A well rounded Diamond (Isle of Wight in General)

Name: Waikie

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Product:	Isle of Wight in General
Date:	12/06/01 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loads to Do!

Disadvantages: Pricey Crossing

I am of course referring to it's shape - well it's sort of Diamondy isn't it? Also, however the Island is a largely ignored part of the country, with far less visitors than it deserves - maybe the locals prefer it!

There really is a huge range of things to keep you occupied should you choose to visit.

My favourite, the IOW Steam Railway is a great day out, running from just outside Ryde into the countryside a few miles away.

The connection and joint travelpass with the IOW's regular train service (old underground trains!) means no complications upon arrival.

There may still be the Theme Park at Blackgang Chine, although it's precarious peak on the SW of the island is under threat from erosion. Further inland can be found a country park and butterfly sanctuary, the splendid Carisbrooke Castle, the delightful twin towns of E and W Cowes, and out West, the Needles - a lighthouse perched on the end of a chain of limestone peaks leading away from the tip of the island.

On the East coast, most people come to visit the beaches, both sand and shingle, at the major towns of Ventnor, Shanklin, and Sandown.

Finally, with plenty of shops (well you will need shopping if you stay long enough!), and all the other bits and bobs that come with being the largest town - Newport is also a nice place to go.

The only downer to the trip is the cost of crossing - although there are ferries, both passenger and car and hovercrafts, the price is still a bit mean.

Overall - go to Vectis (IOW's old name!), the locals are friendly, the nature and peace pervade, and the weather's pretty good too.

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