Wonderfully Different Isle of Wight
We were delighted to enlist the help of BAFTA and Emmy nominated actor and writer Diane Morgan to celebrate (in her own deadpan way), just what makes the Isle of Wight... different!
From fossil hunting and red squirrels to blue wine and garlic ice cream, Diane takes viewers on a whistle stop tour of the Island specialities that set us apart from the rest.
Watch the ad and find out more about Diane's Wonderfully Different discoveries below.
Beaches
There’s no one here… well, almost.
With over 25 beaches to choose from, there’s no need to get up at the crack of dawn to stick your towel on a sun bed here. In fact, you’ll have no trouble finding your own stretch of sand on the Isle of Wight anywhere, at any time of year. And if the beach you’re at isn’t floating your boat, you can simply move onto the next, as nothing is more than an hour’s drive away on the Island. There really is a beach for everything here, sunbathing, paddleboarding, surfing, fossil hunting and even to take your dog. Tap to see our handy guide.
Fossil hunting
Welcome to Jurassic Park… Just kidding, but the Isle of Wight isn’t dubbed the Dinosaur Capital of the UK and Europe for nothing. Fossils from over 25 dinosaurs have been found here on the beaches, once buried deep within the landscape until revealing themselves - like a prehistoric Stars in their Eyes entrance - as the Island’s cliff faces erode. Fossils found here date back to the Cretaceous period, that’s about 125 to 130 million years ago, and there are even fossilised foot prints on the sands at Hanover Point. So you can literally walk in the footsteps of dragons, or dinosaurs – whatever they are. Tap to see what you might find on a fossil hunt.
red squirrels
Probably the cutest residents, red squirrels live on the Isle of Wight – presumably hopping on the ferry once and switching to ‘vacay mode’ 365 days a year. Setting up home here in the many ancient woods and forests, red squirrels are much smaller than their mainland cousins and are protected. Grey squirrels are actually banned from the Island. If you’re quiet and crick your neck to look at the trees, you might see a red squirrel cutting about the countryside. Tap the button below for some factually correct info on red squirrels, and where to spot them on the Isle of Wight.
unique local flavours
No really, their ketchup is green and made with locally grown tomatoes made extra juicy because the sun shines more here apparently. And their wine is bright blue, made from grapes grown on the Island - but just how they turn black grapes turquoise is classified information. Fancy an ice cream on your holibobs? You’ll get a garlic one on the Isle… The Isle of Wight even claims to have invented the doughnut. Quirky and delicious, what more could you ask for in a local delicacy. Find out what's on the menu below.
Places to eat and drink
Several strolls a day become inevitable here because the foodie offering is just too tempting. You'll quickly find yourself walking off breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between in the hope of making a little room for more. Because on the Isle of Wight there’s not just one great place to eat, there are literally hundreds. You’ll find over 400 restaurants, cafes, tearooms and pubs serving delicious menus, homemade goods and locally grown produce. So whether you want fresh seafood with a sea view, or a hearty roast in the countryside there’s something for every craving – if you can fit it in. Tap to see our guide to places to eat and drink.
