Isle of Wight

Separated from England’s south coast by the narrow stretch of water known as The Solent, this island which has been my home since 2003 measures around 25 miles from east to west by 13 miles from north to south.

Despite its small size, throughout the year the Island hosts many big events, including the Isle of Wight Rock Festival in June, Cowes Week in August, the Bestival in September, and a walking festival in May.  Alongside that we have a rich dinosaur history, two Roman villas, a castle, Queen Victoria’s favourite house and more than half of the Island is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There’s certainly something about the Isle of Wight that gets in your bones.  You may remember the late Anthony Minghella’s acceptance speech when he won the Oscar for Best Director for The English Patient in 1997: ‘This has been a triumph for the Isle of Wight,’ he announced to bewildered viewers all over the world.  But this is where his roots were.  In fact his family are still here, making their own award-winning productions: wonderful gourmet ice creams.

Not surprising, then, that although this blog was never intended to be about the Isle of Wight it seems to have developed a personality all of its own as I have included photographs on these pages.  Many of the comments I receive refer to the beauty of this place where I live.

To browse all my posts about the Isle of Wight, please click here.