History, nature, and culture meet on the Isle of Wight

Osborne House - Exhibited within the grounds is this odd-looking contraption: a bathing machine. This was a device that allowed people to change out of their usual clothes into swimwear in privacy before wading into the ocean. The bating machine was popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Brading Roman Villa -

One of the finest Roman sites in the United Kingdom regales visitors with some beautifully preserved mosaics, one of which is quite unique: it depicts a cockerel-head man. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Brading Roman Villa - The villa’s excavated remains are undercover in a specially built exhibition and visitor center. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Shanklin - With its collection of thatched-roof cottages and traditional pubs, Shanklin's Old Village exudes a charming, yesteryear atmosphere. By the way, Charles Darwin wrote his 'Origin of Species' during an 18-month-long visit to the town.

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America Wood - A "Site of Special Scientific Interest" located between Shanklin and Whiteley Bank, America Wood offers hikers a walk on the wild side, such is its relative inaccessibility. Apparently, oak from here was cut to build ships used in the American War of Independence. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Sandown - Beachgoers head for this tranquil coastal town for its broad, sandy bay. The adjoining Yaverland Beach is regarded as one of the island's finest stretches of sand.

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Dinosaur Isle - Britain's first purpose-built dinosaur museum is located near Sandown. Home to the island's fossil and geological heritage, this first class facility offers guests the opportunity to speak to paleontologists and watch them work.

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Ventnor - This traditional seaside town has been a popular health resort since the Victorian era, due to its unique micro climate. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Cowes - A sophisticated resort town spread across the mouth of the River Medina estuary, Cowes is a historic and ornate destination renowned for its seafaring tradition.

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Cowes Week -

Every August, the international yachting fraternity descends on this quaint seafront town for the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world. Held since 1826, this is as much a Champagne-fueled social gathering as it is a championship boating tournament. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Carrisbrooke Castle - Dating back to the 12th century, Carrisbrooke is another island must-see. A notable "resident" was Charles I, imprisoned here before his execution in 1649. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Carrisbrooke Castle - Today, visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, plus a number of outhouses, including the well house with its working donkey wheel (yes, they use a real donkey, but it never has to work too hard).

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St. Catherine's Oratory -

Mention the "Pepperpot" and most islanders will be able to point you in the direction of this medieval lighthouse, which stands on St. Catherine’s Down near Chale. The slender structure was built in 1314, and is the only lighthouse from the period surviving in England. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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St. Catherine's Lighthouse - The current St. Catherine's Lighthouse is significantly closer to sea level at St. Catherine's Point, and dates back to 1838. Tours of the lighthouse are conducted year-round.

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Isle of Wight Steam Railway -

For a special day out, jump aboard a vintage steam locomotive and enjoy a nostalgic journey from Smallbrook Junction to Wooton Station. The restored line snakes through a rustic countryside and past picture perfect villages. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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Quarr Abbey - Guided tours of this serene Benedictine monastery take place every first Tuesday of the month, and every Tuesday through July and August. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Appuldurcombe House - During the summer months, weekly ghost walks are held every Thursday evening at this 18th-century home. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Newtown National Nature Reserve - Nature lovers can ramble at leisure through this protected wetland environment, which is managed by the National Trust. Alternatively, why not join a guided walk headed by a wildlife expert?

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Ryde - On a clear day, the upper reaches of Ryde afford eye-popping views over the Solent and the mainland city of Portsmouth.

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Ryde - At low tide, the expansive sands fronting this seaside town resemble a huge golden carpet. Ryde is a favorite day trip destination for those staying in Portsmouth.

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Newport - The country town of Newport lies at the center of the island and is always worth exploring for its shopping facilities. Nearby Seaclose Park is the location of the Isle of Wight Festival.

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Isle of Wight Festival - Originally running from 1968 to 1970, festivalgoers had to wait 32 years before the event was revived. It's held annually in June.

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Bembridge Windmill - Built in the early 1700s, this is the only windmill on the island. Fully restored, it's open to the public between March and November.

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Freshwater Bay - The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson made his home here, as did the Victorian-era pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. Despite it being pebble-strewn, Freshwater's beach is hugely popular in summer.

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Dimbola tearoom - Julia Margaret Cameron once owned Dimbola Lodge, which served as both her home and her studio. It's now a museum and a period-style tearoom. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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Alum Bay - The Alum Bay chairlift provides a link between the Needles Adventure Park and Alum Bay beach.

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Godshill model village - An entire English hamlet recreated in miniature, with Lilliputian villagers adding character. This is definitely a place where even the kids will feel grown up!

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Getting to the island -

Daily car and passenger ferry services operate year-round from Portsmouth and Southampton. There's also the speedier hovercraft connection out of Southsea.

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The Needles - Pointing out of the western extremity of the Isle of Wight are three stacks of chalk known as The Needles. A candy-striped lighthouse stands at the tip of this iconic natural wonder.

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