T

here’s something intangibly romantic about islands and the Isle of Wight is one of England’s finest for castaway romance on a budget.

About half of its 23 by 13 miles is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, mostly in the south and west including grand chalk cliffs, rolling downs, muddy creeks and estuaries, lush green pastures and hedgerows. There’s an impressive network of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths which means romantic strolls and cycle rides are there for the taking.

Begin your day on the beach at Freshwater Bay where the swimming is safe and the cliffs awe-inspiring. Former resident, Poet Laureate Lord Tennyson thought so. Active couples might like to take a sea-kayaking course with Isle of Wight Sea Kayaking.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the Apple Tree Café at Afton Park in Freshwater that serves wonderful organic food in a garden setting. The butternut squash, chickpea and walnut salad is a winner. Make sure you also indulge in Minghella ice cream, founded on the island in 1950, now with over 140 flavours including Goo Goo Cluster (chocolate, fudge and marshmallow).

A cheap but romantically boho way to stay on the island is to rent a campervan or a retro Airstream trailer with Vintage Vacations.