Isle of Wight

I haven't been back for about 20 years, but we had wonderful holidays years back with our DDs. Everything was a delight. From the ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth. The weather several years running was sunshine every day. A good friend and her family with grandchildren have been for the last 3 summer holidays renting a house and are going back this Autumn. Plenty to do. And as everyone says a little like going back in time. Yes I love it. The crossing the Solent makes it an extra special start to the holiday.

We were there for a long weekend about a month ago. Our oldest son is autistic and it is his favourite place. It was also his birthday while we were away. The weather was kind to us and we had a lovely time. There is so much to see and do there and it is still like going back at least forty years in time. in the best way. We are hoping to go back for a few days in early September with my elderly mother.

I lived there during the sixties and early seventies. My first two children were born there and my closest friends live there. I would move back in a heartbeat but it’s no longer practical with the cost of the ferries and my family all being on the mainland so I’ve settled for living on the south coast within spitting distance! 😂

I visit whenever I can. It’s my happy place.

Wow..

Yes it took me by surprise almost to the point of asking ARE WE REALLY IN ENGLAND? I even asked 1 of the ladies on our coach (( coach holiday)) if we could drink the water from the tap, i just couldnt get it in my head that where I was, was part of England.

Yes, like going back in time. I agree 100%.

What also gained a huge plus point was the fact i could easily get about in wheelchair.... 😃

Oh that’s lovely to hear. We’ve wanted to visit for a while. We very nearly booked for this year, but DH hasn’t been too well and it would have been too far to drive.
Think I’ll start planning next year hols. Did you stay in a hotel ? I’ve been looking at the Warner hotels there’s two on the island. Anyone been ?

I live on the south coast so I have done quite a few day trips from Southampton on the ferry. I can't comment on the night life but IOW is great for day trips, plenty to see and good public transport. I did have an awful meal there but that can happen anywhere.

We have only been to warners once, to Bembridge which was nice, close to the beach.

I did my midwifery training there many years ago and it was beautiful. I toured all over and for a small island there was so much variety of scenery. We stayed in Cowes.

Katyj we went to Norton Grange a couple of years ago.
We had a pleasant time but it is very dated compared to others I have visited.
We were in a chalet and would have got very wet going to and from the main building had it rained. It is in a lovely position and there is a bus stop at the end of the drive so, if you don’t take your car, it’s easy to get around.

Serendipity22

Firstly i haven't been on here for a while and for some reason can not jump straight back into my topic earlier asking others if they had been to Isle of Wight and what are their views.

Right, here goes, I HAVE BEEN AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL.... the weather was in the 20's , the people friendly, the surroundings clean and well maintained and to sum the whole holiday up I would say, without a doubt, it was superb, so much so that we are booking for next year. 😃

Hi , delighted that you had a great time in the IOW.. I've been thinking of doing it, but now I'm on my own I'm not sure where on the Island would be best to be based, or easiest to get to... which part did you go?

Shanklin.... which is a bit hilly... I'm told Sundown is flat.

Depending on your mobility. Despite shanklin being hilly ( i am making that point because i use a wheelchair and id left it too kate to hire a mobility scooter ) it would be absolutely fine for someone who doesn't have mobility issues.

Anywhere on the island is absolutely beautiful and we met 2 people who had travelled solo, they said they loved it but obviously everyone is different x

We’ve stayed a few times and visited often, as I live in S Hampshire the Island is a familiar view from various beaches.

My previous message is for Ailsa43...
Stupid me forgotten what to press on here so i apologise 🤦🏻‍♀️

We’ve had two wonderful holidays n the IoW in recent years and would highly recommend it.

Thank you. I’ll have a look at Bembridge. Something to look forward to for next year.

We have relatives there. Have lived there. Now back on mainland. Miss I W. Highly recommend.

I haven’t been since the children were small and we stayed several years running at The Albion Hotel, Freshwater Bay. We loved it but sadly the hotel changed hands and went downhill. Walks over Tennyson Down with wonderful views, Alum Bay with the coloured sands, threading the needles in a boat, Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Sandown, the steam railway at Ryde, Chessel Pottery. So much to do and going on the ferry from Lyndhurst to Yarmouth gave it that extra special feel.

We had a few days there right after dh retired, over 10 years ago now. I’d never been before (nor had he) and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. As someone had said, it was like going back to 1950s England - but in a good way.

Even the route to get there was lovely - driving through the New Forest, ferry from Lyndhurst.

Such a lovely island and I enjoy seeing it from my local beach. Day trips from Lymington are nice but taking the car is incredibly expensive unfortunately.

We went over to the Isle of Wight on the morning of Queen's funeral.
The ferries were almost empty which meant we were able to get much earlier ferry.
On arriving the roads on the island were empty and shops closed as you would expect.

We stopped off at a a lovely pub, they had put a small television on a table with flowers and a candle, a lovely touch.
There was only a few people in the pub,
we sat with them to watch the funeral.
whilst eating a nice lunch.

We were staying at Nodes Point near Bembridge.
Lovely view across the sea.
Beach sandy and small boat to ferry across to Bembridge.
Seafood was delicious.
We had very enjoyable week exploring the area.
The weather was warm and sunny ☀️.
Local people very friendly.
We are going back this September to explore some more of the island .
I'm hoping we have same lovely weather we had before🤞

It is not so expensive by car, if you book if you provide your accommodation booking information to the ferry company.
It is possible to book ferry via holiday companies.

I think the Isle of Wight is a charming place to visit. Very relaxing and scenic. I have stayed at the Warners hotel in Bembridge and liked it a lot but this was about 5 years ago. There are no chalets and the bedroom area is connected to the main building by a corridor. Lovely food as well. I hope it’s still as nice. Osborne House, the holiday home of Queen Victoria is well worth a visit.