June 2018

In June, 2018, we visited the Isle of Wight and walked part of the coastal path (well signposted) west from Cowes. It's always exciting to take a ferry - even if it's only 45 minutes to an island that feels much like mainland Hampshire (pleasant, rural, though surprisingly busy on the main roads).

We stayed at The Woodvale in Gurnard, which was very comfortable (though we had to move away from some rather loud music in the evening) and had a good range of food and drink.

We ate lunch at The White Hart at Havenstreet near Fishbourne, and in the evening at Number 3 in Cowes, an unassuming and elegant small restaurant with a good selection of fish.

On Friday afternoon we did a 4.3 mile circular walk to Fishbourne and Quarr Abbey.

On Saturday morning we walked 4 miles from Gurnard to Porchfield on the Coastal Path and had lunch in the excellent Sportsman’s Rest: http://www.thesportsmansrestiow.co.uk/ . Some of us then walked back on a slightly different inland route to rejoin the coastal path back to Gurnard while others visited Carisbrooke castle.

On Sunday morning we explored Newport and had lunch at the Bargeman’s Rest,  an extensive and popular eating place down by the harbour on the banks of the River Medina, before going to Osborne House in the afternoon. 

No visit to the Isle of Wight is complete without a tour of Osborne House, one time family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. I found most of the ground floor very dull in an over-stuffed dark and gloomy Victorian way, but higher up the building the bedrooms and nursery were lighter and more homely, while the Indian influence was wonderful with portraits of Victoria's Indian subjects by Rudolph Swoboda vibrant and The Durbar Room magnificent.

I'd particularly mention the young guide who explained Victoria's family tree, on display in an upper room. She was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and made the links for us between the many European royal families.

Do note: if you have a National Arts Pass you can enter Osborne free, saving some £17 from English Heritage. They just don't advertise this so you have to demand it!