A little further round the coast is Totland Bay with its fantastic old wooden the pier. If you’re very lucky, the artist, Derek Barran, who owns the pier and has a gallery at the end of it might be there – wonder in his eclectic collection of paintings and sculptures.
Take a walk along the coast and you’ll find yourself at the Crusoe’s Cafe where you can fill your tummy and enjoy the views of Hearst Castle across the water.
Yarmouth, or as we call it OK Yah-mouth is further round the coast. A gentle little town with an old world charm that also serves as a ferry port for boats crossing to Lymington.
From Yarmouth head further inland towards Brighstone for is Brighstone Forest. This must be one of the most magical places on the Island and a fantastic place to wonder in the natural beauty of the Island.
At the top of the Island is Cowes. Don’t take this town at face value. Initially it appears to be solely filled with yachty types, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a rich diversity of creative folk.
For a slice of uniqueness, get yourself over to the floating bridge. A flat bed boat that shuttle the short distance between East Cowes and the main Cowes.
Go a bit further round the coast for the busy town of Ryde.
After a week of sitting in your own mess, you could well be looking out to make it up to your body, skin and face. Liz Earle’s shop is in Ryde Union street (the main road on the hill) and her Internationally renowned natural products originate on the Island.
Heading away from Ryde and the pier, you’ll pass super sand beaches and the tower folly. Appley Tower is a folly with a new roof – you can enjoy a great view from the top of the tower.
Thanks to VentnorBlog chum, Rick Stanbridge (he of The Chancers fame – playing the Bandstand on Sunday at 12.25 – for sharing his inside knowledge on the town of Ryde.
I bet you didn’t know that Ryde once had the honour of the most pubs per person than anywhere in world, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a drink if you’re feeling thirsty.
It also has the second longest pier in UK. People still in fancy regalia & handlebar moustaches could stroll, quite Victorian like, along the pier and back or enjoy a walk along the promenade, offering some great photo opportunities.
Sit in a real life deck-chair, with real sand and marvel at either the Spinnaker Tower (fantastic image courtesy of Auntie P), the various vessels that pass through one of the busiest shipping lanes, or even Fawley power station, which although man-made and a sure carbon sinner, can actually look rather beautiful silhouetted against the skyline on sunset.
Children can enjoy Peter Pan’s playground or better still and fitter, the trampolines close by. Also an opportunity to check out the Beach football if it is on.
You could take a swim in the local pool, especially good if you need a shower – although please shower first!
If you keep on strolling along the seafront, you can walk by and feed real-life swans, have a ride in a pedalo, visit the nunnery in Appley, or walk through the pretty woods.
