Ryde

Ferry passengers stepping off the Portsmouth service get their first taste of island life at one of England's oldest seaside resorts. The Victorian pier stretches nearly half a mile into the Solent, making it the longest in the country and still the island's main gateway after more than 150 years. Ryde feels properly seaside without the theme park chaos of other coastal towns.

The town rolls down gentle hills to meet a decent sandy beach that stretches for miles. When the tide's in, it's perfect for swimming. When it's out, you've got acres of firm sand ideal for walking or cycling. The old tramway still rattles down to the pier head - one of just two surviving tramlines in England outside of Blackpool.

Brading lies just three miles southeast and deserves a proper look around. The Heritage Centre tells the story of Roman villa life, while the old Bull Ring reminds you this was once a proper market town. History buffs will find plenty to explore, from the remains of HMS Royal George to various pill boxes dotted about the countryside. Westridge Golf Centre offers decent views across the downs if you fancy a round.

Getting here couldn't be easier - regular ferries from Portsmouth, plus the island's railway network connects Ryde to Newport and Shanklin. The A3055 coastal road runs right past if you're bringing a car across.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're ideally placed for day trips anywhere on the island, with Cowes twenty minutes west and the dramatic Needles about forty minutes by car. Plus you can walk to Ryde's shops and restaurants without worrying about parking.