Have you ever wanted to visit Scotland or The Lakes?  How about Devon or Cornwall? Or maybe Suffolk? As you'll  already know if you've been there, each of these districts are stunning with their different landscapes. You can see mountains and lakes, beaches that go on for miles, caves and coves and much, much more.

But what about the Isle of Wight, what can it offer you for your holiday?  Well, the answer is "so, so much!"

The island offers so much and retains so much beauty that many people over the years have decided to leave their home towns and come and live here. There are many words to describe it but my favourite is MAGICAL.

What should you see if you visit?

Well, it depends what you want from a holiday. If you want to enjoy beautiful scenery and sandy beaches, you will certainly find them here. There are many places where you can go for walks or cycle rides, off the beaten track.

If walking seems like too much hard work, there is an excellent bus service covering the island and an open - top bus too which is nice on a good day. We have a steam train at Havenstreet on which you can imagine that you're living in a bygone era. You can go into the shop and look at all sorts of things to remind you of the past.

Or what about Osborne House? Queen Victoria's residence. You'll be able to go inside and appreciate some spectacular furnishings and history. There are beautiful rooms full of wonderful paintings. You can get an idea of how Queen Victoria and Prince Albert really lived with their children. The gardens are spectacular and you'll be able to wander around them and visit the "The Swiss Cottage" which was built in the grounds for the children.

There's always Carrisbrooke Castle to visit, or the Waxworks Museum in Brading. There's alot of history there. We have a Roman Fort at Brading too. You can see mosaic floors and get an idea of how the people lived in that age. There's a shop filled with things related to that period in history.

The Needles don't really need any introduction really. I think everyone has heard of them, but the scenery is so stunning around Alum Bay and you really should pay them a visit, even if you don't fancy the chair - lift! You don't have to go on it. You can visit Alum Bay Glass and see live demonstrations or visit the Sand Shop.There's plenty to keep the children amused while you browse in the shops, or have something to eat. For more information you're welcome to visit www.theneedles.co.uk

Now, Blackgang Chine is for the children. It's a paradise for them with so many things happening. You'll want to look at the Crooked House, and The Fairy Castle. There's the pirate - themed playground, and the giant Hedge Maze. You might want to see Rumpus Mansion with goblins and dragons inside. Grown - ups might like to see themselves in the Funny Mirrors. There's so much more to enjoy, so why not pay it a visit?

And don't forget that this is an area noted for dinosaurs so you'll want to explore more of the dinasoar themes. There's Amazon World where you can see exotic creatures, and I can't forget the Flamingo Park at Seaview. If you ever wanted to see flamingos, penguins and so much more, that's the place to be.

 If you love animals why not spend a day at the  Isle of Wight Zoo at Sandown? There's so much to see and do and it'll give your children the chance to see and learn about animals they may only have read about before.  There's lions and leopards, monkeys and snakes and lumurs and tigers. The award - winning zoo is home to Britain's largest collection of tigers.   

Refresh yourself in the Zootique Cafe or browze around the shop for some gifts to take home. As well as looking at the animals mentioned above, you'll be able to view the indoor collection of reptiles, arachnids and insects that might not seem cuddly to you, but are still looked after here. The zoo provides alot of knowledge about such spiders, amphibians etc, and helps to allay any potential fears visitors might have.

We have piers in Sandown, Ryde, Totland and Yarmouth and a lift in Shanklin which takes you from the top of the cliff to the bottom, if you don't fancy a steep walk down the hill or through the Chine.

Oh, where do I stop? I could talk for ages about the Isle of Wight. I haven't covered much of it at all. There's:

Cowes - Where you can see the boats and ferries and of course attend at Cowes Week

Shanklin - With its pretty Old Village which has thatched tea - rooms and shops, and plenty of shops in the main street

Sandown - With its holiday atmosphere and hotels and beautiful beach

Ventnor - With all the antique shops and curio shops and the really steep bendy road down to the front. There are lots of bars and open - air cafes along Ventnor sea - front now and the view from there is stunning as you can see all the houses on the hills. We have the Botanical Gardens too. Very pretty.

Bembridge has a lovely sandy beach and a windmill. It's a very pretty village. Nearby are Priory Bay and Whitecliff Bay, ideal for lots of walking.

Ryde - It has lots of individual shops and a beautiful long stretch of sandy beach. The hovercraft arrives here as does the Fast Cat from Portsmouth. It's really relaxing to watch the big ocean liners sail past on their way out of Southampton taking lucky people on their cruises. In Victorian times the pier was used alot by people coming to partake of the wonderful climate and to recuperate after illnesses.

Visit www.isleofwighttouristguide.com for more information on accomodation, attractions, restaurants and bars, and anything you can think of to make your holiday enjoyable. There really is so much to see and do that you'll find you're spoilt for choice.

I must mention Godshill, a beautiful thatched village oozing with character and which is high on visitors' wish - lists to visit. Very pretty, with lots of tea - rooms and a beautiful church.

And don't forget the enviable sun-shine record we have here.

I hope you'll be tempted to visit just like lots of artistic people over the years. The island has such a magical effect and provided inspiration for many a poet or artist and still does today.

Tennyson lived here at Farringford House in Freshwater (which is now a hotel). Elgar stayed here on his honeymoon in Ventnor. Charles Dickens wrote much of "David Copperfield" whilst living in Bonchurch. JB Priestley lived on the island for years and John Keats lived in Shanklin.

The late, absolutely brilliant Anthony Minghella came from Ryde. His achievements were outstanding as a producer and director of films such as "The English Patient", "Cold Mountain" and "The Talented Mr Ripley", not to mention "Truly, Madly, Deeply". Such a wonderful, kind man and so proud of the Isle of Wight. When giving his speech on winning his oscar for "The English Patient", he said it was a great day for The Isle of Wight. He is so very sadly missed.

We have the Isle of Wight Festival each year and also The Bestival. We have classic car weekends, A Forties Weekend, Jazz nights, and concerts in the grounds of Osborne House. We have the Quay Arts in Newport. There are so many events during the year to cater for all tastes. There is the Garlic Festival, Walk The Wight, Cycling Weekends, oh, and yes, we have our own Speedway, and airport. Oh, so much and so much more again! You'll have such a magical time if you visit the Isle of Wight.

Did you know the Isle of Wight is haunted? Are you fascinated or intrigued? We have some beautiful scenery, old manor houses and inns. Secluded village lanes and deserted sandy beaches. Very pretty in daylight and very spooky at night. Ancient churches and houses nestle side by side. Do you want to find out about our island history and ghostly goings-on?

Local author Gay Baldwin has written several excellent ghost books based on true incidents related to her by people who live on and off the island. Full of photographs, these books are fascinating to read, especially if you love the island.

Learn more about the smugglers along the south coast, about local characters and royalty in Osborne House. Or what about the Botannical Gardens, built on the site of the hospital which was demolished when there was no need for it anymore, after the elimination of TB. There's so much to look at and read. Curl up on the sofa in front of the fire, and enjoy!

I hope you've enjoyed this article. I truly am lucky to live on this beautiful island. No matter where you go, the scenery is stunning and the sea is never far away. Whatever age you are, there is plenty to do. Some people have asked me if I ever get bored with having a limited area in which to travel, you know, like if you've seen one town, do you really want to see it again? Well, the truth is that I love it so much, I really don't like going away from it, and no matter how much of the island you've seen, there's always something you come across that you didn't know was there. If you do holiday here, I know you'll enjoy it.

If you would like to see how the island has given me inspiration, you're welcome to view my paintings on my website at: www.landscapeartbystella.com

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