You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a great holiday. For starters, the Island’s views—be they rural charms or coastal delights—are free. Stroll along Ryde Esplanade to see the hovercraft or make your way to Cowes to watch the shipping on the Solent. If you have a head for heights, try St Catherine’s Lighthouse near Niton (small charge) for a breathtaking panorama over the Island’s southern point. Why not picnic on the cliff top before you explore some of the pretty villages, all thatched cottages and flower gardens? Look out for Bembridge, its delightful houseboats and windmill in working order, Godshill and its teashops, or Brighstone’s free Village Museum, run by the National Trust. Discover the dramatic and lush Shanklin Chine (small entrance fee), the colourful harbour at Yarmouth, with its yachts and fishing boats, and watch the sun set over the sea in Freshwater Bay.

The Island is perfect for fresh air and gentle exercise. Rambling is free, but for £2 or so you can join a guided walk (see www.islandbreaks.co.uk) and learn about the local flora and fauna. There are an astounding 500 miles of rights of way and linear or circular walks of varying lengths, so you have plenty of choice—and the same can be said of cycling. On level tracks along old railway lines, or on challenging off-road bridleways, cyclists of all abilities can tour at their own pace. Country roads are generally quiet, and dedicated cycle routes link Yarmouth to Freshwater and Newport to Wootton, Cowes and Sandown. The signposted Round the Island road is also suitable. Cycle hire shops are found in the bigger towns; the daily charge is around £12.

If you’re after traditional seaside entertainment, there’s plenty on offer. An outing to Sandown pier can cost as little or as much as you like but there is fun for all and dodgems, children’s rides and the Magic Island play zone should not break the bank. Shanklin has Jungle Jim’s Adventure Play area on the Esplanade, while Peter Pan’s Playground in Ryde caters for children aged four to teens, with arcades, a funfair and Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf. Jolly Roger’s Plaice in Newport claims to have the largest indoor soft adventure play space on the Island, with its three-tiered play frame.

Closer to nature, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary at Wroxall is free—although you may wish to give a donation—as are Ventnor Botanic Gardens (small car park charge), where there are abundant displays of temperate and sub-tropical species to admire. Adgestone Vineyard, set in 10 acres of outstanding natural beauty overlooked by Brading Down, offers free entry, a free wine tasting and guided cellar tours.

Cowes Maritime Museum, displaying paintings, models and an extensive photographic archive of the former local shipbuilding industry, is free. Arreton Barns also has no charge. Here you may see traditional craftsmen and, for a small fee, try your hand at brass rubbing or explore the fascinating treasure trove that is the Shipwreck and Maritime Museum. For a smallish charge, you can see the amazing and recently refurbished Model Railway in Fort Victoria, near Yarmouth, which should have a new English layout, complete with fairground and circus, for 2008.

One final tip: for evening entertainment, Newport’s 11-screen Cineworld offers a Bargain Tuesday, enabling you to enjoy a top movie for less. SOLANGE HANDO

Where to stay...

The Chestnuts (01983 862162), offers attractive, contemporary accommodation close to Shanklin’s beach at very competitive prices.

Eating out...

A wide range of salads, sandwiches, jackets and fry-ups is available at the Octopus Garden Café, in Cowes (01983 291188), which features Beatles-inspired décor and memorabilia, and a great children’s menu. Island Images Café & Deli has reopened under new ownership in Newport (01983 522977). Offering baguettes, sandwiches, panini and cakes, it’s good for a quick lunchtime bite.

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