I’ll never forget the drive over to the Isle of Wight last autumn – the leaves were just starting to turn that gorgeous coppery gold, and I was buzzing with anticipation for a proper getaway. Me and the missus piled into the car from Portsmouth, ferry tickets in hand, dreaming of coastal walks and cosy evenings. But typical me, I took a wrong turn just before the ferry port, ending up in some sleepy village with cows eyeing me suspiciously. We made it with minutes to spare, hearts racing, but that little mishap only added to the excitement – nothing like a dash to kick off a holiday.

Pulling up to this stunning apartment on the clifftops above Sandown Bay felt like stepping into a postcard. Elevated with these cracking views stretching out over the bay and beyond, it’s got that private gated entryway leading down to the Ferncliff footpath. First impressions? Blown away. The autumn light was painting everything in soft amber hues, and as we unlocked the door, the sea breeze carried that crisp, salty tang you only get this time of year. No summer crowds, just peaceful waves crashing below – pure bliss after the ferry scrum.

Settling in, the seasonal shift really made it special. Mornings started with steaming mugs of tea on the balcony, watching mist roll off the water as the sun peeked over the horizon, turning the bay into a shimmering mirror. We’d wander down the Esplanade, footpath crunching underfoot with fallen leaves, past those lovely cafes doing hearty fry-ups and pumpkin-spiced lattes – autumn comfort food at its best. Sandown Pier was a highlight, all lit up in the early dusk, with arcade games echoing out. I had a right laugh trying to win a cuddly dinosaur on the 2p machines, only to blow my quid on nothing but memories (and a bruised ego). The chill in the air meant we wrapped up in scarves, but it sharpened everything – the fish and chips tasted even better steaming in paper from one of the beachfront spots.

One afternoon, we ambled over to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, just a mile and a half away. Autumn’s quieter vibe meant we had the lemurs and big cats almost to ourselves, their coats fluffed up against the breeze. Watching a tiger prowl in the golden light was magical – a reminder of how nature slows down this time of year, inviting you to do the same. Evenings back at the apartment were pure hygge: curling up with a bottle of red, gazing at the bay as stars popped out earlier than summer, no light pollution to spoil it.

Reflecting on it now, that wrong turn was a blessing. Autumn wrapped the Isle of Wight in this mellow magic – fewer people, richer colours, and a gentle nudge to savour the simple stuff. If you’re after a break that feels restorative rather than frantic, hit Sandown’s clifftops when the leaves are falling. We’re already plotting a return.