Brighton Belles donned their Red & Purple to join Heritage Coaches for a tour of the island.

(Excerpts from Isle of Wight Tourism Website)

The Isle of Wight is home to some of the most diverse countryside in the UK, and what better way to unwind than to get out into the fresh air and explore?

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or something more energetic, you can discover historic farms, pretty lanes, thatched villages, coastal trails and woodlands. It's easy to find your way around, with over 500 miles of carefully maintained footpaths and signposts to follow

The Island has a wealth of religious buildings dating from Saxon times to the present day. Visit some of the village churches to discover the fascinating heritage of a local community whose religious and social history is preserved within the church grounds.

Hilltop monuments such as the Yarborough Monument on Culver Down and the monument to Tennyson on Tennyson Down await discovery by the walker. Upon St Catherine's Down, you will find the imposing Russian-style Hoy Monument and St Catherines Oratory, the original 14th century lighthouse known locally as the "Pepperpot".

The fortifications of the Island, particularly by Henry VIII and Lord Palmerston, provides an historic insight into the Islands strategic role. Carisbrooke Castle dates from Norman times and brings history alive to many thousands of visitors each year. Yarmouth Castle, the Needles Old Battery, Fort Victoria, are of interest to the military historian, as well as the casual visitor.

A number of manor houses with fine furniture and beautiful artefacts are open to the public. Some manor grounds are historic landscapes in their own right, many containing walled gardens, fine plant collections and buildings of local and national significance.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert established a favourite residence at Osborne. This royal stamp of approval brought many  famous Victorians to visit and settle on the Island. Alfred Lord Tennyson, who bought Farringford House, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, John Keats, Turner, Ruskin, are just a few of the literary and artistic "greats" who were inspired by this "enchanted isle".

Walk through the older parts of the towns to discover the historic heritage, explore Victorian churches such as the Royal Church of St Mildred at Whippingham and visit Osborne House, where you can see rooms left much as they were when Queen Victoria died there in 1901.