Lake

Military aircraft from bygone eras sit quietly in hangars just outside this sleepy village, testament to the area's aviation heritage. Lake might not be the most exciting name for a settlement, but this corner of the Isle of Wight has a proper rural feel that many visitors miss entirely.

The village sits in the island's southeastern reaches, where rolling farmland gives way to the dramatic coastline near Sandown Bay. It's one of those places where you'll hear more birdsong than traffic - perfect for anyone wanting to escape the summer crowds that descend on the island's main resorts.

Wight Aviation Museum provides the main draw here, housing an impressive collection of wartime aircraft and aviation memorabilia. The museum feels genuinely local rather than touristy, run by enthusiasts who know their Spitfires from their Hurricanes. Well worth an afternoon if you're into military history.

Sandown sits just a few miles northeast, connected by decent bus links if you fancy a proper seaside day out. The beaches there are far better than anything you'll find closer to Lake itself. For supplies and a bit more life, Newport is your best bet - about twenty minutes by car through some lovely countryside.

Staying at one of the holiday parks nearby makes perfect sense for exploring this quieter side of the island. Isle of Wight Coastal Park gets consistently good reviews and puts you within easy reach of both the rural heartland and the southeast coast. You're far enough from the main tourist trail to enjoy some peace, but close enough to Sandown and Shanklin when you want a bit more action.