If your idea of a holiday is putting coins into parking meters, then the Isle of Wight is the place for you. Down along the south coast an area of muddy gravel or a patch of tarmac crumbling into the sea might look like places to stop and enjoy the view - but there is the parking meter. No toilets, no change machine, no tourist information, just a parking meter.
Want to stop on the prom? Parking meter. Want to make a quick purchase in the High Street? Parking meter. Need to dash to the loo? Parking meter.
There are splendid places to visit and the island must have more thatched cottages per square inch than anywhere else in Britain, Alum Bay is spectacular and the world-famous Needles are a must and, but take plenty of money because the only industry on the island is fleecing tourists.
In one place we paid a reasonable £9.00 per night for camping - until the 12th of July when high season began and the price shot up to £25! Oh, and one valuable tip: ferry prices are reasonable if you are crossing and coming back the same day, but rise to extortionate if you stay overnight or worst of all for a week. However you can (or could!) purchase two singles and there are bargains to be had if you travel early in the morning.