The Isle of Wight County Press A-Z of the Island

Here at the County Press, we love the Isle of Wight.

Just for fun, we set ourselves the challenge of coming up with the A-Z of the Island!

A - Alum Bay's coloured sands

It seems that everyone who has ever visited the Island fills a shaped jar with coloured sand from Alum Bay at the Needles Pleasure Park. It's a lasting memory of their holiday for many, and the cliffs are an iconic part of the Island.

B - Blackgang Chine

The theme park is a crucial part of growing up on the Island, and a favourite among visitors. Who could forget the Cliffhanger or the Weather Wizard?

C - Cowes Week

The famous sailing regatta has been held for almost 200 years, bringing a week of racing and festivities to the Island, with fun to be had on and off shore.

D - Dinosaurs

The Isle of Wight is also a perfect place to find out more about Jurassic history, with Dinosaur trails, museums, and even new species discovered here!

E - White-tailed Sea Eagles

Several of these mighty birds have now been released here, so it is worth keeping your eyes peeled whenever you are on a countryside walk.

F - Floating Bridge

A staple of the Island for many years, the chain ferry makes trips over the Medina Estuary from Cowes to East Cowes. The latest vessel has not had a good response from Islanders, however, due to its unreliability.

(Image: IWCP)

G - Garlic 

Newchurch's renowned Garlic Farm sells a diverse range of products and hosts guests in its on-site restaurant, all with one common theme - garlic. Each summer, there is a Garlic Festival held near the farm, which attracts thousands of visitors.

H - Hovercraft 

Hovertravel operates the only year-round public hovercraft service in the world, between Southsea and Ryde. The first cross-Channel hovercrafts were designed and made on the Island.

(Image: IWCP)

I - Isle of Wight Festival

The Isle of Wight Festival saw the likes of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix come to the Island over 50 years ago.

Having been revived in 2002, it's now a key date in any music lovers' calendar and takes place at Seaclose Park each year.

J - Jeremy Irons

The Oscar-winning actor was born in Cowes and went on to forge a successful career as a movie star, after making a name for himself in the TV series, Brideshead Revisited.

K - King Charles I

The Stuart monarch was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle prior to his execution in 1649. For just over a year, the king was held captive on the Isle of Wight, primarily at the castle. From there, he took part in numerous negotiations with the English and Scottish parliaments and failed in several escape attempts.

L - Level 42

The iconic 80s band were formed on the Island - and frontman Mark King still lives here!

M - Military Road

This long stretch of road runs from Freshwater Bay to South Wight, showcasing some of the Island's best views.

It even featured in a recent Sky Mobile advert.

(Image: Philip Sheath)

N - Needles

The landmark of the Island - the three stacks of chalk and lighthouse are known throughout the world.

O - Osborne House

Queen Victoria's holiday home was one of her favourite places to stay, coming down for Christmases after her husband's death in 1861.

The property and grounds are now a popular tourist attraction.

Osborne House, East Cowes

P - Pubs

The Isle of Wight boasts many popular and diverse pubs, from historic inns to recent start-ups. Every other week, the County Press shines a spotlight on a local pub - look out for the features in print and online as we champion the very best boozers!

Q - Queen Victoria

It's her second mention, but her life was so intertwined with the Island! Queen Victoria was portrayed by Judi Dench in the 2018 film Victoria and Abdul, filmed at Osborne and other Isle of Wight locations.

R - Red Squirrels

These delightful creatures have the Island to themselves without having to worry about greys. They are a dream subject for Island photographers - look out for photos of red squirrels on the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club group on Facebook.

Red Squirrel, pictured by Ian Groves (Image: Ian Groves)

S - Solent

The Solent is what separates us from the rest of the country, and makes the Island an island - so it has to make our list!

T - Alfred, Lord Tennyson 

The legendary poet lived at Farringford House in Freshwater Bay from 1853 until his death in 1892. He and the Dimbola set left their mark - check out Farringford and Dimbola in Freshwater to find out more.

(Image: Paul Blackley)

U - UKSA

UKSA offers Island kids the chance to learn how to sail in Cowes, and offers professional yacht and superyacht career training for anyone looking to work in yachting, watersports and other maritime career paths.

V - Valentine Gray

It is a tragic tale, but the little chimney sweep's memorial is located in Church Litten, erected in 1822 after Valentine Gray was found dead on Pyle Street, aged ten.

W - Wet Leg 

One of the Island's most successful musical exports ever, Wet Leg took the country by storm with their eponymous debut album.

Maybe one day there'll be a big homecoming gig?

(Image: Sienna Anderson)

X - Ventnor E(x)change

OK, a little bit tenuous - but we had to mention the wonderful Exchange!

The space, on Church Street, ticks multiple boxes - it's a theatre, a craft beer bar and a record shop. It is also the base of Ventnor Fringe's operations.

Y - Yaverland

From here you can enjoy a lovely sandy beach and also get that iconic view of Culver Cliff, one of the Island's best-known and most recognisable landmarks.

Z - Zen 

Our Island has loads of places where you can go and relax - whether that be yoga retreats, countryside walks, or even a floating sauna!