A short history of Blackgang Chine
When Alexander Dabell acquired Blackgang Chine in 1842 it was a unique and picturesque chine leading down to the beach, and he knew that Victorians would love to visit this atmospheric coastal location. Amazingly, the amount to which his land extended was decided upon his ability to throw a stone, with the agreed the point at which it landed becoming the furthest reach of the lease. The sides of the chine were predominantly black, due to mineral deposits of iron in the soil, and this is what is thought to have led to the name Blackgang – with ‘gang’ probably meaning
The Best Al Fresco Isle Of Wight Restaurants You Need To Try
Now that the days are finally starting to get lighter and longer, and the weather is starting to get warmer, lots of holidaymakers here on the Island are wanting to enjoy their lunch or dinner alfresco. There really is nothing better than having a meal outside a restaurant on a beautiful summers day and it is no surprise that many who are planning on visiting the Isle of Wight during the warmer months will be looking for restaurants that offer outdoor dining. Thankfully, you will have plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from here on the Island if you’d prefer to
The Tomato Stall
The Isle of Wight has become famous for an abundance of fresh produce over the years, perhaps thanks to the warmer climate, business opportunities or the rolling countryside and seas. Even if you don’t live on the Island and you have not yet been, it is likely you will have tried or at least seen The Tomato Stall tomatoes. Back in 2007 MD Paul Thomas and co-founder Jeff Macdonald (now of IW Mushrooms) made the bold move to take their freshly picked tomatoes to the London markets. The markets were, at the time, relatively new to London and the stall holders
The Woodland Sessions at Robin Hill
Katie Melua & Tom Allen to appear at Robin Hill this July
How to choose between Isle of Wight caravan parks or campsites
When arranging a holiday to the Isle of Wight, you will have plenty of accommodation options to choose from, yet many tourists will book a caravan park or a campsite. There are numerous benefits to doing so and whether you’re wanting a beach holiday or to escape to the countryside, holiday parks and touring parks are a brilliant choice. With so many amazing locations on the Island too, you will easily find somewhere that’s perfect for your getaway. Of course, there is one big difference between these two types of accommodation; caravan holiday parks offer a range of chalets, static caravans
Up… Up…Up and Away!
I think we're gonna need a bigger basket! It has taken me a few days to write this
New Smuggling Trail Launched
The Isle of Wight has a rich smuggling history that goes back hundreds of years, and many Island families were involved in the import of illicit goods, mainly brought by boat from France. These were especially ‘tubs’ of brandy and fleeces of wool. Niton, and the villages closest to the southernmost point of the Island, were perhaps the most notorious areas for this illegal trade, and a new Smugglers Trail has been devised by Niton and Whitwell Parish Council, following the pathways and hiding places favoured by smugglers in days of yore. By 1830 most of Niton village was involved in the
Crockers Farm – Cowes Milk
Cowes Milk is run by the Bradley family - parents Paul and Mary and their four children Julie, Rose, Jack and Lucy, supported by son in law Martin and local lad Cain. Paul and Mary started the dairy back in 1981 with the purchase of 18 cows all milked in the stable. In the same year the couple expanded to build the milking parlour and their cow numbers grew to 60! In 1995 the herd were awarded pedigree status which gave the family immense pride as well as great successes in the Royal Isle of Wight County Show and the New
Enjoy 20% off Hovercraft with Hovertravel
Take flight on the world’s only passenger hovercraft service and fly to the Isle of Wight In just 10 minutes! Enjoy 20% off standard adult & child fares with promo code HTIOW20 - Click here to book Terms & Conditions Discount valid on standard adult & child day returns, singles & period returns. Valid for a maximum of 5 passengers per booking. Only valid from Southsea - Ryde Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, senior discount, family tickets or attraction combinations. Bookings must be made online using promo code HTIOW20 Discount not available over the phone or in terminals. Discount will
Rare baby eagle arrives at Robin Hill
INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE UK’S LARGEST BIRD OF PREY UP CLOSE ‘The eagle has landed’ at one of the Isle of Wight’s biggest tourist destinations 10-month-old White-tailed Sea Eagle named Chief has been welcomed to Robin Hill, one of the Island’s leading nature and visitor attractions, set in 88-acres of rolling parkland. White-tailed Sea Eagles were extinct 200 years ago and have a wingspan of up to 8ft, making them the UK's largest bird of prey.\ Chief will be trained by 22-year-old trainer Charlie Rolle – one of the UK’s youngest qualified falconers – as the park prepares to open after
