| Isle Of Wight |
| 13-17 October 2003 |
| In October we had our annual family holiday. When I say family I mean myself, Craig, Kate and Ian. Dene was at college and Mitchell, who had come to live with us at the end of the summer holidays, hadn't been booked so he stayed in Leicester with his Mum. We set off from Nottingham at the crack of dawn to drive down to Southampton for the ferry across the Solent. After 45 minutes aboard the ferry we disembarked at East Cowes and drove to the caravan park in Shanklin where we would be spending the next four days. |
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| Shanklin is on the east coast of the island, very close to Sandown. Both towns have a host of attractions and shops, and of course, beaches. Shanklin Chine was once the haunt of smugglers. A path winds down beside a 45ft waterfall through fern banks and mossy boulders. Sandown has a magnificent sandy beach that slopes gently into the sea and is ideal for paddling or swimming. Broad seafront promenades provide easy walking and are within easy reach of the town centre. |
| Bembridge Windmill - the island's only surviving windmill dating from about 1700. Much of its wooden machinery is still intact. |
| Carisbrooke Castle - this is a motte and bailey castle where Charles I was imprisoned. There is a 161ft well with a 16th Century wheel still worked by donkeys. Left - plaque for remembrance Right - chapel |
| St Catherine's Lighthouse - built in 1840 and situated at the island's most southerly point. |
| Godshill - the village is full of character and thatched cottages. There is an old smithy in the village where the garden is shaped like the island itself. And behind the pub there is a maze. A treasure hunt starts here too, and takes you round many of the island's attractions. We had a great time doing the hunt. |
| Osborne House - Queen Victoria's countryside retreat. The Queen died here in 1901 and much of it has been preserved from that time. |
| Isle of Wight Pearl - select an oyster and watch as the enclosed pearl is cleaned up and put in a setting of your choice, or see the displays of over 35,000 pieces of jewellery. |
| The Needles - set in an area of out- standing beauty, the breathtaking scenery takes in the dramatic Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. There is a spectacular chair lift that takes you down to the beach. Also in the park are several attractions - Alum Bay Glass Studio, Sweet Manufactory and the famous Sand Shop where you can create your own souvenirs from the coloured sands of Alum Bay. |
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