Blackgang Chine Only on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a unique (and we think, stunning!) place, and there are oodles of equally unique things to do on the Island… so much so that you’ll often hear people saying, “Only on the Isle of Wight…”.
We love that the island is quirky, unusual and just a little bit special.
So here are our ‘I never knew that’ top picks for your visit here (after you’ve come for a fun-packed, awesome day out at Blackgang Chine, of course!)…
1 Cricket on the beach
You don’t have to love cricket to enjoy this game of ‘leather on willow’ on the beautiful Bramble Bank, just close to Ryde on the north-east of the island.
Every year, tide dependent, the Brambles cricket match is a fabulous spectator occasion with two local teams, the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Island Sailing Club, playing cricket, competing for glory while hoping not to get their feet wet!
Described as ‘quintessentially English madness on a beautiful summer’s evening’, the Brambles match takes place on an exceptionally low tide in the summer, usually around August or September.
Get yourself a locally-made ice cream and settle in for the match!
2 St Helens Fort walk
It’s as close as you might get to ‘walking on water’ as hundreds of people walk out from Bembridge or St Helens to walk on the exposed causeway out to St Helen’s Fort each year.
The St Helens Fort walk is an unofficial event. It almost feels a little like a pilgrimage procession, as intrepid walkers embark on at a low spring tide annually, usually around August. Yes, be prepared to get wet!
Whether you take part in the walk or enjoy this jaw-dropping sight from the beach, it’s incredibly supported by Bembridge RNLI, which looks to ensure everyone’s safety.
3 The National Poo Museum
You didn’t expect that, did you?!
Poo of all shapes and sizes, all in one place with this unique collection and displays, the Poo Museum team use quirkiness and family-friendly humour to break through poo-taboo to engage, entertain and inform about all things poo.
You can get up close and personal with poo (in the nicest possible way) and ask any ‘sticky questions’ you want to!
Find the National Poo Museum situated in the magnificent Sandown Barrack Battery, a Victorian fort perched atop the seaside cliffs of Sandown on the east of the Isle of Wight.
4 Stay in the Spice Girl Bus
‘I’ll tell you what you want, what you really, really want…’ yes, an island stay in the unique and original Spice Girls movie bus!
Island Harbour are the lucky owners of the original #GirlPower Spice bus from the movie Spice World and share the love by offering stays on the shores of the River Medina estuary, just south of Cowes.
With its distinctive Union Jack exterior, the Spice Bus is a 1978 British Leyland Bristol VRTSL3 double-decker, all decked out inside with a gorgeous living area, wooden decking, sumptuous themed furnishings, and three bedrooms.
So, we say, ‘Never give up on the good times’ and ‘say you’ll be there’ (if you know, you know!).
5 Ventnor Fringe
Packing a massive punch for a small festival, Ventnor Fringe attracts acclaimed artists and performers from around the globe.
‘Rapidly becoming the country’s most surprising and inspirational multi-disciplinary arts festival’ says The Sunday Times.
Hundreds of artists transform Ventnor into a whole world of community art, bohemian venues and outdoor bars in every conceivable space around this town on the southern tip of the Island. From the best new comedians and up-and-coming bands to truly barmy events like improvised hip hop in a Laundrette or a 1930’s Parisian ‘Book Bus’.
From eclectic ticketed events to free pop-up performances, there really is a unique something for everyone!