This week I am falling back on the archive and we are visiting the Isle of Wight. This was the place of many holidays with my parents. We stayed in Ryde where we used to watch the hovercraft come in, mounting the beach on its cushion of air. Me and my brother were fascinated by it. I have memories of sitting in a cafe with the windows steamed up (it was probably raining outside), and giggling at the whoosh of the coffee machine..
My memories of the Isle of Wight are getting sunburnt, rain, and my dad in one of those photo booths taking silly pictures. But also I remember long walks alongside the beach by Appley Park and Puckpool Park. I remember my dad lugging the suitcase (before they had wheels and retractable handles) down the length of Ryde Pier to save money. There was, and still is, a train (old London Underground trains used to service the island from the pier to Shanklin.) You can read about the current train service here.
The bus service is good too. In later years my brother and I returned, buying weekly ‘rover tickets’ to go all over the island. More years later, I came with my husband and two boys. We used to walk alongside Appley Park and watch the bats emerge in the evenings.
The beaches are sandy and the island was a holiday escape for Queen Victoria (Osborne House). There are country parks, a steam railway, thatched cottages, interesting towns. Sadly and the wonderful Flamingo Park, has permanently closed.
Even more years later, I returned with a friend, staying on the other side of the island at Freshwater Bay. We were on a walking holiday and we hit good weather, and Freshwater Bay has fast become my favourite place. It is quiet, and our hotel was set overlooking the bay one way and Tennyson Down the other.
The walks are lovely from Freshwater. Our walking leader mainly kept away us from the tourist spots. Even at Alum Bay we found quiet spots on the cliff.
One of the highlights for me was visiting Dimobla Museum, the home of photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. The museum was just over the road from our hotel and as a group we went after dinner one night, gathering for a talk in the lovely tearoom, before exploring the house.
I would like to return to Freshwater Bay in the future and also there is this dream of walking the whole island along the coastal path! The island has so much to offer, I’m sure I’ll be back soon.
My London+ 