Isle of Wight
A 30 minute ferry trip will take you to this magical holiday destination - the Isle of Wight with its wonderful rolling countryside, sandy beaches, picturesque villages and splendid views. The National Trust owns nearly 4,000 acres of countryside and 17 miles of rugged coastline: a little time spent discovering Southern England’s secret will be time well spent. Well worth a visit are the spectacularly sited Needles Old Battery set high on the western tip of the island, Bembridge Windmill, built around 1700 and the only one surviving on the island and glorious Mottistone Manor Garden.

Ventnor
To the south of the Island, set on sloping cliffs, the town has a local distinctiveness both in the interesting mix of architecture and, because of its sunny aspect and few winter frosts, a lush vegetation that provides habitats for a diverse and fascinating flora and fauna, some of which is more usually found in the Mediterranean. The town itself has plenty to offer the visitor and the surrounding countryside is networked with footpaths.

National Trust places nearby: St Catherine's Point, Brighstone, Bembridge Windmill, St Helen's Duver. Shop and pub: pub in Niton within walking distance of Knowles Farm Cottage, Ventor. Tea-room/café/restaurant: Ventnor Beach: Castle Haven and Rocken End within walking distance. Other attractions: Dinosaur Isle, Carisbrooke Castle, Blackgang Chine. Activities: walking, fishing, horse riding, water sports, cycling.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 196