Some places do sunshine better than others, and the Isle of Wight is definitely one of them. More hours of sun than most of the UK, a coastline that shifts from golden sand to dramatic chalk in a matter of miles, and a pace of life built for long, lazy days outdoors- is it any wonder people compare us to the Mediterranean? Sunglasses on, sun cream applied, here are our favourite ways to make the most of a bright day on the Island…
Get Out on the Water
With over sixty miles of coastline wrapped around us, the sea is never far away, so why not meet it head on? A RIB ride out towards the Needles delivers all the drama you'd want from that stretch of coast, engines roaring as the chalk stacks rise up ahead. Prefer something a little different? A guided boat trip from Ventnor to Freshwater comes with a decent chance of a dolphin sighting in the warmer months, as pods are known to follow the boats along this stretch. And if speed isn't the point, a chartered sailing trip along the Island's north coast with skipper, lunch and all, will have you anchoring up in a quiet creek for a swim before you know it.
Prefer to be the one holding the paddle? The Island's calm bays and sheltered harbours make for some of the best beginner-friendly water sports around. Freshwater Bay is a good bet for paddleboarding, Compton draws the surfers and bodyboarders, Newtown and Bembridge harbours suit a gentle kayak, and Cowes is the place for dinghy sailing. Local operators across the Island offer lessons and kit hire, so there's no need to have tried any of it before.
Climb High and Look for Wildlife
Some of the best views on the Island come with a bit of a climb attached, and they're worth every step. Pack a picnic and head up to Tennyson Down, The Pepperpot above Chale, the Worsley Monument overlooking Appuldurcombe, or Ventnor Down. From up there, the whole coastline opens out in front of you. Keep your eyes peeled while you're at it for seabirds, Chalkhill Blue butterflies, and if you're lucky, a Pyramid Orchid, the Island's own county flower, tucked into the grass.
Eat and Drink Outdoors
There's a particular kind of pleasure in eating outside when the sun's out, and the Island does it well. Beach cafés, seaside shacks and harbourside restaurants are made for a slow brunch or lunch with iced coffee, fresh fish and chips, chips eaten straight from the paper, and a view of the water. And no Island summer's day is complete without ice cream; a proper Isle of Wight-made scoop is the best possible way to cool down. As the afternoon rolls into evening, a sundowner feels only right. Mermaid Gin, served up at any number of seafront bars, is a fitting way to toast the day.
Find Some Shade in a Garden
Not every sunny day has to be spent in full sun. When you need a break from the heat, the Island's parks and gardens offer a cool, green alternative. Fort Victoria Country Park, tucked into the north-west coast, is full of shaded woodland paths, hidden sculptures and a front-row seat to watch the boats drift across the Solent. Closer to Cowes, Northwood House and its grounds offer tennis, bowls, and enough open space for the kids to run themselves out.
End the Day with a Sunset
Save some energy for the finish, because Island sunsets have a reputation for a reason. Head west to Compton Bay, Headon Warren, Totland Beach or Fort Victoria, or north towards Gurnard, and watch the sky do its thing with pink, orange, and every shade in between, as the sun drops below the horizon. It's the sort of ending that makes a good day feel like a great one, and there's really no better way to sign off on a day on the Sunshine Isle.
