Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is an island off the coast of southern England, in the English Channel. The Isle of Wight is part of the county of Hampshire but has been a self-governing unitary authority since 1995. The island is known for its beautiful scenery, historical attractions and coastal charm, and is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations. The Isle of Wight is the largest island in the UK (excluding Great Britain itself) and measures approximately 380 km². The island has a varied landscape of cliffs, sandy beaches, forests, moors and farmland. The southern coast is more dramatic and rocky, while the northern part has calmer coastlines. One of the most famous landmarks is The Needles – a series of white limestone cliffs that jut out into the sea at the western tip of the island. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has a rich history, from Roman settlement to Victorian holiday resort. During the Middle Ages, the island had a strategic importance in defending against invasions. In the 19th century it became a popular destination for the British, especially under Queen Victoria, who had her summer residence Osborne House here. The Isle of Wight is famous for its music festivals, especially the legendary Isle of Wight Festival, which drew huge crowds in the 1960s and 70s with artists such as Jimi Hendrix and The Who. The festival lives on in a modern version and attracts big names every year. Other cultural attractions include historic castles, lighthouses, museums, as well as carnivals and country fairs. The Isle of Wight is accessible by ferry from several towns along the south coast of England, including Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. The island has a network of buses, cycle paths and minor roads that make it easy to explore.