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I’ve got fond memories of the Isle of Wight and often went on holiday there as a child, so I couldn’t wait to go back and discover the place with my partner.
It has been many years since I visited and stayed in a holiday park, but Thorness Bay near Cowes, was just the perfect location to rediscover the place.
There is just something so special about the island, its rolling countryside, its quaint little villages and not to forget its stunning coastline.
Everything about the place is unique, the islanders and their laid-back way of life, it’s just something I adore.
And it’s such a friendly place, everyone says hello, takes time to chat to you and tell you about the wonderful place they live, it's just a breath of fresh air.
I couldn’t wait to get to Thorness Bay, but first, I was looking forward the the ferry trip.
And what a beautiful October morning it was for the crossing which only takes 45 minutes from Portsmouth, we grabbed a coffee and sat on the outside deck as we left the mainland.
It was magical to just sit outside and see the stunning views of Portsmouth.
It wasn't a long drive to get to the holiday park, and wow, what a great little haven it is.
It’s a wonderful place to discover and the bay views over The Solent are breathtakingly magnificent.
We stayed at the park during the week and our caravan was just perfect, clean, warm inviting and just a home-from-home.
It had everything we needed and more and was situated not that far from the entertainment complex.
Obviously the first port of call is to have a look round and walking down to the venue - the bay is revealed in all its glory.
We enjoyed a beer from the Boathouse Bar Restaurant which has such an amazing view, and later we walk down to the actual bay to discover it.
It’s a beautiful place and we’d left the dog at home, (with her dog sitter) just so that we could have a nice romantic break, but after we arrived, we wished we'd taken her it’s an ideal place for couples to walk the dog.
In fact, the whole island is very dog friendly.
The stunning countryside around the park is laden with fields and meadows with footpaths dotted across it which stretch for miles.
It was a bit of a trip down memory lane for me so I wanted to visit some of the places I had gone to as a child because of course, I wanted to show my partner.
We drove around the coast, all the way from Ryde to The Needles.
There are some stunning views along the way and beautiful villages and seaside towns.
First we visited Ryde and its sandy beach, then on to St Helen's, Bembridge, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Niton, Blackgang, and Alum Bay and The Needles.
The coastal drive will not disappoint, the views are spectacular.
Another trip we had to do is one of the most romantic place for couples to visit, Osborne House.
Our route there took us to the chain ferry which connects Cowes and East Cowes, we didn't even know it was there and was it an added little fun trip which cost just £2.50 for the car.
Even the least romantic people out there would find it hard not to fall in love with Osborne House, we spent the whole day there.
Reading and finding out about Victoria and Albert's love story and the happy times they spent with their nine children there, is so interesting and the house, which looks unchanged since her death, is packed with belongings, many of which were gifts for one another.
A must is getting the courtesy mini-bus to The Swiss Cottage, look out for the five-legged dear and the nine-legged spider!
On the way back to catch the ferry from Fishbourne on our last day, we popped into Quarr Abbey.
Founded in 1132, the abbey is now a working monastery and a great place to walk and be at one with nature.
Feeding the pigs was also a wonderful experience and so much fun.
We so loved staying at Thorness Bay, we ate in the Boathouse Bar and Restaurant twice and the breakfast deal is a must.
We also enjoyed its pool during the mornings and later in the evenings the entertainment was quality fun and we loved the Halloween feel during our stay.
We saw a lot of the island and loved coming home to our warm cosy caravan each night.
Our romantic holiday sure was the 'Best of Britain' at its finest and we are thinking of going back nearer Christmas time to get the festive feel of the island.
Facilities at Thorness Bay
Heated indoor swimming pool
Multi sports court
Amusement arcade
The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant
Fish ‘n’ Chip Shop
Convenience store
What’s nearby
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Have a look around Thorness Bay Holiday Park
Prices
Arriving Monday, November 1, for three nights priced at £99, staying in a two-bedroom Regatta chalet which sleeps up to four people.
Arriving Sunday, March 22, for four nights priced at £99, staying in a 2-bedroom Voyage caravan which sleeps up to four people.
Arriving Friday, March 27, for seven nights priced at £179, staying in a two-bedroom Anchor chalet which sleeps up to four people.
To book at Thorness bay, click here, or call 0330 1234850, to find out more about the Best of Britain couples campaign, click here.
