Explore the Isle of Wight

Compton beach © IW Tourism

The Isle of Wight may lie just a short hop from mainland Britain, but once you arrive it's a different world. The pace of life is decidedly slower and the Island boasts one of the best sunshine records in the British Isles.

Nowhere in the country can match the Isle of Wight for geographical variety. It is as if all of the best natural assets of southern England have been hand-picked to be showcased on one spectacular 23- by 13-mile jewel of an Island.

• Where is the Island? - an introduction to the Island
• Towns and Villages - explore towns & villages
• Beach Guide - Isle of Wight beaches
• Shopping - galleries, studios and craft outlets
• Countryside - explore the diverse countryside
• Wildlife - where to see red squirrels and wall lizards
• History - Roman, Medieval, Tudor and Victorian times
• Geography - climate, rivers and the environment
• Geology - Cretaceous, Palaeogene and Neogene periods