The Grange

Location

9 Eastcliff Road, Shanklin, PO37 6AA

The Isle of Wight, only two and a half hours from London, has become Britain's latest place to be. Festivals and events jostle for position in the isle's calendar - from rock and jazz concerts to extreme sports, cycling, and beach soccer events. All these, combined with the world famous sailing regatta at Cowes, have turned the island into what The Observer calls 'the new cool'. Long, sandy beaches offer a great variety of water sports, and five hundred miles of footpaths make the island a walker's paradise. For cyclists, there are a myriad of designated routes, bridleways and spectacular coastal tracks.

Blessed by Britain's best weather, and rich in visible history - Roman villas, medieval castles and historic houses - the isle possesses an extraordinary grace. Over half of it is preserved as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with lush green pastures, pristine streams and animal and bird sanctuaries.

The Grange is situated in Shanklin, known as the 'jewel' of the isle. Although moments from the charming thatched cottages, cafés and gift shops of the Old Village, it's very secluded as its garden faces acres of woodland. The beach and Shanklin Chine, which is laced with delightful waterfalls and is home to an unusual range of flora and fauna, is just a short walk from the bottom of the garden.