The Wight stuff
GIVE YOURSELF A HISTORY LESSON
If there’s one thing the Isle of Wight is known for it’s the incredible architecture and history around the island.
Although it covers only 150 square miles, the Isle of Wight boasts Roman ruins, Queen Victoria’s family home Osborne House and the mighty Carisbrooke Castle where Charles I was kept prisoner over 450 years ago.
For natural history lovers, the Isle of Wight is one of the richest places in Europe for dinosaur heritage and their interactive museum, Dinosaur Isle, is guaranteed to give you a fossil fix.
BE ADVENTUROUS
The isle is the perfect destination to explore the great outdoors. Whether that’s on foot, bike or horseback there are more than 500 miles of footpaths and walking routes and 165 miles of bridleways to discover. Not to forget the award-winning beaches and the famous Isle of Wight Zoo to see the tigers and lemurs.
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, Kingswood Camps (www. kingswoodcamps.co.uk) offer adventure breaks for families and kids aged six and up where thrill-seeking campers can take part in zip wiring, archery, abseiling and an abundance of other activities right next to the breathtaking Jurassic Coast.
FESTIVAL FEVER
Summer wouldn’t be summer without a festival and the Isle of Wight is a key destination for music lovers – with the legendary annual Isle of Wight Festival getting the party started last month.
Next up is Ventnor Fringe (vfringe.ventnorexchange.co.uk) from August 8-13, showcasing a unique celebration of arts from all disciplines and attracting more than 300 performers each year.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Want to get the whole family involved? Take a ferry ride over to neighbouring Portsmouth where the Victorious Festival (www. victoriousfestival.co.uk) will host an array of activities on the Kids Stage from August 25-27, including the chance to meet Peppa Pig and to discover your inner Bear Grylls in Kingswood’s adventure zone.