Visit Isle of Wight has launched a new Literary Heroes Trail to welcome visitors year-round to the popular Island destination.

David Thornton, chief executive, Visit Isle of Wight, said: “The Literary Heroes Trail is an inspirational trail which takes visitors on a journey across the Island, discovering locations where celebrated writers went on holiday, spent their childhood days and the places that meant so much to them.

“Visitors can navigate their way around the Island using an interactive map and pick and choose from a host of Island hotspots linked to the literary greats; from tucked away villages and hamlets to bustling seaside towns.

“The trail also reveals some of our home-grown talent, including Oscar winning screen writer Anthony Minghella who wrote The English Patient.”

A major highlight of the Literary Heroes Trail is newly re-opened Farringford in Freshwater, where the renowned poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson made his home. 

Other key locations include the picturesque sailing village of Seaview, where author Enid Blyton holidayed; and the traditional seaside resort of Ventnor, where Charles Dickens rented Winterbourne, Bonchurch and described to his wife “It is the prettiest place I ever saw in my life.”