Isle of Wight
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The Isle of Wight is an island off the south coast of England opposite Southampton. It had a population of 132,731 according to the 2001 census (126,600 in 1991). It is approximately diamond in shape and covers an area of 147 square miles (381 square km). The terrain is chalk downland. The river Medina flows north into the Solent.
It is traditionally considered part of Hampshire, but since 1974 has been its own county.
Known to residents simply as The Island, the main form of access is either by boat or hovercraft from the mainland, regular ferry services being available from Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth. The island is also served by airports for light aircraft at Bembridge and Sandown.
Because of its accessibility and closeness to the mainland, the Isle of Wight is a popular destination for British holidaymakers, especially the seaside towns of Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Freshwater and Yarmouth, as well as other smaller towns and villages in different parts of the island.
The island has one of Britain's shortest railways, Island Line, running some 8½ miles from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin down the eastern side of the island. The route is served by old London Underground trains dating from 1938, and reportedly has the best service record of any British train company.
The main annual event is the world-famous international sailing regatta, Cowes Week, which is held every August and attracts over a hundred thousand visitors to the island. Other major sailing events are held at Cowes, including the Admirals Cup in July and the Commodores' Cup in August.
A large rock festival took place near Tennyson Down, West Wight in 1970, following two smaller concerts in 1968 and 1969. The festival was revived in 2002. For a history of the festival see: http://www.isleofwightfestival.com
The principal towns on the island are:
- Newport - The county seat.
- Cowes - A famous yachting town, at the mouth of the river Medina.
- Ryde - A seaside resort, with a long pier.
- Yarmouth
- Sandown
- Shanklin
- Brading - Close to the ruins of a Roman villa
- Ventnor
Other places of interest include:
Famous residents (past and present) include:
Literary references:
- The island is the setting of Julian Barnes's utopian novel England, England.
Musical reference:
- The Beatles' "When I'm Sixty-Four", written by Paul McCartney, refers to a rented summer cottage on the Isle of Wight.
