Although most of us remember the Isle of Wight for its 1968 Pop Festival, "The Island", as it is called by its very independant minded inhabitants is a place of beauty and tranquility.
Whether you decide to cross the Solent from Portsmouth, Southampton or Lymington, approaching the Isle of Wight is going to give you a little thrill : after all , it is very nearly like going abroad (some Islanders would be pleased to read this !) and it is very much like travelling back in time. The local folks have succeeded in retaining the leisurely pace of life of the past , whilst making sure that none of the modern comforts passed them by.
Miles of unspoilt coastal areas, acres of peaceful rural scenery and picture postcard villages survive alongside bustling yachting centres, shops and eating places, and , naturally, all the fun of seaside resorts.
It's a perfect place for getting close to nature and 'messing about in boats', and was already greatly favoured by Queen Victoria who spent most of her later life at her Osborne House residence near Cowes.
The Isle of Wight is home to the world famous Cowes Regattas, Carisbrooke Castle, and many breath-taking beauty spots such as The Needles and the cliffs of Ventnor. There are also hidden treasures like Appuldurcombe House, Bonchurch, Winkle Street (Calbourne) , and many more that will become your own favourite memories.
Did you know ? The entire population of our dear planet would fit on the Isle of Wight...! People would have to stand quite close to one another and try and be friendly....
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