Brighstone travel guide and discussion

2 hours away from London Get there by ferry (we used @redfunnelferry and prices start from £61.50) or by a hovercraft if you are not driving (from £8.50 one way) Experience a ten-minute flight across the Solent Must visit places and more - The Needles: boat tour, chair lift (£8 return), cafe with a view of the Needles called the Battery run by @ntisleofwight @theneedleslandmarkattraction - Shanklin Old Village (make sure to check out Church road) - Shankine chine: a tree-lined gorge with a waterfall - There is another pretty village called Godshill. You will find a model village there - - Other places to check: - Go fossil hunting to find dinosaur footprints in one of the beautiful beaches (recently, the most complete dinosaur skeleton in a century has been discovered there with 149 bones in total) - Garlic Farm. You will find a very good restaurant there as well as a shop. Highly recommend this place - Visit England’s oldest vineyard at Adgestone to try the only blue sparkling wine in the world - Explore Osborne house Near East Cowes; Once Queen Victoria’s holiday home, now looked after by @englishheritage - Steam Railway @isleofwightsteamrailway The best beaches on the island: - Alum Bay (The Needles) - Compton Beach - Whitecliff bay - Shanklin Beach - Totland bay - Appley Beach - Steephill cove - Priory Bay 📍Isle of Wight#mytravelwrap

Isle of Wight

Our summer holiday break a week in LOW

#europeonbudget You don’t need to jet off to the Mediterranean for island vibes — the Isle of Wight is right on London’s doorstep. With free beaches, rugged trails, and coastal villages, it’s one of Europe’s easiest and cheapest island escapes. ⸻ 🎯 Highlights · 🚶 The Downs — Hike up Tennyson Down for sweeping sea views and fresh island air, completely free. · 🐴 Wildlife & Nature — Spot red squirrels, seabirds, and even dinosaur fossils at Compton Bay. · 🌊 Alum Bay & The Needles — Famous multicolored sands and chalk stacks — postcard-perfect without paying a penny. · 🏘️ Seaside Towns — Stroll through Ryde, Shanklin, or Cowes for harbors, promenades, and cheap seaside eats. · 🎭 Local Culture — Street markets and village festivals give a slice of island life without needing a big budget. ⸻ 🗺️ Getting There · 🚆 From London: Train to Portsmouth, Southampton, or Lymington, then hop on a ferry (30–60 mins). · ⛴️ Cheapest Hack: Look for train + ferry combined tickets for better deals. · 🚲 Bike-Friendly: Bring or rent a bike — it’s one of the best budget ways to see the island. ⸻ 🌟 Budget Tips · 🥪 Picnic Over Restaurants — Stock up in Newport or Ryde supermarkets, then eat by the cliffs. · 🏕️ Stay Outdoors — Campsites are plentiful and affordable, especially for summer trips. · 🚌 Island Bus Pass — Unlimited travel with a Rover ticket is cheaper than single fares. · 🌅 Chase Sunsets — Head west to Freshwater Bay or Compton for some of the island’s best (and free) views. ⸻ 💬 Final Thought The Isle of Wight is the perfect budget island adventure: free trails, seaside charm, and plenty of nature. It’s proof that you can enjoy island life in Europe without spending much at all.