Replete with not just all the practical information you could need, but also all the descriptive detail, anecdote and insider tips to make time spent there truly enjoyable and memorable.

The Isle of Wight is an island that is astonishingly – and unexpectedly – rich in food producers, wildlife, natural beauty, history, archaeology and dramatic landscapes.

This is all the more remarkable for it being so close to the densely populated southern edges of England. At just 25 miles x 13 miles, in no other equivalent-sized area of Britain is there such a variety of landscapes (downland, estuaries, hills, saltmarshes, meadows, riverine, beach) or such a concentration of food producers (50+ independents at the last count). Here there is a real Island culture, a creative spirit that is quite quirky and independent.

Bradt’s Isle of Wight includes where to go to see red squirrels, where to hire e-bikes, where to go foraging and where is best for families. It also covers historic and present quirks, curiosities and attractions, including Jimi Hendrix’s unusual love affair with the island, a day in the life of a ferry master, tree climbing, World War II history, night-time wildlife, the annual walk at low tide to explore the wildlife underneath Ryde’s grand Victorian pier, the island’s award-winning wines and its dinosaur fossil-rich beaches – of which it has more than anywhere else in the UK!

With 20 maps, including regional, walking and cycling maps, you’ll be well placed to navigate your way from one point of interest to another.

Whatever your interest, Bradt’s Isle of Wight will help you to plan and enjoy a visit to remember.

GOING SLOW ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

The Island, Island food, Isle of Wighty, Festivals & events, Getting there, Car-free travel, Low-impact car travel, Activities, The Island landscape – a brief natural history, Further information, How this book is arranged, Accessible Isle of Wight

Getting there & around, Yarmouth, West of the River Yar, East of the River Yar, The hinterland

2 COWES, RYDE & THE NORTHEAST

Getting there & around, Cowes & East Cowes, Osborne House to Whippingham, Southeast to Binstead, Ryde & the northeast coast

3 TENNYSON DOWN & THE SOUTHWEST

Getting there & around, From Tennyson Down to Freshwater Bay, Freshwater Bay & around, Back o’ the Wight

4 THE SOUTH

Getting there & around, Along the Undercliff to Niton & on to St Laurence, Ventnor & around, The southern hinterland

5 NEWPORT & AROUND

Getting there & around, Newport & Carisbrooke, North of Newport, The Arreton Valley

6 SANDOWN, SHANKLIN & THE EAST

Getting there & around, Bembridge, Brading & around, Culver Down, Yaverland & around, Sandown, Shanklin & Luccombe, The east coast hinterland.

ACCOMMODATION
INDEX