Cottage holidays Isle of Wight

About thIS LOVELY HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Think of ‘a green and pleasant land’, friendly hospitable people, villages with old fashioned tea shops and pubs, lots of footpaths and bridleways across gently hilly countryside, a coast with white cliffs and small seaside towns and you have a basic overview of the Isle of Wight. As older visitors will tell you, the Isle of Wight is like England used to be several decades ago, when people had time for each other and good manners prevailed.

The island has a strong appeal for families who look for a seaside break in a safe environment not too far from home, walkers, cyclists and older people. The atmosphere is one of relaxation and calm rather than excitement, the scenery is lovely and it is easy to get around the island. A network of green public buses runs from one point to another at regular intervals. Pensioners are able to get around free using their bus passes. Bus timetables are available online and at the bus station in Newport. There is also an open-topped tourist bus that offers daily passes and follows a circular tour of the island taking in the main tourist destinations.

There are plenty of tourist hotspots for days out; the Needles and the Needles Park, Godshill Village, the well known seaside towns of Ryde, Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin and charming Ventnor and the various tourist attractions and parks.

People living on the Isle of Wight appear to enjoy a family friendly work/life balance, many shops and tourist attraction close earlier than on the mainland. 5 pm is not an uncommon closing time although supermarkets stay open until about 10 pm.

gETTING TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT

A selection of ferries and a hovercraft run an efficient service to and from the Isle of Wight, some crossing the Solent in a period of time just long enough to purchase and drink a cup of tea and admire the numerous yachts zig-zagging their way through the waves. The ferries from the mainland go into Yarmouth, Cowes, Ryde and Fishbourne.

Depending on which ferry company one chooses, people crossing are expected to arrive at least 40 minutes before departure although for early arrivees additional cars are permitted on an earlier ferry if there is spare capacity.

The ferry adds an extra cost to travel, however, the beauty and atmosphere of the Isle of Wight compensates sufficiently to make holidaymakers believe that the journey is worthwhile and many return repeatedly.

WHEN TO VISIT THE ISLE OF WIGHT?

You may have often thought about visiting the Isle of Wight but not decided on the best time to do so. For many people, the summer conjures up images of summer breaks on the beach, in which the Isle of Wight is blessed.

It is also a terrific walking and cycling holiday destination with some of the prettiest countryside in England and an excellent selection of tea shops.

Do read about what each season on the Isle of Wight offers for holidays to make the best decision about when to book a cottage break.