Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight (/waɪt/ WYTE) is an island off the south coast of England which, together with its surrounding uninhabited islets and skerries, is also a ceremonial county. The county is bordered by Hampshire across the Solent strait to the north, and is otherwise surrounded by the English Channel. Its largest settlement is Ryde, and the administrative centre is Newport.

The Isle of Wight has a land area of 380 km2 (150 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 141,660 in 2024, making it the largest and English island. The island is largely rural, with the largest settlements primarily on the coast. These include Ryde in the north-east, Shanklin and Sandown in the south-east, and the large villages of Totland and Freshwater in the west. Newport is located inland at the point at which the River Medina broadens into its estuary, and Cowes and East Cowes flank the estuary on the northern coast. For local government purposes the island is a unitary authority area. It was historically part of Hampshire.

The island is known for its mild climate, coastal scenery, and verdant landscape of fields, downland, and chines. It is said to be the sunniest place of Great Britain. It has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The distance between the Isle of Wight and mainland Great Britain is between 2 and 5 miles (3 and 8 kilometres). The island also contains dinosaur fossils.