Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a unitary authority and ceremonial county off the south coast of England in the South East region. The island covers about 380 km² and sits in the Solent, separated from Hampshire by a narrow stretch of sea. Principal settlements include Newport (the administrative centre), Ryde, Cowes, Sandown and Shanklin. Passenger and vehicle ferries link the island with mainland ports, and a chain ferry operates across the River Medina at Cowes. Local government provides services across the whole island.

Coastline features chalk cliffs and stacks at the western Needles and sandy bays on the south-east shore. Cretaceous strata are exposed along parts of the coast, with fossil finds and occasional dinosaur footprints visible at low tide on Compton Bay. Maritime and sailing activity has long been important; Cowes hosts the annual sailing week that draws competitors and visitors. Agriculture, service industries and tourism shape the local economy, and the National Trust together with local authorities manage many clifftop and coastal sites.