Egypt Point

You'll find Egypt Point on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, just outside Cowes, where a modest stone marker commemorates a spot that's honestly rather more interesting for the story behind it than the view itself. The point marks where the Egyptian corvette Ghezireh ran aground during a storm in 1878, and locals have maintained a small monument ever since - a bit of Victorian sentimentality that's entirely charming even if you're not particularly into maritime history.

It's a short walk from town, making it ideal for a quick detour if you're staying at any of the nearby holiday parks like Waverley Park or Comforts Farm. The appeal lies mainly in the walk itself along the coastal path rather than any dramatic landscape - you get decent views across the Solent towards the mainland, and the stretch is perfectly pleasant for a family amble. Bring the kids if they enjoy a bit of local lore, though they'll probably be more interested in throwing stones into the water than reading the plaque.

Go on a clear day when you can actually see across to the New Forest, and don't expect to spend more than twenty minutes here. It works best as part of a longer coastal walk rather than a destination in itself. Free to visit, naturally, and accessible pretty much whenever you fancy - there's no formal opening hours to worry about. If you're basing yourself at Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay or any of the caravan parks within a couple of miles, it's worth the short trip for a gentle leg-stretch and a bit of island history.