1936 On the Continent

But it is “Old Portsmouth” which will appeal to the visitor most, for over it the spirit of Nelson seems still to brood. Still in existence is The Star and Garter, where Nelson and Hardy stayed, also The George in the High Street, where, in room No. 15, Lord Nelson had breakfast before leaving on that voyage which, for him, ended at Trafalgar. And, of course, the
Victory
herself is to be seen in the dockyard.
    For those who wish to explore the lovely county of Hampshire, or visit the New Forest, Southsea forms an ideal centre. There are, too, many sea trips, apart from excursions round the Isle of Wight, so that the person who cannot spend a memorable and eventful holiday here, must be a dull dog indeed.
The Isle of Wight
    This, with Kent, claims the title of “The Garden of England,” and he would be a daring person who undertook to decide whose claim is the more just. For it is, indeed, a lovely island with a climate that is mild all the year round. It was a favourite resort of Queen Victoria, and at Osborne stands the house she used to occupy, and which was designed by the Prince Consort.
    It is, however, at C OWES that in August the visitor is privileged to see, in mass formation as it were, the wealth, rank and beauty of Europe and America. “Cowes Week” is the nautical equivalent of Ascot, except that it is more international and lasts longer. Not to have been to Cowes is, socially, not to have lived; to confess oneself a nobody and quite outside the “best circles.” But, snobbery apart, it is a truly wonderful and thrilling spectacle which no other place in the kingdom—or even in the world, perhaps—can equal. The town itself, which is divided into East and West Cowes, lies on the river Medina, which also divides it. Here are the headquarters of the Royal Yacht Squadron, that most exclusive institution, occupying one of the forts erected by Henry VIII.
    Towards the eastern extremity of the island is the town of R YDE in as lovely a setting as one could well imagine, with a promenade a mile long, then narrowing to a path that leads to Seaview, about three miles away and noted for its excellent bathing. As a fashionable watering-place, Ryde ranks with Eastbourne or Folkestone, though local patriots would say it ranks above them. However that may be, it can certainly claim to be one of the most lovely spots on the shores of Britain.
Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown
    On the south side of the island lies V ENTNOR , unique in that it rises in tiers or terraces facing the sea. The local scenery is delightful, and near at hand is the famous Blackgang Chine, a wild and beautiful spot. To the east of Ventnor are S HANKLIN and S ANDOWN , the former proud of its lovely chine or ravine that cuts into the towering cliffs of the bay.
    S ANDOWN is noted for its delightful sands and the bathing facilities which these afford. But whichever one of these places the visitor decides to stay at—and all are so attractive that his choice may be difficult—he will find himself in the midst of glorious scenery, whether viewed from land or sea.
    Among the places which he should not fail to visit, are Alum Bay and Totland Bay, St. Helen’s Bay (with St. Helen’s, four miles from Ryde, where some delightful walks are to be had), and Luccombe Chine near Ventnor. Freshwater, amidst lovely surroundings, where the Poet Tennyson lived for a time, and Carisbrooke with its famous castle where Charles I spent over a year in captivity, will also repay a visit.
Bournemouth
    Sea breezes and the odour of pines are the distinguishing features of Bournemouth, and probably no other seaside resort possesses just such a wonderful health-giving combination. For this reason it is particularly favoured by convalescents and all those who are disposed to bronchial troubles, more especially as the climate is mild throughout the winter. Compared with some other seaside towns, Bournemouth has no history, and its popularity with holiday folk, as distinct from those definitely in search ofhealth has become marked within the last few years. Thus, although it was largely frequented by visitors in the nineties (R. L. Stevenson was one of them), no very special efforts were made to attract the holiday visitor.
    Now, however, all that has been changed, and though Bournemouth does not attempt to vie with, say, Blackpool (perish the thought!) in the matter of noisy amusements, it does provide all the entertainment that any reasonable person could desire.