A visit to The Isle of Wight back in the summer
Back in the summer of 2010 we spent an enjoyable day on the Isle of Wight, although it is only about 20 miles from where we live it feels like more. A nice ferry trip across the Solent for 20 minutes and it feels like your miles away. We travelled over to the island to go to the Isle of Wight Steam Rally but while we where there we visited a couple of other places and had a great day out.
The Spinnaker Tower
The Spinnaker Tower stands on the edge of Portsmonth Harbour at Gun Wharf, it stands some 170 metres tall which is taller than The London Eye and Blackpool Tower. Once at the top you can get some fantastic 360 degree views across the harbour and out to The Isle of Wight.
Looking back towards the docks
Haslar Marina
Haslar Marina is on the Gosport side of the harbour.
The Solent
Here I am looking out over the Solent from the front of the ferry and another ferry is coming into Portsmouth, the trip on the ferry over to The Isle of Wight only takes about 20 minutes.
The day trippers
All the family and Jess the dog enjoying their trip on the ferry.
Jess
This was the first time on a ferry for Jess but as usual she took it all in the stride...
Clarence Pier, Southsea
Looking back towards Southsea seafront and here you can see Clarence Pier, the original pier was built here in 1861. The pier was bombed on June 1st 1941 and eventually reopened on June 1st 1961 some 20 years later.
Southsea common
They have a kite show on Southsea Common every year and here you can see some of the kites on display.
More kites and the promenade
The sea and the Forts
In the middle of the solent are 4 forts which were built to protect Portsmouth and its habour from invasion. The forts are called Horse Sands, No Mans Land and St Helens these three were built between 1865 and 1880, the forth is called Spitbank and work started here 2 years later.
Spitbank Fort (I think)
In the 1960's all the fort were put up for sale and it took till the 80's for them to sale 3, the fourth fort was taken off the market and is still in the hands of the Ministry of Defence. The one in the photo was sold and made into a museum, it is reported that in 2009 it was sold again.
The Isle of Wight
Here we are still on the ferry and looking towards Ryde.
Cutting through the water
On the car deck on the ferry
On the August bank holiday they have a scooter rally on the island and as you can see here they get plenty of scooter boys and girls.
Carisbrooke Castle
Although me and the family had visited the Isle of Wight many times, as we only live in Hampshire, we had never been to the castle. It made a good afternoon out and we enjoyed it, they have a demonstration in the well house which is a must as the large woodon wheel is turned by a donkey walking round inside the wheel. Sadly I have no picture as it was so busy.
More of the castle
Walking around the battlemounts
As we walk around the battlements, which you can walk the whole way round here, we look over and there was a concect going on, later in the evening Madness were going to be playing.
The castle in the sun
Looking over to Carisbrooke village
I can see for miles
This is taken from the battlements at the castle and here you can see the Spinnaker Tower back in Portsmonth.
The Needles in the mist
What was Black Gang Chine
This piece of land use to be part of the park Black Gang Chine but over the years it is slowly falling into the sea. As a child I spent many happy holidays on the Isle of Wight with my parents and brother, we use to have a fab time.