From the great white cliffs that surround the island, to the beautiful tradition and culture throughout it, the Isle of Wight has been a top place for vacation and relaxation since Victorian times.

Located within The Solent, it is the largest a

nd second most populated island in the UK, filled with everything to keep you entertained during your holiday break! The Isle has a milder subclimate than the rest of the UK, with an average temperature of 13 degrees Celsius (jumping to 18 degrees in July and August), making it the perfect destination to get away from the dreadful summers that melt your skin off, and the winters colder than Satan’s heart.

Rich with history and culture, the island is full of places to relax, such as the Royal Hotel. Built in 1832, this 4-star hotel is filled with elegant rooms and furniture that have been around for a century. However, if that doesn’t quite suit you, try the Shanklin Hotel! With a much more modern outlook, this 3-star hotel is right on the beachfront. Thanks to a calming seaside view, the Shanklin hotel is the perfect place for a getaway that will help you find yourself again.

Now, who’s hungry? The Isle of Wight has plenty of places to satisfy your cravings (and take good Foodstagrams!), from classic pubs to fancy dine-in restaurants, including, but not limited to, the famous Ryde Tandoori, an Indian restaurant that holds some of the tastiest dishes you will ever try. Don’t like Indian food? No need to fret! Just because it’s big in England doesn’t mean there aren’t any other places to fit your individual needs. The Wight Mouse Inn and Ponderosa are two other cherished eateries on the island, where they hold Sunday carveries as an English tradition. Though known for its love of Fish and Chips, food isn’t the only interesting things about the Isle.

Full of historical sights, tourist entertainment, and cool traditions, you’ll never be bored here! In love with sailing? We’ve got you covered. Cowes Week is one of the biggest sailing gatherings in the world, an eight-day sailing regatta that takes place in the first week of August. It is one of the longest-running sporting events in UK history, dating back to 1826. It attracts up to 1000 boats and is the world’s best-known sailing regatta. The island is also home to the Isle of Wight Festival, which, back in the olden days, was the largest rock music festival in the world!

There are plenty of other places to visit for the historical portion of your trip. The Isle of Wight is home to Carisbrooke Castle; built in 1100, it held Charles I in the months prior to his trial. The Isle also possesses the Osborne House, a former royal residence in East Cowes. The house was built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a rural retreat and summer residence. Queen Victoria even died at Osborne House in January 1901. Following her death, the house became surplus to royal requirements and was given to the state, with a few rooms retained as a private royal museum dedicated to Queen Victoria. From 1903 until 1921, it was used as a junior officer training college for the Royal Navy, known as the Royal Naval College, Osborne. Today it is fully open to the public.

In my opinion, if I were to actually leave my house to go on vacation, the Isle of Wight is where I would go. The culture, the geography, the people, and the traditions of the island, down to every last detail, are absolutely fascinating in every sense of the word. Having family from the island, as well as having been there personally, I still cannot possibly find the words to describe the beauty and magnificence of it. All in all, there is no better place to visit than the Isle of Wight.

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Montana Hotchkiss