I visited this wonderful island visiting, Godshill, Shanklin, Sandown, The Needles.
The Isle of Wight is a pituresque lowland. The impact of the sea, the quality of the light, the temperate climate and the variety of cultural influences give its own strong 'sense of place'.
We stayed at the town of Sandown, an area which is treasured for its special qualites. The complex and diverse character of the island offers the opportunities it provides for quiet enjoyment, peace and relaxation are equally valued today I reflected on other poets that had visited this island, near to Sandown the town of Shanklin which heralds memories of Keats and Longfellow, Tennyson and Freshwater Bay.
As soon as Keats reached the Isle of Wight, on April 16, 1817, he went to see Shanklin and Carisbrooke, and after some hesitation between the two, decided on a lodging at the latter place.
ON THE SEA
It keeps eternal whisperings around
Desolate shores, and with its mighty swell
Gluts twice ten thousand Caverns, till the spell
Of Hecate leaves them their old shadowy sound.
Often 'tis in such gentle temper found,
That scarcely will the very smallest shell
Be mov'd for days from where it sometime fell,
When last the winds of Heaven were unbound.
Oh ye! who have your eye-balls vex'd and tir'd,
Feast them upon the wideness of the Sea;
Oh ye! who have your eye-balls vex'd and tir'd,
Feast them upon the wideness of the Sea;
Oh ye! whose ears are dinn'd with uproar rude,
Or fed too much with cloying melody -
Sit ye near some old Cavern's Mouth, and brood
Until ye start, as if the sea-nymphs quir'd!
At the Crab Inn in the old village part of Shanklin during July 1868. Longfellow wrote to a friend that he was staying in a lovely little thatched-roof inn, all covered with ivy. Whilst staying here he was asked to write an inscription which now embelishes the fountain outside. It is displayed on a shield with the Union Jack and the Stars & Stripes on either side and reads:
O traveller, stay they weary feet;
Drink of this fountain pure and sweet;
It flows for rich and for poor the same.
Then go thy way remembering still
The wayside well beneath the hill,
The cup of water in His name.
Whereas Poet laureate Tennyson who lived at Farringford from 1853 until the end of his life in 1892. Tennyson wrote of Farringford:
“Where, far from noise and smoke of town
I watch the twilight falling brown,
All round a careless-ordered garden,
Close to the ridge of a noble down.”
Godshill and its magnificent warmth, it reflected the old island which was the last part of the British Isles to accept christianity.
Sandown is the best place to have fun sandy beaches access the sea safely. Lifeguards on patrol to watch over the shore and to help make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
Sandown seafront is just yards from the town's shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, with easy level walking along the broad promenades and sea wall. You will find deckchairs, beach huts, water sports and the pier, which dates from 1879 and now provides all-weather amusements.
This diamond-shaped island has a magic all of its own and is one of the UK's sunniest and warmest places. Measuring 23 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Wight lies just off England's South Coast. No passport is needed for the short sea crossing - and once you've landed on the Island everything is within easy reach.
