The Surrounding Area:
Manor Farm Cottage is nestled in a quite country lane on the fringes of the village of Wroxall on the south side of the Isle of Wight. At the southernmost tip of the island, Wroxall and the surrounding area enjoy some of the UK's sunniest summers and mildest winters.

The cottage is located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with some of the most magnificent landscapes in the South of England on its door step. There are few better places for peace and quiet, and for getting away from it all. There is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy as you stroll on the downs or through the sheltered valleys and ancient woodland. Yet, it is only a short drive away from the popular beaches, shops, restaurants, pubs, golf courses and sailing arenas.

For adventure Blackgang Chine Adventure Park is just 15 minutes drive from the cottage. The fun packed park is designed to appeal to the child in all of us! A little further afield is Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park.

Several beautiful coves (Steephill Cove, Castle Haven) and beaches (Ventnor, Shanklin, Compton) are just a short distance from the cottage.

Travelling 3 miles south will take you to the delightful Victorian seaside resort of Ventnor, well known for its mild climate, sandy beaches and Botanic Gardens.

10 minutes north of Wroxall is Godshill, a picturesque village renowned for its thatched cottages and cream teas.

Within easy reach of Wroxall is Carisbrooke Castle, where Charles I was held prisoner before his execution or a little further on in Cowes is Osborne House, Queen Victoria's favourite country retreat. For more historical houses visit Appuldurcombe House or Arreton Manor.

Ultimately this is the Isle of Wight - much to do with nothing too far away.

Wroxall:
Wroxall was once a small agricultural settlement changed by the coming of the railway. Lord Yarborough of Appuldurcombe would not allow the tracks to be built over his land so a tunnel 1190m long had to be dug through St Boniface Down. Many of the old cottages in the main street of Wroxall were built to house the workmen involved. The railway is now closed but one of the crossing gates has been salvaged and is at the end of Wroxall Manor Farm drive which neighbours Manor Farm Cottage.

Wroxall is an inland village that nestles in the rolling downland to the north of Ventnor with lovely walks leading to Ventnor Shanklin, Whitwell and Godshill. It also boasts a handsome church built from stone excavated from the tunnel. St John's Church has a conical tower and a blue clock.

Wroxalls main attraction is Appuldurcombe House. The ruin and surrounding park has an interesting history mainly centered around the Worsley family who originated from Lancashire. James Worsley was a page to King Henry VII and a companion to the future King Henry VIII. On the latter's accession to the throne Worsley was knighted and made Captain of the Isle Of Wight. He then went on to marry Ann Leigh the heiress of Appuldurcombe, starting a dynasty that would be closely involved in Island life and politics for the next three centuries. The Worsleys pulled down the old house and built a classical mansion in its place. By the end of the 18th century its contents of old master paintings and classical antiquities attracted visitors from far and wide. In 1855 the estate was sold the house then became a hotel followed by a school then a temporary home for the Benedictine Monks while Quarr Abbey was being built. From 1909 the house stood empty, its decay hastened by a land mine. The house, although now a ruin, is surrounded by beautiful parkland and maintained by English Heritage.

Images courtesy of Island Cottage Holidays.