St. Ives, Cornwall, England, UK by waterborough

1. Clodgy Point Beach

This scenic beach is just a short walk down the coast from Porthmeor Beach, which does not allow dogs. At Clodgy Point Beach, however, dogs of all sizes are welcome throughout the year. In fact, they are allowed to explore the area on their own, and well-behaved dogs can go off their leads as long as owners are paying attention. Although Clodgy Point Beach is sometimes covered in pebbles, sand is exposed at low tide, which turns the beach into a perfect picnic spot by the cool water. There are occasionally surfers there, but most visitors are those looking for peace, quiet and seclusion away from the crowds.

2. Lambeth Walk Beach

This lovely dog-friendly beach is situated perfectly between Harbour Beach and Porthminster Beach, but it has none of the same regulations when it comes to pets. Dogs are a common sight at Lambeth Walk, and owners can enjoy the sandy shoreline, the lovely sunshine and the refreshing water during the summer or the winter.

3. Porthkidney Sands

You may have noticed by now that many of the dog-friendly beaches in St. Ives are small or only accessible at low tide, but Porthkidney Sands is one very big exception. The beach itself is more than one mile long, and it is incredibly wide. The sand is clean and white, and you can swim in the sea or hike over to the nearby dunes. If you have a dog who wants to get off their lead, run along the water and not feel restricted, this spacious and beautiful beach is the perfect spot.

4. Bamaluz Beach

This charming spot in St. Ives is sometimes called Secret Beach as it only appears during low tide. In the middle of the day, it gets lots of sunshine and is free from crowds. Bamaluz Beach is only accessible by foot via a set of steps next to the St Ives Museum. The area is perfect for dogs to roam on or off their leads throughout the year.

5. Hor Point Beach

Since reaching Hor Point Beach requires a longer walk along the coast from St. Ives, it is often deserted. This is perfect for pet owners who want seclusion and space for their dogs to explore the area. Hor Point can be rocky at times, but there is ample sand during all tides.

Keep in mind that many of the larger beaches in St. Ives are also dog-friendly during certain parts of the year. From November through Easter, dogs are typically welcome at most beaches in the area.

Abi lives in Cornwall. When she is not working, Abi can be found walking her two Labrador dogs along some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches or enjoying her stay in pet friendly cottages, The Cottage Boutique.

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The Isle of Skye

Skye was recently voted the 4^th most popular island in the world by readers of National Geographic magazine…and with good reason. This jewel in Scotland’s crown is known to be a place of extremes; towering cliffs border beaches which range from black volcanic sand through to white coral sand. Rocky caves and hidden coves await discovery around the edge of Skye whilst inland there is stunning countryside, deep and mysterious lochs and quaint villages with craft shops and some well known restaurants.

Skye is also home to the historic Dunvegan Castle and the famous MacCrimmon Pipers; steeped in myth and legend, the area is synonymous with faeries, ghosts and tales of heroic Scotsmen and women. This is a special place which many people fall in love with and return to again and again. The people of Skye are renowned for their excellent hospitality and their good food!

Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK by New Orleans Bankruptcy Lawyer

The Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran has long been one of Scotland’s most popular destinations and no wonder; this most Southerly of Scottish islands has all that a visitor might expect of Scottish landscapes at their very best. Rugged mountains are juxtaposed with stunning beaches and the southerly part of the island boasts some amazing countryside in the shape of woodlands and rolling green hills – see here.

Arran is only 19 miles long but there’s a lot packed in to those 19 miles and with a number of quaint villages to visit, visitors will find that there are plenty of amenities in addition to quiet countryside locations. The largest village is Brodick which has a ferry terminal as well as a number of shops, restaurants and hotels. Here you will also find the lovely Brodick Castle with its walled gardens and nature trails.

Arran is a wonderful destination for families or for those without children who would like to revel in Scotland’s lovely scenery and perhaps indulge in a spot of fishing or golf.

Glen Rosa, Isle of Arran, Scotland, UK by uplandaccess

The Isle of Mull

Mull is the second largest of the Hebridean Islands and has lots to offer in terms of lovely beaches and an amazing, rocky coastline studded with interesting caves and rocks. One of the loveliest beaches here is Calgary Bay which boasts pale sand and a vast array of protected birds. Here you will also find a number of haunting deserted and abandoned villages. Mull is atmospheric and magical; its closeness to nature and to myth and legend come together to create a place of not only great beauty but also of peace.

Duart Castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK by *pascal*

The Isle of North Uist

This tiny Hebridean Island is only 13 miles long but it remains the favourite haunt of Prince Charles when he is in Scotland. The white sandy beaches and the proliferation of beautiful seabirds make this a very special place to visit. There is another island close to Uist, that of Vallay; Vallay can be reached from Uist at low tide and is home to an amazing deserted mansion.

Isle of North Uist, Scotland, UK by Lews Castle UHI

The Isle of Colonsay

This Hebridean gem is no more than ten miles by two miles and yet it is admired by all who visit. With a wealth of outstanding landscape features and some fascinating archaeological sites, Colonsay is a Mecca for those who love the natural environment and history. Stunning beaches border the island and there are a number of arts based festivals here every year.

Isle of Colonsay, Scotland, UK by dun_deagh

The Scottish islands are many in number and they all have something to offer; because some are physically very close to one another it is possible to visit many in one trip. Scotland is unique and each of its islands has its own personality and gifts to offer. Visitors to Scotland’s islands remember the great beauty of the landscape for a long time and with good reason. The views are unmistakable and individual to this special part of the world.

Derek Devlin is a travel writer and lover of his native Scotland and has written a number of articles on the countryside and has even gone on coach tours with https://www.lochsandglens.com/coach-holidays/ of the wee nation.

The post Scotland’s Best Islands for Tourists appeared first on Europe Explored.

Fingal’s Cave, Scotland, UK by Croila

The UK is a lovely country which has a constitutional monarchy, which consist 4 constituent countries. These are Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. All these groups collectively make up the United Kingdom. This is one the most industrialized parts of the world, with extensive big industries in various parts of the country. All the sectors of the economy are significantly experiencing a great boom and this has lead to an improved of living of both the citizen and the foreigners living in the country.

However, besides industrialization, real estate and tourism, seems to be another important part of the economy. Several thousands of tourists do use to visit the country annually, thereby bringing in millions of foreign currency into the economy. The city of London is the most popular and so far, the commercial center of the country. Apart from being the capital of England, the city, is also the most visited area in the UK.

Cheddar Gorge, UK by Arpingstone

There are lots of prominent tourist places in the city of London and other parts of the UK. Some of these places are historical, ancient edifice, while others are impressive, new modern structures. Some are natural; while others are man-made, but a visit to the country will give you the opportunity to experience the natural attractions of UK.

Natural attractions of UK:

1.) Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

Fingal’s Cave is located in Staffa Island, in Scotland. A tourist visit to United Kingdom is never completed without the Fingal’s Cave. This is a Cave that brings the sound of water flowing into the sea cave pipe.

2.) Cheddar Gorge, England

Cheddar is one of natures most remarkable in England. History has it, that this place has been a center of tourist attractions for several decades and the country has been able to manage and preserve its natural environment. Encroachment to its natural beauty has been prevented over the years and this is despite the high numbers of tourist visiting this rocky place every year. Rock climbing is better there than anywhere else and you may also need to climb up to the tower and get to know of the presence of nine thousand year old , England’s oldest skeleton.

Pistyll Rhaeadr, UK by Velela

3.) Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys, Wales

This is believed to be the tallest fall in Wales, the literal translation of its name is “spring of the waterfall”. This natural wonder is situated just 4 miles from the Llanrhaedr-ym-Monchant and just below the fall, is an elegant cafe with the name, Tan-y-Pistyll. This is where, tourist and visitors to the site, can relax and have a wonder experience of the natural falls.

4.) Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, England

Whenever you want to schedule a vacation trip to any country, it is usually a good option to include a visits to special Museum, in the country. This Exhibition centre is actually a whole row of several museums worth seeing. A visit to the place will give you the chance to have a glimpse of several artifacts of great historical values. This is actually, a science and arts museum, which was built and dedicated to the history of London.

Giant’s Causeway, Ireland by Jim

5.) The Giant’s Causeway, Ireland

This is Ireland most popular United Kingdom natural attraction. This is a Giant’s Causeway on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. And it is actually a place with serene environment and unique natural beauty.

The post Get To Know How To Experience the natural attractions of UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

It’s a beautiful part of the country. Gorgeous views, ancient woodland and vast open spaces all help you feel like you’re away from the busyness of city life, even though the modern cities of Southampton and Bournemouth are both within easy reach. There are plenty of activities to do in the Forest, or you can simply wander and take it all in.

New Forest National Park, England, UK by Jim Champion

For people who do like active days out, there are lots of options. You can hire bikes and cycle on the miles of off-road cycle paths, stopping at a 17^th century pub along the way. Or you can go orienteering or geocaching. There’s even kayaking in the Forest along the Beaulieu River, allowing you the chance to see rare plants from the water.

The Beaulieu estate is well worth visiting as well. There’s the Abbey, dating from 1203, which was partly destroyed during the Reformation, but much of it still remains. Just watch out for the smell of incense – it’s a sign that the Abbey’s resident ghost is about! Also at Beaulieu, there’s the famous motor museum, with a simulator and monorail as well as the Top Gear Enormodrome, home to some of the bizarre creations from the TV show.  There’s also archery on the estate, if you want to feel connected to the ghosts of the past.

There are lots of other towns to visit in the New Forest as well. Lymington has an attractive marina and narrow streets lined with interesting independent shops, while Lyndhurst is home to the New Forest Visitor Centre, as well as some nice cafes and pubs. Or you can visit the beach, at the village of Barton-on-Sea or the working tide mill at Eling.

Beaulieu River, New Forest National Park, England, UK by Jim Champion

If you want to get back to nature, however, you can follow a trail through the Forest itself, looking out for some of the unusual wildlife and famous trees contained there. One tree is known as the Eagle Oak, as the last known sea eagle in Britain was shot from its branches. Another is called the Knightwood Oak but appeared on Victorian maps as the “Queen of the Forest”. If you’re more interested in animals, then you can go on a deer safari, where the deer come and nibble fruit from the trailer you’re riding in. Or you can just walk through the woods, looking for the snakes that live there!

So, there’s lots to do and it’s set against a spectacular backdrop. It’s close to both the coast and the M3, as well as the mainline from London Waterloo so it’s well-connected. Come and take a look and soak up the nature and history!

The post The New Forest National Park – a unique experience in southern England appeared first on Europe Explored.

• Lake District
• Loch Lomond
• Dartmoor
• New Forest

There are plenty of different destinations for you to choose from and some of the national parks maybe very close to where you love. For more information, you can check out the website of the national park you are interested in visiting.

The Lake District

The Lake District is a massive national park which has lots of things for you and the family to do and enjoy when you visit. Throughout the year, there are lots of different events and shows on throughout the area where you can visit and also join in. From the Black Combe Walking Festival n May to the various agricultural shows throughout the summer, there is something to keep everyone interested. You can even take your bicycles with you and go out for a ride with the whole family. There are also various hiking trails that you can follows as well. There is a wide range of accommodation available from Self Catering Chalets, B&B’s to static Caravan parks as well.

Lake District National Park, UK by Chris Perriman

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is a beautiful location in Scotland, boasting the largest inland stretch of water in the UK. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy such as hiking, cycling and kayaking as well. Windsurfing, water skiing and also fishing are in offer as well as the more traditional swimming. Also in 2013 Europe’s biggest open water swim series is coming to Loch Lomond so you may wish to time your visit with this. Although it is bound to be very busy as over 2000 people are expected to take part. There is a lot of different type of accommodation available within the area, and you will be amazed at some of the jaw dropping natural beauty available in Loch Lomond.

Loch Lomond, Scotland, UK by baaker2009

Dartmoor

If you are looking to try and get the best weather when you go away, you may wish to think about Dartmoor. Being located in Devon, so being quite far south, you are more likely to get better weather than some of the other national parks around. There are plenty of things to do just the same as other national parks, so plenty of walking, cycling, and animal watching as well as local events and festivals. A famous landmark is White Horse Hill in Uffington which is a prehistoric white figure in the hillside and is about 110 meters long. Being so far south you do tend to see a lot more people visiting in the summer months so you may need to book accommodation in advance, even if you are just pitching your tent or pulling your caravan up.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon, UK by Miles Wolstenholme

The New Forest

The New Forest is a little further north than Dartmoor and is very popular with an estimated 10 million people a year visiting the forest for just the day. There are plenty of activities to do as well as some awesome scenery to take in as well. The forest was first set up about 1000 years ago by William the Conqueror in 1079. It was set up for the sole purpose of hunting, and lots of different species of deer and also wild pigs were kept in the area, so there were plenty of animals to hunt. There is an awful lot of history on show in the New Forest ad you will be able to explore this by visiting the many sites throughout the forest and getting the information available from the various information points dotted about the park. You can also visit the information centre where there is a lot of information for visitors. One thing is for sure that when you visit out national parks in Britain, you will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the area and also explore some of our history as well. You may just have your best holiday yet and want to come back again!

New Forest National Park, England, UK by Hardo Müller

Ted Hunter wrote this article for Travel Republic. Ted is a keen history buff and enjoys exploring local history and sharing his finds in the articles that he writes. He loves reading reviews too about cheap holidays from Travel Republic.

The post Going on Holiday to a National Park in the UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

Farne Island:

Farne Island lies between the fishing port of Seahouses and the village of Bamburgh which houses a number of seals and sea birds to give a unique view to it which is managed by The National Trust of Britain. This island is considered as the summer heaven of UK for the largest colony of grey seals and a number of other seabirds as they give picturesque coastal sceneries for the photographers visiting this island.

Farne Island, UK by Jo Jakeman

Holy Island:

This is one of the largest islands in U.K. from where lies near the northeastern coast of Northumberland. Due to the visit of St. Aidan from Iona to found the monastery here in 635 AD, this island got the status of place of pilgrimage for the people visiting here.

St. Mary’s Island:

This island is one of the UK’s most beautiful islands which lie near the Whitley Bay, down off the southern coast of Northumberland and has a beautiful lighthouse which you can climb on and a café to enjoy during your visit to this island.

A view of St Mary’s Island, UK by Johnwalton

Walney and Piel Island:

Walney Island is an 11 miles long island on the offshore of Britain which is connected to the mainland through a bridge at Barrow-in-Furness. Piel Island is another island close to Barrow having remains of Piel Castle and can be visited easily through ferryboats during summer season.

Anglesey:

This is one of the largest islands in Wales and is known for its attractive seaside town, wide spread white sand beaches and a village having longest name ever heard. There’s also plenty to do for all the family with events, attractions and outdoor activities on offer, all set in beautiful untouched scenery.

Isles of Scilly:

The unique scenic beauty and outlying nature of this collection of islands make it quiet different from the mainland of Cornwall. St. Martin’s, St. Mary’s, islands of St. Agnes and Gugh and islands of Bryher and Tresco are some of the main islands of this group.

Isles of Scilly, UK by Tom Corser www.tomcorser.com. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Isle of Arran:

This island is one of the UK’s most beautiful islands which is also recognized as mini Scotland as it has almost all the facilities and features of Scotland including pebble beaches, sand, rugged landscape, woodlands, outstanding mountain scenery and wildlife in it.

Skye and Lochalsh Islands:

Skye and Lochalsh Islands had recently been honoured to be world’s fourth best island by the National Geographic magazine of UK situated in Scotland in the north of Inner Hebrides. You can reach there by air as well as by road transports easily.

Skye isle, UK by John Allan

Lundy Island:

This is more than three miles long and a mile wide island lies in the Bristol Channel, off the northern coast of Devon. It is also known as Site of Special Scientific Interest as it has a number of breeds of birds and wildlife species as its main habitants.

Orkney Islands:

This is a group of UK’s most beautiful islands off the shores of Scotland which can not be avoided to visit due to their picturesque natural beauty.

Orkney Islands, UK by Paul Wordingham

Author Bio- This post has been written by Susain Alberta. She loves to write about various travelling experiences throughout the most beautiful places in the world. She prefers Peterborough Limo Service for travelling to various places in a luxurious way.

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There really is no better way to discover a country than by taking to your feet and getting up close and personal with the countryside and locals. Although it is not uncommon to head off to sunnier climes and more exotic locations on walking holidays, there are some wonderful walking breaks to be had right here in the UK.

Highlands, Scotland, UK by Francisco Gonzalez

Walking in the UK can be as easy going or as challenging as your fitness allows. Gentle rolling hills, endless swathes of countryside, lakeland vistas and coastal treks are all on the agenda and guided walking holidays in the UK help you to make the most of all that is on offer in this green and pleasant land.

The windswept moors

If you enjoy heading off the beaten track into the unknown, then a walk through the wild and windswept moors will provide hours of pleasure. Dartmoor National Park attracts hundreds of walkers to its rugged beauty and gives a real sense of walking back into a forgotten era. With ancient stone circles, Bronze Age villages and clapper bridges to be found, it is impossible not to be in awe of this wilderness. The Moor is infamous for the ease with which visitors unfamiliar with the area can get lost, with extreme weather often settling in a matter of minutes. A guided walk allows this area to be explored in safety.

The old clapper bridge at Postbridge in Dartmoor National Park, UK by Michal Stehlík

History and culture

For those who prefer to stay closer to civilisation and experience some of the diverse British culture, then a walk through Northumberland might be in order. Your walk could take in a trip to Lindisfarne with its tranquil beauty and its Christian history, or trek Hadrian’s wall, visiting the many Roman remains along the way. This area has its fair share of castles to visit too, with the opportunity to stay locally and walk out each day, or be guided along a longer walk with different hotels to stay at along the way. When moving from hotel to hotel each night on a guided walk, your luggage will be moved for you, leaving you to just carry your daily needs.

Hadrian’s wall, Northumberland, UK by quisnovus

The Highlands

Walking in the Highlands of Scotland is an experience not to be missed. The western Highlands offer some of the best mountain walking in the whole of Britain, with an opportunity to see the lochs, ridges and glens firsthand. Not only a walkers’ paradise, this is also a photographers’ paradise, with scenery that is unrivalled anywhere else. Walks through the Highlands can be challenging, but there are easier routes suitable for the whole family. Rest days can be enjoyed between walks to allow recovery time if needed, which can be especially beneficial when walking with younger children.

AUTHOR BIO:
Adriana Frederick is a keen walker whose ambition is to walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End. In the meantime, she is satisfied with taking one of the many guided walking holidays in the UK every year and writing about her experiences for travel blogs.

The post A guided tour through the sceptred isle | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Eighty-one miles later it ends up on the Essex coast at Harwich.

The Essex Way meanders through ancient villages and picturesque towns, taking in some stunning scenery and a goodly dose of welcoming pubs in which to quench your thirst en route!

From Epping, the walk crosses the line of the old Roman road from London to Colchester, continuing along the River Blackwater before reaching the North Sea.

The Essex Way, spearheaded by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and maintained with the help of an army of volunteers, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Way-marked by plaques and directional arrows, the route can be walked in easily-managed stages or accomplished in one go with carefully-planned stopovers at hostelries and bed and breakfast accommodation along the way.

Where to Start

Epping – once renowned for its association with highwaymen and footpads who terrorised stagecoaches and travellers through Epping Forest – is the easily-accessed starting point thanks to its rail links to London.

From there, a seven-mile stroll takes you through Ongar Great Park, the first recorded deer park in England, and across the line of the Roman Road where army legions marched from London to Colchester.

St Andrew’s Greensted – the oldest wooden church in the world, Essex, England, UK / Photo by Nick

A couple of miles away lies Greensted, boasting the oldest wooden church in the world and once a temporary home to several of the Tolpuddle Martyrs following their full pardon and rescue from transportation to Australia.

Continuing through a host of picture postcard villages including Coggeshall, once home to a flourishing lace-making industry and known latterly as a world-famous antiques centre, the Essex Way travels along the ‘Pennypot’ footpath from John Constable’s Dedham to Wrabness, through Stour Wood and along the seawalls which protect the coast, and onto the centuries-old port of Harwich, East Anglia’s ‘Gateway to the Continent.’

The town’s Low Lighthouse houses the Maritime Museum, while the High Lighthouse marks the end of the Essex Way.

What Else to Watch Out For

• Fairstead Church, where restoration work 130 years ago revealed 13th century wall paintings
• Cressing Temple, the earliest English settlement of legendary warrior-monks the Knights Templar
• Coggeshall Abbey, the ruined Cistercian Abbey founded in 1140
• Munnings’ House, the former home and studio of celebrated painter Sir Alfred Munnings at Dedham
• Langham Hall, once home to Sir Walter Tyrell who was suspected of killing King William II whilst hunting in the New Forest in 1100
• Willingale Airfield, where between June 1943 and July 1944 American airforce personnel attached to 287th Bomb Group flew raids over occupied France
• Willingale, unique for having two churches in the same churchyard
• Good Easter Church, where cedarwood shingles on the roof attract varieties of woodpeckers
• Pleshey, with one of the finest Norman castle earthworks in the country
• Sandy Wood near Great Leighs, whose ancient woodland existed in medieval times
• Chappel Viaduct spanning the Colne Valley, with its seven million bricks making it probably the largest feat of engineering in Essex

Cressing Temple, Barley Barn, Essex, England, UK by Amanda Slater

Nicki Williams is a copy writer for Gear-Zone, where you’ll find everything you need for walking the Essex Way, including wet weather clothing from The North Face, Berghaus and Rab, and hiking boots from Brasher, Meindl and Scarpa

The post The Only Way is Essex – UK National Trail! appeared first on Europe Explored.

Norfolk, England, UK by Gerry Balding

Deepdale Backpackers and Camping, Norfolk, England

For the budget conscious eco-adventurer, this camping and backpacking site hosts private rooms, dorm style rooms, a group hostel room, and camping sites. Enjoy the Norfolk Coast cycling and walking trails nearby and take advantage of the water sports centre before having an evening barbeque. Deepdale follows eco-policies of using renewable energies, recycling, promoting walking and cycling, and minimizing the use of chemicals on crops and gardens. It has been awarded the Gold Green Tourism Business Scheme Award.

The Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is an eco-friendly option on the banks of Loch Ossian, with wonderful views. This is the choice for those looking for a rustic, simple accommodation close to nature. The hostel is equipped with a kitchen, but has no fridge and no showers, though there are hot towels available for washing and food may be kept cold in a storage room facing the loch. The hostel is excellent for hikers as it sits at the base of a mountain. Loch Ossian Youth hostel has been awarded the Silver Green Tourism Business Scheme Award.

Eco Cabins at the Centre for Alternative Technology

The Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth provides eco-experiences with 18 residential cabins. While this is primarily a school and research centre, educational stays in comfortable cabins are offered for those seeking an ecological education get away. A stay in these cabins provides a well-rounded introduction to sustainability practices, with optional courses from the staff such as “Eco-Footprinting”, modelling solar power, and guided tours of the technologies and ecological features of the site. Cabins features kitchens, showers, carpeted areas and open floor plans.

South Lodge Hotel

For the luxurious eco-experience, South Lodge in Sussex is a beautiful green escape. This hotel has pioneered the way in 5-star eco-friendly resorts by initiating a “green team” to help reduce the carbon footprint of the resort, without sacrificing luxury. Guests are also provided with a “green pack,” which invites guests to take an active role in the environmental effort of the resort. Eco features of the South Lodge Hotel include 100% green energy usage, recycling, and use of local and seasonal foods in the restaurants.

Whether you prefer an eco-experience camping outdoors and cooking your own food under the stars or sleeping in a plush bed and dining in fine restaurants, the United Kingdom has eco-friendly stays suitable for different styles and budgets.

Sarah lives and works in sunny Cornwall, she is a content writer for St Agnes holiday cottages company Cove Cottages. If you are looking for Cornwall cottages to rent by the sea then Cove Cottages could be your perfect holiday partner.

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The island, which was made popular in the Victorian era, is popular with a range of visitors of all ages. The Isle of Wight is situated five miles off the south coast of England; measuring 23 miles east to west and 13 miles north to south.

Isle of Wight Landscape. Compton Chine, looking east towards Blackgang by Barbara Mürdter

It’s a small island, but one where lots of fun can be enjoyed. You may have never thought about visiting because it’s not far away enough to be considered as a holiday destination. If you want to go somewhere different for your next holiday, continue reading to find out where to stay, where to go and what to do if you visit the Isle of Wight.

Where to stay

If you are planning a trip to the island then you can choose from a selection of places to stay – each suit different tastes and budgets. Isle of Wight accommodation includes seaside hotels, farm/rural self-catering B&Bs, holiday centres and caravan parks.

Osborne House, Isle of Wight, England, UK by Naturenet

Where to go

The Isle of Wight has plenty of beaches, so when it’s summer and the sun is out, what better way to spend it then on one of them? Some are small, some are commercialised and others are very secluded. So if you want to spend time lounging on the beach or you prefer doing water sports you’ll find a perfect beach for you. After a day at the beach you can visit one of the many museums, galleries and historic sites that showcase the island’s history and culture.

Wherever you go, it’s good to know there are great shopping opportunities; if you want some retail therapy, you can get it on the Isle Wight. There are arts and crafts outlets too, which sell all manner of things from handcrafted jewellery to wood carvings.

If galleries and shopping aren’t your idea of a holiday or if you want to do something more extreme, you could try tree climbing, paragliding and sailing.

Gate to Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight, England, UK by Dave Pape

What to do

If you are not an adrenaline junkie though, but still wanting to have an experience of a lifetime; in the month of June, thousands of revellers can be found mucking out at the Isle of Wight festival. Acts such as Coldplay, Bryan Adam, The Police and Labrinth have all preformed at the festival. All ages can attend.

If you like festivals but want to hear something other than rock and pop, you can attend the island’s open-air midsummer jazz festival. Here you will find more of an older crowd, but it can be enjoyed by all members of the family.

If festivals and loud music isn’t your thing, then you might enjoy a cycling or walking holiday on the Isle of Wight. Walking and cycling are popular because there are over 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways. With attractive scenery and almost every town on the island hosting a hotel, pub or B&B, walkers and cyclists have plenty of choice of routes throughout the island whilst visiting.

If you love to explore and have an interest in fossils then you go back in time visiting beaches at Shanklin and Brook Bay, as you can find dinosaur remains in the cliffs and on the beaches. Happy hunting!

Brook Bay, Isle of Wight, England, UK by Jim Champion

Are you planning a visit to the Isle of Wight? If so, where are you going to stay and visit?

Author: Stuart enjoys mountain biking on the south coast of England and writes on behalf of Island View Holidays.

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