Newport

The River Medina cuts a surprisingly industrial swathe through the heart of this Isle of Wight town, giving Newport a working character that sets it apart from the island's more tourist-heavy coastal resorts. Don't expect picture postcards here - this is the island's proper business district, complete with busy roads and functional buildings.

That said, there's more cultural life than you might expect. The Quay Arts Centre stages everything from touring theatre to local amateur dramatics, while the Medina Theatre keeps things lively with a mix of pantomimes and tribute acts. For something different, Food Chain gallery showcases contemporary art in an unlikely setting, and The Seat offers rotating exhibitions that often surprise.

Seaclose Park stretches along the riverbank and hosts the island's biggest annual shindig - the Isle of Wight Festival in June transforms this green space into a temporary city of tents and stages. Outside festival season, it's a decent spot for a riverside walk, linking up with Medina Riverside Park.

Combley Great Wood offers proper countryside walking just outside town, though it's a bit of a trek from the centre. The ancient Lime Kiln Ruins lurk in the woodland, though they're off-limits to visitors these days.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - Newport sits bang in the middle of the island with roads radiating out like spokes. The Red Funnel ferries dock at East Cowes, about 10 minutes north, while Wightlink serves Portsmouth-Fishbourne just down the road. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat or Springfield Oaks puts you within easy reach of both the town's amenities and the island's coastal attractions - you're never more than 20 minutes from a proper beach.