Only a few miles off the Hampshire coast, the Isle of Wight does it’s best to bottle the classic British holiday. An ever-popular retreat for walkers, cyclists and the bucket-and-spade brigade since Queen Victoria’s reign, the island’s leading appeal is its countless outdoor activities, mild climate and dense green hills that roll down to over 20 miles of unspoilt beaches. However, things are developing and the last decade has also seen a youthful buzz injecting life into its towns and villages, attracting a new generation of campers with fancy gastropubs, vintage antique shops and international music festivals.
Found on the island's picturesque east coast, Whitecliff Bay is a great spot for families and small groups. The site offers a wide range of accommodation, with over 400 pitches for traditional campers set on a south-facing gentle slope with stunning countryside views. A variety of glamping options can be found at ‘Canvas Village’, where a dozen bell tents and 'Canvas Cottages' are ideal for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort. If you're a camper striving for solitude then Whitecliff Bay probably isn’t going to be for you. But what the park lacks in intimacy, it makes up for in facilities with a large outdoor and indoor-heated pools, a secluded sandy beach (with café), two restaurants and a supermarket store that sells all the essentials.
The Isle of Wight is only 23 miles by 13, and much of it is designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The east coast is lined with charming Victorian resorts (such as nearby Sandown), while the scenic west coast is less developed and home to the pretty port of Yarmouth and the Needles, pinnacles of chalk towering out of the sea. Perfect walking territory, the island is criss-crossed with 500 miles of footpaths. If you don't feel like tackling the 64-mile coastal path, then try the Tennyson Trail. Named after former Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson, this picturesque walk starts at Carisbrooke Castle and continues over Brightstone Down towards Alum Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for the "barrows" on Mottistone Down, a burial site that dates back 4,000 years.
Days certainly fly by on the Isle of Wight. Whichever way you turn you’ll find spectacular views, a plethora of attractions and miles of untouched coastline. Back at Whitecliff Bay the evenings bring the good times too. Don’t worry campers, no jazz hands here; the onsite entertainment includes artists from the West End and in the summer month’s outdoor film screenings overlooking the bay. But if the ‘holiday park’ feel isn’t to your taste? Well, just kick back, light up the BBQ and take in those countryside views. Fantastic.
Carisbrooke Castle (01983 523112), built in the 12th century is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned: walk the castle walls or play bowls on the very green Charles used. Kids will love dressing up as Norman soldiers or Civil War troopers, and meeting the castle’s famous donkeys, while grown-ups can take a stroll around the new Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden. The English Heritage property Osborne House (01983 200022) offers the chance to visit a royal seaside palace in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo. Built in the 19th century for Queen Victoria & Prince Albert, you can take a glimpse into the family’s life as you tour their private rooms. Go and explore some wildlife at Queen Victoria’s private beach or at the fashionable garden. If you’re interested in more exotic animals try the Isle of Wight Zoo (01983 403883) and Amazon World Zoo Park (01983 867122).
Onsite dining options include Nab Bar & Restaurant that serves food throughout the day, Tuppeny Café offering homemade food, family-run service and postcard views, or, if you're in a rush, the Culver Diner serves convenient fast food including freshly-made pizzas, burgers and hot dogs. Away from Whitecliff, the Culver Downs Café provides simple home made goodies at a spectacular location, The Crab & Lobster Inn (01983 872244) was awarded 'Isle of Wight Dining Pub of the Year 2010' by the Good Pub Guide and God's Providence House (01983 522085) is a traditional tea room sourcing only local produce.
