Island Visitor Blog

He has been chief executive of Channel 4 Television and chairman of the BBC, but Lord Grade of Yarmouth loves to unwind in The Solent, Salty’s and Scratchell’s Bay My family are keen sailors. I have always kept my boat in Lymington and our first port of call over the past 20 years or so […]

Among the Isle of Wight’s many coastal walks, try this expedition from Brook Chine around the Tennyson Trail and enjoy the glorious landscapes Details Distance 6 miles Start Brook View Point Car Park, Military Road, PO30 4HA. Access For the  more adventurous who don’t mind a bit of a challenge. Refreshments & toilets Shippard’s Chine […]

Having danced and sung her way around the world, BeX has returned to her native Isle of Wight to focus on her singing — and strolling in the hills You’ve had a good year… I certainly have. My first album, Story So Far, came out last May followed by the release of my first single, […]

A one-woman mission to restore a famous Victorian poet’s home has given the Isle of Wight a glorious new attraction, says Fiona Sims The Isle of Wight has had many illustrious residents, most famously Queen Victoria at Osborne, which was her seaside retreat for 50 years from 1845. But next on that list must be […]

There is no denying that the Isle of Wight has become a haven for all things vintage. Here Anthea Payne rounds up the island’s best vintage holidays. From retro campervans to secluded shacks – there is something to cater to every taste. Isle of Wight Campervan Holidays Choose from a selection of candy-coloured 1970s VW campervans […]

The Isle of Wight is a haven for all things vintage, says Anthea Payne, from car boot sales to Lindy hopping like an American GI The Isle of Wight is the go-to place for revivalists from around the world. Whether it’s for vintage scooters, steam trains or music and dancing, many people have made the […]

Blackgang Chine, the country’s oldest theme park, has been run by the same family for 175 years. Its fifth-generation managing director, Alec Dabell, talks mud fights and dinosaurs You must have been popular growing up? I was a boarder at Ryde School and at weekends I’d grab a group of my chums and have the […]

Paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing watersports in the UK — and the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to try it. Mark Baxter gets on board “Stance is very important,” says watersports instructor Huw Jones, correcting my footwork. It’s my first time on a paddleboard and it feels good. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is […]

The Needles is an iconic UK landmark and, as owner of Needles Pleasure Cruises, Peter Lemonius has the pleasure of seeing it every day  What makes The Needles so special? This row of distinctive chalk stacks derives its name from a needle-shaped rock that collapsed into the sea in 1764, the stump forming a dangerous […]

The Isle of Wight is full of fabulous waterside eateries. Jo Macaulay highlights the best spots for the tastiest food and wonderful views The sound of waves lapping the shore, the sun glinting on the water, the cry of seagulls and the sight of white sails slipping past… there’s something very special about eating by […]