Actually - we are spoilt for choice
''The nearest faraway place" said one of our guests about Hillside and Ventnor.
Hillside nestles into the foot of St. Boniface Down being the highest point on the island. The area enjoys a microclimate with some of the highest sunshine records encouraging lush vegetation and varied wildlife with an almost Mediterranean flavour.
Hillside is adjacent to great tennis courts, a thriving bowling club with an 18 hole golf course just 2 miles away. Backed by National Trust land, you can enjoy lovely walks on the downs or the nearby Undercliff along the coastal path.
The Isle of Wight, known as the 'Diamond Isle' is an ideal place to walk or bike exploring some of the 147 square miles with it's beautiful country lanes, scenic off-road routes.
Hillside has ample parking and dedicated drying and storage facilities for your walking gear.
Ventnor boasts a "Blue Flag" sandy beach, has a small harbour and is noted for its collection of antique and bric-a-brac shops. Places of interest around the town includes the Ventnor Botanic Gardens with its variety of tropical plants, The Isle of Wight Coastal Centre and Steephill Cove where you can enjoy a delicious crab sandwich.
Ventnor is fast becoming the islands food capital with a Michelin star restaurant at The Hamborough, fish and seafood at the Ale & Oyster on the promenade, the charming and family-run Bonchurch Inn and the tasty Taverners at Godshill, the Michelin star Pub - not to forget the Garlic Farm where you can enjoy a light lunch, visit the shop and take a walk in the surrounding farmland.
Visiting the Isle of Wight- you will probably want to visit one or two of the many attractions on offer during your stay with us. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider:
The
Needles are probably the most photographed aspect of the
Isle of Wight. But the best way to see them is probably not from
the amusement park (despite the breathtaking chair lift ride) but
from the decommissioned artillery batteries above them. There is a
spectacular open-top bus tour, operated by Southern Vectis that has
exclusive use of the road along the cliff edge up to the
Battery.
Osborne House - Queen Victoria's beloved seaside home, designed by her husband Prince Albert and the scene of her death in 1901. Now under the care of English Heritage, the royal apartments are open to the public as well as the extensive gardens. The House hosts picnic-style concerts in summer with acts ranging from Simply Red to Girls Aloud.
Carisbrooke Castle - the royal
connections here are far removed from summer holidays. This is
where Charles 1 was incarcerated for fourteen months before his
execution in 1649. The castle has been described as the finest
Norman building in Britain. The main rooms are in good repair and
one of the Chief attractions is The Well-House, still operated by
donkeys. There is a Museum here with a collection of exhibits
relating to the Island's history.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway - the island used to have 54 miles of railways, most of which were closed in Dr Beeching's reforms of the 1960s. However, some elements of those glory days can be enjoyed by taking one of the original Island steam trains from Havenstreet that run along the five miles of track between Wooton and Smallbrook Junction.
Brading Roman
Villa - this 12 room courtyard villa is housed in an
award-winning Exhibition and Visitor Centre. The villa's fine Roman
mosaics are on display, depicting scenes of Roman fables and
characters. There is also an extensive collection of Roman
archaeological finds including coins, pottery and tools. With still
more to discover, excavations are in progress on site.
The Lavender Farm - a family run business producing the highest quality lavender with over 230 varieties. The farm also produce their own lavender products and sell them in the gift shop. They also have a cafe where you can enjoy lunch or a cream tea.
