The Isle of Wight is a county and the largest island in England, located in the English Channel, off the south coast of the county of Hampshire. There’s a bit of useless pub quiz knowledge for you 🙂 The island offers a perfect getaway vacation for a group of vacation-hungry tourists. You can walk on any of the 16 trails, picnic, cycle, watch birds, spot butterflies or look for wildflowers. Check Headwater.com for exciting packages. You will also be able to uncover history and paraglide a little. Camping on the Isle of Wight is also a popular activity during the summer time.
You also need to carry your walking boots, binoculars and digital camera when you come over because the countryside and the coast have lots of amazing sights. Anyway, the best 5 things to see and do in the Isle of Wight include…
The Needles (Old and New Battery)
This Needles Old Battery is a Victorian fort that was built in 1862 to serve as a coastal defense. It is found at the very end of the island thus offering unrivalled views of the countryside and the Solent.
The fascinating story that these walls hold are told within newly recreated and atmospheric rooms using vivid cartoons from Geoff Campion, the artist of comic book illustration fame. These cartoons tell the story of how the fort was used to protect modern Britain.
On the other hand, the New Battery is found a little further over the headland. Visit it to learn about the astonishing story of the “race for space” by Britannia during the Cold War. British- made rockets were secretly tested in this Battery during that dark period.
Mottistone Manor Garden
This enchanting garden is said to be one of the 5 things to see and do in the Isle of Wight because of the sheltered valley it is set in. The magical garden will surprise and fascinate you what with the shrub- filled banks, the colorful herbaceous borders and the hidden pathways.
Surrounding an attractive Elizabethan manor house, this garden was started in the 20th Century to experiment with Mediterranean- style planting schemes. The schemes have bloomed because of the southerly location.
Bembridge Windmill
This Grade One listed building is the only windmill you will see on the Isle. Locals consider it to be the sole iconic image for the Isle of Wight. It was built in the 1700s and operated through to 1913.
You will be pleased to see the original machinery that was used at the time. Rise to the top and descend the 4 floors slowly to learn how this windmill used to work and the role it played in the history of the Isle.
Newtown Old Town Hall
This 17th Century hall will fascinate you. At the moment, the hall is the last ember of Newtown’s old glory. You will learn that elections for 2 Members of Parliament for the region used to be held in this hall.
Bembridge Fort
This Victorian fort is currently being restored. It is conveniently located atop the Bembridge Down. Guided tours will be provided on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month between April and October. Additional tours will be given on all Tuesdays in August.
All in all, each of these 5 things to see and do in the Isle of Wight is amazing in its own way. You need to visit all of them to truly enjoy the rich history and heritage of our great Isle.