UK island is the sunniest place in the UK with more winter sun than Italy or France

Isle of Wight: You might think you need to jet off somewhere exotic for winter sun, but guess what? The Isle of Wight is here to surprise you!

Recently, the Met Office declared it the sunniest place in the UK. It gets more sunshine than some parts of Italy during the winter months. Can you believe that?

During the chilly months of November through February, the island enjoys about 78 hours of sunshine each month. That’s 12% more than Milan and even more than Paris. Pretty impressive, right?

The Solent, the waterway separating the island from the mainland, might just be the secret behind its lovely weather. The Isle of Wight has its own little climate, which means it usually skips out on heavy snow and storms.

In fact, it gets 42% more sunshine than the rest of the UK in winter. So, if you’re looking for a sunny escape without leaving the country, this is the place!

And if you’re into cycling, you’re in for a treat. The island is known for its amazing bike paths. You can even cycle around the whole island in a day if you’re feeling adventurous.

But if you prefer a more laid-back vibe, there are family-friendly spots like the Monkey Haven, where you can see all sorts of animals. The keepers are super friendly and love sharing their stories.

History lovers will want to check out Osborne, Queen Victoria’s old home. It’s a beautiful place, and you can tour the rooms where she lived. She once said it was ‘impossible to imagine a prettier spot’!

When the weather’s nice, you can wander through the lovely gardens or chill on the beach where the royal kids learned to swim. Sounds dreamy, right?

Getting to the Isle of Wight is easy-peasy. You can catch a flight from Heathrow or Gatwick, or even hop on a ferry from Southampton. No passport needed—just grab your bag and maybe a sunhat!