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Sandown
was first developed as a fashionable Victorian resort visited by,
amongst others, Lewis Carroll, Charles Darwin, George Eliot and Alfred
Tennyson. Today it remains popular, offering a wealth of entertainment
and easy access to the remarkable beauty of the rest of the island. The
resort boasts long sandy beaches safe for bathing, excellent for water
sports and boating and the pier, which is directly opposite our hotel,
is popular with visitors. Other attractions include the award-winning
Big Cat Sanctuary and the Museum of Geology. In the summer months there
are regular markets on both Sunday and Monday to supplement Sandown's
shops, cafes and restaurants. Sandown is surrounded by a varied
landscape of outstanding beauty. In addition to the downs found at its
centre, the island ranges from woodland, farmland and wetland to
majestic cliffs and deep chines, so that visitors are confronted by
ever changing views and terrain. Indeed, Sandown itself is part of the
Tennyson Heritage Coast, which stretches from the chalk cliffs of
Freshwater Bay to the spectacular 'Needles' rocks - which once joined
the island to the mainland - and the multi-coloured sandstone of Alum
Bay. Apart from the island's famous natural attributes, there are over
50 absorbing attractions to be found around Sandown including ancient
castles, medieval manor houses, Roman villas and fascinating animal and
bird parks. Hotels We use the Bayshore Hotel, a Leisureplex Hotel. Beach and Gardens Sandown boasts a clean, safe and extensive beach with miles of golden sands. Its esplanades and seawall walks stretch from Yaverland southwards through Lake to Shanklin Chine. Its gardens are colourful and well kept. These include Los Altos, Sandham Grounds and the delightful clifftop garden at Ferncliff. Activities and Attractions Tourist Information Tel:01983 813818 www.iwight.com Nunwell House and Gardens Tel:01983 407240 A beautifully furnished historic house which is surrounded by five acres of tranquil landscaped gardens. www.islandbreaks.co.uk Amazon World Tel:01983 867122 Learn about conservation and rainforests and come face to face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered creatures. www.amazonworld.co.uk Isle of Wight Natural History Centre Tel:01983 840333 The centre exhibits a unique collection of objects from fossils and fish to replicas of the Crown Jewels. www.shellmuseum.co.uk Brading Roman Villa Tel:01983 406223 One of the finest Roman sites in the UK with beautifully preserved mosaic floors, extensive collections of Roman archaeology, including coins, pottery and tools and a stunning exhibition hall. www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk Adgestone Vineyard Tel:01983 402503 The vineyard is one of the oldest in Britain and offers guided tours and wine tastings. www.english-wine.co.uk Tiger and Big Cat Sanctuary Tel:01983 403883 The sanctuary boasts one of the best collections of big cats in Europe. www.isleofwightzoo.com Dinosaur Isle Tel:01983 404344 A detailed exhibition of fossils, particularly of dinosaurs, found on the island. Interactive displays and demonstrations explain how they lived. www.dinosaurisle.com Events Isle of Wight Festival The festival offers a vast array of entertainment from classical and rock music to theatre and comedy. www.isleofwightfestival.com Isle of Wight Walking Festival The festival combines walks for charity with events organised by the various ramblers associations. www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk Skandia Cowes Week One of the premier regattas on the International sailing circuit, with around 8,000 participants. www.cowesyachthaven.com Garlic Festival Tel:01983 865378 With its curious mixture of late sixties pop festival ambiance, country fair and garlic cuisine, this has grown into one of the best loved festivals on the island, attracting more than 25,000 visitors. www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk IOW Scooter Rally Held in Ryde in August, this is widely recognised as one of the biggest scooter events in the world, with a range of activities and events for both participants and spectators. www.isleofwighttouristguide.com Ryde Carnival The main carnival takes place in August and there is also an illuminated carnival in September. www.rydecarnival.co.uk Excursions from Sandown The details below are intended as a general guide only. For specific tour details, first check Availability and then follow the link from the Tour Description. Ryde Tourist Information Tel:01983 567953 The town offers many shops and a magnificent pier with outstanding views across the busy Solent. It is also home to Rosemary Vineyard, one of the largest vineyards in Britain. www.wightonline.co.uk Alum Bay is famous for its unique coloured sands. Nearby are the majestic chalk Needles, the Isle of Wight's most famous landmark. Enjoy a chairlift ride for spectacular views over Needles Park. www.theneedles.co.uk Osbourne House Situated just outside East Cowes, Queen Victoria's intriguing hideaway, where she died in 1901, is one of the island's top tourist attractions. www.english-heritage.org.uk Shanklin Chine Tel:01983 866432 The chine is a natural wonderland with rare plants, woodland, wildlife and a captivating waterfall. www.shanklinchine.co.uk Chessell Pottery Tel:01983 866432 A chance to observe the manufacturing process of this exquisite porcelain and to purchase discounted items from the factory shop. www.chessellpotterybarns.com Carisbrooke Castle The Norman built castle where Charles I was imprisoned before his execution houses a museum which documents the history of the island. www.english-heritage.org.uk Isle of Wight Steam Railway Tel:01983 884343 Passengers have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal and survey the beauty of the surrounding countryside from the Victorian style carriages. www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk |
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