Portsmouth now has The Spinnaker Tower, built to celebrate the millennium which is the tallest publicly accessible building outside London. Visitors can take a lift to the three viewing decks at 100m, 105m and 110m for stunning views across to the Isle of Wight. Whilst in Portsmouth you can also visit HMS Victory, Nelsons flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Warrior which was the first iron hulled armoured battleship 
which has been restored to 1860’s condition and the Mary Rose Museum, which is the only 16th century warship on display in the world. It was built for Henry VIIII and sank in 1545. There are also interesting harbour cruises available.
Car ferries from Portsmouth, cross frequently to Fishbourne and Ryde. Other ferry services can be taken from Lymington to Yarmouth, Southampton to Cowes or for those travelling on foot a ferry from Portsmouth or the Hovercraft from Southsea arrives at Ryde with the only railway on the Island going from Ryde Pier to Sandown and Shanklin. There are also good local bus services to all parts
On the island visitors will find plenty of interesting places to go to. A visit to Osborne House at East Cowes is a must. This was the seaside home of Queen Victoria and there is a fascinating tour of the house and gardens and a short free bus ride within the grounds will take you down to the Swiss Cottage where the Royal children played. 01983-200022 for admission charges and opening times.
The Needles, Alum Bay- This is a famous landmark with spectacular chairlift down the cliffs to the bay from which the many coloured sands so popular in souvenirs on the island. www.theneedles.co.uk
Cowes is a famous maritime town with many sailing clubs, known worldwide for its Royal Regatta and for those interested in doing some sailing there is the UK sailing centre.
Old village Shanklin and Shanklin Chine – This is a picturesque village with many thatched cottages and the chine is a steep scenic gorge with waterfalls, nature trail, displays and exhibitions. Site of the PLUTO (pipeline under the ocean) which supplied fuel for the D-Day landings.
Sandown and Ventnor are along with Shanklin typical seaside towns, a little dated but great for family visits with plenty of accommodation across all ranges.
Tourist info.www.islandbreaks.co.uk Accommodation line 01983 -813813