Frequently Asked Questions

GETTING HERE:

Do I need a passport?

We are part of the United Kingdom therefore a passport is not required for travelling over to the Isle of Wight.

Can I fly to the Isle of Wight?

Yes you can with a private plane, the Isle of Wight has two small airfields, Bembridge (01983 873331) and Sandown (01983 408374).

Do I need foreign currency?

We use Pounds Sterling, some establishments also accept Euros.

STAYING HERE:

Does the Isle of Wight have a Hospital or medical centres?

Yes, St Mary's Hospital is located in Newport (the centre of the Island). There are medical centres serving all main towns and surrounding areas. Tel 01983 524081 or visit  www.iow.nhs.uk

What side of the road do I drive on?

Left

Do you have a Wheelchair hire service?

Yes we do, Island Mobility Dodnor Lane, Newport. Tel: 01983 530000

Coastal Mobility South 3 Carter Road, Shanklin. Tel: 01983 866431

British Red Cross Hunnycross Way, Newport. Tel: 01983 522718

Premier Mobility Services (IoW) Ltd  Tel: 01983 563446.

Where can I obtain a Radar key (Royal Society for Disability and Rehabilitation) on the Isle of Wight?

Radar Keys are on sale at Social Services Centre Newport, St Thomas Chambers, 147 High Street, Newport, IW, PO30 1TY.  Tel: 01983 823340.  Opening hours Mon-Thurs 8.30am - 5.00, Fri 8.30 - 4.30

What can I do?

The Isle of Wight has many attractions, activities and events with plenty to do come rain or shine!

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, during the summer, dogs are not permitted on certain areas of the main resort beaches most frequented by the public.

For more information please cal 01983 821000.

Where are the Cinemas?

Cineworld, Newport 01983 537560/0871 2002000
Commodore, Ryde 0845 1662387
Medina Theatre, Newport 01983 527020

What Theatres do you have?

Apollo, Newport - 01983 527267
Medina Theatre - 01983 527020
Anthony Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts Centre, Newport - 01983 528825
Shanklin Theatre - 01983 868000
Trinity Theatre, Cowes - 01983 295229
Winter Gardens, Ventnor - 01983 855215

Do you have any nightclubs on the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight hosts many celebrities including DJ's appearing at a selection of the nightclubs, see local press and online listings for details.

What is the name of your local newspaper?

The Isle of Wight County Press which is issued every Friday contact 01983 521333.

Do you have any Supermarkets on the Isle of Wight and are any open 24-hours a day?

Most major supermarkets have stores on the Isle of Wight.

Details can be found on their websites. 

STATISTICS:

How many visitors does the Isle of Wight receive each year?

Approx 2.6 million a year.

What is the population of the Island?

Approx 132,000 resident population.

How big is the Isle of Wight?

Approximately - 23 miles x 13 miles, 37 kilometres x 21 kilometres.

What is the highest point on the Isle of Wight?

The highest point is St. Boniface Down, at 233 metres, or 764 feet above sea level.

HISTORY OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT:

Where does the name Isle of Wight come from?

The correct spelling is 'Wight' rather than 'Isle of White'.

There are several varied explanations as to where the name Isle of Wight originated from, and the two most likely are listed below:

1. Around 1900 BC the Beaker people arrived - so called from their distinctive pottery.

They called the Island "Wiht" (Weight) meaning raised or what rises over the sea. Then the Romans arrived in 43AD and translated "Wiht" into the name Vectis from the Latin veho meaning "lifting".

2. 400BC - Iron Age Celts from the Continent gave Wight its name, meaning 'place of the division, because it is between the two arms of the Solent. It is one of the Island's few surviving Celtic names.

43AD - The Romans called the Island Vectis and, although they stayed for the next 300 years, no Roman place names survive.

500-1000AD - The Saxons coined most of the Island's place names.

12th-15th centuries - As new settlements and farmsteads appeared, so did new names. Many topographical features were also given names in this period, like the Needles.

If you would like more information on history of the Island take a look at our Isle of Wight history & heritage page.

If your questions have not been answered or if you need any further assistance please contact us.