Isle of Wight in a Campervan!

 

By amandabhslater - Flickr

The Isle of Wight is England's hidden gem.  Pretty beaches, quaint towns, flourishing groves and many an interesting attraction with a 1950's feel will leave you wishing you could spend longer on the wee 384km squared isle.  6ish kilometres off the southern coast of Hampshire, jump on the ferry with your Campervan at Southampton and head on over to this popular holiday destination. Slightly warmer than the rest of the UK, and occasionally compared to the Caribbean, it is the prefect spot for a short roadtrip with the family.

 Beach huts between Sandown and Shanklin 

By ronsaunders47 - Flickr 

Spend some time in Cowes before heading east through farmland to find quaint towns nestled beside the sea.  Stroll along beachfronts or let the kids run wild on sandy beaches or have a splash in the sea. The attractive village of Seaview  further along the coast will delight, and be sure to visit the ruins of St Helen's Old Church and have a cup of tea from your campervan at St Helens Dulver.  If it's low tide, you'll be able to access Priory Bay around the corner, which is absolutely lovely.  But hey, if it's not low tide yet, the great thing about a Camper is you can hang out in there until  it is low tide.  Set up the dining table and have a sandwich, or lay back and read your book.

From there, head south around the island, passing through woods and rocky cliffs to get to the viewpoint above Blackgang Chine.  From here you can see the chalk cliffs of Freshwater and walk up to St. Catherine's Oratory- "the Pepperpot".

Up the coast at Compton Bay, experience some intriguing ancient remains - Dinosaur footprints set in the clay.  The kids will be impressed, if not yourself. 

All the site-seeing and driving may be getting you tired.  Here are a few options (of many) where you can park up the Camper and rest your eyes for the night.

•  Grange Farm at Brighstone Bay.
• Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park at Bembridge
• Waverley Park Holiday Centre - Isle of Wight Holiday Parks
• The Orchards Holiday Park - Newbridge

Alum Bay - By bortescristian - Flickr

Continuing on with the journey... If you've taken your bikes with you, the Isle is a fantastic place to cycle. Cycle around a town, sighting the handsome buildings and regal churches or on some of the 200miles of cycle paths around the isle. Skim some rocks at Alum Bay, gaze at "The Needles" and perhaps go up the cliff in a chairlift to the small amusement park.  But don't neglect inland. 

 Parkhurst forest is a lovely place for a stroll and a picnic, remember to look out for the island's red squirrel. Newchurch is home to The Garlic Farm. This is a great place to stop for a bite to eat in the scrumptious cafe or take a ride around the farm in a tractor trailer.

The isle is small enough to explore the whole thing in your campervan but big enough to have a diverse range of sights and attractions.  Find a Campervan at Campervan Hire Sale Finder and have a lovely holiday on the Isle of Wight.