The Isle Of Wight 1999
One of the three ferries from Southampton
Red Eagle, Red Osprey and Red Falcon
The beach at the holiday park where we stayed.
Whitecliff Bay
It is every bit as lovely as it looks here.
The chair-lift down to the beach and the cliffs from the beach at Alum Bay
This is where that marvellous multi-coloured sand comes from.
The famous 'Needles' off the South-West coast of the island
Picturesque place isn't it?
On the left is Pencil Cottage in Shanklin and on the right is Winkle Street
Here is Pencil Cottage again, and next door to it you can see
The Old Thatch Tea Room
A Dotto train
There are quite a few of these on the Island. This one is in the town of Ryde
Until five years ago it had never occurred to me to visit the Isle of Wight. I had journeyed to places all over Europe, to Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Holland, France and also to the Canary Isles off the West coast of Africa.
All wonderful and in some cases, like Austria, simply spectacular. I have travelled extensively in England, Wales and Ireland too. But never had I been to the Isle of Wight.
Once I was persuaded to go that first time though, I have never regretted it. And I have been back many times since. I have been amazingly fortunate with the weather each time and can honestly say that it has rained on only one or two very rare occasions. At all other times it has been glorious sunshine all the time. This was especially good when taking Traditional English tea at the Old Thatch Cottage tea rooms in Shanklin Old Village.
You really DO have to go there and try one yourself. Fresh scones, jam and clotted cream served in a beautiful, quiet garden with pots of tea. I can think of nothing finer to finish off a day on the Isle of Wight.
And there is so much to do there. From almost deserted, broad, sandy beaches to high hills. From secluded woodland to bustling tourist attractions like the glass-blowing works at Alum Bay. From the Adventure parks of Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine to the donkey sanctuary and the Isle of Wight zoo. In the zoo is one of the largest collections of Tigers in the world. There is even a very rare White Tiger here and a very hands-on snake, reptile and spider house for the very brave among you!
The entire island is fantastic. Great pubs, marvellous restaurants, shows like the Waltzing Waters, a musical extravaganza with jets of multi-coloured water making patterns in the air in time to the music. If you get even half a chance, go there without delay. You will love it.
And just two special mentions. For the very best Fish & Chips and friendly service second to none, try the Sea Breeze in East Cowes and for an equally impressive service and snacks and souvenirs try the Appley Beach Cafe at the eastern end of the promenade in Ryde. The proprietors in both these places are so friendly you will think they are family!