The Isle of Wight may be just five miles off the mainland but it's a different world. The pace of life is decidedly slower and the island has one of the best sunshine records of any part of Britain.  There is something for everyone, beautiful gardens, medieval castles, Roman villas, historic houses, vineyards and craft centres of every kind. Just by travelling around you are likely to discover charming villages, picture postcard views of moored sailing boats, enchanting woodland and spectacular coastal scenes.