We asked Lucy Thorn, of Sandown, what she likes about living here - and you can see more pictures of her favourite places by scrolling through the gallery above...

Tell us a bit about yourself? 
My name is Lucy, I’m 24 years old, I’ve lived on the Island for 11 years and I’m in the process of setting up my own business.

The Needles from Headon Warren. Picture by Roger Millward of the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club.

What do you like most about the Island?
I like the natural beauty of the Island and regularly go for walks alongside my partner. 
The pandemic encouraged us to get out for walks and made us see the Island in a new light and we found so many places we never knew existed; there are so many hidden gems on the Island! 
I share photos and write-ups of my walks across the Island on my social media and it’s nice to hear that I’ve inspired people to try the same walks as myself and given them new ideas of where they can go themselves. If I had to choose one favourite spot then I’d pick Headon Warren, there’s something really special about it but there are so many stunning views on the Island.
 

For visitors, where would you recommend to go and see, or what activities would you tell them to try?
If people enjoy walking then definitely come for that as they won’t be disappointed! Even if they’re not avid walking fans then give it a try, I’m sure they soon will be after that! 
If you are not into walking then, in my opinion, Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle are the best places to visit to learn about the Island's royal connections and just for a fun day out whether you’re with family, friends or a partner.

Osborne House. Picture by Jon Reed of the Isle of Wight County Press Camera Club.

What’s the best memory of your time living here?
My best memory would have to be meeting my partner and making memories by going on beautiful walks together.

Which is your favourite pub?
My favourite pub is The Sloop because it’s got something for everyone from a help yourself carvery to pizza with unlimited salad or even burgers. 
It’s great for a meal with your family or a date with your partner which won’t break the bank and is situated with beautiful views overlooking Wootton Creek.

What is the one thing which is gone that you miss the most?
I miss Seaview Wildlife Encounter. 
They had some really lovely animals that none of the other animal centres on the Island have, such as flamingos. 
It made for a really nice day out and I’d say it was probably the biggest place for animals on the Island and I would loved to have been able to take my partner there, who moved here more recently than myself and has a love for wildlife photography.

The penguin encounter pool at Seaview Wildlife Encounter, where you could meet Dippy, the famous Isle of Wight penguin. Picture: IWCP Archive.

What is your favourite building on the Island and why?
I think being able to choose just one is a bit optimistic as there are so many, but it has to be the churches on the Island, I love to visit as many as I can and take photos. 
I recently walked round the whole of Ryde taking photos of all the churches, but there are so many stunning churches, especially those in villages such as St Lawrence, Brook and Gatcombe.
 

Where would you go for a special meal and why?
I’ve been on a date night at The Chequers Inn at Rookley before which was nice and again in a beautiful, scenic setting but also The Royal Hotel in Ventnor; I’ve celebrated many family occasions there, whether it be for afternoon tea or an overnight stay and food and service has always been great! 
It also feels like you’ve entered another world when you step inside which is really nice.

Where is your favourite walk and why?
My favourite walk has got to be Tennyson Down and finishing up on Headon Warren. 
I could not recommend this walk enough! Right from the start to the finish the views are unbelievable and you can see for miles, as far as Bournemouth and beyond on a clear day and a brilliant view of Hurst Castle. 
It just makes you feel so calm and happy and you’re always surrounded by nature! 
Headon Warren is also a great place to watch the sunset and have a relaxing picnic with amazing 360-degree views with a gorgeous view of the famous Needles rocks.

What is the one thing you would change, or you think the area needs?
We need more decent shops, especially in the Island's main town of Newport, there is not much of a choice if you want to go clothes shopping now and with so many premises standing empty for years, it’s a shame to see it looking the way it is.

Would you like to take part in our No Place Like Home feature? Simply click on the submissions box below to tell us about your favourite places!