Category: Location Spotlight
February 14, 2012
The wild wild west of the Isle of Wight is akin to Cornwall with it's rugged rural landscape interspersed with solitary farmhouses, but at the western tip of the Island is the bustling classy harbour town of Yarmouth attracting sailors and visitors from all over.
Originally called Eremue, meaning 'muddy estuary' it is one of the earliest Norman settlements on the Island, dating back 1000 years. After being regularly invaded by the French trying to get access to England, Henry VIII built the castle in 1547, which is now English Heritage.
The grade 2 listed pier is the longest timber pier in England still open to the public since it's creation in 1876.
Now Yarmouth is a charming village, with some excellent cafes, pubs and restaurants, such as the George, The Bugle Coaching Inn and The Forresters. For a quirky eating experience with great seafood try On the Rocks. There are also some interesting gift shops and a new delicatessen.
Yarmouth holds various events throughout the year, but is most famous for the Old Gaffers Festival with fabulous displays of traditional sail boats and a collection of antique cars, arts and crafts stalls, entertainers and tasty snacks and refreshments.
The village of Yarmouth used to be linked to other Island towns by a railway line and although not in use now, the remaining track system provides great opportunities for walking and cycling. You can follow the Yarmouth Heritage Trail to see places of interest and historic buildings.
On the westerly tip of the island is Freshwater and Totland, where the beaches have fantastic views both over The Solent and the English Channel and some of the Island's best surfing takes place.
The biggest tourist attraction here is The Needles Park at Alum Bay, home of the famous coloured sands, which provides entertainment for all the family including fairground rides, a chairlift down to the cove and a bus or boat ride along to the Isle of Wight's most famous landmark, The Needles.
The West Wight Sports Centre has a public indoor swimming pool and an 18 hole golf course on the downs overlooking Freshwater Bay is a stunning location to practice your swing.
Home to the famous Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson you can visit Farringford House or take a walk in the National Trust's Area Of Natural Outstanding Beauty, along Tennyson Down and see the Needles from the cliff top.
Dimbola Lodge was home to Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and now exhibits her work as well as the history of the legendary Isle Of Wight music festivals. And while you out west why not pop into Isle of Wight Pearl and learn about cultured and natural pearls.
Freshwater also has some great places to eat including the Red Lion, The Waterfront and on the west of the Island are some of the best places for an English Cream Tea at Warren Farm, Totland.
Wight Locations has several stunning self catering holiday cottages in the West of the Island to suit individual needs.
Originally called Eremue, meaning 'muddy estuary' it is one of the earliest Norman settlements on the Island, dating back 1000 years. After being regularly invaded by the French trying to get access to England, Henry VIII built the castle in 1547, which is now English Heritage. The grade 2 listed pier is the longest timber pier in England still open to the public since it's creation in 1876.
Now Yarmouth is a charming village, with some excellent cafes, pubs and restaurants, such as the George, The Bugle Coaching Inn and The Forresters. For a quirky eating experience with great seafood try On the Rocks. There are also some interesting gift shops and a new delicatessen.
Yarmouth holds various events throughout the year, but is most famous for the Old Gaffers Festival with fabulous displays of traditional sail boats and a collection of antique cars, arts and crafts stalls, entertainers and tasty snacks and refreshments.
The village of Yarmouth used to be linked to other Island towns by a railway line and although not in use now, the remaining track system provides great opportunities for walking and cycling. You can follow the Yarmouth Heritage Trail to see places of interest and historic buildings.
On the westerly tip of the island is Freshwater and Totland, where the beaches have fantastic views both over The Solent and the English Channel and some of the Island's best surfing takes place.
The biggest tourist attraction here is The Needles Park at Alum Bay, home of the famous coloured sands, which provides entertainment for all the family including fairground rides, a chairlift down to the cove and a bus or boat ride along to the Isle of Wight's most famous landmark, The Needles.
The West Wight Sports Centre has a public indoor swimming pool and an 18 hole golf course on the downs overlooking Freshwater Bay is a stunning location to practice your swing.
Home to the famous Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson you can visit Farringford House or take a walk in the National Trust's Area Of Natural Outstanding Beauty, along Tennyson Down and see the Needles from the cliff top.
Dimbola Lodge was home to Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and now exhibits her work as well as the history of the legendary Isle Of Wight music festivals. And while you out west why not pop into Isle of Wight Pearl and learn about cultured and natural pearls.
Freshwater also has some great places to eat including the Red Lion, The Waterfront and on the west of the Island are some of the best places for an English Cream Tea at Warren Farm, Totland.
Wight Locations has several stunning self catering holiday cottages in the West of the Island to suit individual needs.
Location Spotlight
January 11, 2012
Seaview is a delightful, unspoilt Victorian Sailing village tucked away on north east coast of the Isle of Wight. It has a strong yachting and boating history and holds a place in the heart of many a visitor over several generations.
The village is a highly sought after holiday destination for sailors and families who love the old fashioned pace of life and laid back atmosphere. They come year after year, generation after generation to enjoy the simple pleasures of the sun, sea and fresh outdoors.
With a vibrant Sailing Club, Seaview also has beaches which are ideal for windsurfing, swimming, and paddling. The children can while away the hours rock pooling and crabbing and you can explore many coastal walks or enjoy places of interest, such as the Seaview Wildlife Park, Puckpool Park and nearby Tree Climbing at Appley beach at various times of the year.
For great places to eat try the family friendly Old Fort Bar for great pub food right on the seafront, or The Boat House along the Duver for quality dining by the sea. The Seaview Hotel in the high street has recently taken on a new chef and adopted their very own pet Parakeet called Terry and I am reliably informed is very soon about to be joined by a partner called Brenda. Visit the fantastic Khrua Thai Orchid Restaurant for a fine meal or get a take away delivered to your self catering holiday home.
Wight Locations office is located in Seaview, so whilst visiting, if you havent already, pop in and say hello to the team. We have plenty of Island knowledge between us and the office has a stock of information leaflets if you are stuck for ideas on what to do or where to go.
Just along from Seaview is the village of Bembridge, considered to be one of the more upmarket areas on the Island, it is home to a surprisingly busy little harbour full of fishing boats and pleasure craft. Take an informal tour of the RNLI lifeboat station.
There is a good range of quality shops in Bembridge from The Bembridge Deli to delightful gift and craft shops, as well as excellent pubs and restaurants such as the award winning Crab and Lobster Inn and China China.
Visit Bembridge Windmill which is the only surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight dating back to 1700, and take the Culver Trail for a bracing walk along the clifftop and downs. As with Seaview and Cowes, Bembridge is popular with many celebrities who either live here or have holiday homes in the area.
In between Seaview and Bembridge is St Helens where the village green provides the focus of village life, with football and cricket and childrens play area, and even Sunday car boot sales. A short walk to the beach at the Duver, you can visit the famous Baywatch on the Beach, enjoy a tasty snack or fine meal, look out to sea and watch the world go by... For an evening treat visit Dans Kitchen for some of the finest cuisine on the Island.
The village is a highly sought after holiday destination for sailors and families who love the old fashioned pace of life and laid back atmosphere. They come year after year, generation after generation to enjoy the simple pleasures of the sun, sea and fresh outdoors.
With a vibrant Sailing Club, Seaview also has beaches which are ideal for windsurfing, swimming, and paddling. The children can while away the hours rock pooling and crabbing and you can explore many coastal walks or enjoy places of interest, such as the Seaview Wildlife Park, Puckpool Park and nearby Tree Climbing at Appley beach at various times of the year. For great places to eat try the family friendly Old Fort Bar for great pub food right on the seafront, or The Boat House along the Duver for quality dining by the sea. The Seaview Hotel in the high street has recently taken on a new chef and adopted their very own pet Parakeet called Terry and I am reliably informed is very soon about to be joined by a partner called Brenda. Visit the fantastic Khrua Thai Orchid Restaurant for a fine meal or get a take away delivered to your self catering holiday home.
Wight Locations office is located in Seaview, so whilst visiting, if you havent already, pop in and say hello to the team. We have plenty of Island knowledge between us and the office has a stock of information leaflets if you are stuck for ideas on what to do or where to go.
Just along from Seaview is the village of Bembridge, considered to be one of the more upmarket areas on the Island, it is home to a surprisingly busy little harbour full of fishing boats and pleasure craft. Take an informal tour of the RNLI lifeboat station. There is a good range of quality shops in Bembridge from The Bembridge Deli to delightful gift and craft shops, as well as excellent pubs and restaurants such as the award winning Crab and Lobster Inn and China China.
Visit Bembridge Windmill which is the only surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight dating back to 1700, and take the Culver Trail for a bracing walk along the clifftop and downs. As with Seaview and Cowes, Bembridge is popular with many celebrities who either live here or have holiday homes in the area.
In between Seaview and Bembridge is St Helens where the village green provides the focus of village life, with football and cricket and childrens play area, and even Sunday car boot sales. A short walk to the beach at the Duver, you can visit the famous Baywatch on the Beach, enjoy a tasty snack or fine meal, look out to sea and watch the world go by... For an evening treat visit Dans Kitchen for some of the finest cuisine on the Island.Location Spotlight
December 1, 2011
The pretty Victorian seaside village of Shanklin is located on the south eastern corner of the Island and is famed for its good weather and quaint Old Village with its picture postcard thatched cottages. Here you will find unique gifts, unusual items and mementos to remind you of your time on the Island.
The heart of the Old Village also has a bustling nightlife with several pubs regularly showcasing live music at the weekends.
A rattly old London tube train serves Shanklin from Ryde allowing easy access to the mainland and London. An adventure in itself!
The safe sandy beach is sheltered by Dunnose Point, which is a stunning backdrop, with the tall cliffs of Luccombe and St. Boniface Downs beyond, all National Trust land.
By the beach there is pitch and putt, childrens amusements and car parking. A lift provides easy access to the cliff tops, where the views are even more spectacular.
Walkers can take the coastal path through the Undercliff through National Trust land to beautiful Bonchurch full of old stone Victorian buildings and on to Ventnor. Or for an easy stroll, walk in the other direction along the sea front from Shanklin to Sandown. I would recommend a rest at the end in the Kings Cafe with its balcony overlooking the Sandown beach, or the lovely Beach Shack, right on the beach, which has won best crab cakes on the Isle of Wight 2009, 2010, 2011.
Shanklin Chine is a deep gorge carved out by a stream, which is a restful and picturesque place to spend time. In the evening the waterfalls and woodland are illuminated, giving the gardens a totally different aspect and atmosphere.
The Chine is the Isle of Wights oldest tourist attraction, opening in 1817. This famous leafy gorge is much loved by poets, artists and writers. The winding woodland, with its steep sides is a magical place for rare plants, wildlife and enchanting waterfalls.
The Heritage Centres exhibition relays the Islands long connection with flying and aircraft construction. A video and display of PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) shows the fascinating story of how the pipeline carried petrol to the Allied troops in Normandy.
Shanklin has plenty of great eateries, and I can personally recommend the following:
Mama Mias for authentic Italian, Purple Mango for Indian, Black Cat for tasty Thai, Vernon Cottage for local fresh Crab sandwiches, the beautiful Rhylstone Gardens for Cream teas and Crazy golf, and Fishermans Cottage for the best and very generous size Fish & Chips.
If you venture to Bonchurch you must visit the 12th century church. For eating try the Bonchurch Inn for fabulous old world ambience and Italian food or the Pond Cafe for fine dining courtesy of Michelin star chef Robert Thompson.
Why not stay in one of our fabulous luxury self catering Shanklin apartments right by the Old Village and the Chine and overlooking Shanklin beach.
The heart of the Old Village also has a bustling nightlife with several pubs regularly showcasing live music at the weekends.
A rattly old London tube train serves Shanklin from Ryde allowing easy access to the mainland and London. An adventure in itself!
The safe sandy beach is sheltered by Dunnose Point, which is a stunning backdrop, with the tall cliffs of Luccombe and St. Boniface Downs beyond, all National Trust land.
By the beach there is pitch and putt, childrens amusements and car parking. A lift provides easy access to the cliff tops, where the views are even more spectacular.
Walkers can take the coastal path through the Undercliff through National Trust land to beautiful Bonchurch full of old stone Victorian buildings and on to Ventnor. Or for an easy stroll, walk in the other direction along the sea front from Shanklin to Sandown. I would recommend a rest at the end in the Kings Cafe with its balcony overlooking the Sandown beach, or the lovely Beach Shack, right on the beach, which has won best crab cakes on the Isle of Wight 2009, 2010, 2011.
Shanklin Chine is a deep gorge carved out by a stream, which is a restful and picturesque place to spend time. In the evening the waterfalls and woodland are illuminated, giving the gardens a totally different aspect and atmosphere. The Chine is the Isle of Wights oldest tourist attraction, opening in 1817. This famous leafy gorge is much loved by poets, artists and writers. The winding woodland, with its steep sides is a magical place for rare plants, wildlife and enchanting waterfalls.
The Heritage Centres exhibition relays the Islands long connection with flying and aircraft construction. A video and display of PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) shows the fascinating story of how the pipeline carried petrol to the Allied troops in Normandy.
Shanklin has plenty of great eateries, and I can personally recommend the following:
Mama Mias for authentic Italian, Purple Mango for Indian, Black Cat for tasty Thai, Vernon Cottage for local fresh Crab sandwiches, the beautiful Rhylstone Gardens for Cream teas and Crazy golf, and Fishermans Cottage for the best and very generous size Fish & Chips.
If you venture to Bonchurch you must visit the 12th century church. For eating try the Bonchurch Inn for fabulous old world ambience and Italian food or the Pond Cafe for fine dining courtesy of Michelin star chef Robert Thompson.
Why not stay in one of our fabulous luxury self catering Shanklin apartments right by the Old Village and the Chine and overlooking Shanklin beach.
Location Spotlight