travel writer

Running a family business for over half a century is a great achievement, especially during a prolonged period of uncertainty. Yet The Model Village Godshill is thriving. The moment we arrive we’re transported back to a bygone era where Godhsill has been captured in minute detail in what was once the garden of an old vicarage, probably no more than an acre, on a slight incline. We all gawp in wonder as we mooch along the narrow pathways savouring each carefully constructed scene complete with humorous characters. We particularly enjoy the cricket match and the running race with their mix of participants. Huge amounts of love and effort have gone into producing each true to the original property. Ongoing maintenance is necessary as with any property business and some titivations are being expertly carried out during our visit. There’s a railway and two churches where congregations are singing. In our own garden little oak trees keep sprouting. The same has happened here but they’ve been trimmed in the bonsai fashion; we haven’t seen oaks styled this way before but it works well. Keeping the trees and hedges at realistic heights for the village requires horticultural skill and this has been officially recognised by The Model Village’s RHS Partner Garden status. As far as business ideas go, it’s pretty simple, especially when compared to more extravagant attractions such as theme parks. As is so often the case in life though, focus on a niche, keep it simple, do it well and reap the rewards. It works and stands the test of time, drawing those nostalgia hungry crowds.

Competitive family time can be indulged in at Sandham Gardens, Sandown where we race electric go karts but no matter how hard we all try there is no way of overtaking Henry. Poor Harriett remains at the back. Heidi manages to maintain second place by veering all over the course like a drunkard. Yet more frustration is endured by Harriett in the crazy golf. She does struggle with how competitive her brother and sister are. It’s one of the longest courses we’ve played and it’s challenging but I get a hole in one and so does Henry. In the end, much to my surprise and everyone else’s, I win the game. Time for the Skynets for Heidi and Henry. After a short safety briefing, it’s an opportunity for them to run round on nets high above the ground, kick balls and make new friends. They love it. Caroline, Harriett and I enjoy it too because we can rest for a little while.

When more resting is required, the perfect attraction is the Isle of Wight Steam Railway because you can just sit in a beautifully restored carriage and trundle through the glorious island landscape. It might only be Third Class but it’s a grand occasion. Shut your eyes and you’re back in the ‘40s. Just opening the window is a lesson in care and the leather strap is a perfect solution for holding the window in place. To the hungry resistant materials student, Harriett, this railway is absolutely crammed full of inspiration for her. She’s got to produce a project to reward pupils and the historic items on the railway, in the carriages, the engine sheds and the museum are all manna from heaven. In the museum gallery there’s an old telephone and we all enjoy dialling a number and listening to recordings of how life used to be. This attraction wouldn’t exist without its volunteers who lovingly run the entire operation like a well oiled machine, which is of course exactly what the engines are. Even in the heat the friendly and smart guards don’t complain. In the Train Story Discovery Centre, there are more historic engines and carriages and in the Carriage & Wagon Workshop, officially opened by The Queen in 2004, skilled craftsmen are restoring a vintage wooden carriage.  

For two nights three days we stay in an American themed TriBeCa lodge with hot tub at Away Resorts Whitecliff Bay near Bembridge. It provides well equipped self-catering accommodation complete with dishwasher. It’s high up position affords views of the The Earl of Yarborough’s Monument (Culver Down). This tall granite obelisk sits high on the nearby chalk ridge above Bembridge and Sandown and was erected in 1849 to honour the first commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Inside the lodge there’s a shower, a couple of toilets and even a bath in the master bedroom. That bath gets a lot of use. Everywhere you look there’s a television and the children enjoy watching Bake Off. As I sit outside a vintage red aeroplane flies past and descends to land at Bembridge Airport. For me the best part of the lodge is outside where there is a bench and a table. A perfect location for relaxing and reading my Inspector Morse novel. There are indoor and outdoor heated pools and it’s close to the beach where there are crabs and shrimps. As we return, on the field back at the holiday park, there are the makings of a football match starting.

“Can I play?” asks Henry (10) - just signed to Sholing FC U11 Reds - who is welcomed with open arms by a teenager.

Henry makes it known that Harriett has just passed her FA referee course, so before long she is ref and the match becomes more structured, as she puts her newly gained skills to the test especially with one teenage player called Stephen, on holiday from New York. It’s good to watch the children growing.

Our return ferry crossing is with Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne. The whole process is smooth and as quick as it can be, around an hour. The idea of going on a ferry evokes the holiday spirit and it’s just the right length of time, allowing it to remain fun. It’s easy enough driving onto the car deck and parking up. The crossing is calm. The ship is well maintained and clean throughout. The staff are helpful and polite and the seats are comfortable. We particularly enjoy the Viewing Lounge where you can sit in comfort and savour the wide panoramic views of the seascape – of the Isle of Wight slowly appearing before your very eyes. It’s a real treat.

The Isle of Wight is a gem of a holiday destination.