How it rates Thousands of music fans will be catching the ferry across to the Isle of Wight today for the annual rock festival, pictured right. The island is also a hit with retired buyers and second-home owners, and hosts Cowes Week every August. Its dramatic coastline, hills, forests and wildlife — more than half the island is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — make it an ideal family holiday destination.

What to see Queen Victoria’s lavish summer home, Osborne House, is a must. Charles I was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle before his trial. The Needles is one of the most photographed spots in Britain. Farringford was Tennyson’s home. Train buffs, and children, love the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

What’s new Vantage Point, Cowes: a two-bed flat with underground parking and waterfront views is £750,000 via Knight Frank (01483 564660).

Travel The most popular ferry route to the mainland is Fishbourne to Portsmouth (40 min). Other destinations include Lymington and Southampton. Island Line trains serve only towns on the east side of the isle (there are only 8½ miles of track).

Quality of life Chilled. It’s a great place for walking and all other outdoor pursuits. Crime rates are relatively low, and there is a real emphasis on community.

Smartest streets Some of the Victorian houses in Ventnor are very grand. In Cowes, the old town, particularly the parade and the seafront, is admired; flats there range from £300,000 to more than £1 million, and large Georgian houses go for £2 million to £3 million. Houses on Yarmouth High Street range from £500,000 Edwardian homes to two-bed Victorian houses costing from £200,000 to £300,000.

Restaurants The George Hotel in Yarmouth and The Seaview Hotel in Seaview are highly regarded. For seafood, try Salty’s in Yarmouth or The Boathouse in Ventnor. The New Inn in Shalfleet is an award-winning foodie pub. The Hambrough Hotel, Ventnor, is the only Michelin-star restaurant.

Nightlife Lots of great country pubs, notably the Kings Head, the Bugle Coaching Inn in Yarmouth and the Pier View in Cowes. Ryde buzzes at night — party people head for The Balcony, Liquid Lounge and Joe’s. For drama/arts, the Medina Theatre and the Anthony Minghella Theatre at the Quay Arts Centre, both in Newport, or the Shanklin Theatre.

Education Ryde School with Upper Chine (recommended by The Good Schools Guide) and Priory School are the only two independent schools on the island. Most primaries have a good reputation.

Working life Many people commute daily to Southampton or Portsmouth, or weekly to London. Isle of Wight Council, GKN Aerospace and BAE Systems are the largest employers on the island.

Upside The island is only 2½ hours from London (via ferry and train) — less than many places in the West Country — making it great place to have a second home.

Downside The need to take the ferry to go anywhere — although locals (Caulkheads) say that this preserves the island’s character.

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