The Isle of Wight AONB‘…you can spend days and days exploring the Isle of Wight, which, if you are really interested, begins magically enlarging itself for you.’ J. B. Priestley The Isle of Wight AONB was designated in 1963 and covers approximately 189 square kilometres, about half of the Island. Unusually the AONB area is not continuous, but is made up of five distinct land parcels across the Island. These areas represent the variety of landscapes found upon the Island, from high chalk downs to lush green pastures. The AONB also includes around half of the coastline including both the Hamstead and Tennyson Heritage Coast areas. 
The special qualities of the Isle of Wight AONB are many contrasting, varied and inspiring. They contribute greatly to the quality of life and well-being of local communities and visitors. From majestic sea cliffs and sweeping beaches to the quiet solitude of ancient woodland; the ever changing patchwork of worked fields to the timeless and enduring presence of the downs; the intricate inlets of tranquil creeks to the long distance views from coastal heath and downland; the planned and manicured gardens of former Royal Estates and Victorian villas to the irregular undulating hedged fields of pasture; the dark starlit skies to the bustle and colour of festivals and events; the winding paths, shutes and hollow ways in the countryside to Chines and steps down cliffs to the beach; place names and dialect to poetry, literature and art; isolated houses, hamlets and rural villages to harbour towns, castles and tumuli; plants and animals to fossilised trees and dinosaur footprints.
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