The Isle of Wight’s Sunday Best
Above: tiger
Above: Carisbrooke Castle
Above: St Catherine’s lighthouse
Above: Diving
Above: Explore the Island’s coastline beneath the waves
Above: Join the Walking Weekend
Above: The Botanic Gardens
Above: Osbourne House
Above: paragliding
Known for its unspoilt natural beauty, wildlife and abundance of attractions, the Isle of Wight has been a popular holiday resort since Victorian times. There is more to the Island than beaches.
The Island is also rich in history. Apart from being home to the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson and Queen Victoria, the Isle of Wight also enjoyed a brief period as an independent kingdom in the 15th century.
Something for the extreme
The Isle of Wight has plenty to offer adrenaline junkies.
Flying high
If you want to feel as free as a bird why not try paragliding? High Adventure provides paragliding tuition in the deep south of the Isle of Wight (Yarmouth).
Perfectly located, with over eight flying sites, there is a constant sea breeze at High Adventure – ideal conditions for learning the basics of paragliding.
Rest assured you will be in safe hands with a team of six dedicated instructors, all of whom are qualified and licensed by the British Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association.
Call 01983 752322 for more information.
High Adventure, The Savoy , Halletts Shute, Yarmouth,
Isle of Wight P041 ORJ. www.high-adventure.uk.com
Deep blue sea
If you are a bit of a water baby and want to make the most of the Isle of Wight, both above and below sea level, why not learn to scuba dive?
Island Divers, based at Cowes, is a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) five star Dive Centre that offers a variety of courses to learn and master your scuba diving skills.
For prices and more information call 01983 240255.
Island Divers, Unit 2 Medina Village,
Bridge Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7LP. www.iowdivers.co.uk
Come fly with me
What could be more exhilarating than learning to fly? The Specialist Flying School offers trial lessons that are designed to give you an introduction to flying and get you flying an aircraft (under the close supervision of an instructor).
Based at Sandown Airport with its purpose built facilities, the Specialist Flying School has a unique fleet of aircraft second to none in the United Kingdom. There is something for everyone from hi-tech helicopters, fixed wing aeroplanes or micro lights.
For prices and more information, call 01983 402402.
Specialist Flying School, Isle of Wight Airport,
Embassy Way, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 0JP. www.flyingschool.com
Boat trip
Sea lovers will be fighting to get onboard and explore the coast of the Isle of Wight by boat.
Island Charters is an international company renowned for hosting events during Cowes’ Week. The company offers a variety of services from bareboat and skippered charters to sailing lessons and race training.
If you are an accomplished sailor with sturdy sea legs,
why not take advantage of Island Charters’ naval hoard and sail one of their many boats. Choose between an American J-Boat, Scandinavian X-Yacht or British HOD 35s, amongst many more.
Island charters, 28 Sun Hill, Cowes,
Isle of Wight PO31 7HY. Tel: 01983 296286.
Walk on the wild side
Easy tiger
Pay a visit to the award-winning Isle of Wight Zoo. Although the zoo has been dedicated to the tiger for over 25 years, it also looks after a wide range of other animals and insects including jaguars, monkeys, snakes and lizards.
The Zoo is open daily from 10am to 4pm throughout October.
Tickets cost £5.95 for adults and £4.95 for children and senior citizens. Children under five years get in free. Family and group tickets are available.
The Zoo House, Yaverland Road, Sandown,
Isle of Wight PO36 8QB. Tel: 01983 403883 for more details.
Full steam ahead
Step back in time on the vintage locomotives and restored Victorian carriages as you travel from Wootton to Smallbrook Junction. Take in the breathtaking scenery along this 10-mile train ride and then stop off at Granny’s Winter Pantry for refreshments.
Be sure to stop off at Havenstreet Station to visit the Island Railway History Museum. Remember your train ticket is valid for unlimited travel so make full use of it.
From October 26 to November 2 it is Wizard Week at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, so be sure to visit for pre-Halloween fun for all the family, including magic from David Randini and residents of the local Bat Hospital. Call 01983 884333 for more information.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway, The Railway Station,
Havenstreet, Isle of Wight PO33 4DS.
Bricks and mortar
The Isle of Wight is brimming with historic buildings just waiting to be explored.
For queen and country at Osborne House
In the words of Queen Victoria herself, “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.” Known as Queen Victoria’s place by the sea, Osborne house is rich in Victorian luxury with no expense spared.
However lavish this English Heritage property is, Osborne House was built as a family home and as you wander through the sumptuous apartments and private rooms, into the nursery you are presented with an intimate glimpse of Royal family life.
There is plenty to do at Osborne House. Aside from exploring the house and relaxing in the gardens, you can enjoy a horse and cart ride to the restaurant for a tasty meal or visit the gift shop for a memento.
Osborne House is open between 10am and 4pm throughout October; tickets start at £10 for adults, call 01983 522107.
For king and castle
Just 11 miles from Newport, Carisbrooke Castle is open from 10am to 4pm in October and is bursting with history.
The castle is based on a Saxon fort that occupied the site during the 8th century and is astonishingly complete. There are lots of things to see and do – from climbing the keep, moseying through the museum and marching the battlements.
It is home to the famous Carisbrooke donkeys. These were originally introduced during the 17th century to turn the waterwheel. There is a picnic site and onsite tea rooms.
Tickets are £6.50 for adults. Call 01983 522107 for
more information.
Come walk with me
Light the way
Lighthouse enthusiasts will be delighted to explore those located on the Isle of Wight. The Island has four lighthouses in total – the Needles Lighthouse on the western approach, Egypt Point to the north, The Nab Tower to the east and St Catherine’s on the southern approach.
With its red and white stripped character, the Needles Lighthouse was established in 1786. Standing at 31 metres tall, the lighthouse hasn’t been manned since 1994 and is
now automated.
Egypt Point can be found at Cowes. Established in 1897 and reaching heights of 25 ft, this lighthouse is no longer operational.
A few miles South East of Bembridge sits the curious looking Nab Tower. It was established in 1920 with electricity and towers at 27 metres tall. In 1983 the lighthouse became automated.
With its unique octagonal tower St Catherine’s is the oldest of the lighthouses on the Island. Established in 1323 and measuring a staggering 25 metres, it is the only lighthouse with a visitor’s centre. Be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Be aware there is no vehicular access at St Catherine’s and limited access throughout October. It is open between 1pm and 4.30pm October 2, 3 and 5. Open 12pm to 3.30pm on October 26, 28 to 31.
Tickets are priced at £2.50 for adults. Family tickets and concessions available. Call 01983 855069 for more details.
Monkey around
If you fancy yourself as the next Tarzan, why not check
out Goodleaf?
Set in a secret rural location on the Isle of Wight, Goodleaf Tree Climbing offers tree climbing adventures for all ages
and all abilities.
Under the watchful eye of a trained arborist, you’ll be fully briefed on all the health and safety issues before being harnessed up, donning a hardhat and let loose on a tree. After some knot tying practice and a demonstration, (when fully ready) you’ll be free to scale a tree.
Prices start at £35 for adults. Price includes a two-and-a-half hour experience, hire of all equipment, full instruction, demonstration, supervision, insurance and refreshments.
Call 01983 563 573 for more information.