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 which is 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 a Mediterranean flavour.
Hillside is adjacent to great tennis courts, a thriving bowling club and 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 its beautiful country lanes, scenic off-road routes and villages.
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 Garden with its variety of tropical plants, and the coastal walk from Bonchurch to Steephill Cove where you can enjoy a delicious crab sandwich.
Ventnor is fast becoming the Island's food capital with a good choice of restaurants. The Michelin star Hamborough restaurant, fish and seafood at the Ale & Oyster on the promenade, the charming, family-run Bonchurch Inn and the Taverners at Godshill. You can also enjoy a light lunch at the Garlic Farm followed by a visit to the shop and 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 in the summer 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 I 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.
Dimbola Lodge - Dimbola Lodge was the home of the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. Saved from the bulldozers literally at the last minute, Dimbola has since been described as an "unexpected delight" and the "best kept secret on the Isle of Wight". There's lots to see at Dimbola. They have permanent exhibitions of Julia Margaret Cameron's work, a changing programme of contemporary photography and art exhibitions, a History of IOW Pop Festivals, the Jimi Hendrix Garden, and the Cameron Tearooms and giftshop. www.dimbola.co.uk
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