The Isle of Wight is a real gem. I particularly love west Wight as it’s a lot quieter than the eastern side of the island, plus it has fantastic views across to Dorset.
I stayed there for 2 nights last year, and was impressed. I liked staying in Ryde, and the scenery was superb, particularly on the west side. Pretty villages too, and mostly friendly people.
I was certainly not impressed with Newport though, and felt unsafe there with large groups causing trouble and no police. That was not a 'nice town'!
In my stomping ground, I think Whitstable and Broadstairs are excellent towns. Whitstable does become a little unbearable in the summer though. Sandwich is very quiet, but pretty and peaceful, and a great atmosphere when their various festivals are on.
Lots of people really like Deal. I think it's good, but there is something about it that I'm not quiet keen on, and I'm not actually sure what it is.
I think most of Folkestone is rather dire, but I think their Old Town and Harbour Arm are excellent. Dover could certainly do with some TLC, but I have a soft spot for it. Full of history from various ages, and it certainly feels like things are getting better for the place (although I'm sure many will be intrigued with how the 'B' will effect the port, a major employer). A walk along the refurbished seafront with a view of the Castle and the ferries entering the port is exceptional. There are some pretty villages around Dover, which are now really suburbs, which some may be surprised to see (lots of stone houses in a deep valley along chalk rivers)
