By Emma Dodd
When it comes to ultimate destinations for a great British staycation, they don’t get much better than the Isle of Wight. From the white stacks of The Needles soaring out of the sea to vintage beach huts lined up along the sand and dinosaur fossils buried just below the ground, there’s so much to discover.
Taking your caravan or motorhome across the Solent could not be simpler, as regular ferries make the 25-minute journey from the mainland year round. You can even grab yourself a deal through one of the caravanning clubs, whose members are often entitled to discounts.
Once on the Isle of Wight, there’s no less than 57 miles of coast to explore, with popular beach destinations including Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor. As well as the sandy beach, Shanklin boasts a picturesque Old Village, complete with quaint buildings and pretty parks. Soak up the peace and quiet at Rylstone Gardens with its pretty flower beds and occasional concerts in the bandstand.
The sheltered bay at Sandown is perfect for a late-in-the-season escape, with traditional attractions like its pier continuing to charm visitors. Younger members of your party will be tempted into the interactive Dinosaur Isle, the first purpose-built dinosaur museum in Britain. Meet Neovenator and Baryonyx who roamed the island more than 120 million years ago.
Back in the Victorian era, visitors came to Ventnor to take the air and you’ll still find yourself restored by the seaside climate today. Remnants of the past remain with the Victorian bathing machines having been converted into attractive beach huts that are available to hire. Do not miss out on the freshly-caught local crab and lobster from Ventnor Haven Fishery while you’re on this part of the island.
Ventnor is a good location from which to set out on walks that explore more of the coastline. Follow the Sea Wall to Wheelers Bay and Bonchurch. You can refuel at the Seapot at Wheelers Bay, where seafood is the order of the day, as you take in the view. When the tide recedes at Bonchurch Beach, there’s plenty of rockpools to explore, while the pretty little village up the hill is worth a look around.
It’s safe to say The Needles are an impressive sight, with their chalky white rock faces emerging out of the blue-grey sea and the candy striped lighthouse sitting close by. There are multiple ways to enjoy The Needles, from riding the chairlift from the cliffs down to Alum Bay to taking a pleasure boat around the sea stacks to view them from a different angle.
As well as an abundance of fruits of the sea, the Isle of Wight is known for its succulent tomatoes, black garlic and asparagus, so be sure to track down these local specialities during your stay. The island also has no shortage of beer producers, with Island, Goddard and Yates’ breweries making more than 40 different beers between them. Once the caravan is parked up for the night, try a pint of Wight Gold for a refreshing end to the day.
