5 Fascinating Facts About The Isle Of Wight

Situated in the English Channel just off the coast of Hampshire and separated by the Solent lies the sunny Isle of Wight. Since the Victorian era, the Island has been a popular holiday destination and is known for its moderate climate, green landscape, chines, and spectacular coastal scenery.

When browsing for a holiday in your area, you might consider a trip to the Isle of Wight. There are daily ferry commutes on offer and a vast range of accommodation options and activities steeped in arts, culture, and history.

Find out 5 fascinating facts that make this one of the most unique destinations on Earth.

1: Former Royal Palace Residence Of Queen Victoria

History lovers and fans of the Royal Family will delight in knowing that the Island was a firm favourite for Queen Victoria. The former royal palace residence of Queen and Family, named the Osborne House, is located on the Island in East Cowes and is a popular tourist destination today.

Charles Darwin, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and Charles Dickens were among the great Victorians names to have visited the Isle of Wight.

2: Oldest Functional Phone Box In Existence

Today street-based red phone boxes are now more of a decorative element than functional pieces of equipment, but they remain an iconic piece of history. Bembridge, located on the Isle of Wight, is home to the world’s oldest functional phone box in existence.

3: Popular For Paranormal Sightings

The Isle of Wight is famously steeped in history, making it an ideal backdrop for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. Despite its size, IOW is renowned for its high frequency of paranormal sightings. Dubbed one of the most haunted places on Earth, reported sightings including monks, marching Roman soldiers, and grey ladies.

4: Home To The Worlds First Radio Signal

Italian inventor, Guglielmo Marconi, built the world’s first radio station on the Isle of Wight in 1896. His innovation was placed near The Needles rock formation, and his signal was distributed throughout the world.

5: The Sunniest Place In The UK

The Isle of Wight can be termed as the Sunniest Place in the United Kingdom and receives 1,800-2,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it a popular destination for Brits looking for a sunny summer break.

To take advantage of the sunny summer days and visit some of the island’s fascinating, iconic and historical destinations, take a look at our Best of Isle Of Wight listings for more information on the best places to eat, drink, visit and stay on the IOW.