By ferry
You can get to the Isle of Wight by ferry from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington – up to 200 crossings a day operating from these three coastal towns. The ferries go to 5 Island towns – Ryde, Cowes, East Cowes, Fishbourne and Yarmouth – the latter three services also carry vehicles. After almost 2 hrs of travelling from London, we departed from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (45 min) and on the way back - from Yarmouth to Lymington (about 40 min). The price for a vehicle and two passengers is 100 GBP (two-way ticket). We booked tickets online in advance.
Compton Bay, Surfer's Paradise
This is a favourite surf spot and the prime location for watersports on the island because the coast has stronger currents and more giant waves. Compton Bay is located on the southwest shore and offers a two-mile stretch of firm sandy, unspoiled beach, very popular among the picnickers. On the west edge, the distinctive white chalk cliff at Freshwater is in the distance. The beach is also a great place to pick up fossils; when the tide is low, you can find dinosaur footprints. Campton Bay, Isle of Wight (Postcode PO304HF)
Shanklin Chine, a historic gorge
This tourist attraction is over 200 years old and is the island's earliest tourist spot. Located in the village of Shanklin, a deep wooden coastal ravine of 105 ft to sea level covers an area of approx. 3 acres, with waterfalls, vegetation and pathways. A chine is "a deep narrow ravine formed by water cutting through sandstone leading to the sea". In 1817, William Colenutt, a smuggler and fisherman, excavated the path and was given the concession to charge an admission fee by the Lady of the Manor. The same year the spot was opened to the public. Shanklin Chine also played a vital role during WWII. Pipe Line Under The Ocean (PLUTO), a pipeline that carried petrol under the English Channel, ran through the Shanklin Chine. They're still 65 yards of the original 70 miles remaining. PLUTO was one of the great secret successes of the war and the idea of Lord Mountbatten, Britain's Chief of Combined Operations. Shanklin Chine, Shanklin, PO37 6BW.
The Garlic Farm – it's all about garlic.
The Garlic Farm has grown garlic for 30 years and is now the UK's largest garlic grower specialising in producing and selling rare and unique varieties. The Garlic Farm Shop offers garlic goodies such as Garlic Vodka and Garlic Beer, cheese with garlic or garlic butter and many garlic types, including Iberian garlic or Elephant garlic. Outside the farm shop, on the stall, you can buy so-called garlic ice cream - the ice cream with garlic aroma in a favourite flavour. We tried Chocolate Ice Cream. Not bad. On the 3rd weekend of August, the isle holds the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival. This is the island's biggest summer show that hosts star chefs, musicians, local charities and businesses. The Garlic Farm, Shop and Restaurant. Mersley Farm, Mersley Lane, Newchurch Isle of Wight, PO360NR.
