Hidey Hole

22/11/2023

05/11/2023

The Isle of Wight, a jewel in the British Isles, has earned a remarkable distinction by being awarded the prestigious title of “UK Destination of the Year 2023.” This well-deserved acco…

04/09/2023

🌅 Restaurants with a View 🌅

Known for its stunning scenery and picturesque landscapes, the Island is home to a variety of dining establishments that offer incredible views while also serving delicious food 🍴

Whether you're looking to enjoy a romantic meal with your special someone or simply unwind with friends the Isle of Wight's restaurants with a view offer something for everyone 🌅

From charming pubs and restaurants to fine-dining options, you'll eat well and leave with breathtaking views that will stay in your memory forever 🧡

03/09/2023

🍨 Dessert Places 🍩

Got a sweet tooth? Head to one of our many dessert places on the Island where you can find cakes, donuts, ice creams, there is something for everyone 🧁🍨🍭🍩🍰

Have I missed your fave dessert place? Let me know in the comments 👇🏼🍭

29/08/2023

🦴 Fossil Hunting on Dinosaur Isle 🐚

The Isle of Wight is the richest source of dinosaur remains in Europe. Around 125 million years ago, this coast was a series of muddy lagoons. Dinosaurs left their footprints in the mud and sometimes, when they died, their bones became fossilised.

When the sea water and strong waves erode the soft cliffs around Compton Bay, dinosaur remains often fall down onto the beach. So far, fossils from over 20 different species of dinosaur have been found, some of them unique to this area.

Here are some of the top spots for different fossils:

🦕 Dinosaur fossils - Compton & Brook Bay

🦑 Deep Sea fossils - Luccombe to Whitecliff Bay

🐚 Brachiopods and Bivalves - Bembridge to Newtown

Wight Coast Fossils offer public and private walks across the island if you are interesting in exploring and seeing them up close: https://wightcoastfossils.co.uk/fossil-walks/

A few reminders for fossil hunting:
🌅 Be wary of landslides
🌅 Check tide times
🌅 No digging or using tools
🌅 If you spot something interesting in the cliff leave it and take a photo and report it

If you would like to read more, I have sourced this info from the following websites:

National Trust: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/compton-bay-and-downs/fossil-hunting-and-geology-at-compton-bay-and-downs

Red Funnel: https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle-of-wight-guide/blog/guide-to-our-best-fossil-hunting-locations/

27/08/2023

⛽️ Petrol Stations ⛽️

Need petrol? Look no further, here is a list of all the petrol stations on the Island 🏝️

I would highly recommend getting the PetrolPrices app to find the cheapest petrol locations ⛽️

25/08/2023

25/08/2023

🏖️ Beaches with Accessibility ♿️

Researching into this poster was a real eye opener for me. I am extremely privileged to not have any accessibility needs, and naively had never thought about the barriers there are which prevent people with mobility needs from accessing our beautiful Island beaches. Something as simple for most people like walking on the sand, or getting down to the shoreline for a swim can be a marathon task for somebody with mobility needs.

Trying to find a beach with well rounded accessible facilities like toilets, changing rooms, close by parking, showers and solid flooring into the sea with handrails is not yet available on the Island, even though we are surrounded by the sea 😨

With all this in mind, and trying to cater to all mobility levels, I have put together a list of some of the most accessible beaches we have to offer, which all feature a concrete slipway if you would like to access the water and are more confident on hard ground 🏝️ Please note that some of these slipways do not have direct access to the sea during low tides so please check tide times to ensure they can benefit you as much as possible 🌊

Beach wheelchairs are currently only supplied at two of our beaches, Ryde & Sandown and can be hired out for the day on a first come first served basis ♿️

If anyone has anything they would like to add, please feel free in the comments 😊

22/08/2023

🐶 Dog Friendly Days Out 🐶

Looking for something exciting to do on the Island 🏝️ Instead of leaving your pooch at home why not bring them with you 🐶 Here is a list of some of the best dog friendly places to take them! Be sure to check website policies to ensure you and your dog can have the best day 👍🏼

Keep your eyes peeled for dog friendly eat and drink venues tomorrow 👀

19/08/2023

Public Toilets 🚻

For when nature calls 🍃 I’ve got you covered with all the spots on the Island 🏝️

This poster was particularly challenging to research as there was little info online about disabled toilets, and which toilets are temporary closed, so please bare in mind this information may not be 100% accurate 😅 Please also be aware some disabled toilets require a RADAR key 🔑

This information is sourced from the Isle of Wight Council website: https://www.iow.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-heritage/recreation-and-lesiure/parks-and-public-spaces/public-toilets-managed-by-town-and-parish/

19/04/2023

"At barely 20 miles long at its widest point, the Isle of Wight may have a decent music festival these days but its feel would still be recognisable to Queen Victoria, who lived here almost permanently after the death of Albert in Osborne. Today you can still prowl around her Italianette villa with its huge terraces, all virtually unchanged since she died here in 1901.

"For a less sombre experience, head to Sandown, home to Sandown Pier and a good starting point for a walk along the 100 foot high cliffs to the thatched cottages of Shanklin village. Here, the ‘Shanklin Chine' makes for a beautiful summer’s evening promenade along a contorting pathway bedecked with fairy lights which descends a small, mossy ravine."🌿🏖☀️

ℹ️ Read more in Condé Nast Traveller UK's 'These are the 10 sunniest places in the UK': https://bit.ly/CNTravellerSunniestPlaces
📌 Shanklin Old Village

Hovertravel Ltd The Royal Esplanade Hotel