We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring islands off our shores. Jeannine Williamson takes a look at three with very individual characteristics: The Isle of Wight, Jersey and the Isle of Man

Isle of Wight

Although the Isle of Wight is just 36km by 22km it’s packed with historic and prehistoric treasures, with ancient tribes, Romans and monarchs making their mark.

Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s family home, is one of the attractions. New for this year is a display of costumes used in the film Young Victoria.

Fortifications provide an historic insight into the island’s strategic role. Carisbrooke Castle dates from Norman times and brings history alive to many thousands of visitors each year. Yarmouth Castle, the Needles Old Battery and Fort Victoria are other highlights.

As well as Cowes Week, the world’s oldest and largest sailing regatta, the island has a host of festivals for everything from garlic to walking.

More than half the island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are hiking routes to follow year-round. Top spots include the western side of the island, which offers views of the famous Needles rocks and multi-coloured sandstone cliffs of Alum Bay. Towns include Newport, Ryde and Sandown, set on a sweeping bay.

Jersey

The history of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is entwined with France and England and as a result it has a really Continental atmosphere. There are more than 200 restaurants and a wealth of attractions, such as wartime tunnels and a world famous zoo pioneered by conservationist Gerald Durrell.

Mont Orgueil is the 13th century jewel in Jersey’s crown and the island’s most famous, and photographed, heritage site.

Until November one of the island’s most iconic locations, Elizabeth Castle, is open to the public to showcase its rich and varied history. Built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it was a military base until 1924.

The Jersey cow has been a feature of the island’s landscape for more than 200 years, and it’s hard to resist the rich, creamy produce made from their milk.

Isle of Man

At 50km by 20 km the Isle of Man is also relatively small. Its steam railway is the longest narrow-gauge steam line in the British Isles, running through spectacular countryside between the capital Douglas and Port Erin.

The island is also famous for its road racing, with the motorcycle TT races held every June. The winding Snaefell mountain course is open to traffic outside the racing period so anyone can go home and say they’ve navigated the TT circuit! Since 1995 the Isle of Man has been a moviemakers’ paradise. It’s fun to spot locations used for films such as Waking Ned, I Capture The Castle, The Libertine and A Bunch Of Amateurs, to name a few.

A visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling some Manx produce, such as loaghtan lamb and queenies – the island’s succulent scallops – or ManX, the clear spirit distilled from single malt whiskey.

* Isle of Wight Tourism: 01983 813800.

www.islandbreaks.co.uk * Jersey Tourism: 01534 500700. www.jersey.com *Visit Isle of Man: 01624 686766.

www.visitisleofman.com