Follow the link to find out about crossing times and fares from Southampton to East Cowes - why sail down the Solent when you can cruise - watch out for many famous ocean liners who are regular visitors to Southampton. The crossing is relaxing  and enjoyable - REFUEL the on board catering outlet certainly does itself justice  - the bar isnt to bad either..........  :-)

The Southern Vectis bus company provides an absolutely fabulous bus service around the island - even late at night those green machines carry on way past the time most of us are well tucked up in the land of Nod...... zzzzz  click on the logo and find out more

For all visitors to the Isle of Wight a  one stop shop to find out who, what, when, how and why must be one of  the Tourist Information offices - there are several to choose from for- a simple walk in - but for those who think ahead try this link - tourist parking permits are probably a godsend for those who intend doing a lot of touring.

Wightlink ferry sevices operate from Portsmouth to Fishguard and Lymington to Yarmouth .

 

Dentists to Doctors surgeries, Parking to Picnic sites - no one knows more on how this island ticks than the organisation who looks after it  - The IoW council all their services and localised information can be found here.

No visit to the Isle of Wight is complete without a trip to Blackgang Chine - fun for all the family with actractions and displays which will keep you talking about your visit for weeks and months to come . With fairy tale castles, wild west  town and railroad train, Pirate ships with buccanneers swashbuckling away at various times during the day or even a seat of the pants white knuckle waterslide ride and even a  ' DAD .... I cant get out of here !!!!!! '   maze............    which is really good 'coz the bar is right next door....... :-)

Check it out - you wont be disappointed

The Needles park  is definitely worth a day out - see the glass blowers at work -  take a trip on on ski lift up and down to the beach - see the Needles close up by boat trip or even visit the sweet factory  -  The OLD BATTERY is but a short walk from the park - check it out .

In the beautiful picturesque village of Godshill a true work of art can be found in the Model Village  - built up over many years as a true labour of love - a geographically correct representation of the IoW  and more moving still is the  layout of the village of Godshill itself - but check out the village within the village within the village........... ???????

Britains own jurassic park  is none other than the Isle of Wight - see the original local inhabitants of this intriguing place long before the two legged monsters we now call HUMANS arrived to conquer and colonise it.  Fossils are still being found quite readily as you walk the beaches and  study the cliff walls on your travels - will you be the one to make the next big discover on this the DINOSAUR ISLAND......

A really unusual and exiting place - meet some of the worlds rarest and most wonderful animals - static and dynamic displays  bring the rain forest and its inhabitants to life.  Defitintely an outing the weather cant spoil......... 

Star of ITVs  ' Tiger Island ' - The Isle of Wight Zoo one of the islands best attractions - with a collection of  'pussy cats' you definitely WOULDN'T want  to find wandering amongst your flower beds....... With conservation at the heart of this sanctuary's  work future generations will benefit from the staffs dedication not only our own offspring but the offspring of the endangered animals who are so lovingly cared for within the zoo.

English Heritage look after some of the Country's most prestigious and famous properties. For 'History Buffs' Carisbrooke Castle with its links to the Civil War and Charles I is always a favourite. However, for those who prefer less blood and guts, Osborne House is the place to go. Reminiscences of Queen Victoria, lavish balls, royal garden parties and of course the best of Victorian ingredients the scandal of her Scottish Gillie can all be found whilst taking cream teas in the stunning gardens and tea rooms of this Victorian treasure.

On the seafront of Ryde, can be found the home of the Wightlink Raiders Ice Hockey Team - Planet Ice - Ryde's very own ice rink. A great family day out either as an outing or for an organised party - And for some real fun take in an Ice Hockey match (Gum shields essential - for the playes atleast)

If you go up over the downs (???) you will come to the sleepy little village of Arreton. Open all year round this remarkable place hosts some of the Island's best kept secrets. The new home of the Isle of Wight Maritime Museum, a glass-blowing foundry, cermics workshop, wood carvers, lavender & lace emporium, an "olde worlde" sweet shop that great-grandad would be happy to reminiscence inside. Originally the home of "The Dairyman's Daughter" who gave her name to the pub/restaurant that occupies centre-stage in the barns. With live-growing vines within the pub itself. First class food, ales and entertainment can always be found here. With such a lot to offer its no wonder Arreton is on every tourist coach trip itinerary, especially on the ' The Turkey & Tinsel ' runs........