The Isle of Wight

Whenever I talk to people about the Isle of Wight, the response is always either “I have not been there since I was a child” or “I have always meant to visit the Isle of Wight”. Let me tell you a little about the Island, with its balmy climate.

First, it is so much easier to get there than almost anywhere else – no airport delays – no road traffic jams – just a half hour ferry journey, and you are there. As soon as you board the ferry, you feel you have started your holiday, and you relax.

The Island is a time warp. Time stopped fifty years ago – there are no motorways, and hardly any dual lane roads – they are not needed in an island that measures 23 miles across and 13 miles from North to South. The Military Road was built in Napoleon days to move troops quickly from The Needles Battery at the West to Bembridge Fort on the East, and is still in use today.

Queen Victoria loved her house at Osborne, and the Island became popular for holidays in her times. The natives are friendly and always have time for a chat.
There is something for everybody's holiday whether you like beaches, walking, cycling, fossils, scenic views, pretty villages and cottages or stately homes. Wherever you want to go on the island “it is not very far”.

We particularly love Shanklin at the South East corner of the Island, and the nearby hamlet of Luccombe, looking across the Channel. Shanklin caters for visitors and is well supplied with restaurants, shops, thatched pubs and a theatre.

For walkers, the Coast Path from Shanklin climbs to Luccombe with outstanding views across the English Channel, and continues to Bonchurch, Ventnor and 65 miles round the Island until it returns to Shanklin.

Shanklin has a large clean sandy beach which is approached from the Esplanade or via Shanklin Chine or Appley Steps, and is seldom crowded. Luccombe also has a Chine that drops to a secluded beach and at low tide you can walk to Shanklin beach.

Our beautiful Clifftop Apartment is in a fine restored landmark Victorian building perched high on the cliffs between Shanklin and Luccombe, with uninterrupted sea views and a two acre woodland garden for your use.
Oliver Parsons, Barncroft HP5 2UG©
Photo: The Apartment
Listed with Cottage Holidays May 2009