The Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is an island in the English Channel along the Southern British Coast. It is located in the county of isle of Wight - the smallest county in England with an area of 380 km². It has a population of around 1.5 million and is considered as the most populated Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom. The Isle of Wight is an interesting mosaic of diverse landscapes from lush green farmlands to golden cliff dotted coastline and the brown hued river valleys, which has earned it the description of "England in Miniature". The western part of this island radiate a heady rustic charm with vast expanses of coastline dotted with the chalk ownland ridge, which runs along the whole Island and culminate at The Needles stacks- the most photographed spectacle of the Isle of Wight!

This island was ruled by Normans before it was sold by the last Norman Lord, Lady Isabella de Fortibus, to Edward I in 1293 and the 1st Duke of Warwick became the King of the Isle of Wight. It was during the rule of Henry VIII, the Royal Navy developed its permanent base at Portsmouth, which helped in thwarting the French attack in the Battle of Bonchurch, resulting in the English victory.

It has been a popular holiday resort right from the Victorian era and is famous for its well acclaimed sailing in Cowes and the richest collection of dinosaurs’ fossils in Europe apart from its stunning natural spectacles. It is home to many famous personalities like Queen Victoria and Alfred Lord Tennyson. In 1897, during the rule of Queen Victoria, Marconi set up the world's first radio station at the western edge of the Island. It boasts of a rich legacy in boat making and sail making industries and has to its credit many innovative inventions like flying boats and first hovercraft in the world apart from space rockets.

The protected landscapes of soft cliffs and sea ledges also harbour a rich flora and fauna. Its main rivers of Medina and the eastern Yar that flow to the Bembridge Harbour located on the eastern tip of the Island. This island is one of the last remaining havens of the red squirrel and Glanville Fritillary butterfly apart from many endangered species like dormouse and bats. During the reigns of Norman, Carisbrooke Priory and the fort of Carisbrooke Castle were founded.

It is well accessible and flaunts of over 350 ferry crossings a day, it's only 2 hours from London. There are passenger ferry and car ferry service that would drop you in this enchanting island in a jiffy. Famous for its exceptional topography and activity options Isle of Wight is the best bet for celebrating hen weekend, stag weekend, birthday party and corporate event. The sheer multitude of outdoor activities and sight seeing options make this island a well cut party destination, which woos tourists from far and wide. It has a rich festival calendar dotted with many red letter days such as The Isle of Wight festival, which is one of the largest rock music events in the whole country.