ISLE OF WIGHT INFORMATION AND ISLE OF WIGHT FERRY SERVICES

Lying just off the centre of Southern England, the Isle of Wight's diamond shape is thirteen miles north to south and twenty three miles east to west. The Island contains a wide variety of landscapes from sheltered river valleys to wild, wind-swept headlands, from long golden sandy beaches to forests, picturesque villages and small market towns making it the ideal location for your summer holidays.

With its main industries in agriculture and tourism, the Island's normal 125,000 population swells to more than double during the summer season from May to September.

Isle of Wight ferries run from the south coast of England from the ports of Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth. Both vehicle and high speed passenger ferries operate throughout the year. For details see Isle of Wight ferry links below.

Isle of Wight history

Island history stretches back, at  least, to Roman times. In the AD 43 the Roman writer Suetonius recorded that 'the island of Vectis, very near to Britannia, has been reduced to subjection.' A fabulous roman villa has been excavated at Brading and is a fine visitor attraction. In 686 Christianity was introduced by the West Saxon King Caedwala. In 1066 'William the Conqueror' conquered! As a result the Isle of Wight contains a rich store of ancient churches, castles and fortifications.

King Charles I was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle during the English Civil War, having fled to the Island after escaping from Hampton Court Palace. He was captured and was returned to London in 1649 where he was executed.

Centuries later, Queen Victoria used Osborne House at East Cowes for her summer retreat. The Queen spent more of her later years on the Island and it was at Osborne House that she died on 22 January 1901.

The Island was heavily defended during World War II and in 1940, with the fall of France and occupation of the English Channel Islands, an invasion of Britain became a real threat. Throughout the war the Medina River was jammed with destroyers and warships under construction and repair.

Nowadays the Isle of Wight is a quiet retreat. Many people choose to retire here because of the mild climate. Of course, the island is one of the UK and Europe's most popular holiday destinations with such a variety of scenery in such a small area.

If you are looking for a more active holiday then the Isle of Wight has the famous Pop Festival and the Bestival plus the Walking Festival, the Cycling Festival and the White Air Extreme Sports Festival - so there is truly something for everyone.

Travel Information

Isle of Wight Ferries

Southampton to Cowes - Red Funnel
Tel: 0870 444 8898
Web: www.redfunnel.co.uk

Portsmouth to Fishbourne and Lymington to Yarmouth - Wightlink
Tel: 0870 582 7744
Web: www.wightlink.co.uk

Portsmouth harbour to Ryde pier head - passenger ferry only
Tel: 0870 582 7744
Web: www.wightlink.co.uk

Hovercraft

Portsmouth to Ryde - Hovertravel
Tel: 01983 811000
Web: www.hovertravel.co.uk

Train

Rail - through train service from Waterloo via Portsmouth and Ryde to Brading station
Tel: 08457 48 49 50
Web: www.southwesttrains.co.uk

Island Line - Train service between Ryde and Shanklin
Tel: 01983 812591
Web: www.island-line.co.uk

Bus

Bus - all island bus routes
Tel: 0870 608 2 608
Web: www.islandbuses.info