Page 97 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

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6 Isle of Wight VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

A little England in miniature, the diamond-shaped Isle of Wight Practical Information
prides itself on its tranquillity and a sense of being slightly Hampshire. Map B3. n The
apart from the bustle of the mainland. For a small island, it has Guildhall, High St, Newport; 01983
521555; ∑ visitisleofwight.co.uk
remarkably varied scenery and plenty of historical associations,
from prehistoric settlers to King Charles I and Queen Victoria. Transport
g from Southampton to East
The north coast is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts, particularly Cowes, Portsmouth to Fishbourne
around Cowes, the birthplace of modern regattas. and Lymington to Yarmouth
(passenger-only ferries from
Cowes has been Southampton and Portsmouth
the home of yacht
racing since the to Cowes and Ryde).
19th century. In
August, the Cowes
Week races feature Osborne House was the favourite
boats from all home of Queen Victoria and her
over the world. husband Prince Albert. It is still
furnished largely as they left it.
Ryde is the island’s largest
town. It has long sandy beaches
beside Britain’s oldest traditional
seaside pier, begun in 1813.
Whippingham
Yarmouth Church Isle of Wight
With a castle built by Henry VIII, Yarmouth Steam Railway
is one of the most picturesque of
the island’s small harbours.
Quarr Abbey
Calbourne Rosemary
Water Mill Vineyard and
Sharon Orchard

Dimbola Lodge
Bembridge
Windmill
Shanklin Chine was
Mottistone once a smugglers’
Manor hideaway. This narrow
ravine leads to a string
of waterfalls.
St Catherine’s
The Pepper Pot Lighthouse
Godshill’s church was reportedly built on Ventnor is a tranquil
a hill after, according to legend, the stones town on a steep bay
used to build it were moved here by God from with an unusually
their original position at the bottom of the hill. sunny microclimate.
Carisbrooke Castle
Set on a hill above
Newport, this castle is
The Needles famous as the place
These jagged rock pinnacles are a where King Charles I
symbol of the island, and there are was imprisoned by
superb views of them from the cliffs Parliament before his
and beaches at nearby Alum Bay. execution in 1649.

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