If you want sunshine, sea and excitement on your next holiday you don't have to fly for hours to get to it. The Isle of Wight is England's largest island, just off the coast of Hampshire.

It also has the hottest weather in the UK, with average summer temperatures between 20C and 14C. Thanks to the more than 20 species of dinosaur fossils discovered on the island, it's also known as 'Dinosaur Island. ' The 11-mile stretch of coastline that runs between Compton and Sandown is a great place to hunt for fossils-just make sure that if you do find one, you only take it if you can do so without disrupting nature.

It's not just dinosaurs that make the Isle of Wight such a great place to visit, It's also home to one of the oldest theme parks in the world that still captures hearts today.

Blackgang Chine opened in 1843. Nestled right next to the charming village Blackgang, the park has long captivated generations with its attractions, nostalgia, and of course, its dramatic coastal views.

One of the interesting things about the park is because it is built on the cliffside, coastal erosion is a constant threat. Attractions are frequently moved further inland as the land slips into the sea, so no two visits to the park are ever the same.

For a more active holiday, you can cycle some of the many paths that crisscross the island. In fact, the Isle of Wight is one of the top cycling destinations in the world.

For the brave, it is possible to cycle a loop of the island in a day - it comes in at around 105km and is well signposted so you won't need to rely on your phone to find your way.

The route is mostly flat but there are some inclines which will get your thighs burning - and it can get windy so make sure you're up for the challenge.

If you're a history fan, then the Isle of Wight has that in droves, too. Aside from its dinosaur history, the Isle of Wight also has fame in more recent times.

Osborne, a stunning manor home, was a favourite spot of Queen Victoria, who wrote after visiting: 'It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.'

The house is now open for tours and makes a fabulous day trip for tourists. Inside the house, you can get an intimate glimpse into royal life and explore private apartments and grand reception rooms packed with luxurious furnishings and artworks from the Royal Collection. On a sunny day, the flower-filled gardens are perfect for a peaceful walk too.

If you fancy a getaway to the Isle of Wight, it's easy enough to get to from mainland UK. Flights go from Heathrow and Gatwick daily, or you can fly to Bournemouth or Southampton before taking one of 150 ferry connections that go to the island every year.