Isle of Wight Part Three
Isle of Wight: Island Adventures, Stunning Views, and Seafood Delights
We stayed in the south side of the Isle of Wight. This was our second mini-break to the island. Last time, we were charmed by the majesty of Osborne House. This time, we based ourselves in the town of Shanklin to visit the attractions nearby.
You can drive from one end to the other in about 45 minutes on the ‘A’ roads although this can sometimes involve playing ‘dodge the tractor’.
Although it was Autumn we dropped in on Ventnor Botanic Garden. This place benefits from a truly unique microclimate known as the Undercliff, which boasts some of the warmest temperatures in the UK. This allows it to grow an exceptional range of subtropical and exotic plants outdoors.
The diversity includes massive echiums, succulents, a huge cacti rockery, and surprisingly, plenty of wild fuchsia. The gardens are laid out by hemisphere, making our hour-long walk feel like a quick trip around the world. We even spotted lilies in a pond in the greenhouse and a great row of mature palm trees.
Highlights: Wide diversity of plants
Carisbrooke Castle is a large, well-preserved, and perhaps slightly understated fortress situated high on a hill.
Its main claim to fame is its most reluctant resident: King Charles I. He was imprisoned here for 14 months before his execution during the English Civil War. He was held in the Constable’s Lodgings where he famously got stuck trying to escape through a window bar.
We walked the simple Medieval Fortifications, developed by the Normans, which give a superb view into the castle grounds. The Great Hall is a bit lost among the rooms, but the Castle Museum is a decent collection.
The Donkey Barn has friendly donkeys, which, in the past, were responsible for operating a huge, 16th-century wooden treadwheel. This historically raised water from the deep castle well. Also, there is the small but sweet Princess Beatrice Garden, developed by Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter.
Highlights: A castle still in good condition.
