About the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight has long since been noted as The Garden Isle. Located just off the main southern coastline of England, it is accessed by ferries which leave from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington, as well as the Hovercraft which leaves from Southsea.

Measuring 23 miles by 14, the Island benefits from being gently warmed by the Gulf Steam, which comes up The Channel, allowing plants to be grown, which could not survive anywhere else in the UK.  It also makes for milder winters and a lower annual rainfal than even Jersey.

For many years, the Island was the home for our country's greatest Monarch. Queen Victoria lived at Osborne House, which is located at East Cowes, and is now owned by English Heritage. Queen Victoria's influence made it fashionable for many people to visit the Island, who came for the stunning scenery and warmer climate. Much of the Island's most imposing buildings and architecture, bears the stamp of The Victorian era.

The Island is once more beginning to thrive, attracting people from all over the world, who enjoy the quieter way of life, low crime levels and superb views and scenery. The season, which no longer stops at just the 6 week summer holidays, attracts people year round to see the change in seasons. There are countless tracks, paths and bridleways, which take people both on foot and bike, to parts of the Island which cannot be seen from the road.

The beaches are all different and there is something for everyone, from the miles of golden sands at Ryde and Puckpool to tiny little coves, such as Steephill and Castlehaven. Principal Island beaches are cleaned daily so that they maintain their coveted Blue Flag for cleanliness.

The Isle of Wight also plays host to the Isle of Wight Festival in June, which attracts bands such as The Rolling Stones, Cold Play and The Who, whilst in September The Bestival also attracts similar bands from it's base at Robin Hill.

No mater which age group you fall into, the Isle of Wight offers a holiday for every taste and need and we at The Wight Merit Group look forward to seeing you soon.