12 Step Planet: Isle of Wight

Where exactly is it?
Off the southern coast of England, the Isle of Wight is roughly two miles from the mainland. The diamond-shaped island measures 23 miles by 13 miles and is the country's largest.
How do I get there?
Some 350 ferries depart Southampton, Portsmouth, Southsea and Lymington daily. The journey from Dublin is approximately four hours. After flying to Southampton, take the Red Funnel ferry. This will bring you either to Cowes or East Cowes, both beautiful towns.
What is the local beer like?
Extremely good! We'd recommend Goddard's, a local craft brewer whose Ale Of Wight, Scrumdiggity Bitter and Fuggle-Dee-Dum are world class. The more mainstream Island Brewery's Nipper Bitter, Wight Gold, Yachtsman Ale, Wite Knight and Venom are pretty damn quaffable too.
What’s the currency?
The pound sterling (GBP).
What are the biggest towns?
The capital of the Isle of Wight is Newport, in the centre of the island. Newport has eclectic shopping and dining spots. The second biggest town, Ryde, has miles of glorious golden sand and shallow coastal waters. Cowes is the main port with a natural harbour at the mouth of the Medina river. It's a major yachting centre with a top quality pub, The Anchor on The High Street, which serves most of the aforementioned local brews.
What is the nightlife like?
Pretty lively! Coburg's in Rye is a good place for local rock bands and stand-ups (coburgs-ryde.webs.com); Temptation in Newport is the island's superclub (www.temptationsnightclub.co.uk) with accompanying superstar DJs; Crab in Shanklin is a fine thatched gastropub, with a lovely seasonal beer garden (www.crab-inn-shanklin.co.uk) and friendly regulars.
What’s the transport like?
The island is covered by an extensive bus network, the towns of Ryde, Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. Online timetables are available at www.iwight.com/travelinformation. Additionally the Isle of Wight contains more footpaths than any other English locale – making it a hiker's paradise.
When should I go?
It's generally best to visit in summer when 20 degree days are the norm. Another reason to visit in summer is the revived Isle of Wight Festival, which takes place in June and this year included Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and Pearl Jam among its headliners. 2013 adult camping tickets are already available priced £185 from www.isleofwightfestival.com with much talk of the Stones paying a return trip.
What is the food like?
From award-winning restaurants to homemade food in beautiful country pubs to a light lunch in a seaside café, the Isle of Wight has something to offer all visitors. Fish Haven in Ventnor is reckoned by locals to dish up the best fish & chips with Wight's in Ryde a close second; Saltys in Yarmouth has more complex fishy fare including a tremendous seared tuna & swordfish (www.saltysrestaurant.co.uk) and for fine dining it's back to Ventnor where Robert Thompson @ The Hambrough is in possession of the island's only Michelin star. The £145 seven-course tasting menu with paired wines explains why (www.robert-thompson.com/restaurants/the-hambrough). Make sure to try the famous Isle of Wight Blue, a past Winner of Best English at the World Cheese Awards, Minghella gourmet ice cream and the crab pasties dished up during the summer season by The Crab Shed in Ventor.
What are the touristy things to do?
There are three must-sees. The Osborne House was Queen Victoria’s home away from home. The Carisbrooke Castle was famous as a royal prison to Charles I. There's also a third century Roman villa with beautiful mosaics!
Anything else?
On the westernmost point you can see The Needles, three brilliant white chalk stacks formed over 60 million years ago by a landslide. You will never forget that view!
What activities are possible?
The Isle of Wight is ideal for an outdoor activity holiday. You can paraglide, dive, golf or participate in water sports with www.wightwaters.com offering all manner of courses and excursions. iowsurfclub.com lets you know where to catch the best waves, and Wessex League output Newport FC play at the 4,000-capacity St. George's Park.
Why should I go?
The natural beauty of the Isle of Wight is something to behold. The weather’s not bad either!
What should I bring home?
Sunburn and/or increased physical fitness.