Situated between Newport and Ventnor on the Isle of Wight, the picturesque village of Godsill is lined with traditional tearooms, thatched cottages and shops with local produce and gifts on offer. This quintessentially British village boasts some of the oldest architecture on the island too including a medieval church located a stones throw from the high street. Godsill is also home to the first ever Isle of Wight Festival which took place at Ford Farm back in 1968.
One of the places we absolutely had to visit on our recent trip to the Isle of Wight with Red Funnel was Shanklin Chine – the oldest attraction on the island. Situated in Old Shanklin, a stones throw from the Crabb Inn where we had lunch, this remarkable gorge really is a must see. Carved by Mother Nature over thousands of years, Shanklin Chine was open to the public in 1817 although Jane Austin wrote about visiting it four years earlier. She wasn’t the only one, Keats found inspiration for some of his greatest poetry while in Shanklin, referencing “the wondrous Chine here is a very great lion”. The likes of George Eliot, Macaulay and Dickens were also admirers of the Chine.
We absolutely loved our first time on the Isle of Wight and we’ve been itching to return ever since. It’s taken a little longer than we anticipated but we ventured back recently. We were kicking ourselves when we did as the Isle of Wight is SO easy to get to on the Red Funnel ferry from Southampton. It literally took an hour and we had seating on the ferry despite it being peak season. Our trip, albeit unintentionally, coincided with Cowes so it was awesome to see an abundance of boats as we approached East Cowes.
The family-run Isle of Wight Zoo was built within the ruins of a Victorian Fort. Located in Sandown, opposite the beautiful Yaverland Beach, its special interest is tigers and lemurs. Although the focus now is looking after older tigers, once upon a time the zoo walked tiger cubs on the beach.
We were at the zoo as part of a trip to the Isle of Wight which saw us explore Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde. We’d traveled over by ferry which meant we had the freedom to move about as we pleased. We hit the Isle of Wight Zoo as soon as it opened as it was high tide first thing in the morning. It did mean we missed seeing Casper wandering around although he did raise his sleepy head for us.
Tequila the jaguar was brought in by an animal entertainment troupe had behavioural problems when she arrived at the zoo following a less-than-happy home. She’s seemingly come on leaps and bounds over the past 16 years.
She was mesmerising to watch. Her dappled coat was beautiful and she seemed so well natured. On one hand you could almost imagine giving her a stroke, the old tyres reminding you what dangerous creatures they really are.
There are three species of monkey at the Isle of Wight Zoo – spider monkeys and capuchins with vervet monkeys behind the scenes. Full of energy they were bounding around having a whale of a time. POD loved watching them chase each other at great speed then head our way as if they were saying hello! The wallabies were great fun too and we loved the white one especially. There were all named after all the Sesame Street characters.
The Isle of Wight Zoo is home to a large collection of lemurs which originate from Madagascar. There were black and white ruffed lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs, red-ruffed lemurs, mongoose lemurs, black lemurs and grey mouse lemurs. Many reside in Lemurland which is the area of the zoo devoted to them.
The Isle of Wight Zoo has specialised in tigers for many years. There are currently seven tigers at the zoo, many of whom have circus backgrounds.
Zena is a rare white version of the Indian Tiger, she is just stunning and was more than happy to come over to say hello.
It was a wonderful moment when she attempted to get her older sister Zia to come and play with her. Alas she was unsuccessful and Zia was quite happy to lounge about in the sun!
POD thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals and looking for those that were hiding. She even got to discover a dinosaur hidden beneath a sand pit, such a great idea.
Of course she had lots of fun in the playground too. Once more climbing as high as she could before launching herself at Daddy!
In addition to the zoo itself, the Animal Cafe and Education Centre has a number of small animals and reptiles on view. POD was so excited about these, she even grabbed one of the chefs to show him what she’d seen!
We had the best time at the Isle of Wight Zoo, it was the perfect start to our first visit to the island. Next time we’re there we must check out some of the hands-on animal experiences they offer, I rather fancy feeding the big cats!
Ryde was our final stop on a recent trip to the Isle of Wight. It’s the largest town on the island and home one of the longest piers in the UK. At low tide the sand banks reach almost to the end of the listed structure.
Ryde’s award-winning beach is located just a short drive from the ferry port so it seemed the ideal location for a pit stop. The esplanade stretches from the hovercraft terminal eastwards past the harbour which is where the beaches begin. They stretch down to Appley and the gothic structure of Appley Tower then onto Puckpool.
The views at Ryde when the tide is out are breathtaking. You can see right across the Solent to Portsmouth with the landmark Spinnaker Tower forming the backdrop. There are an array of boats to be seen as well as two of the 19th Century Solent defence forts – Spitbank and Horse Sand.
Having already visited the Isle of Wight Zoo, Yaverland Beach and Shanklin, we relaxed with ice-creams and took in what Ryde had to offer. Curiosity got the better of us though and it wasn’t long before we were wandering along the esplanade.
POD opting to walk along the wall so she could get a better view. Not that she needed to, the stretch of sand was quite incredible. People near the sea mere dots in the distance.
The plan was a short walk then back to the car in time for our ferry.
But POD had other ideas despite being worn out. With the ice-creams devoured, she embarked on a spot of esplanade jumping. Daddy showing her how best to launch herself into the air.
After Daddy finished jumping POD continued to launch herself off the esplanade. Again and again and again and again. Each time adopting a different position before landing in the sand in a fit of giggles. It was the best game ever.
We lost count how many times she jumped and the more we laughed, the more she jumped. She showed no sign of stopping either. Unsurprisingly we had to physically drag her away when it was time to leave. Not before she’d squeezed in another couple of jumps though!
We had so much fun at Ryde Beach. These photographs make me laugh every time I see them. What a perfect end to a truly wonderful trip.
The Isle of Wight boasts some of Europe’s best beaches – one of which is Yaverland. Located in the Victorian seaside town of Sandown, low tide sees the beach expand from the sailing club through to the chalky cliffs of Culver Down.
The acres of beach are perfect for families and there are some fantastic coastal pathways to explore. Fossil remains can also be found here as it’s one of the Isle of Wight’s renowned dinosaur beaches. At high tide you can walk all the way to the dinosaur strata.
We headed over to the Isle of Wight by car ferry from Portsmouth so we could move about the island as we pleased. If you’re travelling by foot, you can catch a catamaran or hovercraft – the latter taking just 10 minutes from Southsea.
It’s always worthwhile checking the Tide Times before you head off so you can plan what you’re doing accordingly. The Isle of Wight Zoo is opposite Yaverland beach so we headed there first, stopping at the beach cafe afterwards for coffee and cake.
Yaverland Beach has previously been home to the White Air Extreme Sports Festival and whilst there’s a lot to see, there are also safe areas for swimming too.
We were fortunate enough to see the kite surfers in action, they reached some pretty impressive heights at times! Windsurfing, surfing and dingy sailing are also on offer.
POD was so keen to hit the beach with her newly acquired bucket and spade so we headed straight down after cake. Her trademark headband still strategically positioned round her forehead as it often is.
As the tide headed outwards, POD was back and forth to the waters edge. She’d fill her bucket with sand only to wash it all away in the sea. Sometimes the simplest things in life really are the most fun.
We were so lucky it was such a glorious day. While there was certainly a breeze, it was wonderful to be chilling in the sunshine and listening to the sound of the waves. There was barely a soul around either.
It was great to see POD comfortable in the sea. So much so she got herself completely drenched.
With her leggings hoisted up to her knees (she often does this!), she just stood on occasions watching the waves lap over her toes.
Venturing into the water and running out again before the waves caught up with her was the best game ever. Each time she succeeded she’d shout “ha” at the sea and giggle.
What better way to lose a few hours than to wander about a largely unspoilt beach with fabulous scenery. We totally fell in love with the Isle of Wight.
Other beaches nearby include Sandown which has an esplanade and a pleasure pier. Surf and paddle board hire is available there as are kayaks. Lake Beach (Dunroamin Beach) which is located between Sandown and Shanklin. It’s tucked away but can be accessed via the Sandown or Shanklin esplanades or from the cliff path at Lake.
Also in the vicinity is the Dinosaur Island trail which is set in the Culver Cliffs. And Dinosaur Isle which is a purpose built dinosaur attraction. Not to mention the fabulous Isle of Wight Zoo which has a special interest in tigers and lemurs.
Once upon a time tiger cubs used to be walked on Yaverland Beach. What an amazing sight that would be.
Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.
It’s almost five years since we left the big smoke. Despite spending almost two decades there, it’s hard to remember what life before POD was like. We travelled a lot, had a great deal of fun and drank a few too many vodkas.
She’s got to experience a great deal while we’ve lived in Surrey. There are around 20 National Trust sites to choose from for starters. We’ve discovered, explored and re-visited many of these but still have a few to tick off the list before we embark on nearby Hampshire. Alice Holt, managed by the Forestry Commission is not far away either. Nor is flagship garden RHS Wisley and Painshill Park which is home to a crystal grotto.
As well as what’s available locally, we’re within easy reach of Heathrow and the ports. Last weekend we took the ferry to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. We were at the island’s zoo in Sandown just over an hour after leaving Portsmouth. Remarkable really. We’d headed to see the animals first as it was high tide on Yaverland Beach.
By lunchtime there was more than enough beach to play on. Armed with her bucket and spade, POD dug holes, made sandcastles and collected stones. Every time she ventured into the sea, she ran out giggling. It was as if she were competing with the waves and she was victorious! POD also made mud pies and as you’d expect, she got drenched from head to foot.
After lunch in Shanklin we spent some time at Ryde beach before heading back to the port. POD jumped off the promenade into the soft sand umpteen times!
We had the funnest day. And for that reason, this month’s favourite place absolutely has to be the Isle of Wight.
