Car Hire Isle of Wight - Mini guide to Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight, just off England’s south coast, is famous for two reasons; its award- winning beaches and Cowes Week - one of the World's premier yachting regattas, held each August. However, the island has plenty of other attractions from stately homes and historic buildings to beautiful coastal walks.
The Needles Park at Alum Bay is one of the island’s chief visitor attractions, overlooking the Island's most famous landmark, The Needles Rocks. This set of jagged chalk stacks just of the coast, and the Lighthouse, with stunning views of the unique multi-coloured sand cliffs are a photographer’s treat. Another popular attraction is Osbourne House (1845) in East Cowes, Queen Victoria’s favourite country residence.
Cowes, the island’s capital and main port, and home to the famous regatta, is a delightful town. Many visitors enjoy shopping in the narrow pedestrianised High Street, home to an array of fashionable clothing shops and gift shops, not to mention the many delicatessens, cafes, restaurants and lively pubs. The Cowes Maritime Museum is also worth a visit, as is Northwood House and Park, a classical style mansion built in 1837.
Dining options abound on the island, with an array of restaurants and pubs catering to all tastes, many specialising in seafood. For nightlife, Cowes, Sandown and Ryde offer a host of pubs, clubs and cinemas.
Most visitors base themselves in either Cowes or Sandown, but as the island is only 25 miles long by 13 miles wide it’s ideal for exploring by car, allowing easy access to all the major attractions, not to mention opportunities to find unspoilt, deserted beaches and enjoy stunning coastal walks.
The island is easily accessible by car ferry or hovercraft from Southampton, Portsmouth and Lymington. For air travel, Southampton International Airport offers connections to many cities. Alternatively, if arriving at one of London’s airports, take the train to Southampton (under 2 hours) and make the short ferry journey onward to the island.
