• Address: Hurst Hill, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0HD
• Telephone: Within UK 0870 770 6070 Outside UK (+44) 1983 402651
• Category: YHA
• Nearest Beach: Freshwater Bay
• Web details: http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/hostelpages/126.html

Lord Mountbatten opened this Youth Hostel in 1975, once a large private Victorian house. It is situated in West Wight, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty much of which is owned by the National Trust. You’ll find a wealth of wildlife all around whether you choose to walk on the downs or along the impressive chalk cliffs. Search for sealife in rock pools, brave the chairlift to explore Alum Bay, take the obligatory snapshot of the Needles or head inland on foot to escape the summer crowds.

According to ‘White Air Extreme Sports Festival’, Freshwater is the best surf spot on its day on the Isle of Wight. It needs head high waves before the reef break works. Picturesque with high chalk cliffs extending down to the Needles, it is a very sheltered bay on three sides. The heavy surf breaks right across the bay for the longest rides on the island. Intermediate to expert surfers only. Click here for White Air’s guide to the Isle of Wight.