual creatures is the waxy monkey frog, a species that has the highest temperature tolerance of any free-ranging amphibian in the world. There’s also a family of meerkats, a royal python, boa constrictor and red billed blue magpies!

Kids will love the fun-filled children’s trail around the site.

AMAZON WORLD ZOO PARK Are you on the Isle of Wight or in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest? Well, a bit of both thanks to Amazon World Zoo Park. Here you can learn about conservation and the world’s rainforests, as well as coming ‘nose to Red Panda at Amazon World Zoo Park

26

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL —

THE ISLE OF WIGHT DONKEY SANCTUARY The clue is in the name here. Home to all things donkey, the prime aim of the sanctuary is to provide a home for unwanted donkeys. Usually there are more than 100 animals in the care of the sanctuary – with over 90 donkeys plus 25 horses and ponies. The animals live in over 60 acres of beautiful countryside and have a variety of indoor stables, barns and field shelters to make their lives as comfortable as possible. You can visit the donkeys, gift shop, bric a brac shop, and a café serving scrumptious cakes. This is a free to visit attraction, but being a charity, a donation is greatly appreciated. Make sure to check its website as it has plenty of family-friendly events on throughout the year.

You can even adopt a donkey (just don’t try to take it home with you!).

ISLE OF WIGHT ZOO If it is an array of animals within a historic setting that wags your tail, then a trip to the Isle of Wight Zoo is a must.

The Zoo houses a variety of species, but specialises in two particular areas – tigers and lemurs. The keepers here have their own specific sections, which allows them to get to know the personalities of each animal in their care. You will find animals from around the world such as lions from Africa, indian tigers from Asia and coatis from the Americas.

There are chances throughout the day to hear more from the keepers and watch the animals being fed. For a very special day out, the Wildlife Experiences are a perfect opportunity for anyone who has ever wanted to get a little closer to exotic wildlife, offering a magical and rare chance to go behind the scenes at the Isle of Wight Zoo for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Simi, the tiger at Isle of Wight Zoo

TAPNELL FARM PARK For cute farmyard animals in a picturesque setting, make sure Tapnell Farm Park is on your radar. Meet the animals in the Farmyard Barn where you can have a close encounter with some of Tapnell’s cutest and smallest residents including guinea pigs, rabbits and, if you time your visit right, newborn lambs. Wander round the Wallaby Walkabout with the mob of tame wallabies who will eat straight out of your hand, and admire the marvellous meerkats as they stand guard. Venture out into The Paddock and enjoy the views in the company of the friendly sheep, alpacas, pigs and goats. Look out for the new event space in 2018 and the exciting new ‘goat agility’ shows!

Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 10am-4pm

Jewellery | Antiques | Arts & Crafts | Café

A great collection of artisans, artists and Island creatives all in one venue.

Free Spacious Parking.

Enjoy tea, coffee or a light lunch on our renowned Double Decker Bus Café.

Holliers Farm, Branstone, Sandown, PO36 0LT

01983 864449 | hollierspark.co.uk

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK Holliers Park_Summer_18_HPP_84x258_V2.indd 1

27 07/03/2018 08:45

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL —

As well as our animal attractions, there are plenty of places on the Island to spot some of our special wildlife.

The Glanville Fritillary is a very rare butterfly that is found almost nowhere else in Britain, however a trip to Compton Bay on the south west of the Island will hopefully provide a good chance to spot one. There is a trail known as the Paradise Butterfly Walk - butterfly spotting does not get any better than this; walking along the chalk ridge that runs through the middle of the Isle of Wight. You can spot many species including Adonis Blue and Chalk Hill Blue butterflies, Blue, Dark-Green Fritillary and Clouded Yellows.

Newtown Creek is a nature-lovers paradise. Set in a tiny hamlet that was established in the 13th century as a busy harbour town. Now the Island’s only National Nature Reserve, the mix of woodland, hedgerow, salt marsh, mudflat and meadow makes it one of the best places for wildlife, and especially bird spotting. There are three public hides and often there are volunteers on hand to chat to about the latest sightings. During the spring and summer months, expect to catch a glimpse of yellowhammer, green woodpecker, barn owl and chiffchaff.

If you are lucky you might spot one of the local harbour seals who like to make an appearance now and then, but it’s best to take your binoculars and make sure it’s not just an odd-shaped rock you have spotted!

On the east and south side of the Island, spotting dolphins is becoming more of a common occurrence. During the summer months, pods of dolphins have been spotted on several occasions both off Ventnor Bay and in Bembridge towards the Nab Tower. Keep your eyes peeled as you may be lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful creatures.

BRADING

ROMAN

VILLA

Top: Glanville Fritillary butterfly. Left: Donkey Sanctuary. Right: Tapnell Farm Park

One of the finest Roman sites in the UK Award winning Museum & Visitor Centre offers a unique insight into Roman Life in Britain Beautifully preserved mosaic floors & an extensive collection of archaeology Interactive displays • Extensive grounds Roman garden & meadow trail • Licensed café • Shop Open 7 days a week from 10am - 4pm

Brading Roman Villa, Morton Old Road, Brading, PO36 0PH 28

01983 406223 bradingromanvilla.org.uk

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL —

Red squirrels are synonymous with the Isle of Wight as they are not found in many other places around the UK and are very much a protected species. They are most often found in coniferous woods, although they are just as likely to pop into your garden to see what bird food you have out (they are quite partial to a bit of bird seed!) and can be a fairly common sighting on the Island as long as you are quiet and careful. Good places to spot them include Borthwood Copse, The Garlic Farm, Alverstone Mead, Parkhurst Forest, Shanklin Chine and many of the Island’s walkways and cycle paths that criss-cross woodlands.

Whether it’s big cats in the zoo, monkeys swinging by or just a glimpse of a red squirrel, there is something for everyone on our animal safari…

The Island’s largest arts & crafts centre... > See skilled artisans at work > Range of independent shops > Interior furnishings & accessories > Designer handbags, gifts & jewellery OPEN 7 WEEK DAYS A

FREE N& ADMISSIO !

G IN K R PA

An iconic Red squirrel

QUARR ABBEY Enjoy local food at the Quarr Abbey Teashop. Sit in the pretty gardens with some cheeky hens scampering round your feet (in the hope you might drop a crumb of that delicious cake). Purchase some of the special feed in the café and watch the pigs clamber over to get to you.

Mummy pig, daddy pig and all the piglets will be there to greet you.

BRIDDLESFORD LODGE FARM Here you can sit in the café and view the baby calves directly outside the window before going out to say hello (beware, they like to lick everything). Book onto one of the farms Welly Wednesdays which take place on (you guessed it) each Wednesday from 2pm. During school holidays visit the expecting mums in the field, experience a working milking parlour, and of course, jump on board a tractor.

THE

THE GARLIC FARM After you have had your fill of garlicky goodness, take one of the farm tours and see red squirrels, peacocks and even highland cattle grazing nearby. The farm is located in the beautiful Arreton Valley and the flora and fauna create a stunning natural habitat.

DAIRYMAN’S DAUGHTER

Enjoy home cooked food, fine wines & real ales at our freehouse pub.

Main Road, Arreton, PO30 3AA > 01983 528353

arretonbarns.co.uk

Lindsay Becker WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

29

RIVERS RUN THROUGH IT —

Rivers Run through it

One of the best ways to explore the Isle of Wight is to take a self-guided walk or cycle ride along one of the pretty water-courses.

Where else can you take-in such a mixture of wildlife, architecture and heritage at no cost, as the rivers wind through the Island’s stunning countryside and settlements...

With options to join at many different points, your river visit can be as short as a ten minute stroll or alternatively a full-day ramble.

As well as following valley floors, many of the riverside tracks are also old railway lines, therefore offering a relatively flat and well-made surface for less mobile people too. Here are three to try this summer.

Enjoy a ride along the river path

30

RIVERS RUN THROUGH IT —

THE RIVER YAR The Yar River Trail follows the Island’s longest river across the south east from its source, a spring near Niton, to the sea at Bembridge Harbour.

The Trail is waymarked and also features stone-carved milestones and sculptures by local artist Paul Mason.

It uses a variety of rights of way – footpaths and cycleways and for some distance follows the course of a dismantled railway. Alverstone, Newchurch, Godshill and Whitwell are passed en route. The whole trail is 19 miles along, but this can easily be split into shorter sections.

Instagram-wor thy views

Look out for egrets, swans, oystercatchers, curlews, black-tailed godwits, herons and redshank. If you divert your gaze away from the water you may be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel.

The river has a rich tapestry of heritage. Its springs were the focus for pilgrims; downstream you can still see the remains of some of yesterday’s uses; sheep washes, withy beds planted for basketry mills and centuries old drainage schemes. The trail even passes by the Roman Villa at Brading. As the river meanders through its floodplain from Alverstone to Bembridge Harbour, the trail follows through 8km of land that is managed for nature conservation. Here, you might be ‘buzzed’ by a kingfisher, or if you are incredibly lucky, spot a water vole.

Sign up to receive our popular email newsletter at wightlink.co.uk and make sure you receive all the latest on what’s happening as well as offers.

Keep in touch with us on social media:

bac

RIVER MEDINA The Medina Estuary Walk is a 9 mile trail which takes in the rich maritime heritage of East and West Cowes and Newport, as well as a wealth of natural habitats.

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

YOUR LINK TO THE ISLAND

31

RIVERS RUN THROUGH IT —

The river is internationally designated as a ‘Special Protection Area’ because of its importance to wading birds. Look out for egrets, swans, oystercatchers, curlews, black-tailed godwits, herons and redshank. If you divert your gaze away from the water you may be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel.

Despite its rich array of wildlife, this has always been a busy working river. This year local charity Island 2000 are busy uncovering a Victorian cement kiln, locally known as the ‘Mummies Cave’, that sits between Dodnor Creek and Dicksons Copse Local Nature Reserve and the hi-tech factory of Vesta Blades.

The towns of Freshwater and Yarmouth offer ideal refreshment opportunities at both ends. Cyclists can travel along the eastern side of the estuary where the old railway track offers an easy route.

Top: The Causeway, Yarmouth. Left: Western Yar. Right: Plenty of wildlife

At Newport Quay, tired cyclists and walkers have the chance to relax at riverside hostelries such as The Bargeman’s Rest and Quay Arts Centre. Keen walkers can extend their activity by joining the Mill Trail which includes many historic structures on the rivers in Newport. Cyclists can continue to the south of the Island on the Red Squirrel Trail.

WESTERN YAR This ‘easy access ramble’ is a circular walk of just under 4 miles around the River Yar Estuary from Yarmouth.

When the harbour breakwater was built in 1847, it and other developments slowed down the flow of the river, and as the mud settled, plants started to grow and stabilise the banks and salt marshes developed. These vulnerable habitats are home to plants that are especially adapted to changing conditions on the shoreline.

The Estuary is really important for wildfowl and wading birds, particularly in the winter, so much so that it is protected by six different designations under national and international law, so bring your binoculars along to see why.

The towns of Freshwater and Yarmouth offer ideal refreshment opportunities at both ends. Cyclists can travel along the eastern side of the estuary where the old railway track offers an easy route. There is a bird hide in Mill Copse and, as ever, keep an eye open for our red squirrels.

All of these walks and many more can be viewed and downloaded from the Island Rivers website – details can also be found of guided walks and special events taking place through the summer.

To find out more visit: islandrivers.org.uk/explore/walks You might spot a kingfisher on your travels

32

Carol Flux

Natural Enterprises

RESTORATION ISLAND —

RESTORATION ISLAND

Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Farringford.

Famous for being a bit behind the times, the Isle of Wight has a unique old-world charm that you experience almost as soon as you have crossed the Solent…

Sure you will have access to iPhone chargers on the buses and our new Wightlink ferry Victoria of Wight has the latest hybrid engines, but we also still love our piers, deckchairs, steam trains and carnivals - plus the odd shop still closes on a Sunday!

It is no accident that the Island has such a timeless quality and it is preserving this that drives many people to take an active role in maintaining and restoring our rich heritage.

The art of good restoration is a true skill. Whether it is the painstaking research to find just the right shade of paint for a Victorian drawing room, or repairing antiquated engines, there are many devotees working on restoration projects that help to preserve this little piece of a bygone era.

Here we take a look at three very different, but significant restoration projects, that give an insight into the Island’s legacy:

THE HOUSE...

‘The Blue Room’ at Farringford with it’s breathtaking cobalt blue wallpaper.

34

Possibly the most epic restoration project in recent times has got to be the returning of Farringford to its former glory. Built in 1802, it became the home of Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson and his family in 1853, until his death in 1892. The house remained in the Tennyson family until it was sold in 1945 to British Holiday Estates, an early version of Thomas Cook Holidays, who converted it into a hotel and then sold it onto Pontins in the 60s. The house was sold again in 2006 where it remained a hotel under the current ownership, closing in October 2009. The research and planning began in 2010, this time to be restored back to an historic home by a passionate and dedicated team. This restoration required pure tenacity and determination as the house had been chopped and changed so much since its original build, with many features built over and structural issues neglected. The actual restoration of the house took over eight years, as strict heritage guidelines were followed, surveys were carried out and historic building consent

RESTORATION ISLAND —

was sought. Painstaking research, sourcing and general detective work was undertaken to try and get the home as close to what Tennyson himself would have experienced.

There were precious little photos to go by, so much of what has been achieved has been done so through hours spent reading Tennyson’s wife, Emily’s diaries as well as detailed inventories. When the house was stripped back, exciting discoveries were made that also helped to shape the interior, such as a vivid blue wallpaper in the old Reception Room with newspaper dating from 1856 used as lining paper. The colour of the wallpaper has been replicated in the stunning ‘Blue Room’ as it is now known. Wherever possible, authentic building techniques were employed to recreate the structure and look of the house.

Tennyson had a deep connection with the Isle of Wight and as a poet of the landscape, the setting of Farringford provided inspiration for his work and much was written here, including ‘Enoch Arden’ and ‘Maud’. Notable visitors to the house included artist George Frederic Watts and pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron who loved the location so much she set up her own home ‘Dimbola’ here, which can be visited just down the road from Farringford.

Today you can visit and experience the house where Alfred, Lord Tennyson lived as a husband, father and poet.

Although the owner is keen that it is not considered a ‘time capsule’, you would be hard pushed to find another house of such historical and cultural importance that has been so earnest and exacting in its restoration, that it provides a rare opportunity to be transported back to another time and place altogether.

A por trait of the man himself still adorns the walls in the house today.

THE LOCOMOTIVE...

For rolling restoration the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is the place to look. At any one time there are many projects underway, from large carriage restorations to smaller maintenance work on the buildings and equipment. The overall aim is to preserve this precious piece of history and the railway heritage of the Island. Based at Havenstreet, there is a large collection of locomotives and rolling stock, with all the carriages dating back to the Edwardian or Victorian times and the oldest starting life in 1864.

‘Calbourne’, built in 1891 was the very first engine that the steam railway acquired and is the only engine of its kind in operation today in the world. The work here is undertaken by a veritable army of employees and volunteers. Many have grown up with steam railways and a number of the people behind the scenes have previously worked for British Rail.

7 DAYS A WEEK 9AM-5PM (9am-6pm during school Summer holidays)

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

35

RESTORATION ISLAND —

It is no accident that the Island has such a timeless quality and it is preserving this that drives many people to take an active role in maintaining and restoring our rich heritage.

Of all the work undertaken, none is more anticipated than the locomotives. Since last year, ‘Calbourne’ has been undergoing major repairs and the latest restoration to be shown off is Ivatt 41313, which starts its first season of operation in 2018. It’s the second engine of this type to arrive on the Island, having been donated to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway by the Ivatt Locomotive Trust.

Construction of this class began in 1946 and consideration was given briefly in 1961 and 1965 to bringing some of them to the Island, but this was unsuccessful. Steam was replaced by electric power.

General Manager Peter Vail said “Our reputation for conservation and restoration contributed to the Ivatt engines being donated to us in 2008. Since that time, we have undertaken complete restoration of two Ivatts with 41313 entering full service during 2018. This helps us to look after and rest our older engines, a number of which date back to the 1870s.”

A gala event in May will see three of the last four remaining Ivatt locomotives running together on the Isle of Wight for the first time ever.

PIER STREET, VENTNOR PO38 1SZ 01983 857757 THEVENTNORWINTERGARDENS.COM

36

Top: Sister engine Ivatt 41298. Left: IWSR Carriage interior. Right: Calbourne

RELAX AND TAKE IN THE VIEWS The Winter Gardens is open for food from 9.30am every day and boasts a home cooked fresh Sunday roast every Sunday.

RESTORATION ISLAND —

ARTIST IMPRESSION

FREE

Unlimited 7 day returns!

Coming in 2018...our biggest adventure yet!

Suspended high up in the treetop canopy you’ll find trampolines, net bridges and tunnels up to 10m above the ground.

www.robin-hill.com

See website for additional school holiday activities.

Tel. 01983 527352 For Sat Nav use PO30 2NU

Save with our Joint Park Ticket WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

6

RESTORATION ISLAND —

Top: Our forests are beautiful all year round. Left: Sheep grazing in the new habitat.

Right: From Bouldnor out to sea.

Discover our new pub and visitor centre, tour the distillery and taste our Island-inspired spirits.

THE FOREST...

When you think of restorations, it is often buildings and items that spring to mind first; however, one of the most exciting projects that has taken place would go largely unnoticed if you didn’t know where to look. Part of Bouldnor Forest over in Yarmouth has undergone a huge ecological restoration in recent years, where the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are restoring heathland for some really specialist plants and birds. The project required the felling of Corsican Pines which were planted over the natural environment during the 50s and 60s with the timber originally planned for use as pit props in mining. After these were removed, the habitat was allowed to do its own natural thing, carefully managed through cutting and grazing by cattle. The area is dominated by a mix of heathland species, notably gorse and heather at a mix of ages and stages, all of which provide great benefit to a variety of wildlife including slow-worms, the Green Hairstreak and Brimstone butterfly, Dartford warbler as well as the nightjar, a species that was in great decline around the Second World War, but whose numbers are steadily increasing thanks to habitat restorations such as this.

We are open 11am to 11pm daily.

Cowes

Calbourne

Do Chessell

hst

on

e

Havenstreet

Bembridge Brading

Arreton

Whitecliff Bay

Adgestone Alverstone

Yaverland

Culver Cliff

01983 613653 | isleofwightdistillery.com Sandown Gatcombe

Rookley

6

Newbarn Down

05

Shorwell Brighstone

Merstone

A3

Do

Lake

Chillerton

Godshill

y Down

Atherfield Point Chale

Whitwell

Niton Down Niton Blackgang

St Catherine’s Reeth Point Bay

nbur

Chale Green

55

0 A3

Atherfield Green

Chale Bay

Whiteley Bank

Sandown Bay

Shanklin

St Martins Down

Ste

Brighstone Bay

Apse Heath

x ab

Yafford

38

Priory Bay

St Helens

Langbridge

wn

Nettlestone

St Lawrence

Wroxall Wroxall Down

Steephill Cove

Luccombe Bay Bonchurch

Ventnor

PCGraphics (UK) Limited, Isle of Wight. pcgraphics.uk.com

Seagrove

05 4

Bowcombe

Cheverton

Mottistone

Seaview

0 02 A3

Hulverstone Brook A3 05 Brook 5 Bay

Brig

Spring Vale

Shide Downend Blackwater

Appley

Binstead A3054

A3

Carisbrooke

Newbridge

Wellow

r

on

A305

wn

Thorley

1

Shalfleet Ningwood

Wootton Bridge

02

4

A30

54

Parkhurst

Ryde

Fishbourne

A3

A3020

Cranmore

ina

mouth

Whippingham

The Mermaid Bar at The Wishing Well Pondwell Newport PO33 1PX

Newtown gton to Yarmouth Bay ssenger ferry s Hamstead Porchfield Newtown

A3055

Northwood

R Med

Thorness Bay

East Cowes

A3 05 5

Gurnard Bay

The flora and fauna of the area provides a dramatic backdrop and each plant has a function in keeping the forest thriving, as well as looking beautiful too. By summer, bell heather is in its full glory. Look out for the strange parasitic dodder – it has no leaves, only pink thread-like stems and dense heads of white and pink flowers.

The great news is that all three of these projects make for a great and interesting day out. Plus you can be safe in the knowledge that many people are working hard behind the scenes, to make sure that precious little changes, conserving our Island’s enduring appeal.

Lindsay Becker

C Introducing a collection

of three Historic Family Country Inns located along the South West corridor of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the ‘West Wight’.

l: 01983

730243

BuddleInn

St Catherine ’s R Niton, Nr Ven d tnor Isle of Wight PO38 2NE

C

“16th Centu ry Smuggle r’ that’s steep ed in local h s Inn istory” Te

All pubs are family friendly with new play facilities for 2018.

Offering great food, CAMRA real ales and live music all in historic surroundings with great views and gardens.

Highly recommended.

E Historic Family CO U N TRY INNS

E

st pub “Enviably boasts the be ight” W of e Isl e th garden on Tel: 01983

crowninniow

740293

Walkers Lane Shorwell Isle of Wight PO30 3JZ

Award winning

c

s st 10 minute “Located ju ton Beach” from Comp 3 741124 Tel: 0198

Hulverstone Isle of Wight PO30 4EH ulverstone

TheSunInnH

characterinnsiow G))))))))))))g

free house pubs d

3

2 1

1. The Buddle Inn, Niton 2. The Crown Inn, Shorwell 3. The Sun Inn, Hulverstone

EMBRACE THE RAIN —

embrace the rain We might have more sunshine than most, but we do still get the odd rainy day.

Don’t fear, there is no need to shut yourself in your holiday home until the clouds pass, take an opportunity to explore the Island’s great indoor attractions. Here’s our guide to the top ten rainy day activities on the Isle of Wight…

BRADING ROMAN VILLA

Top: Keep the whole clan dry at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Right: Indoor fun at Tapnell Farm Park.

Get prehistoric with some of the Island’s oldest inhabitants.

Find out about the species that roamed our shores and even dig for fossils in the sandpit.

Step back in time and visit the remains of a grand Roman villa. Gain unique insights into Roman life in Britain, from beautifully preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of archaeology, plus an award-winning café serving local food and drink.

AMAZON WORLD ZOO PARK

THE LILLIPUT DOLL AND TOY MUSEUM

DINOSAUR ISLE

This animal wonderland has a great mix of indoor and outdoor enclosures, meaning you can dodge the showers as you search out the crocodiles, cheeky saki monkeys and toucans. Make sure to check out the museum and soft play area, brand new for 2018.

ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY Although lovely in the sunshine, you spend much of the time under the cover of either carriages, Train Story Discovery Centre or the refreshment rooms, so this could be the ideal rainy day stop.

TAPNELL FARM PARK Much of the farm is housed indoors, from a giant indoor play park, cute farmyard animals to a straw bale adventure zone. Parents can relax in the café and on a wet and wild day, the ‘Tapnell Toastie’ is a must!

SANDOWN PIER This Victorian wonder houses a multitude of entertainments for all the family; a children’s play area, mini golf course, ten-pin bowling, amusement arcade plus a café and bar area. You won’t want to leave even when the sun does come out.

40

With a collection dating back to 2000 B.C. and over 2000 items on show, this museum is bigger than you think. Explore a number of unique and rare exhibits plus well known cartoon characters from the past.

SHANKLIN THEATRE Attracting its fair share of household names, as well as local theatre group shows, tribute acts and plenty more.

Check out this Victorian theatre’s listings for the perfect rainy-day entertainment.

WIGHT KARTING Driving around a track in the wet might not be the first thing that springs to mind, but this really is an all weather attraction. There’s such a fun factor that you’ll soon forget about the rain.

QUARR ABBEY Explore the visitor centre, art gallery, cosy teashop and of course, the 18th century abbey. If the sun makes an appearance, a walk around the grounds is a must.

And if all else fails, why not head to the beach and take a dip? You’re going to get wet anyway!

Rediscovering the great British seaside

The Island’s best fun for all the family attractions Open 9 til late 01983 867585 shanklinseafront.co.uk JURASSIC BAY PO37 6BG A DVENTURE G OLF

cafe

ISLAND DESTINATIONS —

d n a l Is s n o i t a n i t s de The Chequers Inn offers a traditional pub atmosphere, whilst delivering fantastic fresh tasty food, where we proudly use some of the best produce that the Island has to offer. We are pleased to welcome everyone along to our pub, with a large children’s play area making it a great place for all the family to enjoy.

We serve breakfast on Friday, Saturday & Sunday mornings with an all-day carvery also available on Sundays.

The Chequers Inn is the perfect place to eat, sleep and drink on the Isle of Wight, and also perfect for stopping by for a pint of traditional local ale.

Let us take you on a journey through the Island’s towns and villages, as our destination guides paint a picture of the Isle of Wight, ready for you to explore. Broken down into North, North East, East, South, West and Central, it is full of things to see and do...

NORTH NORTH EAST WEST CENTRAL

EAST

SOUTH

CALL 01983 840314 TO BOOK A TABLE OR ENQUIRE ABOUT B&B Niton Road, Rookley, Isle of Wight, PO38 3NZ /The-Chequers-Inn @ChequersInnPub chequersinn-iow.co.uk Facebook “f ” Logo

42

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

This handy guide will become your companion for your holiday. Enjoy!

ISLAND DESTINATIONS —

ry t n Ee

FRE

Charity Number 1159886

NOW OPEN ALL YEAR eek 10 am- 4:30 pm days a w

Over 100 donkeys & ponies Dillons Café • Gift shop Free parking

Looking down on Freshwater Bay

4 6 N O RTH

The northern part of the Island includes Cowes, East Cowes and Northwood looking out toward the busy shipping lanes of the Solent.

Coastal villages and bustling towns from Fishbourne and Wootton around to Bembridge Harbour including Ryde, St Helens and Seaview.

n c e s f rom £5

Donkey Experience Groom a Donkey Walk a Donkey Shetland Stroll Birthday Parties!

60 EAST The beautiful sandy beaches of Sandown Bay stretching from Shanklin through to Yaverland and including the historic town of Brading.

72 SOUTH

Designed by MooksGoo

Experie

50 NORTH EAST

‘Back of the Wight’ following the rugged southern coastline from Luccombe and Bonchurch to Niton, featuring the town of Ventnor.

76 WEST The western peninsular running from Brighstone in the south via The Needles to Yarmouth and Newtown Creek on the north coast.

Call us 01983 852693

82 CENTRAL Covering the county town of Newport and the surrounding villages of Carisbrooke, Calbourne, Arreton, Godshill and Rookley.

www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org Lower Winstone Farm, Wroxall, IOW, PO38 3AA

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

43

ISLAND DESTINATIONS —

d n a l Is s n o i t a n i t s de The Chequers Inn offers a traditional pub atmosphere, whilst delivering fantastic fresh tasty food, where we proudly use some of the best produce that the Island has to offer. We are pleased to welcome everyone along to our pub, with a large children’s play area making it a great place for all the family to enjoy.

We serve breakfast on Friday, Saturday & Sunday mornings with an all-day carvery also available on Sundays.

The Chequers Inn is the perfect place to eat, sleep and drink on the Isle of Wight, and also perfect for stopping by for a pint of traditional local ale.

Let us take you on a journey through the Island’s towns and villages, as our destination guides paint a picture of the Isle of Wight, ready for you to explore. Broken down into North, North East, East, South, West and Central, it is full of things to see and do...

NORTH NORTH EAST WEST CENTRAL

EAST

SOUTH

CALL 01983 840314 TO BOOK A TABLE OR ENQUIRE ABOUT B&B Niton Road, Rookley, Isle of Wight, PO38 3NZ /The-Chequers-Inn @ChequersInnPub chequersinn-iow.co.uk Facebook “f ” Logo

42

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

This handy guide will become your companion for your holiday. Enjoy!

ISLAND DESTINATIONS —

ry t n Ee

FRE

Charity Number 1159886

NOW OPEN ALL YEAR eek 10 am- 4:30 pm days a w

Over 100 donkeys & ponies Dillons Café • Gift shop Free parking

Looking down on Freshwater Bay

4 6 N O RTH

The northern part of the Island includes Cowes, East Cowes and Northwood looking out toward the busy shipping lanes of the Solent.

Coastal villages and bustling towns from Fishbourne and Wootton around to Bembridge Harbour including Ryde, St Helens and Seaview.

n c e s f rom £5

Donkey Experience Groom a Donkey Walk a Donkey Shetland Stroll Birthday Parties!

60 EAST The beautiful sandy beaches of Sandown Bay stretching from Shanklin through to Yaverland and including the historic town of Brading.

72 SOUTH

Designed by MooksGoo

Experie

50 NORTH EAST

‘Back of the Wight’ following the rugged southern coastline from Luccombe and Bonchurch to Niton, featuring the town of Ventnor.

76 WEST The western peninsular running from Brighstone in the south via The Needles to Yarmouth and Newtown Creek on the north coast.

Call us 01983 852693

82 CENTRAL Covering the county town of Newport and the surrounding villages of Carisbrooke, Calbourne, Arreton, Godshill and Rookley.

www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org Lower Winstone Farm, Wroxall, IOW, PO38 3AA

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

43

Morrisons Supermarkets & fuel

N O RT H NO RTH E AST WEST C E N T RA L

E AST

Aldi Supermarkets

SO U T H

Gurnard Bay

Lymington

Thorness Bay

N

Newtown Lymington to Yarmouth Bay car/passenger ferry 40 mins Hamstead Porchfield Newtown

39 38

Te

Thorley

so nny

Scratchells Bay

n n D o w 36 Freshwater Bay

43

Ningwood 42

Wellow

Newbridge

Freshwater 37

Calbourne

34 35

Freshwater Bay Compton

NORTH

P

Chessell

wn

54

River

Totland Alum Bay

Yar

05 A3

Totland Bay

The Needles

41

Shalfleet

A30

40

4

Colwell Bay

Yarmouth

Cranmore

Do

Sconce Point

Brig

Hulverstone Mottistone Brook 33 A3 05 Brook 5 Bay

hs

e ton

Bowcombe w Do

Cheverton

Shorwell Brighstone

n

Newbar Down

32

1 Wight Military & Heritage Museum p48

Yafford

2 Osborne p7

NORTH EAST

Brighstone Bay

Atherfield Green

16 Sandown Pier p65

4 Quarr Abbey p99

17 Island Airport p64

5 Land of Roses p53

18 Lilliput Doll & Toy Museum p69

6 Goodleaf Tree Climbing p55

19 Brading Roman Villa p28

Atherfield Point 29 Tregear Pottery p67

7 Puckpool Park p57

20 Adgestone Vineyard p70

30 St Catherine’s Lighthouse p95

8 Oasis p8-9 & p58-59

21 Wight Waters p68

31 Blackgang Chine p17

9 Rosemary Vineyard p55

22 Shanklin Seafront p41

10 Wight Karting p15

23 Shanklin Chine p19

WEST

11 Isle of Wight Distillery p38

24 Shanklin Theatre p67

12 Bembridge Windmill p33 13 Bembridge Fort p33

SOUTH

EAST

25 Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary p43

35 Tapnell Farm p23

26 Honeybourne Jewellery p75

36 Dimbola p77

14 Isle of Wight Zoo p113

27 Ventnor Tee in the Park p73

37 Farringford p21

15 Dinosaur Isle p61

28 Ventnor Botanic Garden p107

38 The Needles Landmark Attraction, p2-3

05

5

44

A3

3 Isle of Wight Steam Railway p24-25

Chale Bay

32 Isle of Wight Pearl p5 & 79 33 Mottistone Gardens p33 34 Calbourne Water Mill p81

C

56

Cowes

Portsmouth to Fishbourne car/passenger ferry 45 mins

East Cowes

Whippingham Fishbourne Binstead 4

0 A3

dina R Me

21

A3020

1

Portsmouth to Ryde passenger catamaran 22 mins

Osborne Bay

2

Northwood

Ryde

5

Wootton t e Bridge am Havenstreet Ra ilw ay

45

Blackwater

Arr

47

eton Down

Arreton

Brading Do wn

50

48 49

Langbridge

53

54

Niton 31

Blackgang

29

Ste

Whitwell

nbur

Chale Green

Chale

25

y Down

Isle of Wight Niton Down

05

6

05

0

02

A3

55

St Lawrence

Lake

17

Apse Heath Whiteley Bank

Godshill

22 24

23

St Martins Down

41 Yarmouth Gallery p77

Sandown Sandown Bay

44 Carisbrooke Castle p7

Luccombe Bay Bonchurch 26

Ventnor

45 Monkey Haven p87 & back cover 46 Island Riding Centre p86 47 Robin Hill Country Park p37 48 Arreton Barns p29 49 The Shipwreck Centre p83 50 The Garlic Farm p35 51 Amazon World p12-13 52 Holliers Park & House of Chilli p27

St Catherine’s Reeth Point Bay

40 Yarmouth Castle p7

Culver Cliff

Shanklin

30

39 The Needles Battery p33

14

Whitecliff Bay

13

CENTRAL

Wroxall Down Steephill Cove 27

16

21

Wroxall

28

Morton

15

52

12

Yaverland

51

A3

Rookley

Chillerton

St Helens Bembridge

Brading

A3

Alverstone

Merstone

18

Adgestone 19 20

rn

Priory Bay

10 8

Shide Downend

Gatcombe

Seagrove

Nettlestone

5

44

Spring Vale Seaview

3

Newport Carisbrooke

7

11

9 A3055

4 05

46

A3

4

A305

Appley 6

A3054

S

Parkhurst

Portsmouth

53 The Old Smithy p16 54 Island Gems p83 55 The Model Village p83 42 West Wight Alpacas 43 Newtown Town Hall

& Nature Reserve p33 WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

PORTSMOUTH 56 Gunwharf Quays p89

45

NORTH —

North

Race star t cannon fire at Lendy Cowes Week.

The north of the Island is home to possibly the best-known town on the Isle of Wight, Cowes. Long associated with sailing and all things nautical, Cowes is a hive of activity all the way through the summer months...

From the many sailing competitions including Round the Island Race and the international Lendy Cowes Week, to the many dry-land entertainments and events that take place. Try The Anchor for a pub that is popular with locals and visitors alike. There is live music each weekend, it’s a great place for getting into the spirit.

A summer stroll from Cowes to the neighbouring village of Gurnard is a must. Perfect vantage points line this flat and even walk. Upon arrival, you will find Gurnard to be a pretty little village with a couple of pubs, a post officecome-coffee shop and a peppering of beach huts lining the esplanade.

46

Across the River Medina, you will find East Cowes. Once the holiday destination of Queen Victoria and her family, a trip to the Island would not be complete without a tour around her palatial holiday home, Osborne. Built between 1845 and 1851 in a quintessential Italian Palazzo style, complete with sweeping terraces, towers and stunning formal gardens, leading down to a beautiful beach, only accessed through the grounds.

The small parish of Fishbourne could be mistaken for not much more than a place to get on and off the Island at Wightlink’s ferry port, but you would be missing a trick.

There is a charming little beach tucked past a small green, and here is the ideal place to start a walk to neighbouring Quarr Abbey along a well trodden path. Quarr Abbey was built next to the ruins of the original Abbey in 1911. There are beautiful grounds to explore, where you will find pigs to feed and chickens to watch. The Teashop does a superb ploughmans and stocks all the Abbey’s own produce from honey to its own Quarr Abbey Ale.

NORTH —

NORTH

Beach Guide Gurnard

The north is home to the sailing mecca of Cowes and the beaches provide a great place to watch an array of yachts, dinghies, catamarans and everything in between... www.theanchorcowes.co.uk

GURNARD

1-3 HIGH STREET, COWES, PO31 7SA

Sitting to the west of Cowes, Gurnard beach is situated right next to a sailing club and is an ideal spot to watch dinghies, as well as liners entering Southampton water. A popular café, pub and toilets are all nearby and there is a level promenade linking to Cowes. The beach itself is mainly pebble with a row of beach huts. The green adjacent to the beach is a popular place to watch a sunset in the evening.

EAST COWES A quiet spot, East Cowes beach is mainly shingle and sand with uninterrupted views across the Solent to West Cowes. A cafe, children’s play area, paddling pool and toilets make this a popular spot to park up. The beach mostly disappears when the tide is right in, so make sure to check before you visit.

Other beaches to check out in this area are Cowes and Thorness bay. Find out more online at wightlink.co.uk/do

www.thelifeboatcowes.co.uk BRITANNIA WAY, EAST COWES, PO32 6UB

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK Beach Guides_7.3.18.indd 1

08/03/2018 18:55

47

NORTH —

—

DO

—

EAT

Osborne Once Queen Victoria’s seaside home, the house was designed by her beloved husband, Prince Alber t. There is so much to see, from the royal apar tments to the magnificent walled kitchen garden and museum where the royal children once played.

New for 2018: Osborne Horse Trials, 25-26 July.

York Avenue, East Cowes Isle of Wight PO32 6JX 01983 200022 english-heritage.org.uk/osborne

The Wight Military & Heritage Museum

Queen Victoria’s beloved Osborne.

Wight Military & Heritage Museum Registered charity 1159529

Come and enjoy the military exhibits in the museum halls. Relax in Churchills, the museum café, decorated with memorabilia and enjoy a coffee and a selection of light snacks. Phone for details of vehicle rides during 2018.

Newport Road, Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 8QU 01983 632039 wmahm.org.uk

—

STAY

Check us out on wmahm.org.uk, follow us on Facebook or call 01983 632039 for more details Northwood Camp, 490 Newport Road, Cowes, PO31 8QU

48

Situated within the hear t of the yachting town of Cowes, The Anchor is a favourite with locals and visitors. Serving delicious home cooked food all day, award-winning ales, with live music throughout the year and has seven newly refurbished en-suite rooms. New for 2018: Recently revamped beer garden.

1-3 High Street, Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7SA 01983 292823 theanchorcowes.co.uk

The Lifeboat The Lifeboat has a wonderful, recently modernised terrace overlooking East Cowes Marina and the River Medina. Serving delicious home cooked food and daily specials all day. One of the Islands best kept secrets.

New for 2018: Extensive new summer menu.

Britannia Way, East Cowes Isle of Wight PO32 6UB 01983 292711 thelifeboatcowes.co.uk

...welcomes you to enjoy the wide range of exhibits on display including our 1940’s street scene and military vehicles.

The museum café “Churchills” is open daily where you can enjoy light refreshments and a selection of hot and cold drinks.

The Anchor

Thorness Bay Holiday Park Thorness Bay is a huge hit with all those who stay. Spread out across fields, the park is framed on one side by the sea with stunning views. Enjoy a relaxing stroll to the bottom of the park and you’ll find the bay.

Thorness Lane, Thorness Isle of Wight PO31 8NJ 01983 523109 parkdeanresorts.co.uk

The Yachtsman Located on The Parade, ideal for morning coffee, lunch, dinner or maybe a glass of wine or real ale watching the world go by. With a large terrace and bi-folding doors opening the pub up in the summer months it is one of the great dining venues in Cowes.

Osborne Court, The Parade Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7QS 01983 299618 theyachtsman.co.uk

NORTH —

Shane Couch MARINE ARTIST

INSPIRATION-ON-SEA

To look at Shane’s paintings, you would be hard-pressed to believe that he had never picked up a paintbrush until 15 years into his career as an aeronautical engineer...

The stunning landscapes and rugged coastlines have been inspiring artists and creatives on the Isle of Wight for centuries.

We visited five very different local artists to find out about their work and what inspires them here on the Island...

Page 66 NEIL TREGEAR Potter

Page 74 CELIA WILKINSON Contemporary artist

Page 80 LINDA BEALE Acrylic artist

Page 84 MARIA WARD Watercolour artist

Shane has always had a talent for sketching and tended to draw nautical scenes. It was during one such sketch that somebody commented that they had been looking for a painting just like that. Shane said he would “give it a go”, having not painted beforehand and has not looked back since. He moved from Preston to Portsmouth where his work was being well-received. The next logical step was to visit Cowes, the centre of yachting. Here his work was so popular, that Shane realised he could earn a living from his painting. He also loved spending time over here and decided to make the Island his home, settling in Shanklin.

As well as classic maritime paintings (pictured), Shane also paints seascapes and waves. Originally trying out abstract, Shane decided that realism was the style for him, providing him with a benchmark. From afar, Shane’s pieces could easily be confused for a photo, they are so detailed in their accuracy. It is only upon closer inspection that you can see the brush strokes and the series of dots and dabs he uses to create the beautiful sparkling light reflecting off the water.

shanecouch.com WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

49

NORTH EAST —

North East

Take a ride back in time with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway

The north east side has everything going for it. From the seemingly miles of golden sands that stretch round to the dazzling white cliffs of namesake Whitecliff Bay; to the hustle and bustle of the Island’s largest town, Ryde...

Round the corner, before you hit the most easterly tip of the Island you will pass through the village of St Helens, known for its large village green that forms the centre. On the outskirts towards Brading, Oasis is well worth a visit. Family owned and run, this veritable treasure trove is packed with interesting and unique items for the home – many handpicked in Bali. They also have a coffee shop where the cakes are worth a visit alone!

Here you will find unspoilt beaches coupled with excellent entertainment. Stripey beach huts sit alongside coastal cafes and restaurants, whilst traditional fairs, trampolines, a bowling alley and a boating lake provide hours of entertainment for all the family.

Continuing east, you will reach the town of Bembridge, claiming to be one of the largest villages in England with some 4,000 residents. Bembridge is home to two of the Isle of Wight’s most recognisable pieces of architecture, the Island’s only surviving windmill and Bembridge Lifeboat Station. There is much here for all the family with some excellent walks across the Duver, an art gallery and plenty of houseboats to admire. Relax with a meal at The Crab and Lobster, a great place for seafood or even a glass of Pimms.

The town itself is built up a hill that provides wonderful views when looking back down towards the Solent and the Victorian pier. You will find a good range of boutique shops for that one-off treasure, as well as plenty of places to relax with a drink and a bite to eat.

Venturing out of Ryde you will undoubtedly stumble across Seaview. Buzzing with holidaymakers and second homeowners, there are regattas galore and the sea is busy with mermaid boats and kitesurfers. The beaches here are slightly quieter and have a distinctly desert island feel.

50

Further inland within this region, you can step into a perfectly preserved piece of a bygone era. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway provides a brilliant family day out. Take the steam train along the line from Wootton to Smallbrook Junction. Alight at Havenstreet for a trip around the awardwinning Train Story Discovery Centre, watch engines being renovated or relax in the licensed refreshment rooms.

NORTH EAST —

NORTH EAST

Beach Guide St Helens

With miles of sandy beaches and plenty of amenities, it is easy to see why the north east of the Island attracts so many visitors, especially when the sun is shining...

Get your FREE Ryde Town Map locally or download from: ryde town council.org.uk Wight Life Spring 2018.qxp_WinterLife Solent 28/02/2018 16:55 Page 1

RYDE & APPLEY

YeOldeVillageInn

Explore the six miles of golden sands stretching from Ryde Pier round to Seaview. A level walk takes you past the cafés, gardens, swimming pool, boating lake, parks and beach huts that line the Esplanade. The beaches extend far out to sea at low tide, so far you feel you might reach Portsmouth!

Care must be taken, as the tide can come in very quickly.

Lifeguards are based on Ryde beach during the summer months.

61 High Street, Bembridge - PO35 5SF

Tel: 01983 872616

7DayOffers

Monday Night DEAL • ALL PIZZA £10

Tuesday Night DEAL • CURRY 50% OFF 2ND CURRY Wed Night DEAL • PIZZA 50% OFF 2ND PIZZA Thursday Night DEAL • 25% OFF BOTTLE OF WINE

ST HELENS Set in front of the dunes of the Duver, St Helens beach attracts an array of wildlife so is ideal for nature spotters and families alike.

Explore the rock pools during low tide or watch the sailors and windsurfers go by.

There is a café, toilets and parking nearby.

Fri & Sat Night DEAL • FREE HOUSE WINE DRAW Sunday Roasts DEAL • FREE DESSERT

Explore other beaches such as Seagrove, Springvale, and Bembridge. Find out more online at wightlink.co.uk/do See full offer forT&C’s

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK Beach Guides_7.3.18.indd 2

08/03/2018 20:12

Web: yeoldevillageinn.com 51

NORTH EAST —

Goodleaf Tree Climbing —

—

GO

DO

Esplanade Car Hire Car rentals from just £25 per day. Whether you’re looking for a hatchback, saloon, estate, cabriolet or seven and eight seater. Child seats and satellite navigation available. Open seven days a week April–September.

6-8 George Street, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 2EB 01983 562322 esplanade.co.uk

Bembridge Fort This Victorian for t is unrestored and access is by guided tour only on Tuesdays from April to October. Group tours may be available on other days.

Booking is essential.

Bembridge Down, Isle of Wight PO36 8QY 01983 741020 nationaltrust.org.uk/ bembridge-fort

Bembridge Windmill This picturesque, 300-year-old windmill is one of the Island’s best loved landmarks and is the only surviving windmill on the Island.

With a kiosk selling hot and cold drinks, ice cream and gifts.

High Street, Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5SQ 01983 873945 nationaltrust.org.uk/ bembridge-windmill

A brilliant outdoor adventure!

Great for ages eight to eighty and the friendly, exper t instructors will teach you the ropes before you ascend into the canopy. Enjoy beautiful views, swing around or simply unwind in the tree top hammock. New for 2018: Overnight tree top camping - B&B in a tree!

Appley Park, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 1ND 0333 800 1188 goodleaf.co.uk

Isle of Wight Distillery Discover this new pub and visitor centre with a fully working distillery. Sit back and enjoy a gin and tonic or two, sample the seasonal special cocktails and taste one of the Distillery’s Island-inspired spirits. Open from 11am to 11pm daily.

The Mermaid Bar at The Wishing Well Pondwell Hill, Seaview Isle of Wight PO33 1PX 01983 613653 isleofwightdistillery.com

Isle of Wight Steam Railway This award-winning railway will charm, engage and captivate, leaving you with lasting memories.

Settle back in beautifully restored carriages and discover an idyllic view of the Island’s unspoilt countryside. New for 2018: 30 June - 1 July Teddy Bear Days Havenstreet, Isle of Wight PO33 4DS 01983 882204 iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Land of Roses Natural cosmetics with Bulgarian Rose oil - known as ‘liquid gold’.

Discover the most precious essential oil in the world, a pure elixir for the skin with more than 300 invaluable ingredients and a unique, divine fragrance. New for 2018: Upcoming additions to the cosmetic lines.

2 Union Street, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 2EA 01983 472501 landofroses.co.uk

For more inspiration on things to do on the Island visit wightlink.co.uk/do

AFE DELL C P u ck p o o l S a n d

l l l l

s

Family-run Relaxed atmosphere On the beach Island roasted coffee & Island produce

R Espyde lan ad e

Dell Cafe Appley Walk

Se av

Puckpool Park

iew

Pu ck po ol Hi ll

Appley Park

Beautiful sunsets Homemade cakes Gourmet burgers Fresh seafood Daily specials menu Fully licenced Sandy feet & muddy paws welcome l Look out for summer evening dining l l l l l l l

Open everyday all year from 9am

The Dell Cafe, Puckpool Sands, Seaview, PO34 5AR 01983 812947 www.dellcafe.com

52

NORTH EAST —

Oasis

Rosemary Vineyard

A unique shopping experience with directly imported products from around the world. Giftware, candles, cushions, homeware and the UK’s largest showroom of Bali products including teak furniture. Accessible, free parking and a coffee shop serving freshly prepared cakes and light lunches.

Carpenters Road, Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0QA 01983 613760 oasis-iow.co.uk

One of the oldest producers of English wine, covering 15 acres near Ryde with perfect growing conditions. They produce wines, ciders and juices using their own grapes and Island apples.

Tour the vineyard and relax in the coffee shop.

Smallbrook Lane, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 4BE 01983 811084 rosemaryvineyard.co.uk

Waterside Pool

Quarr Abbey A working Benedictine Monastery with free entry to the grounds so you can visit the church, pilgrim chapel, art gallery and monastery shop or explore the woodland walk. Enjoy the tea shop and the farm shop both of which make the most of the Abbey’s produce.

Binstead Hill, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 4ES 01983 882420 quarrabbey.org

Ryde Superbowl The Esplanade, Ryde PO33 2EL 01983 617070 rydesuperbowl.com

The Esplanade, Ryde PO33 1JA 01983 563656 watersidepool.co.uk

St Helens Holiday Park —

STAY Bembridge Coast Hotel Bembridge Coast Hotel overlooks the Solent and is an ideal base for touring the Isle of Wight.

Our balcony rooms allow guests to enjoy the sunrise over the Solent, includes breakfast, dinner, live entertainment and activities.

Fishermans Walk, Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5TB 01983 873931 warnerleisurehotels/bembridge

Located on the east coast of the Island and close to some of the most popular beaches and attractions. An outdoor swimming pool, children’s play area and designated car-free zones make it the perfect family destination. Awarded the TripAdvisor Cer tificate of Excellence for the second year running.

Field Lane, St Helens Isle of Wight PO33 1UX 03333 700 400 islandviewholidays.co.uk

The Seaview Hotel

Wight Karting

Nodes Point Holiday Park

Open 7 days a week in school holidays. Young drivers will go wild on ‘Junior Track Days’. Unlimited Karting on Sundays and special events all year. Book online and save! See website for Family Friday deals. New for 2018: Kinder Karting for children 3+.

Westridge, Brading Road Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1QS 01983 565366 wightkarting.co.uk

A shor t stroll from St Helen’s beach and with the stunning Priory Bay at the bottom of the park, Nodes Point boasts beautiful views and fantastic facilities and offers an indoor fun pool, adventure playground, horse riding and enter tainment.

St Helens, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 1YA 01983 872401 parkdeanresorts.co.uk

This famous hotel has 29 rooms, including dog-friendly accommodation. Located in the sailing village of Seaview, it’s renowned for good food and the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for three years running. New for 2018: Electric bike hire.

High Street, Seaview Isle of Wight PO34 5EX 01983 612711 seaviewhotel.co.uk

l u f i t u Bea

Unique &

www.landofroses.co.uk Tel: 01983 472501 2 Union street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2EA

Self-catering holiday accommodation, from luxury lodges to the perfect pitch

New for 2018!

Our Rockstar holiday home

Access to a stunning secluded beach Jam-packed with facilities & great entertainment Bars & restaurants Heated indoor & outdoor pools Park-wide WiFi

Book your next getaway... 01442 50 88 50

awayresorts.co.uk

| Hillway Rd, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5PL WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

10% OFF

IF YOU SPEND £20 WITH CODE: wight10

53

NORTH EAST —

Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park Perfectly situated by its own stunning secluded beach, Whitecliff Bay makes for the ideal holiday base to explore everything this beautiful Island has to offer. Choose from a range of self-catering holiday accommodation or rent your own pitch, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. New developments for 2018!

Hillway Road, Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5PL 01442 508850 awayresorts.co.uk

—

EAT

Fisherman’s Wharf, Embankment Road, Bembridge, PO35 5NS Fisherman’s Wharf, Embankment Road, Bembridge, PO35 5NS Fisherman’s Wharf, Embankment Road, Bembridge, PO35 5NS

SSSEEDD ES RE ED S R D E D RITEESDD T D T MIT ITED ESSSTLIIM E M B L I B E HE BABB L T T HCER A 01983 01983 CR 874758 01983 874758 874758 ‘The Island’s only floating seafoodcafé caféand andshop’ shop’.. .

‘The Island’s floating ‘The Island’s only floating seafood seafood café and shop’

The Auctioneer Wine Bar & Kitchen A quirky wine bar and kitchen within the walls of one of the Island’s oldest buildings, Rectory Mansion. Full of eclectic furniture.

Open 7 days a week. Dog friendly. Lovely wines. Cocktails.

Seafood and Mediterranean style food available. New for 2018: Special themed evenings Thursday - Sunday.

The Courtyard, Unit 2, Rectory Mansion 46-48 High Street, Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0DQ 07538 233337 theauctioneerwinebar.co.uk

The Beach Hut Seafood Kitchen & Beachside Bar

Enjoy lunches lunches with Enjoy with Enjoy lunches with the freshest, freshest, the the freshest, finest seafood seafood finest finest seafood straight from straight straight the boat.from the boat. boat. the Try our speciality Try our speciality speciality Try our seafood platter seafood seafood for two. platter Fully licensed. for two. two. Fully licensed. for licensed.

Visit us at: www.thebestdressedcrabintown.co.uk Visit us us at: www.thebestdressedcrabintown.co.uk Visit www.thebestdressedcrabintown.co.uk

54

A quirky seafood rustic daytime cafe with a tiki style beach.

All outdoor seating. Reached via wooden steps right on the beach.

IW crab and lobster available with great wines and cocktails.

Dog friendly. Weather dependent.

New for 2018: May - August Beach bar with BBQ. Forelands Beach Forelands Field Road, Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5TR 01983 874270 thebeachhutbembridge.co.uk

The Best Dressed Crab Preparing the most delicious crab and lobster direct from the fishing boat. Enjoy dressed crab, tubs of crab, whole crabs and lobsters, prepared lobsters, giant crab claws and spider crab claws.

Eat in the lovely floating café and enjoy the fantastic views of Bembridge Harbour.

Embankment Road, Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5NS 01983 874758 thebestdressedcrabintown.co.uk

The Boathouse The Boathouse prides itself on offering quality dining in a pub environment, matched with superb ales and an extensive wine selection. Since opening it has built up an enviable reputation for consistently prepared meals backed by friendly, attentive service and a passion for using local produce, especially fish.

Springvale Road, Seaview Isle of Wight PO34 5AW 01983 810616 theboathouseiow.co.uk

The Crab & Lobster Inn Tucked away on Bembridge ledge with a garden overlooking the sea, you can dine with breathtaking views. As the name suggests, seafood is their speciality - caught locally every day and served fresh to your table. New for 2018: garden terrace and improved local menu.

32 Forelands Field Road Bembridge, Isle of Wight PO35 5TR 01983 872244 crabandlobsterinn.co.uk.

The Dell Café An eclectic beach side café with one of the best elevated views of the Solent. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and evening dining in the summer months. There’s no place better to watch the Islands sunset with a cold beer or cocktail. Muddy paws and sandy boots welcome!

Puckpool Sands, Seaview Isle of Wight PO34 5AR 01983 812947 dellcafé.com

NORTH EAST —

PUCKPOOL PARK A visit to Puckpool Park will be fun for all the family...

The park is set in an old battery, built in 1863 to defend the easternmost part of the Solent between Ryde and Seaview at Puckpool Point. The battery was last armed with 9.2 inch guns, which were removed in the 1930s.

The park originally lay within the grounds of Puckpool House, a Swiss style cottage orné built in 1822. Today, you can enjoy an 18 hole putting green, 15 hole crazy golf, two tennis courts and three bowling greens.

The Old Barracks is a popular café set inside the park. Housed in what was originally old army barracks, it was converted into a tea garden in the 1920s and again in the 40s after the park was recommissioned for World War II.

Goodleaf Wightlife 2017 ad 1ARTWORK.indd 1

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK 20/02/2017 09:36

55

NORTH EAST —

The Fishbourne

BEST FERRY PRICES GUARANTEED

Norton Grange Coastal Village Isle of Wight

The Fishbourne is situated just along from the Wightlink, car ferry terminal, near Ryde.

They pride themselves in offering quality dining in a pub environment, matched with superb ales and an extensive wine selection. AA Dining Awards 2011 to 2018.

Fishbourne Lane, Fishbourne Isle of Wight PO33 4EU 01983 882823 thefishbourne.co.uk

Oasis Coffee Shop Open seven days a week serving locally caught crab available in sandwiches and more - it is homemade at its best. The brand new menu introduces homemade food using the finest of ingredients. Free parking available.

Carpenters Road, Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0QA 01983 613760 oasis-iow.co.uk

Bembridge Coast Hotel Isle of Wight

The Old Barracks Puckpool Hill, Seaview Isle of Wight PO34 5AR 01983 615766 theoldbarracks.co.uk Family run restaurant specialising in homemade pizzas and burgers, with lots of homemade dishes.

Open daily serving gourmet coffees, homemade cakes, cream teas and childrens meals.

Facilities include children’s play park, mini golf, putting and tennis. New for 2018: ‘ISLE ESCAPE’ - an interactive Escape Room Experience.

Puckpool Hill, Seaview Isle of Wight PO34 5AR 01983 615766 theoldbarracks.co.uk

Every Warner break includes: Fantastic accommodation Breakfasts and three-course evening meals Exciting activities and use of leisure facilities Live music and shows every night JUST FOR GROWN-UPS

For more information or to book call 0330 100 9774 quote: WIGHTLIFE Small print* Calls from landlines are typically charged up to 9p per minute; calls from mobiles typically cost between 8p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in many free call packages.

Please check with your supplier. All persons in your booking must be aged over 21 years of age. Bourne Holidays Ltd (trading as Warner Leisure Hotels) is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 01854900 whose registered office is 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. 2992_3921

56

Quarr Abbey Tea Shop Visit and enjoy the tranquillity of the popular tea shop offering freshly made food using local produce. The farm shop offers a variety of local island products along with Quarr Abbey’s own unique range of products.

Binstead Hill, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 4ES 01983 882420 quarrabbey.org

Photographic competition winner, John Cobham

The Seaview Hotel Located in the sailing village of Seaview, it’s renowned for good food. Choose to eat and drink in the cosy pump bar or the stylish main restaurant which has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2015.

High Street, Seaview Isle of Wight PO34 5EX 01983 612711 seaviewhotel.co.uk

The Spinnaker The Spinnaker is proud to use the best quality local produce available. The Isle of Wight has become a real gastronomic destination due to the dedication and passion of local producers, suppliers and chefs. They are proud to be at the forefront of this movement.

1 Steyne Road, Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5UH 01983 873572 thespinnakeriow.co.uk

The Vineleaf Coffee Shop This coffee shop is ideally situated to enjoy the superb views overlooking the estate at Rosemary Vineyard. There is freshly ground coffee available with an extensive choice of freshly prepared sandwiches, paninis and light lunches along with mouth watering homemade cakes, cream teas and teacakes.

Smallbrook Lane, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 4BE 01983 811084 rosemaryvineyard.co.uk

Ye Olde Village Inn This quirky, traditional style pub has been serving since 1787. Still sourcing real ales from across the UK to ensure an ever-changing selection. Relax in the new all weather outdoor area and enjoy a pizza from the stone bake oven.

61 High Street, Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5SF 01983 872616 yeoldevillageinn.com

Puckpool Park was once a Victorian Battery used to guard the Solent. It is now a historical monument offering fantastic sea views, sandy beaches, children’s playground, tennis, mini golf, putting, petanque & beautiful gardens.

The park is free to enter and open all year round with ample parking. During the warmer months we host live music events, outdoor cinemas, theatrical dining experiences, children’s parties and weddings. It is also home to the islands new Escape Room experience ‘Isle Escape’.

Homemade Burgers

Sandy Beaches

Homemade Pizzas

Playground

The Old Barracks Restaurant.

WEEKEN D S T H R O UGH O UT THE S UM M E R HO LI DAYS CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

HOW TO GET HERE.

By Car: Located near Seaview at the bottom of Puckpool Hill PO34 5AR. Walking: Approximately 30min walk along the seafront from Ryde bus and train station, just as you past Appley Tower.

www.theoldbarracks.co.uk

|

Our family run business was converted into a tea gardens in the 1920s We serve daily specials, cream teas and homemade cakes.

Our stoned baked ‘Pucka Pizzas’, is a speciality with a large variety to choose from including fresh crab and tarragon pizza.

Daily special | Homemade Burgers & Pizzas Sandwiches | Salads | Children’s meals Homemade Cakes | Cream Teas | Gourmet Coffees | Milkshakes | Extensive Ice Cream selections | Licensed for Beers, Wine and Cocktails.

info@theoldbarracks.co.uk

|

01983 615766

S ES N

CELE BR A

30

EARS OF 30 Y BU SI NG I T

1988 - 2

01

8

Discover the world of Oasis, full of teak furniture, soft furnishings, gifts and decor for your home

The family behind Oasis has travelled the world to bring you unusual and interesting products at unbeatable prices. For the novel, inspirational, bizarre or amusing gift to suit any age, you will find it at Oasis.

craft supplies for any enthusiastic florist.

Fashion - An extensive range of bags, scarves and jewellery, changing through the seasons.

Soft furnishings - Luxurious bedding, sumptuous cushions and interesting Oasis is laid out all on one level with wide textures to turn your house into a passage ways and lots of room between home. displays, making it easier for pushchairs Nautical - Full speed ahead! The and wheelchair users. anchor has been deployed with Oasis is made up of several areas, all under a new and exciting sea themed one roof, including; area, waiting to be discovered!

Front of house - Showcasing a wide Sweet dreams - Unveiling our new range of food products, scented candles, Bedtime area. Featuring award flamboyant lighting and gifts. winning bedtime stories, children’s Flower shop - Silk flowers with a splash bedding and soft toys to encourage of colour, the Island’s largest selection great story telling for little ones of artificial flowers. Combined with floral Gallery - Decorate unwanted blank walls with a choice of glass wall art or hand stretched canvas, all printed in store.

On site coffee shop to tantalise taste buds for anyone wanting cake!

Oasis also has its own coffee shop, where all the food is freshly prepared and cooked on the premises. Enjoy the aroma of freshly ground coffee whilst choosing from a large selection of cakes, desserts and pastries.

Serving lunches from noon including sandwiches, jacket potatoes, sausage rolls and more. The famous Oasis sandwiches are made from door-stop slices of fresh bread, delivered by our friendly local bakery. Packed with a large selection of fillings to suit the hungriest of adventurers!

Seating available inside and outside during the sunny days.

• CARPENTERS ROAD • BRADING • ISLE OF WIGHT • PO36 0QA • 01983 613760 • WWW.OASIS-IOW.COM

What makes Oasis different is a passion for uniqueness Many corners of the world have been explored to bring something different to Oasis customers. Bali has been a favourite with individually crafted products that cannot be mass produced in factories.

Working with over 150 families producing sarongs, carvings, dream catchers and more using traditional methods, handed down from generation to generation.

Importing directly from Indonesia means that Oasis can cut out the middle men and ensure the families receive a fair price for their goods and are paid on time.

Oasis has influenced the Balinese artisans in re-designing and adapting many different pieces to suit the UK market.

The furniture captures a spirit of dynamic creativity and contemporary design, while remaining both functional and unique pieces of art.

Something different to your normal flat packed furniture

teak, quirky designs made from huge teak roots, modernised reclaimed pieces made of material from old boats and buildings.

Not surprisingly, visitors are especially drawn to furniture made from the wrecks Customers enjoy browsing the of canoes or sailing boats. extensive collection of teak furniture, all laid out in colour ways making it All of the furniture is available to take home today or delivered straight to simple to choose. your door (UK mainland & Europe).

Furniture built to last and available in several finishes including: Contemporary white washed, rustic white washed, traditional honey, The furniture range has done especially well, with pieces designed on the Isle of Wight, created by the families on the Island of Bali, 8000 miles away.

• CARPENTERS ROAD • BRADING • ISLE OF WIGHT • PO36 0QA • 01983 613760 • WWW.OASIS-IOW.COM

EAST —

East

Yaverland is one of the most traditional seaside destinations on the Island.

The east of the Island delivers the classic British seaside vibe in spades! Deckchairs, ice cream cones melting in your hand and shops selling flags for your sandcastle, are joined by beachside cafés and bars, hotels with some of the best views around and plenty of fun for all ages...

Sandown comes complete with a traditional pleasure pier. Take a stroll out to sea and pass through a range of entertainment in the form of amusement games, bowling and even an indoor crazy golf. After all that excitement, relax in Scruffy Jacks Sports Bar or the cafѐ and watch the waves crashing underneath.

The east side boasts several of the best family attractions on the Island. Visit the Isle of Wight Zoo for a close encounter with a tiger, lion or monkey to name but a few.

For animals of a more prehistoric nature, Dinosaur Isle is a fun, imaginative and engaging museum, even the building is designed to be shaped as a giant pterodactyl.

For history and imagination combined, Brading Roman Villa offers an interactive experience. Children will love the chance to dress up as a Roman soldier complete with sword,

60

whilst adults will marvel at some of the most beautiful mosaic floors you are likely to see outside of Italy.

The beaches on the east coast of the Island are some of the best in the country. Here you will find plenty to do. Try your hand at watersports in Lake, search for fossils along Yaverland Beach, or enjoy a good old fashioned lie in the sunshine on Sandown Beach.

Sandown’s neighbouring town of Shanklin is a seaside destination with charming style. Visit the Old Village for thatched pubs and maybe catch a show at Shanklin Theatre, which has featured nights from visiting comedians and musicians, to summer shows. On the seafront you will find a range of activities including pitch and putt and traditional amusement arcades. You can even take a trip down in the famous cliff lift, to save your legs or just to enjoy the views.

Keep the kids happy with a trip to a gorgeous traditional sweet shop. The Rock Shop in Shanklin Old Village specialises in sticks of rock and old fashioned sweets and is sure to delight all who visit.

Adgestone Vineyard is one of the country’s oldest working vineyards and was renovated by its current owners in 2013.

The chalky south facing slopes and the almost frost free microclimate gives the vines an advantage seen in very few English counties. You best take a trip and buy a bottle to check it out for yourselves!

EAST —

EAST

Beach Guide Shanklin

Stripy deck chairs, amusements, pitch and putt make up the classic seaside vibe of the East Wight. With plenty to see and do, you can make a real day of it...

SANDOWN The sands of Sandown stretch on to Yaverland and the waters provide great swimming. Perfect for a spot of fossil searching, you can even book a guided fossil tour of the beach. The area is popular for water-sports and you will likely see people out on catamarans, jet skis, dinghy sailing, as well as fishing, kitesurfing and windsurfing! The Esplanade is home to an array of cafés, amusement arcades including Sandown Pier.

SHANKLIN Shanklin is famed for its golden sands. Backing onto a traditional promenade, there is plenty to keep everyone amused. Waterfront pubs and cafés sit alongside traditional seaside shops. The southeast side of the Island is known to receive the highest levels of sunshine throughout the year and there is still lots to do when the sun goes down.

Beaches also worth a visit include Yaverland, Lake and Small Hope. Find out more online at wightlink.co.uk/do WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

61

EAST —

Isle of Wight Zoo —

DO

10%

off all orders with this voucher

Valid until 30 Nov 2013. One per customer.

Collection only. No photocopies accepted

01983 863361

For your convenience, we now accept card payments over the phone. Minimum transaction £10

www.mrtspizzashed.co.uk

46 Atherley Rd, Shanklin

01983 863361 Established since 1990, Mr T’s is the first choice for quality takeaway food. We offer a wide range of tasty chargrilled options including locally produced beefburgers, IOW reared ribeye steaks and BBQ ribs.

Why not try our legendary freshly baked pizzas? Also available, our delicious chicken and doner kebabs. Kids, gluten free and vegetarians are catered for. Free Home Delivery to self catering and holiday camps.

Free pizza deal every Tuesday (see website for details)

46 Atherley Road, Shanklin www.mrtspizzashed.co.uk

The Aqua Dine in the Brasserie restaurant and choose from a wide menu selection and daily specials boards

Adgestone Vineyard A place of beauty where you can relax with the whole family.

Take an audio tour and go underground of the oldest commercial wine cellars in England. Impress friends with your new wine tasting skills.

Visit the café for a light lunch or cream tea.

Upper Road, Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0ES 01983 402882 adgestonevineyard.co.uk

Brading Roman Villa One of the finest Roman sites in the UK. This award-winning visitor center and museum offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain, from beautifully preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman archaeology. On-site licensed café and shop.

Morton Old Road, Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0EN 01983 406223 bradingromanvilla.org.uk

Beachfront bed & breakfast

Same ownership for the last 38 years...

Located on the seafront Balconies with sea views Large public licensed bar

Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum One of Britain’s finest private collections of antique dolls and toys with more than 2000 exhibits from 2000BC to 1950 on display, including antique bisque dolls, rocking horses, teddy bears, trains, tinplate vehicles, dolls’ houses and many rare and unusual toys. Daily March - November, 10am-5pm 35 High Street, Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0DJ 01983 407231 lilliputmuseum.co.uk

Sandown Pier All year round entertainment for the whole family. Includes indoor golf, ten pin bowling and indoor play area. The end of the pier opens from Easter with fishing available and has rides for everyone. There is a café, ice cream kiosk, burger bar and spor ts bar.

The Esplanade, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8JT 01983 404122 sandownpier.co.uk

Shanklin Chine

Open from April to October 17 The Esplanade, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6BN 01983 863024 www.theaqua.co.uk

Dinosaur Isle In a spectacular, pterosaur-shaped building just over the sea wall, this is Britain’s first purpose-built dinosaur attraction. It’s a unique destination, where you walk back through the Ice Age and ancient oceans to 126 million years ago.

Please phone or check website for opening times.

Culver Parade, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8QA 01983 404344 dinosaurisle.com

62

The ‘Zoo on the beach’ delivers an inspirational wildlife experience. The friendly atmosphere is perfect for getting to know the animals, from tigers and white lions to lemurs and monkeys. Daily tours and big cat enrichment/feeding demonstrations. Younger children will love making new friends during animal encounters.

Yaverland Road, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8QB 01983 403883 isleofwightzoo.com

A Site of Impor tant Nature Conservation - the stunning tree-lined gorge has been a magnet for visitors since 1817.

Wander amid the natural tranquility until dusk then from 25 May enjoy the hundreds of lights illuminating the narrow paths, streams and waterfalls.

New for 2018: The Tea Garden.

3 Chine Hill, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6BW 01983 866432 shanklinchine.co.uk

EAST —

Much more than just rock…

Rock sweets ◆ Chocolates ◆ Handmade fudge Homemade biscuits ◆ Sticks of rock Over 60 years’ experience producing some of the most delicious and creative confectionary.

Open 7 days a week 91-93 High Street, Shanklin, PO37 6NR 1 High Street, Sandown, PO36 8LX 01983 862950 | www.therockshopiow.co.uk Beach fun at Small Hope Beach, Shanklin.

Shanklin Theatre Shanklin Theatre is open all year round offering great enter tainment from top household names in popular music such as Russell Watson, Lesley Garrett and Lee Mead.

Comedians ranging from Al Murray and Alan Davies, to Joe Pasquale.

Prospect Road, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6AJ 01983 868000 shanklintheatre.com

Wight Waters Adventure Watersports The Island’s premier water sports centre opened in 1982 in Lake on the south east coast of the Island.

The centre has its own cafe and surf store Earth Wind and Water providing everything you need for your time on the water!

Dunroamin Beach, Lake Near Sandown, Isle of Wight 01983 404987 / 01983 866269 wightwaters.com

Upper Chine Holiday Cottages

Shanklin Seafront Re-discover the Great British seaside on Shanklin Seafront.

Indulge yourself with traditional seaside family fun whatever the weather. Open daily from 9am.

Hot and cold food is available across a range of eateries, serving seaside favourites. New for 2018: ice cream parlour and fish and chip seating.

Esplanade, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6BG 01983 867585 shanklinseafront.co.uk

Individual cottages in the heart of the Old Village.

Open all year.

Ferry packages available. www.upperchinecottages.co.uk | Tel: 01983 867900 Old Village, Shanklin.

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

63

EAST —

Landguard Holiday Park —

STAY The Aqua Hotel Providing everything today’s visitor needs to enjoy their stay, with over 20 bedrooms and located in a prime position on Shanklin seafront. The hotel has been owned and managed by the same family for 38 years and is refined and re-decorated annually to maintain the standards.

17 Esplanade, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6BN 01983 863024 aquahotel.co.uk

Landguard Holiday Park has a friendly relaxed atmosphere and sits in a beautiful woodland area.

The park is just a stone’s throw away from the buzzing seaside resor t of Shanklin, with its popular golden sandy beaches.

Landguard Manor Road, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 7PJ 01983 863100 park-resorts.com

Lower Hyde Holiday Park Tucked away on the east coast, near the fantastic seaside resor t of Shanklin. This park is the perfect choice for families, holidaymakers and lovers of the Great British seaside. Thanks to the Island’s small size, you are only a shor t trip away from many popular tourist attractions.

Landguard Road, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 7LL 03332 076755 park-resorts.com

Deckchairs on Sandown Beach.

Blueberrys Café Upper Chine Holiday Cottages Island Cottage Holidays Providing specially selected self catering holiday cottages located right across the Island in beautiful seaside and rural locations. All self catering cottages are graded

by Quality in Tourism and most have a 4 or 5 star gradings. Many have also been awarded a Self Catering Gold Award.

2 Beaulieu Cottage Borthwood Lane Borthwood, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 0HH 01983 403377 islandcottageholidays.com

—

EAT

Upper Chine Holiday Cottages offer self-catering accommodation based in Shanklin old village, individual accommodations sleeping 2-6. Private parking on site.

WiFi available. Cottages and Apar tments with two bathrooms.

Inclusive ferry deals available.

22a Church Road, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6QR 01983 867900 upperchinecottages.co.uk

The Aqua Brasserie Located within The Aqua on a prime beach front location.

The Brasserie is renowned for its extensive evening menu, plus many changing daily specials.

The perfect place to dine with fabulous views of the bay.

17 Esplanade, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6BN 01983 863024 aquahotel.co.uk

For more inspiration on things to do on the Island visit wightlink.co.uk/do

Island Bistro Restaurant and Bar situated in the countryside surroundings of Isle of Wight Airport GREAT FOOD | SNACKS | TEA COFFEE | HOMEMADE CAKES SELECTION OF WINE, BEERS & SPIRITS

New for 2018: Argentinian Asado grill and smoker W W W. E G HN.O RG. U K | 01983 716926 b Sandown Airport EGHN Find us at Isle of Wight Airport, Scotchells Brook Lane, Sandown, PO36 0JP

64

Relax and savour some of the most spectacular views on the Isle of Wight. Fully licensed and extremely dog friendly, serving delicious home-cooked food and cakes throughout the day. Located on the Cliff Path between Sandown and Shanklin.

Visit Facebook or Twitter for fur ther information.

Rear of 45 Littlestairs Road Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6HS 01983 866378

All Weather Family Fun – Open All Year

A whole day’s fun in one!

b @ScruffyJacksSportsBar Crazy Golf like you have never experienced before

of the Back pen pier o ster!

Ea from

Real ten pin bowling great for all ages!

Licensed Bar with all sports shown, pool, darts & drinks promos. tel: 01983 404354

A land of fantasy & fun kids soft adventure play. We specialise in Kids Parties. We are open weekends & school holidays.

& if all that is not enough try...

THE DODGEMS | SNAKE SLIDE | CHILDRENS RIDES | CAFE & BURGER BAR | PLUS ALL THE LATEST IN AMUSEMENT MACHINES 01983 404122 | SANDOWNPIER.CO.UK | find us on: xb Find us on Sandown Esplanade — PO36 8JT

EAST —

The Bugle Family Inn A landmark Island pub. Boasting a fully refurbished pub and garden with kids play areas and bouncy castle. A must if you want great hospitality, food and drink at reasonable prices. New for 2018: kids eat free deal with every adult eating from the main menu.

56-57 High Street, Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0DQ 01983 407359 buglebrading.co.uk

The Caulkheads Family Inn

Neil Tregear, POTTER Attending a London art school in the seventies and a one year stint ‘throwing pots’ in Kyoto Japan, ignited Neil’s passion for pottery...

After establishing a successful ceramic business in Oxfordshire, the family moved to the Island in the early 2000s, having viewed it from afar during holidays at Studland Bay, Dorset.

Driftwood Beach Bar

The Caulkheads Family Inn, located just off the beach in Sandown specialises in looking after the little ones. With large gardens, a pirate boat, bouncy castle and indoor ball park.

Serving homemade stone-baked pizzas, alongside traditional dishes and ales. New for 2018: silent cinema and ice cream factory.

42-44 Avenue Road, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8AY 01983 405080 caulkheads.pub

With 180º uninterrupted sea views of the whole of Sandown Bay. Outdoor decks and patios make it perfect for al fresco dining, a glass of wine, beer or just a coffee. Serving fabulous breakfasts, leisurely lunches and fantastic evening meals based on dishes from around the globe.

37 Culver Parade, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8AT 01983 404004 driftwoodbeachbar.com

The Culver Haven Inn

Fisherman’s Cottage

Next to the Monument on top of Culver Down sits the Culver Haven Inn, a family-run freehouse pub with fantastic views from Por tsmouth, past Bembridge, all the way across Sandown Bay. Situated on the downs with beautiful walks along the cliff tops and down to the beaches.

Culver Down Road, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8QT 01983 406107 culverhaven.com

Nestled beneath Shanklin Chine at the end of Shanklin Esplanade the towns original thatched pub on the beach. Frequented by visitors and locals alike, the pub dates back more than 200 years and is one of the hidden gems of the Island. Newly refurbished for 2018.

1 The Esplanade, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6BN 01983 863882 fishermanscottageshanklin.co.uk

Making his home in Niton on the rugged south coast, Neil took up sailing often opting to be up on the foredeck, where he would have the best view of the sea. It was here, that the inspiration for Tregear Pottery and its most famous design of the ‘Little Fish’ took shape. Neil wanted to capture the essence of being out to sea within his art. Working from his studio at home, Neil held two solo sellout shows at Quay Arts in 2007. He then went on to show at mainland galleries and trade fairs. The size of the orders soon meant that it was time for Neil and wife Catherine to look for bigger premises and Tregear Pottery opened on High Street, Niton. Today, Neil employs four people and works hard to fulfill orders coming in from around the world, his clients include Rick Stein, English Heritage and The National Trust.

The ‘Whitebait Vessel’ (pictured) is one of the best selling items in the range. For Neil, he believes that this is because people see the shoal of fish first, and the pot second. The pot itself takes its shape from a Japanese tea cup (although much bigger!).

tregearpottery.co.uk Looking out to sea from Fisherman’s Cottage.

66

EAST —

SHANKLIN THEATRE ISLE OF WIGHT

Year round top quality entertainment, including star names.

Box Office (01983) 868000 www.shanklintheatre.com

~ Royal China ~ 16 High Street, Sandown PO36 8DE | Chinese Restaurant

A wide selection of Peking, Cantonese & Szechaun dishes.

Fine food, cool décor, a smart, stylish bar & amazing authentic cuisine.

Food is all freshly prepared by a master chef with over 25 years’ experience.

You’ll be well looked after from the moment you step inside the door.

Lunch: 12noon - 2.15pm Evening: 5.30pm - 11.30pm Open till midnight Fri & Sat 7 days a week, all year round including Bank Holidays Takeaway available with delivery 5.30pm - 11pm

Tel: 01983 401128 or 402777 | www.royalchinaiow.co.uk

A VIEW TO DINE FOR

beach bar N Grill

Take advantage Of our new Earlybird Offer 20% off all food ordered 4-6pm weekdays*

(Mar/April/May) *EX : Bank/School Hols

FABULOUS BREAKFASTS

IT’S BETTER AT THE BEACH

Sandown Beach, Culver Parade, Sandown I.W Po36 8AT

Leisurely lunches evening menu open early TIL late Tel 01983 404004 7 DAYS A WEEK Taste the world EVENING MENU

Location...LOCATION...LOCATION...

With 180˚ uninterrupted sea views of the whole of Sandown Bay, Huge outdoor decks and patios make it perfect for al fresco dining, a glass of wine, beer or just a cup of fresh roasted coffee.

www.driftwoodnbeachbar.com WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

a selection of dishes based on flavours from the 6 continents of the world

67

EAST —

BLUEBERRYS CAFE Relax and enjoy good food and drink at Blueberry’s Cafe ( fully licensed) with some of the most stunning views on the Island.

View from cafe

Offering breakfasts, light snack, lunches, ice cream and delicious homemade cakes. tel: 01983 866378 | 45 Littlestairs Rd, Shanklin PO37 6HS (Adjacent to Winchester House car park) b BlueberrysCafe | a@BlueberrysCafe

If you are visiting the Isle of Wight for the first time or you live on the Isle of Wight and fancy giving watersports a try, where better place to start than Wight Water.

We cater for: • School groups bookings • Individual bookings • Corporate days/weekends • Family groups • Stag and Hen Parties • Professional Training • All forms of watersports • Equipment hire • Sale of equipment We offer a fun, safe, warm, fit and healthy atmosphere.

All of the good vibe action takes place down at the beach.

The Isle of Wights favorite ale

is the Isle of Wight’s premier water sports centre, opened in 1982 by the director, Scott Gardner’s, father. On the beach, on the south east coast, its down-to-earth cafe and surf store, Earth Wind and Water, provide everything you need.

Islander B

• KAYAK • SURF • BODYBOARD • WINDSURF • • DINGHY • CATAMARAN • S.U.P. • KITE SURFING •

ABV 4% A very easy drinking amber ale

Beach telephone 01983 404987 Dunroamin Beach, Lake, Isle of Wight (midway between Shanklin & Sandown) Office telephone 01983 866269

www.wightwaters.com

20% OFF ACTIVITIES WITH THIS VOUCHER

Call to book to avoid disappointment, quoting ‘Wightlife’

68

A very easy drinking amber coloured ale , brewed with Goldings & Chinook hops to give a full bodied taste.

www.yates-brewery.co.uk 01983 867878

EAST —

The Forum Café

Morgan’s Restaurant

The Romans were renowned for their love of fine food and feasting so there is nowhere more perfect to eat. The Forum café is privy to some stunning panoramic views over Sandown Bay serving up a great range of lunches, snacks, cakes and drinks.

Brading Roman Villa Morton Old Road, Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0EN 01983 406223 bradingromanvilla.org.uk

Morgan’s pride themselves in using the finest quality Isle of Wight produce, including Ventnor Bay seafood and shellfish as well as Godshill duck. Alongside the menu there’s a seasonal daily special board. The restaurant caters for families and provides a children’s menu, children must be 5 or over.

36-38 High Street, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6JY 01983 864900 morgansofshanklin.com

Island Bistro Island Bistro at Sandown Airpor t offer a varied menu of homecooked food catering for all palates, 2018 sees the launch of what must be the largest woodfired barbecue in the south of England. What better way to enjoy a lazy afternoon then to watch the planes take off and land metres away from where you’re sat?

Isle of Wight Airport Scotchells Brook Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 0JP 01983 716926 eghn.org.uk

Mr T’s Takeaway Offering a wide range of tasty char-grilled options including locally produced beef burgers, rib-eye steaks and BBQ ribs. Why not try the legendary freshly baked pizzas? Also available are chicken and doner kebabs. Kids and vegetarians are catered for.

Free home delivery to selfcatering and holiday camps.

46 Atherley Road, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 7AU 01983 863361 mrtspizzashed.co.uk

匀䔀䔀 伀嘀䔀刀 ㈀Ⰰ 䐀伀䰀䰀匀 䄀一䐀 吀伀夀匀 䘀刀伀䴀 挀⸀㈀ 䈀⸀䌀⸀ 琀漀 挀⸀㄀㤀㔀 ⸀ 伀一䔀 伀䘀 吀䠀䔀 䴀伀匀吀 䌀伀䴀倀刀䔀䠀䔀一匀䤀嘀䔀 倀刀䤀嘀䄀吀䔀 䌀伀䰀䰀䔀䌀吀䤀伀一匀 䤀一 吀䠀䔀 䌀伀唀一吀刀夀

刀䄀刀䔀 䄀一䐀 唀一䤀儀唀䔀 䔀堀䠀䤀䈀䤀吀匀 䔀匀吀䄀䈀䰀䤀匀䠀䔀䐀 伀嘀䔀刀 㐀 夀䔀䄀刀匀 䄀圀䄀刀䐀 圀䤀一一䤀一䜀 䴀唀匀䔀唀䴀 䄀匀 匀䔀䔀一 伀一 吀䔀䰀䔀嘀䤀匀䤀伀一

PASSIONATE ABOUT BUYING LOC AL Tim Morgan is Head Chef and owner of Morgan’s, a chic restaurant noted for its seafood and local produce in his home town of Shanklin....

After completing training at the Isle of Wight College, he spent a number of years working in London, first for Marco Pierre White, then at The Ivy and J Sheekey, which is where he gained his seafood knowledge.

Using local produce is high on Tim’s agenda and he loves the ease of popping in to visit suppliers and seeing what theyíve got to offer rather than ordering produce from miles away.

“99% of what we offer comes from the Isle of Wight. It is lovely to be able to go to Ventnor each day to choose my wet fish and shellfish. All our chickens, ducks and eggs come from Brownrigg Farm in Godshill too,” says Tim.

伀瀀攀渀 昀爀漀洀 䴀愀爀挀栀 琀漀 一漀瘀攀洀戀攀爀 ㄀ 愀洀 ⴀ 㔀瀀洀 䔀瘀攀爀礀 䐀愀礀 ⠀椀渀挀氀 匀甀渀⤀ 䠀椀最栀 匀琀爀攀攀琀Ⰰ 䈀刀䄀䐀䤀一䜀Ⰰ 倀伀㌀㘀 䐀䨀 吀攀氀㨀 ⠀ ㄀㤀㠀㌀⤀ 㐀 㜀㈀㌀㄀ 氀椀氀氀椀瀀甀琀洀甀猀攀甀洀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 匀倀䔀䌀䤀䄀䰀 伀䘀䘀䔀刀℀

㄀ ─ 伀䘀䘀 夀伀唀刀 䔀一吀刀夀 䘀䔀䔀 圀䤀吀䠀 吀䠀䤀匀 嘀伀唀䌀䠀䔀刀

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

匀椀洀瀀氀礀 瀀爀攀猀攀渀琀 琀栀椀猀 瘀漀甀挀栀攀爀 昀漀爀 ㄀ ─ 漀昀昀 礀漀甀爀 攀渀琀爀礀 昀攀攀 椀渀 ㈀ ㄀㠀

69

EAST —

• Proud to supply

• Over 80 outlets Islandwide • All made daily using Island Produce where available • Catering for your parties, large or small

01983 404363 | 07971 253944 fullspread@aol.com

Muzza’s Kitchen

Royal China

A small, friendly, local café serving home cooked food, Italian coffee and ar tisan gelato made on the premises. Offering all day breakfasts, lunches, afternoon tea and ice-cream flavours such as Eton Mess, Ferrero Rocher and more. Open later during the summer. Gluten free and vegetarian options available.

26 High Street, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8DE 01983 407595

Royal China has a number of loyal fans and it’s not hard to see why. Offering first rate Pekinese, Cantonese and Szechuan cooking, open seven days a week. Free home delivery service and special take away menu available if you want to take your noodles to the beach.

16 High Street, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8DE 01983 401128 / 402777 royalchinaiow.co.uk

The Rock Shop

The Steamer

Specialists in rock, chocolates, handmade fudge, biscuits, sticks of rock and all types of sweets.

No holiday is complete without a visit to The Rock Shop. Kids young and old will enjoy a visit to the Island’s largest, oldest and best loved sweet shop.

91-93 High Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6NR 1 High Street, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8LX 01983 862950 therockshopiow.co.uk

A traditional seaside pub sitting opposite the beautiful sandy beach of Shanklin, offering the ideal spot for a family meal. The terrace offers the perfect place to soak up the panoramic views and treat yourself to something tasty. Live local music is on offer most weekends.

Esplanade, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6BS 01983 862641 thesteamer.co.uk

For more inspiration visit wightlink.co.uk/do

Explore the 10 acre vineyard and our cellars on a self-guided tour.

Only £8 for adults and under 18’s free.

Wine tasting lesson with our expert wine-maker.

Come & Enjoy THE GRAPE TO GLASS EXPERIENCE Why not stay the night in our peaceful Bed and Breakfast?

Local produce SHOP

The Snug B&B

Licensed CAFE

Isle of Wight

e Chamber of Commerc

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

UKVA ENGLISH WINE AWARD WINNER 2016 & 2017

Live MUSIC Serving sharing platters, light lunches, traditional cream teas and drinks.

Newly refurbished with reclaimed vineyard materials.

Adgestone’s own English and Country Wines, Liqueurs, Arson Fire Jams & Chutneys, as well as the finest local cheeses, biscuits and pestos.

Live music on the terrace, Saturday and Sunday 1pm-3pm, July to September.

THE OLDEST COMMERCIAL VINEYARD IN ENGLAND STILL OPERATING.

Winner 2015

Upper Road, Sandown PO36 OES | bookings@adgestonevineyard.co.uk | 01983 402882 | adgestonevineyard.co.uk

70

Did you know Aldi was voted ‘Best Value for Money Supermarket’ for the past 3 years?

You’ll discover something amazing every day at your local Aldi store.

Winner Favourite Supermarket

Fresh Produce Supermarket of the Year.

2015. 2016. 2017.

Winner Favourite Wine Retailer

Your local stores are: T HE S

COWES

OLEN

Airfield Way, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8BF

T

Spithead Business Centre, Newport Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9PH

WOOTTON BRIDGE RYDE

NEWPORT BEMBRIDGE

Mon-Sat 8am-10pm Sun 10am-4pm

LAKE

P

Free parking Parent & child parking

AldiUK

@AldiUK

@AldiUK

AldiUKStores

#AldiEverydayAmazing

SOUTH —

South

Miles of the south’s wild headland is only accessible by foot, that said – it’s well wor th exploring!

The southern point of the Island has its own distinct feel, due to the unique micro-climate and the artistic heritage that is still in full swing today...

Ventnor is a real mini-Mediterranean town, bustling with pavement cafés, where people sit and take in the views of the English Channel. The town has a distinct artisan vibe, as zig-zag roads with Victorian terraces lead down to one-off shops including art galleries, vintage and antique emporiums, to well-known jewellers such as Honeybourne Jewellery.

There are plenty of independent eateries that use local produce. Being close to the sea, seafood is of course a local speciality. Watch the fisherman sail in on their boats and then pick up the day’s catch at the shop on the harbour. Try one of the pubs and restaurants that will be offering fresh fish as the daily special, such as The Spyglass Inn that sits atop the sea wall, or the Ale & Oyster with its fine views across the channel.

72

The unique climate of the south is perhaps best experienced with a trip to Ventnor Botanic Garden, where you will find an unrivalled selection of subtropical and exotic plants and flowers set in 22 acres. Complete with a restaurant, children’s playground and galleries, make this a must visit.

From the garden, take the trip down to Steephill Cove where after the (many) steps, you will be rewarded with a picturesque cove and a smattering of eateries serving up the speciality of locally caught crab.

A visit over this side provides the perfect excuse for a trip to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary where everyone is welcome, including well-behaved dogs. Funded entirely by donations, meet over 90 donkeys along with 25 horses and ponies, then enjoy some relaxing time in its café.

Rugged beaches, steep cliffs and beautiful walks, the south coast has it all and it’s no wonder it has inspired a few famous names over the years, including Charles Dickens who wrote several chapters of David Copperfield here.

SOUTH —

Andy & Cheryl welcome you to their family run 17th century coaching inn situated in the idyllic village of Chale on the Island’s most southerly point, with spectacular views to The Needles and beyond.

SOUTH

Beach Guide

Steephill Cove

With more hours of sunshine, this was once Britain’s most famous Victorian health resorts. The micro-climate can be seen in the unique plants that grow here, and the decidedly Mediterranean feeling...

• Live music twice a week

• Food served all day

• Outdoor childrens’ play area

• En-suite bedrooms

• Large sunny garden

• Large car park

Church Place, Chale, IW, PO38 2HA 01983 730431 info@wightmouse.com www.wightmouse.co.uk

VENTNOR A natural sun trap, Ventnor is the southernmost resort beach on the Island. The sandy beach has vintage bathing huts available to hire as beach huts, along with deck chairs and sun loungers. The backdrop of pavement cafés and the steep town stretching above can make you think you have accidentally washed up on a Mediterranean beach. At low tide a ridge of rocks appear from beneath the waves perfect for exploring.

VENTNOR PARK Our award-winning park is set in the heart of Ventnor.

Enjoy the putting green, singing birds in the aviary, a café serving light bites and cakes plus regular live music and fun events throughout the summer.

STEEPHILL COVE Accessible only by foot, the hidden gem of Steephill Cove is tucked away. Take the (many) steps down and you will be rewarded with spectacular views, clear swimming waters and rock pools. Traditional fishermen still fish these waters and you can enjoy the fresh catch at some of the best seafood cafés around - try the famous crab pasty.

Other beaches to try are Castlehaven and Monks Bay. Find out more online at wightlink.co.uk/do

Relax in the tranquil surroundings, complete with a stream and tropical plants.

Dogs are very welcome.

Park Avenue, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1LB Tel: 07565 687612 Facebook: @ventnorpark

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK Beach Guides_7.3.18.indd 4

08/03/2018 19:57

73

SOUTH —

Tregear Pottery —

DO Blackgang Chine Land of Imagination Blackgang Chine is celebrating its 175th Bir thday in 2018, and everyone is invited to join the par ty! With celebratory events throughout the year, bring the family and make memories that will last for generations!

New for 2018: Dodo Valley has been transformed!

Nr Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 2HN 01983 730330 blackgangchine.com

Honeybourne Jewellery Providing a bespoke commission service and ‘off the peg’ changing jewellery collections, handmade on the premises by a team of 3 designer makers led by RCA trained Sophie Honeybourne.

Specialising in Vitreous enamels, working in silver, gold, precious and semi precious stones to suit all budgets. New website for 2018!

3 Church Street, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1SW 01983 854618 honeybournejewellery.com

Celia Wilkinson CONTEMPORARY ARTIST Celia’s paintings are described as a ‘visual diary’ of her life. Each piece tells a story about her feelings, they are far less about what she physically sees and more about what she is thinking and feeling at the time of creating them...

Celia started her art career in south London, but with a completely different style, albeit successful, it was totally unrecognisable to what she produces today. Originally painting shoals of fish, it wasn’t until her children left home that she had more time on her hands to explore and find her true style. Taking a year and a half out, Celia didn’t show anything during this time and just experimented, going right back to basics with colours and shapes, until she found ‘her voice’.

The abstract landscapes are based around the Island, much on the south coast where she lives. Celia works out of Binnel Studios which features eight private units for local artists, at a stunning location in St Lawrence.

The studios are open by appointment only, or visit Binnel’s annual open weekend, on the 25 & 26 August 2018.

This piece (pictured) is called ‘Sudden Change’ and it represents Celia’s changes of mind and direction, from literally starting out as a different piece which has been overpainted to create texture, reflective of the thoughts and processes behind it.

celiawilkinson.co.uk 74 Artists.indd 4

08/03/2018 20:01

IW Donkey Sanctuary Currently home to over 90 abandoned donkeys, who all love to meet the public. Special events run most weekends. Adopt a donkey, gift shop and café, plus 55 acres of walkways and nature meadows! Indoor barns and visitor areas, suitable for wet weather!

Free entry and free parking.

St Johns Road, Wroxall Isle of Wight PO38 3AA 01983 852693 iowdonkeysanctuary.org

St Catherine’s Lighthouse Visitor Centre Niton Undercliff, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 2NF 01983 730435 trinityhouse.co.uk Located on the picturesque southern tip of the Isle of Wight, St Catherine’s Lighthouse offers the opportunity to climb the tower and observe the breathtaking view of the Channel whilst learning about this full automated, operational lighthouse.

Situated on the rugged southcoast, Tregear Pottery produces a beautiful range of handmade stoneware pottery. Each piece is made from a fine white stoneware clay and is hand decorated in a variety of designs – all drawing their inspiration and influences from the exceptional beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

High Street, Niton Isle of Wight PO38 2AZ 01983 731523 tregearpottery.co.uk

Ventnor Botanic Garden Undercliff Drive, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1UL 01983 855397 botanic.co.uk Explore 22 acres of sub-tropical gardens, with over 6,000 species of plants, shrubs and champion trees and plants in bloom 365 days a year. Visit the Heritage Centre plus enjoy delicious cuisine. Look out for kids activities in school holidays, hidden gardens and daily tours of the secret tunnel.

Ventnor Tee in the Park Our award-winning park is set in the hear t of Ventnor. Enjoy the putting green, singing birds in the aviary, a café serving light bites and cakes plus regular live music and fun events throughout the summer. Relax in the tranquil surroundings, complete with a stream and tropical plants. Dogs are welcome.

Park Avenue, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1LB 07565 687612 ventnorpark.co.uk

—

STAY The Hambrough Sitting high above the fishing harbour in Ventnor, The Hambrough offers 5 AA Gold Star luxury boutique accommodation by the sea.

Most of the gorgeous bedrooms have magnificent views of the sea and award-winning breakfasts are created using delicious locally sourced produce.

Hambrough Road, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1SQ 01983 856333 thehambrough.com

SOUTH —

The Leconfield

The Plantation Room

Situated on St Boniface down, overlooking the historic village of Bonchurch. This 5 star award-winning country house has spectacular panoramic views from most rooms, the garden, conservatory/ breakfast room. A warm welcome, comfor table luxury accommodation and a relaxing ambience awaits your arrival.

85 Leeson Road, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1PU 01983 852196 leconfieldhotel.com

Open daily from 10am. Located on the top level of the Garden, this cosy café has a sheltered outdoor terrace which overlooks the historical Palm Garden. With free parking, the café provides a wonderful retreat for customers looking for a hot drink and catch up with friends.

Ventnor Botanic Garden Undercliff Drive, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1UL 01983 855397 botanic.co.uk

THE HAMBROUGH ...the perfect Island escape

The Spyglass Inn —

EAT The Buddle Family Inn Recent winner of the Sunday Telegraph’s ‘Top 10 UK Gardens with a Sea View’. Commonly known as one of the Island’s most popular and historic inns frequented by locals and tourists alike. New for 2018: Kids eat for free 12-4pm each day with a full paying adult.

St. Catherine’s Road, Niton Isle of Wight PO38 2NE 01983 730243 buddleinn.co.uk

Edulis Restaurant Edulis, means edible in Latin.

The relaxing space boasts huge picture windows that bring the lovely surroundings of the Mediterranean garden inside, the chefs work their magic creating ultra fresh cuisine sourced locally and picked fresh from the garden.

Ventnor Botanic Garden Undercliff Drive, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1UL 01983 855397 botanic.co.uk

The Hambrough The bar and restaurant has stunning views over the whole of Ventnor Bay and open to all. Serving delicious cocktails and fine wines alongside the new exciting Bar Bites menu throughout the day and exquisite dishes from the modern British menu in the restaurant at night.

Hambrough Road, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1SQ 01983 856333 thehambrough.com

Arguably the best location on the Island. Celebrating its 30th year in 2018, The Spyglass Inn sits at the western end of Ventnor Esplanade, you couldn’t get much closer to the sea. Known for its excellent food, much is sourced locally. Live music is a key feature most nights.

Esplanade, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1JX 01983 855338 thespyglass.com

...seven gorgeous bedrooms ...and food to match

LUXURY 5 STAR ACCOMMODATION Coffee & Cake

Bar Open from 11 am

Cream and Savoury Teas

Afternoon Teas

Wines, Champagnes and Expertly Mixed Cocktails

Hambrough Road : Ventnor : PO38 1SQ

Enquiries and Bookings : 01983 856333

@TheHambrough : www.thehambrough.com

Ventnor Winter Gardens With amazing panoramic views over Ventnor Bay the Art Deco Winter Gardens is open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner.

The fantastic rooftop terraces are perfect for enjoying a cocktail or beer in the sunshine and the cream and afternoon teas are a must. Regular live music and stage productions.

Pier Street, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1SZ 01983 857757 theventnorwintergardens.com

The Wight Mouse Inn A family run freehouse enjoying spectacular views out to the Needles, Tennyson Down and beyond on the south coast of the Island. Enjoy home-cooked food, local ales. A large south facing garden - with a childrens outdoor play area. Live music twice weekly.

Church Place, Chale Isle of Wight PO38 2HA 01983 730431 wightmouse.co.uk

HONEYBOURNE JEWELLERY

Bespoke jewellery handmade on the premises 3 Church St, Ventnor, IOW. PO38 1SW. 01983 854618

w w w. h o n e y b o u r n e j e we l l e r y. c o m

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

75

WEST —

West

Yarmouth’s side streets lead quaintly down to the water’s edge.

The West Wight is a stunning part of the Island. Fields, forests and miles of coastline stretch out ahead of you as you take the drive out west...

Open space, unspoiled landscapes and rugged coastline, plus pretty towns and villages, lively pubs and independent shops, make this a top destination.

If arriving on the Wightlink ferry from Lymington, you will find yourself in Yarmouth. This historic harbour town contains some of the Island’s oldest architecture, including English Heritage’s 16th century Yarmouth Castle, the last addition to King Henry VIII’s coastal defences.

The beauty of the west has inspired many an artist over the years including Julia Margaret Cameron, the pioneering art photographer and her neighbour Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate during Queen Victoria’s reign. Get your culture fill with a visit to Dimbola Museum & Galleries based at Freshwater Bay. Housed in the former home of Julia Margaret Cameron, there is a gallery dedicated to her work, as well as contemporary exhibitions from around the world and a pretty tearoom.

76

No trip over to this side would be complete without a visit to the iconic landmark of The Needles. The three chalk stacks and the classic red and white striped lighthouse are synonymous with the Isle of Wight, adorning many a picture postcard. Take a chairlift ride down to Alum Bay, past the coloured sands. The Needles Landmark Attraction has plenty to keep the kids busy too, including firework displays regularly during the season.

The west side has more than its fair share of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Newtown perhaps being the jewel in the crown. A village built on the site of a medieval borough and a nature reserve make for a great day out. Spot red squirrels, egrets and even a resident seal as you take a stroll around the estuary.

The most famous stretch of road on the Island, the Military Road runs from Chale through to Freshwater Bay and offers picture-perfect scenery from start to finish. Originally constructed as part of a defence network in 1870. Stop off along the way at Isle of Wight Pearl in Brighstone for some of the most impressive views of the English Channel and a beautiful store dedicated to pearls, catering for all styles and tastes, plus The Pearl Café is open daily.

WEST — WL 18

10% OFF EN TRY W THIS ADVEITH RT!

Home & workplace of pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, set in the stunning Freshwater Bay

WEST

Beach Guide

Exhibitions & Displays

Gift Shop

Tea Room & Garden

Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay, PO40 9QE | 01983 756814 | www.dimbola.co.uk

Grange Farm Freshwater Bay

Offering rugged, unspoilt coastal pathways with plenty of beaches to explore.

The coloured sands of Alum Bay and the iconic Needles provide a stunning backdrop to your holiday snaps...

Grange Farm, Brighstone Bay, PO30 4DA

Come & stay at this beautiful farm on the stunning south west coast the perfect base for cycling, walking and fishing.

Choose from either centrally heated static caravans, camping pods or converted barns. Family-run with unusual, friendly, farm animals.

01983 740296 www.grangefarmholidays.com

COMPTON B AY Located between Brook and Freshwater Bay, if you are looking for fun in the surf, this is the place to head to.

Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular pastimes here. There are toilets but no cafe as such, although there is a refreshment van selling hot and cold drinks, burgers and ice creams. Look out for the shipwrecks glimpsed as the tide goes out, as well as dinosaur footprints.

TOTLAND B AY The turquoise waters of Totland make this a popular spot for cruisers and yachts to moor up.

The beach has a short pier with a pretty café and sits opposite the public toilets and a row of pretty beach huts. There is a popular pub at the east end of the revetment or head round to Colwell Bay where you will find a traditional seaside café, pub and bistro restaurant as well as panoramic views across the Solent to Hurst Castle.

WCH DL leaflet OUTLINED.indd 1

Tick-off Freshwater Bay and Brook Beach on your bucket and spade list. Find out more online at wightlink.co.uk/do WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

19/02/2016 17:02

ba x 77

WEST —

Farringford —

GO Wight Cycle Hire The Island’s cycle hire specialist.

Great range with hybrids, trekking, mountain, road, electric, tandems and kids bikes. The hire centre is at the beautifully restored Yarmouth Station, on the Yarmouth to Freshwater cycle way.

Yarmouth Station, Station Road Yarmouth Isle of Wight PO41 0QT 01983 761800 wightcyclehire.co.uk

Farringford is a Grade 1 listed building that was the main residence of renowned Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson from 1853 until 1892. This dramatic Gothic house has now been meticulously restored and redecorated. New for 2018: An exhibition on the restoration of the house and grounds.

Bedbury Lane, Freshwater Isle of Wight PO40 9PE 01983 752500 farringford.co.uk

Isle of Wight Pearl Proud to present the most exciting collection of pearl jewellery. Sourcing pearls directly from pearl farmers and working with Britain’s brightest design talent to offer the perfect combination of value and desirability. Explore beautiful, exclusive designer pearl jewellery.

Military Road, Brighstone Isle of Wight PO30 4DD 01983 740352 iowpearl.com

Mottistone Gardens —

DO Calbourne Water Mill The last fully working water mill on the Island. There’s so much to do, including war museum, rural museum and fire station. There’s also adventure golf, pedalo punting, fun family clay-play, croquet and petanque. The café serves fresh home cooked food along with flour, oats and muesli.

Newport Road, Calbourne Isle of Wight PO30 4JN 01983 531227 calbournewatermill.co.uk

Dimbola Museum & Galleries Home and workplace of the pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, set in the stunning Freshwater Bay. Julia was renowned for her por traits of ‘famous men and fairwomen’, many of which were created at Dimbola. Free entry to Tearoom and Gift Shop.

Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay Isle of Wight PO40 9QE 01983 756814 dimbola.co.uk

78

A magical garden with colourful herbaceous borders, shrub-filled terraces and views to the sea.

Families can explore the garden as they search along the paths and high in the trees for the hidden flowerpot people. Tea garden, gift shop and plant sales.

New for 2018: Garden tours.

Mottistone, Near Brighstone Isle of Wight PO30 4ED 01983 741302 nationaltrust.org.uk/ mottistone-gardens-and-estate

The Needles New Battery Fascinating underground rooms which are home to the extraordinary exhibition about the top secret rocket-testing programme that was carried out here during the 1950s and ‘60s, as par t of Britain’s Race for Space during the height of the Cold War. There’s also a refreshments kiosk.

West High Down, Alum Bay Isle of Wight PO39 0JH 01983 754772 nationaltrust.org.uk/ the-needles-old-batteryand-new-battery

The Needles Old Battery A spectacular cliff-top for t overlooking the Needles. Built in 1862, it is now cared for by the National Trust. The Battery’s amazing story is told in a series of recreated, atmospheric rooms, whilst car toons by ar tist Geoff Campion illustrate the par t it played in the history of modern Britain.

West High Down, Alum Bay Isle of Wight PO39 0JH 01983 754772 nationaltrust.org.uk/ the-needles-old-batteryand-new-battery

West Wight Alpacas 23 acres of picturesque countryside are home to a wonderful herd of unique suri alpacas and wooly and suri llamas. Come trekking with these adorable animals, drop into the farm café and shop or simply take a leisurely stroll around the farm and watch alpacas roam.

The award-winning breeders really know a thing or two about these animals.

Main Road, Wellow Isle of Wight PO41 0SZ 01983 760900 westwightalpacas.co.uk

Yarmouth Gallery Forresters Hall, High Street Yarmouth, Isle of Wight PO41 0PL 01983 761424 yarmouthgallery.com A stylish contemporary ar t gallery just a shor t stroll from the Yarmouth Harbour. Showing a rolling exhibition of British craft with an emphasis on work

by Island makers. Alongside paintings and prints by resident ar tist Anne Toms. The ethos is relaxed and welcoming with a great little card shop.

—

STAY

The Needles Landmark Attraction

The Bay Colwell Explore the extraordinary at the Island’s best value family attraction with world famous coloured sand cliffs that overlook The Needles Rock and Lighthouse. Experience the spectacular chairlift ride to the beach. Offering a range of ‘pay as you go’ attractions; a variety of children’s activities from traditional Victorian carousel, to the 4D family cinema.

Alum Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0JD 01983 752401 theneedles.co.uk

Tapnell Farm Park The perfect place for indoor and outdoor fun, connecting with and learning about animals.

Enjoy delicious food and snacks with some of the best views on the Island. Go wild on the many activities, including soft play zone, jumping pillow, pedal go-kar ts and more. New for 2018: Grass sledges!

Newport Road, Yarmouth Isle of Wight PO41 0YJ 01983 758722 tapnellfarmpark.com

Beautifully designed holiday cottages, just a stone’s throw from a beautiful beach. Onsite facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool and children’s outdoor play area. In Spring 2018, all cottage refurbishments will be complete and Premium Cottages will become some of the most sought-after on the Island.

Fort Warden Road Colwell Bay, Freshwater Isle of Wight PO39 0DA 03333 700 500 thebayresorts.co.uk

Uninterrupted views | Daily lunch specials Homemade cakes and cream teas

FREE

POT OF TEA

FOR 2 with this ad until 31/10/18

OPEN DAILY CHILTON CHINE, MILITARY ROAD, BRIGHSTONE, PO30 4DD FREE PARKING | TEL 01983 740352 | iowpearl.com

WEST —

Grange Farm

Julia’s Tearoom

Situated on the beautiful south-west coast and direct access to the local beach. The site is ideal for cycling, walking, fishing and fossil hunting. This is a small, family-run farm with friendly animals, including alpacas, pigs, goats, horses, small pets and more, even a water buffalo.

Military Road, Brighstone Isle of Wight PO30 4DA 01983 740296 grangefarmholidays.com

Dimbola Museum & Galleries, former home of pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, is home to Julia’s Tea Room. Renowned for tempting light lunches, homemade cakes and delicious cream teas served in the characterful tea room or sunny garden.

Dimbola Museum & Galleries Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay Isle of Wight PO40 9QE 01983 756814 dimbola.co.uk

Norton Grange Nor ton Grange is a chalet village with stunning views of the Solent. Fresh seaside chalets provide peaceful spaces to relax in after a night enjoying a range of excellent food, live enter tainment, as well as a wide range of daily activities.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight PO41 0SD 01983 760323 warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/ hotels/norton-grangeholiday-village

The Llama Tree Browse the yarn barn shop and take a walk around the farm to visit the Alpacas. This café bistro has a wide range of coffees, using beans from Peru and roasted on the Island, teas and cold drinks.

Also serving paninis, mains and cakes, plus a children’s menu.

West Wight Alpacas Main Road, Wellow Isle of Wight PO41 0SZ 01983 760900 westwightalpacas.co.uk

Marconi’s Tearoom —

EAT The Bugle Coaching Inn A charming 16th century flagship Inn situated in the very hear t of Yarmouth’s market square and a stone’s throw from the sea, harbour and Wightlink ferry terminal. From the moment you step into this charming inn you will be wowed by its great hospitality, food and real ales.

The Square, Yarmouth Isle of Wight PO41 0NS 01983 760272 thebugleinn.co.uk

The Cow on the Hill One of the Island’s most unique eateries; set in a converted Swiss barn at the heart of Tapnell Farm.

Open 7 days a week for lunch, and Friday and Saturday evenings, serving delicious steaks and burgers straight from the grill, along with home-cooked classics.

New for 2018: Dog friendly.

Tapnell Farm, Newport Road Yarmouth, Isle of Wight PO41 0YJ 01983 758725 thecowco.com

80

Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or speciality coffee. There’s a range of sinful cakes and pastries and an extensive selection of soft drinks, cold beers and other alcoholic beverages.

The Needles, Alum Bay Isle of Wight PO39 0JD theneedles.co.uk

The Pearl Café Settle down in the comfor table café and take in the stunning panoramic views across the English Channel.

Isle of Wight Pearl Military Road, Brighstone Isle of Wight PO30 4DD 01983 741604 iowpearl.com

The Sun Family Inn One of the Sunday Telegraph top 10 most cosy pubs in the UK. It’s also where Benedict Cumberbatch recently got married! It has a huge beer garden and dining area with outstanding views of the English Channel, rolling countryside and Tennyson Down.

Main Road, Hulverstone Isle of Wight PO30 4EH 01983 741124 sunhulverstone.co.uk

Linda Beale, ACRYLIC ARTIST Linda originally trained in fashion, textiles and decorative paint effects in south London with her art very much as a hobby...

It was a move to the Island ten years ago when Linda says “there was little to no work styling interiors here, so I was able to focus on my art”. The pivotal point came when Linda and partner Steve, adopted their dog Norbet.

Walking him in all weathers enabled Linda to discover new landscapes and previously undiscovered views.

Coupled with more time on her hands, Linda began painting using an abstract and geometric style to reflect the landscapes of her walks.

Settling on a style that she describes as ‘posterised’, the colours are reminiscent of Mediterranean villages, with dramatic and contrasting shades. Always looking for the perfect picture, Norbet’s walks are peppered with stops to take photos which Linda then uses to build her painting at home. Although they are all scenes on the Island, they are the lesser known views, rather than the obvious iconic Isle of Wight imagery.

For Linda, it is less about the place and more about certain details that attract her, be it a tree or brickwork.

The piece pictured is entitled Horestone Point, but it could just as easily be many other places on the Island and it is this that attracts people to Linda’s paintings.

isleofwightarts.com/ artist-gallery/lindabeale

THE LAST WORKING WATER MILL ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT Milling Daily at 3pm (except Saturdays)

ALL return visits FREE

Working Water Mill, Heritage Museums, Clay Play & Lego Tables, Café & Homemade cakes, Pedalos & Punts, Adventure Golf, Disabled Access, Dogs Welcome on Lead.

COME AND JOIN THE FUN!

E FRE G KIN PAR

Licensed Café & Gift Shop PO30 4JN 01983 531227

NEW Adve n Golf C ture ourse

Open Daily 24th March – 5th November, 10am – 5pm Under 5’s FREE

www.calbournewatermill.co.uk

CENTRAL —

Central

History comes to life at Carisbrooke Castle

At the heart of the Island you will find several quaint villages, as well as the Island’s capital town, Newport. Here you will enjoy a mixture of High Street names and some excellent independent boutiques for both fashion and homewares...

The town centres around two main squares, then stretches down to the historic Quay where you will find an art gallery and café. The Bargeman’s Rest pub sits on the water’s edge and is an ideal spot to relax and watch the boats bobbing on the river, with a nice cold drink in hand.

For local heritage, Carisbrooke Castle is hard to beat. The history of the castle can be traced back as far circa 1000 AD. After the Spanish and French raids, the most famous inhabitant was King Charles I, who was imprisoned here during the Civil War between 1647-1648, before being executed in 1649. Visit the donkeys who still draw up the water from the well house, then climb the keep to the flag for a beautiful view over the surrounding village and countryside.

Arreton Valley on the main road out of Newport is home to Robin Hill Country Park, an 88 acre park jam-packed with plenty for all the family to do. Ride the toboggan run and

82

marvel at the record-breaking tree sculpture, standing a lofty 57ft high!

Take a drive through Arreton and be sure to stop off at Arreton Barns, the Island’s largest centre for arts and crafts. Here you will find traditional crafters mixed with contemporary artisans. There is also a pub serving real ales and home cooked food, a farm shop packed to the rafters with local produce and The Corn Exchange - a beautiful interiors and giftware store.

The whole family will love a trip to Amazon World, with its vast array of tropical and endangered animals, plus a brand new indoor and outdoor play park, wildlife museum and café, where you can relax and listen to the monkeys chattering.

Further inland, nestled in the beautiful countryside of Newchurch, is The Garlic Farm. Home to all things garlic (you might smell it before you see it) you can enjoy a meal in the restaurant and purchase local produce from the well-stocked shop.

For the quintessential English village, a trip to Godshill is a must. The pretty town is complete with chocolate box thatches and some of the oldest architecture on the Island. The Old Smithy, once the village blacksmiths, is now home to a range of stylish shops centred around a popular café.

CENTRAL —

Holliers Park —

DO Amazon World Zoo Park Amazon World Zoo Park, home to the Island’s largest collection of exotic animals, including; mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and insects. This multi award-winning zoo offers you animals, fauna and flora, a large Jurassic playground, café and snack shack, making this is a great day out.

Watery Lane, Nr Arreton Isle of Wight PO36 0LX 01983 867122 amazonworld.co.uk

Holliers Park and House of Chilli is an exceptional retail park with original ar t and creative crafts, ar tisan shor tbread, photography, jewellery, antiques, gold emporium and collectables plus many more. Visit the yellow double decker bus café for a light lunch, cake, tea or coffee.

Holliers Farm, Branstone Isle of Wight PO36 0LT 01983 864449 hollierspark.co.uk

Arreton Barns

10off%

The Island’s largest ar ts and crafts centre, showcasing the best in local artisans. Open seven days a week with free parking.

Find unique gifts then enjoy delicious food, fine wines and real ales at the Dairyman’s Daughter pub. NEW for 2018 Charity Dog Show, Bank Holiday Monday 27th August.

Main Road, Arreton Isle of Wight PO30 3AA 01983 528353 arretonbarns.co.uk

Carisbrooke Castle Steeped in history, once the prison of Charles I and the official residence of the Island’s Governor, now a fascinating historical attraction. Also home to the Carisbrooke donkeys, who happily demonstrate how they were used to turn the treadwheel in the well house in the 17th century.

Castle Hill, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1XY 01983 522107 english-heritage.org.uk/carisbrooke

YOUR ENTRY on production of this ad

VENTURE • VISIT • VOLUNTEER Arreton Barns Craft Village I Main Road PO30 3AA I 01983 533079

www.shipwreckcentre.com

Island Gems Island Gems offers a range of natural fossils, gemstones, amber and jewellery. With prices starting at just 50p, there’s something to suit every pocket. Also available are the multi award-winning fossil hunting trips. Trips are two hours and everything found can be kept.

Advance booking recommended.

The Cottage, High Street Godshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HZ 01983 740493 island-gems.co.uk

Multi Award Winning

FOSSIL BEACH TRIPS Felicity (Flick), the Fossil Guide, and team invite you to discover a prehistoric world of fossil trees and dinosaur footprints on Brook beach.

2 hour beach trip| guided by an expert | keep what you find Book via phone, online or pop into our Fossil and Gem Shop at

The Cottage, High Street, Godshill, IoW, PO38 3HZ 01983 740493 www.islandgems.co.uk

01983 840270

PO38 3HH

www.modelvillagegodshill.co.uk

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

83

CENTRAL —

The Model Village This unique attraction takes you back to the halcyon days of Island life. Faithful recreations are painstakingly crafted with little Islanders adding a touch of humour. Take the family quiz challenge or spot squirrels hidden around the garden, there’s plenty to see. Open daily March to October.

High Street, Godshill Isle of Wight PO38 3HH 01983 840270 modelvillagegodshill.co.uk

Monkey Haven This award-winning sanctuary is a happy home to rescued gibbons, monkeys, meerkats, reptiles and owls. You’ll love the keeper talks, play areas, tea room, gift shop and more. Free return within 7 days.

New for 2018: Free app with trails and behind the scenes info.

Staplers Rd, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 2NB 01983 530885 monkeyhaven.org

Robin Hill Country Park Set in 88 acres of beautiful countryside, perfect for visitors of all ages looking for outdoor family fun. Offering a fantastic blend of rides, falconry and adventure play to woodland gardens, ponds and walks.

Coming in 2018… High in the canopy find trampolines, net bridges and tunnels.

Downend, Nr Newport Isle of Wight PO30 2NU 01983 527352 robin-hill.com

—

STAY Island Riding Centre Set in 40 acres at the Island Riding Centre a range of 3 and 4 bedroom houses sleeping 2-12 people or a large group up to 50 and suitable for wheelchair users.

On site all weather riding school and stable yard Staplers Road, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 2NB 01983 214000 / 215000 islandriding.com

Rookley Park Located at the heart of the Island, Rookley Park has everything for the perfect family holiday.

A beautiful lakeside setting, bar and eatery, indoor and outdoor (seasonal) swimming pools.

Accommodation to suit all budgets from caravans, cottages and lake houses. New for 2018: Children’s activities from Easter.

Main Road, Rookley Isle of Wight PO38 3LU 03333 700 400 islandviewholidays.co.uk

Maria Ward WATERCOLOUR ARTIST Maria came across what has become known as her signature style. It was whilst studying illustration at Falmouth Art College and a module in Fine Art, that struck a chord...

—

Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum The Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum, a popular Island attraction with lots to see and do for the whole family.

The museum is full of items recovered from real shipwrecks on the sea floor including bells, gold coins and personal items.

New for 2018: gallery and education room.

Arreton Barns Craft Village Main Road, Arreton Isle of Wight PO30 3AA 01983 533079 shipwreckcentre.com

EAT The Bargeman’s Rest Sitting on Newpor t harbour overlooking the River Medina, The Bargeman’s Rest is one of Newpor t’s few Island familyrun freehouse pubs. Serving traditional home-cooked food with a focus on local produce where possible. Many events throughout the year including live music and real ale festivals.

Little London Quay, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 5BS 01983 525828 bargemansrest.com

When painting on location, she found oils to be too impractical in the elements and started to work with pen and wash for ease. Wanting to create something different to a photograph, she began to sketch the people passing. A commission for ‘something comical’ for a chip shop in Cowes was the turning point and the style that Maria describes as “busy pictures” was born. Some of the figures are fictional, where others are real and are sometimes recognisable in her paintings.

Maria produces between 20 to 30 pieces in this style a year, as well as working in other styles under pseudonyms. The majority of work is commission-based and during the summer months Maria can regularly be found painting on locations in places such as Cowes High Street or at local events including the annual Ryde Scooter Rally.

mariaward.co.uk

For more inspiration on things to do on the Island visit wightlink.co.uk/do 84 Artists.indd 6

08/03/2018 20:25

Caffe Isola &

The

Chapel STreet

Roastery

artisan cafe, roastery & independent retail 85a St James St, Newport, Tel: 524800

Leading the way in Island artisan coffee...

Caffè Isola has long been at the forefront of the Island’s speciality coffee scene and 2018 has seen expansion into an exciting new site in Upper St James Street, an area which has become a real hub for local businesses. The historic former Beavis building, which was originally a church lecture hall, has been beautifully restored to house their artisan roastery café and incorporate even more local retail products. “We’ve come a long way since we first opened Caffe Isola as a Take Away coffee shop in Watchbell Lane back in 2006,” says Dan Burgess (owner) but as a family business it’s their passion for coffee and quality that has been key to their success.

Expect nothing less than latte art on your cappuccino or flat white, or the intrigue of other brew methods such as V60 for single origin coffees or leaf teas served in glass tea pots. The food menu reflects the marriage of local produce with Italian heritage led by Dan’s Sicilian wife, Viviana, all freshly prepared on site.

Offering panini and traditional hand cut sandwiches, salads and soups and, of course, plenty of homemade cakes.

Enhanced breakfast and kids menus have been added along with authentic Italian pasta specials. Here you will also find a large retail range of their Island Roasted coffee, leaf teas and great local produce, particularly from fellow Wight Marque members, bringing some of that farm shop excellence to the town centre. The first floor gallery, due to

open Easter 2018, will house the

the roastery where customers can watch their Island Roasted coffee being hand roasted and packed, and a retail area which will showcase some of the Island’s great “cottage industry” producers as well as, of course, an extensive range of coffee and tea equipment.

This family business started out over 15 years ago in wholesale speciality coffee, launching the I.O.W Espresso Co. and in 2010 started roasting coffee commercially. Since then demand for their “Island Roasted” artisan coffee has grown considerably, “Roasting coffee is as much an art as it is a science - it comes from experience. We hand roast our coffees in small batches using drum roasters to allow the coffee time to develop its true flavour”, explains Dan. The latest technology is used to visualise and meticulously record all aspects of every roast so that it can be referred back to, ensuring consistency and quality. The highest quality coffees are sourced, “ethical and sustainable coffees are premium and exactly what

we look for as a craft roaster”, “ DirectTrade” routes are used where possible, ensuring the producer gets the highest price for their dedication.

The company produces a range of high quality espresso blends used by cafes, restaurants and attractions across the Island and mainland, as well as onboard Wightlink’s ferries. They also produce a range of seasonal single origin coffees more often used by retail customers using home brewing methods such as filter, aeropress, and cafetiere, which are available at Caffè Isola or through the website www.islandroasted.co.uk.

island roasted artisan coffee from the isle of wight

www.islandroasted.co.uk

CENTRAL —

Briddlesford Lodge Farm A commercial dairy farm with shop, café, heritage centre, milk processing factory and cheese room. Creamy gold top milk and delicate rose veal is served with food metres rather than miles in mind. New for 2018: Welly Wednesday Farm Tours 2-4pm during July and school holidays.

Briddlesford Road, Wootton Isle of Wight PO33 4RY 01983 882885 briddlesford.co.uk

Caffe Isola 85a St James Street, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1LG 01983 524800 islandroasted.co.uk One of the Island’s finest ar tisan coffee shops. Run by Dan Burgess and his Sicilian wife Viviana and centred around their “Island Roasted” brand which Dan roasts by hand. Enjoy Viviana’s authentic Italian influenced food.They also offer a wide range of retail products from local producers.

Beach and Trail Rides Safe Onsite Hacks Group and Individual Lessons Indoor Centre Opening 2018 Holiday Livery Available Luxury Holiday Accom.

(Sleeps 2 – 50 People)

ty vi ti rt! ac vebject d ny s a i and suitions f a hi n-Fr cond of t e Mo s and 5 th ilabl erm £ wi Ava to t

Riding School: 01983 214000 Holidays: 01983 215000 info@islandriding.com www.islandriding.com

WOW!

86

The Chequers Inn This country pub at the heart of the Island has many modern facilities, yet still retains its traditional character. The chefs provide good home-cooked food all day, every day including a very popular carvery. It is family friendly with activities for children.

Niton Road, Rookley Isle of Wight PO38 3NZ 01983 840314 chequersinn-iow.co.uk

The Dairyman’s Daughter Situated in the hear t of the ancient village of Arreton. An Island family-run, freehouse pub offering an extensive menu of home-cooked dishes, great ales some locally produced - and fine wines. Live music is on offer most nights of the week.

Arreton Barns, Main Road Arreton, Isle of Wight PO30 2AA 01983 539361 arretonbarns.co.uk

The Garlic Farm Get the full garlic experience at this unique, idyllic farm.

The shop overflows with garlic of all varieties along with mayonnaises, chutneys, beer, vodka and even garlic ice cream.

Discover everything you wanted to know about garlic, enjoy free tastings and great food. Free entry and parking.

Mersley Lane, Newchurch Isle of Wight PO36 0NR 01983 865378 thegarlicfarm.co.uk

The Old Smithy The Crown Family Inn Voted ‘Isle of Wight family pub of the year for 2017’. Set in one of the most beautiful villages on the Island, boasting enviably the best pub garden with a fresh water trout stream and duck sanctuary.

New for 2018: children’s play area and bouncy castle.

Walkers Lane, Shorwell Isle of Wight PO30 3JZ 01983 740293 thecrowninnshorwell.co.uk

Boasting a variety of well-stocked gift shops, including fashion brands and home interiors.

Browse in the Old Forge and cottage, stroll through the landscaped garden with pixie and fairy grottos (which have seen the return of the Godshill Witch).

Then enjoy lunch and cakes in the coffee shop.

High Street, Godshill Isle of Wight PO38 3HZ 01983 840364 theoldsmithy.com

PORTSMOUTH —

Portsmouth Emirates Spinnaker sky walk

Portsmouth is more than just a stopping point on the way to the Isle of Wight – it’s a wonderful holiday destination in its own right...

With miles of coastline and centuries of history, Portsmouth offers something for all ages, interests and budgets. There are fascinating museums, world-class attractions and a packed calendar of events running throughout the year.

Atop of many people’s Portsmouth itinerary is a trip up the Emirates Spinnaker Tower. Its viewing platforms, at over 100ft above sea level, offer 360-degree vistas that - on a clear day - stretch for 23 miles. Visitors can see Portsmouth, the Solent and across to the Isle of Wight. Plus, the tower is also home to The Clouds Café, where you can have a very high tea!

After stepping back onto terra firma, take a trip around the outlet shopping centre in which the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is sited, Gunwharf Quays. Here you can find bigname bargains at up to 60% off RRP, with brands including Joules, Cath Kidston, Coach and many more. Once you’re all shopped out (or just taking a break to ready yourself for round two), you can stop off at one of the centre’s many food outlets. From trendy coffee shops to restaurants from around the world, there is an abundance of choice. Plus, when the sun goes down you can enjoy nightlife in the form of clubs, bars, a bowling alley and a 14-screen cinema.

Just a short hop from Gunwharf Quays is one of the city’s biggest and most well-loved tourist attractions Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Here you can not only see centuries of British naval history but feel it too. Why not take a walk along Nelson’s celebrated HMS Victory, or get up close to HMS Warrior 1860 - the fastest and most ferocious ship of her time (but one which never fired a shot in anger)?

You can also see the Mary Rose, with what remains of Henry

88

VIII’s beloved flagship more visible and accessible than it has been since it was raised from the sea bed in 1982.

On the subject on Henry VIII, why not pay a visit to his very own Southsea Castle, which is now a museum in its own right. Henry was a notable scholar of castle design and so played a very active role in the building of this fortification.

It was even within these walls that King Henry watched his Mary Rose sink.

VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL 24-26 August victoriousfestival.co.uk The Prodigy and Paul Weller join The Libertines at the top of the bill for 2018.

Another notable Portsmouth resident was Charles Dickens, who was born in a small terraced house in Portsea. This family home is now a museum dedicated to the great author himself, and contains a number of his personal possessions.

Portsmouth was also the birthplace of literary icon Sherlock Holmes. His creator - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - lived and worked as a doctor in Southsea at the time he first put pen to paper on everybody’s favourite consulting detective. Be sure to visit the Doyle-themed exhibition at Portsmouth Museum - ‘A Study in Sherlock’.

For more information on visiting Portsmouth, or to plan out your itinerary, take a look at visitportsmouth.co.uk, where you can find attractions, events, accommodation and a whole load more.

SALE AWAY THIS SUMMER With over 90 brands at up to 60% off

YOUR LINK TO

The y t i c t n o r f r e t a W

Book your journey now at wightlink.co.uk

YOUR LINK TO THE ISLAND

90

C

Introducing a collection of three outstanding Landmark Coastal Inns located in some of the Island’s most prestigious coastal towns.

Tel: 0198

3 760272

Yarmouth Isle of Wight PO41 0NS

C

“Located in th the heart o e market square in f the beauti town of Yarm ful coastal outh”

With amazing views, accommodation, CAMRA real ales and locally sourced menus specialising in steaks and seafood, you will not be disappointed. Table service is offered – booking recommended.

TheBugleYa rmouth

E Landmark C CO OA ASTAL INNS

FINE WINES

& CRAFT BEERS

erlooking “Dine on the terrace ov nd” yo be d an The Solent Tel: 01983

299618

The Parade West Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7QS

theyachtsmancowes

E FULLY

REFURBRISHED FO

2018!

Award winning

c

embridge cation at B “Stunning lo n Forelands Beach” to Ledge, righ

3 872244 Tel: 0198

eld Rd Forelands Fi ge id br em B Isle of Wight PO35 5TR

free house pubs d 2

1

IOW CrabLobster

characterinnsiow G))))))))))))g

3

1. The Bugle Inn, Yarmouth 2. The Yachtsman, Cowes 3. Crab & Lobster, Bembridge

LYMINGTON & THE NEW FOREST

—

Lymington & The New Forest The New Forest boasts miles of breathtaking scenry throughout the National Park.

The New Forest is the Isle of Wight’s nearest National Park – and Wightlink’s Yarmouth to Lymington ferry gets you right to the heart of the summer action!

While it’s packed with things to see, explore and experience – there are 140,000 acres of common land to roam over – the Forest never seems to get too packed itself, making it the ultimate destination for a day-trip or something a little longer.

Leave the car at home and bring your bike - or hire one at Cyclexperience. Enjoy more than 100 miles of epic off-road cycling routes, directly accessible within minutes from the ferry terminal – perfect for even the youngest children.

Or take to our network of peaceful roads with plenty of cafés and restaurants to enjoy a tasty pit-stop – we have plenty of routes for you to download and use.

Summer is the best time to catch a glimpse of our 5,000 roaming ponies and donkeys and their adorable foals, as well as the deer and other wildlife that live in what remains Britain’s biggest Site of Special Scientific Interest. Get closer still by booking a pitch at one of our campsites – each has its own unique features and personality – or book into one of our holiday parks for a little more luxe.

Bringing the car? Then you should have no trouble getting to the many major attractions. Tinies will love Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park and this year they are upping the fun with a new attraction, Little Africa. Meet the meerkats, say hello to a porcupine and discover the creatures of the night in their new nocturnal house.

If gardens are your thing, head straight to Exbury and spend a tranquil few hours taking in the rhododendrons and azaleas of this world-famous collection. Or take a ride on its miniature railway – The Queen is a fan! Don’t forget to check out the newest exhibition at Beaulieu Motor Museum, where it’s celebrating The Luxury of Motoring.

92

Summer is a time of festivals and fun, The New Forest is no exception. Savour the laid-back atmosphere of Smoked ‘n’ Uncut, The Pig and Lime Wood hotels’ boutique music and food festivals. If you’re coming on August 11 or 12 hang out in Lymington, former sea-salt capital of England, and take in its seafood festival. If you love horses, livestock and country lifestyle you won’t want to miss The Annual New Forest Show, on July 24, 25 and 26.

The New Forest has more than its fair share of organised activities, too, from stand-up paddleboarding, to kayaking the Beaulieu River, to zooming along a zipwire at Go Ape!

THE NEW FOREST SHOW 24, 25, 26 July newforestshow.co.uk Taking place in Brockenhurst in the heart of the National Park, the New Forest Show offers visitors 30 acres of showground for the whole family to explore.

Or explore a little-known aspect of the Forest’s past – as a shipbuilding powerhouse which supplied vessels for the fleet commanded by Admiral Lord Nelson. Bucklers Hard is home to a shipwright school, a maritime museum and one of the most beautiful and iconic high streets in the UK. Stay for a day or book one of our award-winning hotels – from 5* Chewton Glen to Careys Manor and its world-class SenSpa, to the stylish Mill at Gordleton near Lymington – before hopping back on your ferry and gliding home again.

For more information on visiting Lymington and The New Forest, or to plan out your itinerary, take a look at thenewforest.co.uk, where you can find attractions, events, accommodation and a whole load more.

Four stunning

£3m

Isle of Wight

invested for 2018

holiday parks...

Holidays & ownership

Holidays & ownership

Holidays & ownership

Lower Hyde

Landguard

PO31 8NJ

PO33 1YA

PO37 7LL

PO37 7PJ

Thorness Bay

Nodes Point

Holidays only

Our award winning parks include^ • Heated indoor & outdoor swimming pools • Superb bars and restaurants • All weather sports courts and playgrounds • The best coastal locations • Dazzling entertainment • Fantastic choice of quality accommodation • Caravan and lodges available to own • 12 months season for owners+

For holiday enquiries call 0333 207 6755 For ownership enquiries call 0300 303 3685# Visit: parkdeanresorts.co.uk Images are for illustration purposes. #Calls to 03 numbers are charged at standard UK rates and will be included in any inclusive minute bundles. ^Facilities vary by park and time of year. Access within the park opening dates as notified each year. Facilities on some parks may carry a charge. +Owners can holiday as often as they like within their specified holiday season and pitch agreement. Parkdean Resorts holiday parks are not residential parks and holiday homes cannot be occupied as a permanent residence.

We’d love to hear from you We always welcome your feedback which helps us to improve your experience of travelling with Wightlink. If you have any suggestions, compliments or complaints please visit: wightlink.co.uk/feedback

YOUR LINK TO THE ISLAND

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

93

THE GENERATION GAME —

e m a G n o i t a er n e G The

Coming to the Isle of Wight is like stepping back in time to a holiday drawn from fading seaside postcards. Pioneering adventurers – naturalists, artists, writers – seeking beauty and inspiration have sailed here across the Solent, for as long as can be remembered...

But, with the development of railways and seaside resorts, the Island became a mecca for holidaymakers. Different generations of the same family made the pilgrimage south, and the exploration of country lanes and chalky coasts evolved into a hotspot for multi-generational adventures.

One of the most high profile advocates of the ‘greycation’ (a term coined long after her death to describe a three generation holiday) was Queen Victoria. Having visited the Island as a child, her love of its sunshine, tranquility and ‘remoteness’ led to the building of Osborne in East Cowes.

Nowadays, the lure of colourful gardens and opportunity for kids to play where royalty stepped, makes Osborne a popular draw for families. The bathing machine on the monarch’s private beach is a reminder of a time when wealthy ladies were wheeled into the sea to protect their modesty, as the royal patronage elevated the Isle of Wight into a fashionable holiday destination.

More than a century after Victoria’s death, the desire to spend holidays with extended family has become a growing trend, with the Isle of Wight’s compact size and abundance

All generations can appreciate the Island by bike through the miles of cycle paths and trails.

94

THE GENERATION GAME —

of beaches making it ideal for young and old. Shanklin, the classic English bucket and spade beach resort, is the perfect host for multi-generational holidays.

Grandparents can tempt youngsters away from the amusements with the promise of scones and jam in a thatched cottage; mums, dads and kids can play ball games, build sand castles on a marathon of golden sand and waterfront restaurants overlook the waves.

St Catherine’s Lighthouse Climb the Lighthouse. See the breathtaking views from the top and lose yourself in the romance of this amazing icon. Learn about the workings of the St Catherine’s Lighthouse and see the light in action.

Travel back in time and discover the fascinating history of the lighthouse from 19th Century shipwrecks to wartime tragedy.

St Catherine’s is situated at the most southerly point of the Isle of Wight, off the A3055 near Niton. Post Code PO38 2NE.

It wouldn’t be a holiday by the sea if it didn’t involve ice cream.

A place where grandparents honeymooned, parents worked summer jobs and kids can still experience the simplicity of a traditional seaside holiday...

Another popular family base is Ventnor, a hilly seaside town. Not only is Ventnor blessed with sea views, quaint shops and a sandy beach, it’s also home to the Island’s coolest hideaway. Tucked beneath Ventnor Park and Ventnor Botanic Garden, Steephill Cove is a huddle of beach huts, rock pools and lobster pots.

Finding it is an adventure in itself. As the name suggests the walk’s a challenge: a cliff top path gallops downhill – dropping explorers into a colourful, sun-kissed nook crammed with shacks and deckchairs – then chase the calories away on the return climb. Between journeys, grandparents can catch their breath while savouring seafood and sipping wine at The Boathouse or The Beach Shack. Nothing epitomises a family holiday more sweetly than ice cream and with Cove Coffee Shop’s wooden doors scuffing the beach, you don’t have far to wander for an afternoon treat. At Steephill Cove time is measured in sunshine, not years.

For a glimpse of holidays past, there’s nowhere more charming and easy to meander round than Godshill Model Village. In the dark and distant 1970s, model villages were miniature wonderlands for kids.

By the nineties, they’d become rarities, replaced by

Please see our website for opening times and dates. There is no vehicular access to the lighthouse but it’s a short 10 minute walk from the nearest public road. Parking is available on the public road near The Buddle Inn. TRINITYHOUSE.CO.UK 01983 730435

CHINE PUBLISHING The sequel volume to “DL” tells the fascinating story of motor vehicles on the Isle of Wight from 1939 to 1964.

Feast your eyes on almost 200 nostalgic images of classic cars, buses, coaches, motorcycles, lorries, taxis, fire engines & tractors, including some very rare models.

• Hardback coffee table book with 144 pages • Available now from Waterstones and County Press, Newport, Ryde Bookshop, Brading Roman Villa, Dimbola Museum & many more Island gift shops.

For further details or to order a copy online please visit

WWW.CHINEPUBLISHING.CO.UK

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

95

THE GENERATION GAME —

Family seaside holidays never get old.

Pioneering adventurers – naturalists, artists, writers – seeking beauty and inspiration have sailed here across the Solent, for as long as can be remembered...

housing estates and foreign holidays. But the Isle of Wight has always had the vision to preserve hallmarks of its sophisticated past long enough for them to feel quaintly fashionable. Godshill rekindles the simplicity of staring in at a more straightforward existence: a tiny world of croquet, cricket and steam trains. Kids can crouch in front of shop windows and peer in at tiny sweets. Parents can smile at model mums struggling with model prams and grandparents can reminisce about toy trains. However tall you become, being bigger than a house never loses its appeal and the miniature village lets families catch a glimpse of the innocence of holidays past. Godshill Model Village is tourism without intrusion, a snapshot of past decades, brightened by treasured breaks.

The most iconic reminder of holidays past, The Needles (the chalk-white rocks depicted on postcards) remain a popular family destination. Nowadays, carousels twirl, vintage cars trundle and tea cups spin, making a pilgrimage more suited to a day out than a quick photo-stop, but the Island’s excellent bus service and coastal paths mean it’s still possible to explore to this rugged corner and fly by chairlift down to the sea.

The Isle of Wight is a miniature England, a holder of the past and a microcosm of family memories. A place where grandparents honeymooned, parents worked summer jobs and kids can still experience the simplicity of a traditional seaside holiday. There’s a texture, a richness in taking holidays in the same place; a vision in preserving the past before it crumbles – like chalky cliffs – into the sea.

The Isle of Wight is ahead of its time in recognising that happy holidays never go out of fashion.

Photo competition winner, Hayden Marshall.

96

Neve Johnson

al f

Leg

id!

pa ees

Lifestyle, investment or both, the choice is yours…

With our fantastic purchase options and great incentives why not give our Holiday Home Sales Team a call on 03333 70 1000 and find out more about owning your own piece of Island happiness.

2 bedroom Premium Holiday Cottages for Sale The Bay, Fort Warden Road, Colwell Bay, Freshwater PO39 0DA

www.thebaycolwell.co.uk

Island Cottage Holidays

The

Leconfield

Isle of Wight Cottages

• Luxury Country House accommodation • Stunning sea views throughout • Ideal location for walking • Adult only accommodation (over 16’s) 01983 852196 enquiries@leconfieldhotel.com

Delightful holiday cottages in beautiful coastal & rural locations

01983 403377

85 Leeson Road, Upper Bonchurch, Ventnor PO38 1PU

www.islandcottageholidays .com

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

www.leconfieldhotel.com

97

EVENTS C ALENDAR —

events calendar

44th Island Steam Show at Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

98

Isle of Wight Children’s Festival 12 – 14 April New for 2018. See the Ventnor Exchange team tr ansfor m Quay Ar ts with award-winning perfor mances, spell binding stor ytelling, magical exper iences, mad games and wicked wor kshops. quayarts.org

Isle of Wight Walking Festival 28 April – 13 May Now in its 20th year, the festival offer s the oppor tunity to tr y one of over 200 organised walks. There are fossil hunting walks, ghost walks, wildlife walks, historical walks and even foodie walks as well as the serious IW Challenge and Walk the Wight. isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

EVENTS C ALENDAR — Shorwell. As well as great music, expect locally produced food, children’s activities, tea tent and not forgetting the real ale bar. folkandblues.org.uk

Hullabaloo 12 – 13 May Hullabaloo is a new free discovery and exploration event in Sandown Bay. Confirmed contributors include the Science Museum, Wonderstruck, Eccleston George, Cycle Circus and more. There will be a Soap Box Race, Makers’ area, parade, kites and much, much more.

Blackgang Chine Wild West Week 26 May – 3 June Immer se your self in a theatr ical live-action Cowboy Show, which retur ns more action-packed and explosive than ever before . Whose side will you be on?

A perfect place to visit all year round •

Free admission - to Abbey and Grounds

•

Abbey Church - with regular services open to all. Church & pilgrim chapel open from 5.00am - 8.30pm

•

Licenced teashop & Gardens - open daily: lunches, refreshments, etc

•

Farm Shop - Quarr Abbey and other Island products

iwsteamrailway.co.uk

•

Mottistone Manor Open Days

Monastery Shop - for literature, devotional items and souvenirs

•

Pilgrim Chapel - for prayer and meditation

•

Art Gallery - displaying work by Island artists

•

Guest House - retreats offered

•

Visitor and Exhibition Centre - interpreting the life and history of Quarr

•

Tours - book a place on a visit to the Abbey.

- First Tuesday of every month at 11.00am - Every Tuesday during July and August

blackgangchine.com

Three Island Ivatts Gala

Ventnor Theatre Group present CATS 4 – 7 May Ventnor Theatre Group present C ATS, the awardwinning show by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber based on the fabulous book by T.S Eliot ‘Old Possum’s Book of Pr actical Cats’. Perfor mances held at Ventnor Winter Gardens. catsiw.co.uk

13th IW Real Ale Festival 5 – 7 May The 13th annual Isle of Wight Real Ale Festival at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway features an ar r ay of beer s from brewer s all over the countr y, including some for m the Island. There’s live local music , a regular tr ain ser vice and entr y to the event is free! iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Wolverton Folk & Blues Festival 12 May A one-day festival of Folk & Blues music, set in the stunning grounds of Wolverton Manor,

26 – 28 May A spectacular unique event.

See the Railway’s three great Ivatt locomotives (41298, 41313 and 46447) in steam together on the Isle of Wight for the fir st time .

27 – 28 May Take this r are oppor tunity to see inside the family home which is only open to the public for two days each year.

There is a char ge for entr y to the house for non NT member s in addition to the garden entr y pr ice . Last entr y to house is at 4.30pm for 5pm closing. Garden open as usual.

Victoria’s Fabulous Garden Party 29 – 31 May Come and celebr ate Queen Victor ia’s bir thday with a fabulous par ty at her favour ite home by the sea.

Enjoy a tr aditional garden extr avaganza with side saddle r ider s, juggler s, sideshows, sun, sea, tea and cake . Enjoy a real Br itish celebr ation fit for a queen. english-heritage.org.uk/ osborne

Summertime opening hours Monday to Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm, Sundays 11.15am - 5.00pm Wintertime opening hours Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sundays 11.15am - 4.00pm

Near Ryde, on the main Newport Road, Isle of Wight, PO33 4ES T.01983 882420

www.quarrabbey.org

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

99

EVENTS C ALENDAR —

Experience a Traditional Family Farm on the Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Festival 21 – 24 June

The fir st ever Isle of Wight Festival took place in Godshill in 1968 so this year mar ks the 50th anniver sar y. Now one of the Island’s best-known events taking place in June ever y year, this year you can look forward to seeing Depeche Mode , The Killer s, Rita Or a, Kasabian and more . isleofwightfestival.com

Newport Jazz Weekend 30 May – 3 June The best established jazz festival in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, regular ly attr acting star names from all around the UK and fur ther afield including the USA and Austr alia. newportjazzweekend.co.uk

Isle of Wight Festival of Running 1 – 3 June Fun r uns for the youngster s, r aces for 5k to 10k progr ammes. For exper ienced r unner s looking for a cour se that challenges them, don’t miss The Needles half and full mar athons. They’ve been descr ibed as among the toughest in the UK! Plus there is even an exhilar ating half ironman distance event for tr iathletes. isleofwightfestivalofrunning. co.uk

Mondomix Festival

DAIRY SHOP CAFÉ FARM TOURS HERITAGE CENTRE

1 – 3 June The Wor ld Village Project br ings you the annual Mondomix Festival.

You will find the music as var ied as the cultur al and ethnic backgrounds of the ar tists. So come along to Calbour ne Water Mill on the 1/2/3 June and enjoy a relaxing laid back weekend of empower ing music . mondomix.uk

Open 7 days a week Find us at Briddlesford Road, Wootton PO33 4RY Call us on 01983 882885 Follow us on Twitter

and Facebook

www.briddlesford.co.uk 100

Shorwell Midsummer Fair 23 June This tr aditional village fair is held in the grounds of Nor thcour t, Shorwell, a picturesque 16th centur y manor house . With stalls, a

tea tent and arena events including falconr y displays, a dog demonstr ation and live music . It’s a great family day out. Free par king and children under 16 free . shorwellmidsummerfair.org

IW Mardi Gras 30 June This fantastic par ade will feature 800 children and young people in fabulous car nival costumes perfor ming some great choreogr aphy.

The theme is ‘Global Biospheres’ and will be produced to suppor t the IW Area of Outstanding Beauty’s application to have the Island recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reser ve . thenewcarnivalcompany.com

Round the Island Race 7 July The Annual Round the Island Race , or ganised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht r ace around the Isle of Wight. The r ace regular ly attr acts over 1,400 boats, making it one of the lar gest yacht r aces in the wor ld.

Spectator s can find many vantage points around the Island to watch as the boats pass by including St Cather ine’s point and The Spyglass Inn on Ventnor Seafront. roundtheisland.org.uk

The 1940s Experience 7 – 8 July Exper ience the best of the 1940s and get up close to militar y vehicles, tr y the fashions of the er a, enjoy 1940s food and a real ale bar, all in the shadow of the mighty spitfire . iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Shipwreck Isle 8 July A one day spectacular! This fun, family event retur ns to the Isle of Wight on Appley Beach, Ryde . Recapture the Island from the bad pir ates and make sure to wear your pir ate’s hat. This festival is completely free to attend, and you will have a swashbuckling great time , whatever your age . visitisleofwight.co.uk

Royal Isle of Wight County Show 8 July The show where cattle , sheep, pigs and poultr y come fir st.

A chance to exper ience our wonderful far ming her itage and local produce fir st hand in a day that combines enter tainment and fun. riwas.org.uk

Rhythmtree Festival 13 – 15 July With a reputation for br inging together a diver se , r ich mix of

EVENTS C ALENDAR — high quality music and family enter tainment, it showcases a r ange of music with musicians from the Island, UK and beyond. This fr iendly and family or iented festival is held in beautiful, tree sur rounded far mland and free camping and par king are included in the weekend ticket.

MORE THAN JUST A PUB

rhythmtree.co.uk

Robin Hill Summer Slide 21 July – 1 September Cool down this summer with a super summer slip and slide! Slide 100m down a dual water slide , r ace your fr iends and family to the bottom.

FISHBOURNE

robin-hill.com



01983 882823

www.thefishbourne.co.uk

Isle of Wight Pride 21 July Now in its second year, Ryde plays host to UK Pr ide after winning the bid in 2017. IW Pr ide will include a colourful par ade through the hear t of the Victor ian seaside town, infor mation stalls, ar t oppor tunities for ever yone to get involved with and a par ty on the beach. iwpride.org

Ryde Slide

SEAVIEW  01983 810616 www.theboathouseiow.co.uk

22 July This summer the Ryde Slide retur ns! This year in July the 200 metre thr ill seeker s’ delight, an exhilar ating giant inflatable water slide , will ar r ive in Ryde’s main shopping street for the whole family to enjoy. r ydeslide.uk

London Capital and Finance Osborne Horse Trials 25 – 26 July

Osbor ne will host a new hor se tr ials this July. With 20 hor ses in each of the four classes, the event has been designed to attr act the wor ld’s top r ider s thanks to a lucr ative pr ize fund, and showcase the spor t to a new audience with its easy to follow for mat. Hor ses will perfor m dressage and showjumping on the House lawns, before setting out across the estate par kland. Each phase will finish before the next commences, enabling spectator s to see 70% of the action from one spot. osborne-horse.co.uk

BEMBRIDGE  01983 872840 www.thespinnakeriow.co.uk

DISTINCTIVE DINING IN OUR AA RATED 4 STAR INNS





ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS 01983 873572 www.innsofdistinction.co.uk

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

101

EVENTS C ALENDAR —

The Railway Folk 29 – 31 July Swashbuckle your way around Havenstreet as The Railway Folk take over the Isle of Wight Steam Railway! Be awed by the stor ies of Pir ate Paul, enter tained by pir ate skills wor kshops or make your way through the water y wor ld of the giant sunken galleon, all included in the pr ice of your ticket. iwsteamrailway.co.uk

musicians and a huge var iety of exhibits and enter tainment, all whilst r aising money for local char ities. thechaleshow.co.uk

Lendy Cowes Week 4 – 11 August An eight day sailing regatta.

Cowes Week has played a key par t in the Br itish spor ting summer calendar and is one of the UK’s longest r unning and most successful sailing events. Expect plenty of enter tainment on and off the water. lendycowesweek.co.uk

Knights Tournament 7 – 9 August

Victorian Seaside Fun

Jack Up the 80s

Blackgang’s Big Birthday Bash Monday’s & Wednesday’s 23 July – 29 August Blackgang will be celebr ating its bir thday in style! Take par t in circus wor kshops, DJ Omar will be br inging the celebr ations to Pir ate Cove and providing the soundtr ack to the biggest par ty this summer, before the firewor ks br ing the evening to a spectacular close! blackgangchine.com

Guided tours of the Needles Old Battery Every Weds 25 July – 29 Aug Ever y Wednesday throughout the summer you can discover the histor y of the Needles Old Batter y on one of their guided tour s. Lear n about the histor y of this Palmer ston for t and the impor tant role it played dur ing both wor ld war s. 11am-2pm. Nor mal admission char ges apply.

Dogs on lead welcome . nationaltrust.org.uk

102

Outdoor Cinema: La La Land (Mottistone Gardens) 28 July Br ing a picnic , watch the sun go down and watch ‘La La Land’ under the star s, against the backdrop of the histor ic Mottistone Gardens. Gates open at 7:30pm and the film begins at 9pm. Ticket pr ices are; adult £10, child £9 when purchased online . travellingfilmshow.co.uk

The Knights’ Apprentice

1 – 31 August Enjoy a tr aditional show of Punch & Judy on Osbor ne’s beach. Ever y day throughout August see Mr Punch and fr iends getting up to mischief.

Have a go at the tr aditional Victor ian games, enjoy delicious locally made ice cream and go for a dip in the Solent. Don’t for get to visit Swiss Cottage where the royal children played at Osbor ne . english-heritage.org.uk/ osborne

Chale Show 4 – 5 August Chale Show has ever ything needed for a great family day out including free entr y for children, live music from local

Jack Up The 80s

28 July – 5 August

10 – 12 August

Have you got what it takes to be the Knights’ Apprentice?

Join in for hands on Medieval activities and cr afts. Get involved in knight tr aining, etiquette , stor ytelling and cr aft throughout the day.

Design and paint your own shield or tr y on a mini har ness of knight’s ar mour.

A family feel-good festival celebr ating one of the greatest decades – the 1980s! Now in its sixth year, Jack Up The 80s aims to r aise valuable funds and awareness for local Island char ities and good causes. Attendees to the festival embr ace the 80s theme in all types of fancy dress.

english-heritage.org.uk/ carisbrooke-castle

jackupthe80s.co.uk

Feel the heat of this fier y contest as r ival knights show their prowess at archer y and swordsmanship. Br andishing blades and bows they’ll face each other in a test of strength and skill. Explore the medieval encampment guided by the smell of fire-cooked food and the sound of mer r y music . Budding knights can show off their br aver y with knight’s battle dr ills out on the field. english-heritage.org.uk/ carisbrooke-castle

Ventnor Fringe 7 – 12 August The Ventnor Fr inge is a unique celebr ation of the ar ts, showcasing emer ging and established talent across ever y creative discipline . Each year it attr acts more than 300 perfor mer s from across the wor ld to tr ansfor m Ventnor into a wonder land of pop up bar s and secret venues. vfringe.co.uk

C

Introducing two of the Island’s most famous family friendly pubs…

“Indoor and ou plus close to S tdoor play areas andown Beach !”

Tel: 01983 405080 thecaulkhe ads

E

42 Avenue Ro ad Sandown Isle of Wight PO35 5TR

The Caulkheads and The Bugle Inn (Brading) offer something for the whole family. New for 2018…

KIDS EAT FOR FREE when dining with an adult at The Bugle Inn. The Caulkheads has a new SILENT CINEMA and offers an UNLIMITED ICE CREAM FACTORY and indoor ball park.

With goody bags, free parking, amazing gardens, arcade, play areas and bouncy castles, the kids will stay amused and the adults will be left to relax and enjoy the amazing food and drink on offer.

Famous

FAM ILY INNS

E KIDS EAT FREE*

plenty to “Great food and occupied” keep the children Tel: 01983

407359

AY EVERY D E M AL PER MAIN OVER £9.95

BugleBrading

TRADIT PUBS T IONAL HAT AR E G

REAT O THE N WALLE T! 2 1

*Kids Eat Free at The Bugle Inn, Brading only.

characterinnsiow G))))))))))))g

56-57 High Street Brading Isle of Wight PO36 0DQ

1. The Caulkheads, Sandown 2. The Bugle Inn, Brading

C E LE BR ATING TH E

YOUR LINK TO

Isle of Wight Festival 2018

Book your journey now at wightlink.co.uk

YOUR LINK TO THE ISLAND

50

th

AN N IVE RSARY OF IW FE STIVAL

The Joust; Battle for Good 14 – 16 August The joust to end all jousts.

Four of the most skilful knights in the Kingdom, mounted on their magnificent steeds, battle for love or eter nal sor row. Good or evil; who will tr iumph? See falcons in flight and discover medieval life in the living histor y encampments. Budding knights can test their br aver y in the hobby-hor se jousting, while the cour t jester and mer r y musicians set the scene for a spectacular day. english-heritage.org.uk/ carisbrooke-castle

EVENTS C ALENDAR — unfor gettable White Rabbit Garlic Festival and the madcap Mad Hatter 18 – 19 August to the ter r ifying Queen Set against a beautiful of Hear ts, Alice’s jour ney backdrop of rolling green couldn’t be filled with more hills and far mland, the Gar lic adventure .

Festival is located just outside chapterhouse.org Newchurch at the hear t of the Island. The show is food and enter tainment at its ver y Isle of Wight best. Expect a vast ar r ay of International eats, treats, sights and sounds Scooter Rally to suit all tastes and ages.

23 – 26 August garlicfestival.co.uk The wor ld famous Isle of Wight Scooter Rally where you can expect upto five thousand r ider s of classic scooter s descend on the Island, heading mostly to the coastal towns of Ryde and Sandown. visitisleofwight.co.uk

The Wight Proms 16 – 19 August A br and-new annual festival at Nor thwood House , of openair picnic concer ts celebr ating the Isle of Wight’s music , food, people and red squir rels.

There has never been a music festival quite like this on the Isle of Wight, cater ing to lover s of both classical music and musical theatre and offer ing free ar ts wor kshops. wightproms.co.uk

44th Island Steam Show

Chapterhouse Theatre: Alice in Wonderland at Osborne 21 August Join Alice as she stumbles into the magical wor ld of Wonder land and meet a whole host of colourful char acter s. From the

31 August – 1 September In aid of the Youth Tr ust, Fairweather Festival retur ns for its second year, this time at Sandown Air por t. Expect plenty of great music and family fun. fairweatherfestival.co.uk

Wolverton Manor Garden Fair 1 – 2 September Retur ning for the 19th year, Wolver ton Garden Fair is the lar gest garden event on the Island and is proud to be suppor ting Age UK Isle of Wight. Featur ing over 120 Island and mainland exhibitor s representing a wide r ange of gardening and countr y ar ts and cr afts in stunning sur rounds. gardenfair.org.uk

24 – 27 August Bur sting with sur pr ises, the 44 th Island Steam Show is an action-packed event and great family day out. With stunning shows in the main arena it’s an August bank holiday a weekend to remember! iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Fairweather Festival

The Secret Widget Fest 7 – 9 September The Secret Widget Fest is a new festival held at the stunning Calbour ne Water Mill and will showcase both well known established and exciting emer ging ar tists.

Isle of Wight Festival celebrates it’s 50th anniversary this year.

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

105

EVENTS C ALENDAR —

Eklectica @ Robin Hill 7 – 9 September Featuring The Fratellis, Toploader, Scouting for Gir ls, The Hoosier s and many more, this boutique music festival is an exciting combination of acts that promise to be diver se, quir ky and creative. robin-hill.com

International Classic Car Show 15 – 16 September Now in its 17th year, the famous Classic Car event promises to be the biggest and best ever. Vehicles from all over the UK and mainland Europe will be attending this unique two-day show. Showing in Newpor t Quay on the 15th and Ryde Esplanade on 16th. wightlink.co.uk

Bembridge Food Festival

Be sure to check out the array of classic cars at the International Classic Car Show.

22 – 23 September A great event to celebr ate all food and dr ink related businesses on the Island.

wor kshops, exclusive readings and, of cour se , lots of books, the festival takes place at Nor thwood House , an iconic Gr ade II listed manor house . isleofwightliteraryfestival.com

Isle of Wight Classic Buses, Beer & Walks Weekend 13 – 14 October The annual festival retur ns.

Hop on and off the vintage buses, enjoy beautiful walks and of cour se , a nice pint of beer. Many local pubs put on their own special events and enter tainment across the weekend. iwbeerandbuses.co.uk

bembridgefestivals.co.uk

Y OU R L OC A L G U I DE TO F OOD & DR I NK O N TH E I SL E OF WI G H T local produce | fine dining | restaurants | pubs | bars | cafés

The Sweetcorn Fayre 29 – 30 September The 12th annual Sweetcor n Fayre promises a weekend of family-fr iendly fun, including bouncy castles, fair ground r ides, live music ,dance shows, snail r acing, sweetcor n speed eating and a real ale festival. arretonbarns.co.uk

Festival of Light Inspired by Diwali 29 September – 3 November Celebr ating India’s independence with stunning, creatively themed light, colour, sound and enter tainment that captures the many aspects of Indian culture . Visitor s can exper ience the lush colour s, flavour s and magic of the Asian subcontinent set in Robin Hill’s glor ious autumnal ancient woodland. robin-hill.com

Isle of Wight Literary Festival

tasteofthewight.co.uk 106

11 – 14 October Enter ing its seventh year, this is the perfect event for all book lover s. Full of creative

Island Con 20 – 21 October The Isle of Wight Comic Con retur ns for a 2nd year with film & TV celebr ities, comic book guests, attr actions, new zones, and so much more! At Cowes Enter pr ise College . islandcon.co.uk

Harp on Wight Festival 26 – 30 October The festival includes, concer ts, teaching wor kshops, a har p making cour se and a wonderful exhibition of har ps made by national manufacturer s. Events take place at var ious venues in Ryde . harponwight.co.uk

EVENTS C ALENDAR —

SPEND THE SUMMER IN BRITAIN’S HOTTEST GARDEN!

EXPLOR E 22 AC SUB-TR RES OF OPICAL PARADIS E

KIDS ACTIVITY DAYS

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND

• • • •

Throughout the school holidays

ACTIVIT

Y TRAIL

HUB TROPICAL HOUSE &

DAILY TOUR S & SECRET TUNNEL WAL KS

Butterfly & Lizard Safaris Kids Nature Workshops Herbs for Hospitals Walk Outdoor Cinema & Theatre Shows • Tasty Family Friendly Food

DISCOVER OUR SECRET GARDENS

YOUR DON’T FORGET

PAS.5S0 MER SUM ILD £7 CH T £12.75 / ADUL

Get ready to par ty at one of the Island’s many carnivals.

UNLIMITED

AC

CESS 21ST JULY - 2ND SEPTEMBER

passport sized Please bring a pass holder. photo for each

OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM

Isle of Wight Carnivals: 26 July Newport main carnival

15 August Cowes main carnival

28 July Sandown main carnival

18 August Newpor t illuminated carnival

29 July West Wight main carnival

25 August Cowes illuminated carnival

1 August Shanklin main carnival

27 August St Helens carnival

4 August Shanklin illuminated carnival

29 August Sandown illuminated carnival

8 August Ventnor main carnival

30 August Ryde main carnival

11 August Ventnor illuminated carnival

1 September Ryde illuminated carnival

All activities subject to weather and change at short notice.

01983 855397 | botanic.co.uk | Follow us here

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

%

ER

TH

W

IT H

10

(W IS LM A ) DV

O

T

FF

Ventnor Botanic Garden, Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1UL

107

WIGHT TASTE —

Our Wight Taste brand has grown from strength to strength in the past 12 months...

We know how much our passengers look forward to discovering the food and drink of the Isle of Wight.

Good food is key to a great break, with many of us looking to consume as locally as possible when visiting somewhere new and the Isle of Wight is no exception.

To start your holiday off on the right foot, we have brought together some of the best produce in our on board shop, whether it’s for a gift to take home or to tuck into right now, there is something to get your taste buds tingling…

FORELAND BOOKS

Wight Taste A Board 594x841 V2.indd 1

21/02/2018 16:08

Selection of produce available on board in our Wight Taste shops.

108

WIGHT TASTE —

:

Our local suppliers:

Real Ales

land

... from A Real Is

The Isle of Wight Brewery, the brewer of Award Winning Island Ales offer a stunning core range of traditional real ales together with Seasonal beers introduced throughout the year.

FORELAND BOOKS

Available in cask, bottles, polypins or mini casks which are ideal for parties or your own personal beer festival.

Free Island-wide delivery.

01983 821731

Dinglers Farm, Yarmouth Road,Shalfleet, PO30 4LZ

WIGHTLINK.CO.UK

109

TRAVEL INFORMATION —

TRAVEL INFORMATION Whether you’re travelling by foot, train or car, getting to the Isle of Wight is easier with Wightlink...

•

The choice of three convenient routes – from Portsmouth and Lymington

•

More sailings each day* than any other cross Solent ferry operator

•

We’ve got the Island covered – Yarmouth in the west to Ryde and Fishbourne in the east

•

Crossings from only 22 minutes on the FastCast passenger service

•

Great on board facilities – spacious lounges, refreshments and sundecks

Find out more at wightlink.co.uk VISITOR INFORMATION Visitor Information Centre The Guildhall, High Street, Newport, PO30 1TY 01983 521555

EAST

For winter opening please check our Facebook page: b/IWTravelAmbassadors

Brading Railway Station Station Road, Brading, PO36 0EB

Brighstone Village Shop Main Road, Newpor t, PO30 4AH

NORTH EAST

The Holiday Shop 37 High Street, Sandown, PO36 8DE

NORTH

Ryde Bus Station Ryde Esplanade, Ryde, PO33 2DY

Vernon Cottage 1 Eastcliff Road, Shanklin, PO37 6AA

SOUTH

Dimbola Museum & Galleries Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay, PO40 9QE

Valu-4-u 25 Castle Street, East Cowes, PO32 6RD

IW Steam Railway Station Road, Havenstreet, PO33 4DS

Seasons Newsagents 8-10 High Street, Ventnor, PO38 1RY

Aqua Marine Gifts 37 Cross Street, Cowes, PO31 7TA

Bembridge Community Library Church Road, Bembridge, PO35 5NA

WEST

CENTRAL

Yarmouth Harbour Office The Quay, Yarmouth, PO41 0NT

Quay Arts Centre 15 Sea Street, Newpor t, PO30 5BD

* More sailings each day is based on the combined total of all three Wightlink routes. Number of sailings each day varies throughout the year.

Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head in 22 minutes. Portsmouth to Fishbourne in 45 minutes and Lymington to Yarmouth in 40 minutes.

Wightlink Ferries passing mid Solent.

110

Cowes A3020

Ryde A3055

Yarmouth

A3054

A3054

Bembridge

NEWPORT

Freshwater

Sandown A3 02 0

LAKE A3 05

Shanklin

5

Ventnor

Visit Morrisons for all your holiday essentials.

Butcher

Fishmonger

We’re open: Mon - Sat 7.00am - 10.00pm Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm

Cake Shop

Bakery

Morrisons Newport South Street Newport PO30 1JQ Tel: 01983 822419

Deli

Pizza Counter

Morrisons Lake Newport Road Sandown PO36 9PA Tel: 01983 401441

FOR YOUR NEAREST MORRISONS STORE PLEASE VISIT WWW.MORRISONS.COM OR TELEPHONE 0345 611 6111

Café

Petrol Station

VOUCHERS —

Vouchers s r e f f o d an

Dinosaurs up close and personal at Dinosaur Isle.

Save money at many of the Island’s attractions and eateries with vouchers and offers in Wightlife...

p62 MR T’S TAKEAWAY free pizza deal every Tuesday, see website

p67 DRIFTWOOD BEACH BAR get 20% off food between 4–6pm weekdays March–May

p2–3 THE NEEDLES LANDMARK ATTRACTION save 25% on all attractions with a super saver ticket

p8–9 OASIS 5% discount off purchases

p12-13 AMAZON WORLD ZOO PARK free re-entry for 7 days

p15 WIGHT KARTING £10 off family kar ting with code 10OFFWL

p17 BLACKGANG CHINE LAND OF IMAGINATION free unlimited 7 day return

p24-25 ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY pay once stay all day

p37 ROBIN HILL COUNTRY PARK free unlimited 7 day return

p51 YE OLDE VILLAGE INN various food & drink offers

p53 LAND OF ROSES 10% off if you spend £20 with code WIGHT10

p61 DINOZOO DEAL get 10% of admission to the Isle of Wight Zoo when you pay admission for Dinosaur Isle on the same day.

112

p68 WIGHT WATERS 20% off activities with this adver t

p69 LILLIPUT DOLL AND TOY MUSEUM 10% off entry with this adver t

p77 DIMBOLA MUSEUM AND GALLERIES 10% off entry with this adver t

p79 ISLE OF WIGHT PEARL C AFÉ free pot of tea for two with this adver t. Valid until October

p83 THE SHIPWRECKCENTRE AND MARITIME MUSEUM 10% off entry with adver t

p86 ISLAND RIDING CENTRE £5 off any activity with this adver t

p103 THE BUGLE INN BRADING kids eat free with a paying adult

p107 VENTNOR BOTANIC GARDEN 10% off entry with adver t

p113 ISLE OF WIGHT ZOO return within 7 days for just £1 per person

For more offers and discounts visit wightlink.co.uk/go/discounts/

Welcome to

Throughout the past five years we have undergone a transformation of our pubs.

The comprehensive refurbishment programme across the estate continues to offer an experience of excellence in some of the very best Character Inns that the Island has to offer.

N FA

U

Character Inns has been lovingly run by one Island family for four generations and throughout this time has been at the very heart of Island life.

FAM

I

D

OWNE LY

M I LY

Offering a collection of Landmark Coastal Inns, Historic Family Country Inns and Famous Family Inns, Character Inns really does offer something quite unique for all generations, tastes and palates.

u come by Whether yo Bike you’ll Car, Foot or ery warm receive a v m us all at welcome fro r Inns!

Characte

ENJOY WEEKLY

LIVE MUSIC For our latest menu, offers and events, please visit our website:

www.characterinns.co.uk G)))))))))))))g

R

USEFUL NUMBERS —

USEFUL NUMBERS GETTING AROUND

CYCLE HIRE

Wightlink 0333 999 7333 wightlink.co.uk

Isle Cycle 01983 400055 islecycle.co.uk

Island Line 0345 6000 650 southwesternrailway.com Travelling between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, calling at Brading, Sandown and Lake.

Wight Cycle Hire 01983 761800 wightcyclehire.co.uk

Day Lewis Pharmacy Newpor t 01983 522346 daylewis.co.uk

EMERGENCY SERVICES

OSTEOPATH

Isle of Wight Steam Railway 01983 882204 iwsteamrailway.co.uk With stations at Havenstreet, Wootton or via Island line at Smallbrook.

For urgent police, mbulance, fire or coastguard services, call 999 or 112.

Southern Vectis 0330 0539 182 islandbuses.info Routes designed to help visitors enjoy the Island.

TAXIS Alpha 01983 280280 alphaiow.co.uk A.S.A.P Taxis 01983 244444 asaptaxis.co.uk Cowes Taxis 01983 294444 cowestaxis.com/wp/ Ryde Taxis 01983 811111 r tcars.co.uk Vectis Taxis 01983 639737 Ventnor Taxis 01983 855181

C AR HIRE Esplanade 01983 562322 esplanade.co.uk Isle of Wight Hire Sandown: 01983 400055 Cowes: 01983 299056 isleofwighthire.co.uk

HEALTH SERVICES For non-emergency medical matters, call NHS 111.

St Mary’s Hospital 01983 822099 iow.nhs.uk

DENTAL TREATMENT For emergency and unregistered dental treatment on the Isle of Wight, 8.30am-9.30pm daily.

0845 0508345

PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy Ryde 01983 563333 lloydspharmacy.com Lloyds Pharmacy Sandown 01983 405436 lloydspharmacy.com

Regent Pharmacy East Cowes 01983 717002 regentpharmacy.co.uk

The Little John Clinic 01983 863600 littlejohnclinic.co.uk

VETS The Mobile Vet 01983 212999 or 07896 260370 mobilevetsurgery.co.uk Pet Doctors Newpor t: 01983 522804 Lake: 01983 408004 Cowes: 01983 281771 Ryde: 01983 562878 petdoctors.co.uk

LEISURE CENTRES 1Leisure Medina, Newport: 01983 823882 The Heights, Lake: 01983 823881 Westridge, Ryde: 01983 823883 1leisure.co.uk West Wight Sports Centre Freshwater 01983 752168 westwight.org.uk

Lloyds Pharmacy Ventnor 01983 852135 lloydspharmacy.com

BREAKDOWN COVER

Yarmouth Pharmacy 01983 760260

Bartletts Service Station 01983 865338 bar tlettsservicestation.co.uk

Day Lewis Pharmacy Cowes 01983 293011 daylewis.co.uk

Stag Lane Motors 01983 522443 staglane-motors.co.uk

James Garage Services 01983 521010 jamesgarageservices.co.uk

A birds-eye view of one of the Wightlink fleet crossing The Solent.

115