Isle of Wight cottages - holiday accommodation on the Isle of Wight

ISLE OF WIGHT

Cowes

Divided from the mainland by The Solent, the isle of Wight has retained much of its Victorian charm and seafairing tradition and is a wonderful place to visit. Whether it be quiet seaside walks and maritime museums, or exhilirating watersports and mountain biking, all are made welcome.

The island is small enough to be able to get around on bike or by walking, although there are also bus and train services available.

Visit Cowes, a town renowned for it's yachting traditions, where you can watch the great ocean liners navigate the deep channel offshore as they enter the port of Southamption, opposite. Split by the river Medina, the eastern side is predominantly residential, while the west is home to many bars, restaurants and pubs.

Cowes

Although close to the mainland, the island's weather system is under the influence of the sea. As such the climate is slightly cooler than mainland temperatures during the summer, and slightly warmer during the winter. The average peak tempertures during July and August range from 19 to 21.5 degress celcius, depending on location.

Cowes

The nearest international airport is Southhampton, which is about 50 minutes away. London Waterloo railway station is approximately 2 hours away. Ferries from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington.

Cowes

There is a tremendous amount to do and see on the island. For a trip back in time, Osbourne House, designed by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria's country retreat, has been left largely unaltered since her death in 1901. There is also Yarmouth castle, built in 1547, Carisbrooke Castle and many more besides.

In tune with the island's yachting tradition, there are numerous maritime museums, such as the Bembridge Shipwreck and Maritime Museum as well as the Cowes Maritime Museum. For younger ones, the Dinosaur Farm Museum and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway prove popular.

The island boasts many miles of walking and cycling tracks for all abilities. For watersports, there are several beaches suitable for beginner and advanced kitesurfers and windsurfers, while the autumn is a good time to catch the waves for regular surfing. Golfers will be happy with the two 18 hole cliff-top courses at Freshwater Bay and at Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club, plus several 9 hole courses.