Isle of Wight....

kitchpoo

...we are going for a week over Easter. I think we know what attractions we want to go to but where, off the beaten track, walks, views, nice villages, lakes etc are there that we shouldn't miss? Thank you in advance!:T

peaceandlove_2

Hello there

There is a breathtaking 360 degree view (270 degrees of coastline as the land sticks out in a point and Hurst castle over on the "mainland") from the top of Tennyson down (There is Alfred Lord Tennyson's monument on the top, so there are a number of footpaths). It is on the west side - near Freshwater. I'm sure there will be a link to a website of footpaths on the Isle of Wight tourism website.

I will try to think of some other places off the beaten track!

It's a gorgeous place, have a wonderful time!:j

Peace and love

oldMcDonald

Was just going to post to suggest Freshwater Bay and the surrounding coastline but the above poster beat me to it!! The whole area is just beautiful.

kitchpoo

Thats the sort of thing thanks!!! We have never been before....looking forward to it....anymore???

peaceandlove_2

Hello again!

There are lots of beautiful views if you drive on "the military road" which is the road from Blackgang to Freshwater along the coast. Just outside of Blackgang there is a picture postcard view all along the south west coast of the island. There are a variety of beaches along there that are favourites for surfers (you will no doubt see some camper vans!). All are quite windy!!, but not touristy - ie nothing there except sand, cliffs and sea. Most have some sort of car park at the top, with a path down to them. Compton is probably the most well known, which is the furthest one up towards Freshwater, although there are Brighstone and Brook too. Some of these may ask for donations as I think the land is owned by the national trust.

If you have Google Earth, there are some great pictures by the way!

Totland Bay (West North West)has a lovely pub, The Waterfront, where you can sit in a sheltered area next to the sea all night , listening to the waves whilst you sip your drinks (bliss!, last time I was there anyway!) There is a cafe with lovely views out to the sea at Colwell Bay (again West north west). I think it's called Crusoe's. There is a nice walk at "Lake" along the top of the cliffs (houses on one side). There is a nice cafe not too far along - do you see a theme here!). Another nice quiet beach that has a fishing feel to it is Steephill Cove, near Ventnor. I will let you know any other ideas I have!

kitchpoo

Fantastic! Exactly the sort of thing we are after! Thanks very much!

kitchpoo

anyone else recommend anything?

jecdjk

The west Wight is the most picturesque place to visit with some lovely villages.
Mottistone Down has some good views and there are bronze age burial mounds to see. The Tennyson Trail is the longest trail, fourteen miles from Carisbrooke to Alum Bay. I walked it in a thunder storm, got soaked, but what a great walk. There is a walking festival every May with the longest walk being Bembridge to Alum Bay - 26 miles.
You can go hunting for red squirrels in Parkhurst and Brighstone forests. (No grey squirrels on the island).
Carisbrooke Castle has some good views and donkeys that work on a wheel hauling water from the well!
Beaches galore - sand or shingle, busy or quiet.
The island is also home to the infamous Parkhurst Prison which is on the main road to West Cowes. There are actually three prisons.
I'm sure that whatever you do you will not be disappointed. I've been fortunate to live here for the last seven years and I'm still exploring. Have a great time.

Oldernotwiser

Don't miss the Crab and Lobster pub at Bembridge and the Spyglass at Ventnor. Both super pubs with good food, real ale and places to sit out looking over the sea.

ksh123

I was lucky enough to live on the Isle of Wight for 12 months 5 years ago. It really got under my skin and I miss it like mad.

For places to visit I agree with all the above posters Jecdjk & Oldernotwiser. West wight is the most picturesque (tho Bembridge is gorgeous too).

The weather, sadly, is precocious so take wellies and Kagouls tho I'll cross fingers that you won't need them.

Having said that - there is no where better to be than walking along Ventnors' "prom" with sea spray in your face and waves crashing at your feet - really gets the adrenalin flowing!

kitchpoo

I have added all the above to the satnav tonight in readyness, any more welcomed.