Isle Of Wight

[Smowball]

Mr Smow has some time off in December and has suggest a break in - the Isle of Wight, and taking Poorly Smow and Teen Smow for a well earned rest. I don’t know the area at all so has anyone been there, is it worth going to? Anywhere in particular to visit? Or should I suggest going elsewhere?

[New Judge]

//Most grockles have gone...//

"Overners", surely David. As a Caulkhead I'm surprised you use the same term as we do on the mainland.

I don't think the Isle of Wight Steam Railway will be running in December, smow But if you fancy a train trip you can travel on pre-war London Underground trains (now 80 years old) on the Island Line. This runs from Shanklin via Lake, Sandown, Brading, Ryde St Johns Road, Ryde Esplanade and terminates at Ryde Pier Head where it meets up with the catamaran service from Portsmouth. If you wander along Ryde esplanade you will pass the hoverport where the service from Southsea terminates a few yards from the main road. This is the only regular passenger hovercraft service in the UK and I think in the whole of Europe.

[Prudie]

I have lived near it and been 4 times in my life, last time about 10 years ago. It's very much a Marmite place and depends what you want to spend your days doing. The seaside resorts are like stepping back to the 60s. In the winter they are just depressing. Some parts are quaint though. I wouldn't fancy it personally.

[woofgang]

Smow if the seizure is any kind of issue, I'd think twice about IoW The NHS service over there ain't great.

[Bobbisox1]

A lovely island, been many times,Ryde,Shanklin, the coloured sands of Allum Bay, you won't be disappointed Smow

[david small]

Actually New Judge I’m a Brummie, I’ve only been on the Island for forty five years, a relative newcomer.
Wolfgangs right unfortunately about the NHS on the Isle. St Mary’s Hospital is like the curates egg....good in parts.

[Smowball]

I actually didn’t realise that about the NHS. Erm, Maybe a rethink is needed......

[waterboatman]

You'll love the Isle of Wight smow.

I'll give you the place we stayed later.

[Maydup]

If Isle of Wight is a favourite with OH then all well and good, but if not and he just fancies going there then save it for another time of year. I would avoid any of the coastal areas for a break in December. They are mostly closed and feel quite depressing in the winter.

How about renting a warm cosy holiday let in land or a quirky convertion somewhere?

[theshedman]

I've been there a few times and although the ferry prices can be quite high, on 2 occasions I have booked hotel that offered free ferry when booking with them. Don't know if this is still happening but maybe worth a look.