Stretching only 23 miles in length and 13 miles in width, what the Isle of Wight lacks in size it more than makes up for in character. Located off the South Coast of England, the Isle of Wight has been a popular place to live and visit for many years and its popularity is ever increasing.

The island's rich history includes a brief spell as an independent kingdom in the 15th century and it became a very popular holiday destination in Victorian times, with Queen Victoria herself gaining a holiday residence, Osbourne House on the island.

Due to it's climate and location it has become world-famous for sailing; Cowes week is one of the most popular sailing regattas in the world. Several boat builders and sail-makers now operate on the island to capitalise on this.

Sailing and water-sports enthusiasts are well-catered for on the island with a host of world-renowned events on the calendar. There are also great, clean beaches which are popular with bathers and increasingly surfers.

More than half of the island is designated as the 'Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' which makes it a constantly popular destination for visitors interested in natural heritage. The dramatic West Coast is well known for its beautiful and famous chalk downland ridge and The Needles rock-stacks. The island is popular with walkers and cyclists as this is the best way to see the scenery at it's finest.

Many other interests are catered for on the island. There is a vibrant arts/crafts industry with many galleries and workshops open to art-lovers, historic buildings and museums to visit and many gardens and parks to admire and relax in. For younger visitors there are themed attractions and many excellent play areas. This wonderful mix of something for everyone has given the Isle of Wight the banner "Britain in Miniature".

The fastest option of getting to the Isle of Wight is the Hovercraft from Southsea which runs services every day of the week for about £11 return. In addition to this there are several ferry companies (Portsmouth to Ryde, and Southampton to Cowes) that operate several times a day and will transport you and your vehicle for about £45 or £10 as a foot-passenger.

Every town on the island boasts a range of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts to suit every budget. In addition there are cottages, farms and houses available to rent on a self-catering basis. Campers are also catered for with some sites boasting picturesque views and east access to the beaches.

The island itself is steeped in history, with churches and religious monuments in abundance and evidence of its Saxon links still clearly visible today.

Walk in many of the parks and forests, or take a stroll along one of the elegant beaches, in the summer months you will be encapsulated in its charm and being located off the South Coast you will benefit from good weather. There are some fantastic walks on the island which will take you through some of the many winding tracks into an abundance of unspoilt land, you will be able to take in some of the fascinating views on your way, views that will stay with you for a lifetime. Be sure to relax and unwind as you sit down in one of the many village cafes and take in some of the sea air, a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

With the island dating back to before Saxon times, it is full of characters, legends and ghostly tales. Why not take the chance to see just how brave you are and come along to one of the exciting, if not a little scary, ghost walks which will explores where ghostly soldiers once walked and protect a haunted fort, with tales of spirits on a seaside pier and you can keep watch for ghost ships and smugglers boats, this really will give you plenty to talk about by time you head to the local haunted public house for a traditional ale.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking that the Isle of Wight is just a place to relax and take in the fantastic scenery, there are an abundance of exciting activities and places to visit that will attract people of all ages and no matter what your interests are there will be something there for you. Whatever you choose you will be struggling to fit everything in and your stay can be as quiet or as thrill seeking as you like.

For those of you who thrive on watersports and the sea, you can take the chance to try sea fishing on one of the many fishing boats, where you will be able to sail alongside the fishermen who have fished the waters for many years, having the skills passed down from generation to generation, typically you will be able to catch such fish as Conger Eel, Mackerel and Bream and enjoy the laughs and fishermen’s stories aboard the boat.

There is also opportunity to try your hand at Kitesurfing, Powerboating, Paragliding and Diving, all of the equipment and tuition is available and the whole family can take part for a truly memorable time.

For the high adrenaline amongst you, why not take the opportunity to get behind the wheel at one of the off road adventure centres, or get a little less dirty and test your driving skills around the Karting track, after all it was Lewis Hamilton who started out behind the wheel of a go kart.

Families can take a trip to see some of the more exotic Llama inhabitants and take a trek and have a picnic. Horse riding is also popular on the island, and tourists are welcome to come along and take the opportunity to go riding in the countryside. Also take the time to visit a working farmyard, and then its all aboard onto the Isle of Wight Steam Train were you can travel in style in an 1870’ locomotive.

Dining on the island can be an experience in itself, whether it’s fresh fish or locally produced meat, you will undoubtedly be spoilt for choice. There are many quaint places to relax and enjoy a drink, traditional public houses are complimented with modern and elegant wine bars to provide for everyone’s tastes. The night life on the island varies from traditional low key villages offering a selection of places to drink, to the slightly larger town centres where you can let your hair down and enjoy one too many before getting your head down for the day ahead.

What’s more a trip to the Isle of Wight will not cost the earth, A quick and convenient ferry crossing from one of the many ferry operators can cost as little as £25 return, also with an abundance of accommodation to choose from there is something to suit all budgets, no matter where you stay within the island, you can be assured that your trip will be one to remember. Many visitors come back year on year to see the seasons change and to unwind in these truly tranquil settings. Others come back to take advantage of the range of facilities on offer and to have a thrill seeking weekend.