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St Georges Day on the Isle of Wight
Part man, part myth, there's no doubt that Saint George has of late been somewhat reclaimed as the Patron Saint of England - even if it's just because you can't beat a story about a slayed dragon and a rescued princess. William Shakespeare had Henry V rouse his troops into battle with a shout of 'Cry God for Harry, England and Saint George'.
While we're not suggesting anything quite so dramatic, the Isle of Wight can offer you a range of enjoyable experiences to help you celebrate this truly English day.
Every English mans home is his castle and at Yarmouth Castle, the last of Henry VIII's coastal defences in the picturesque town of the same name, visitors can view the artefacts from a ship wrecked just offshore in the 16th century, while Carisbrooke Castle's main claim to fame is as the prison of King Charles I before he was taken to Whitehall for trial and execution in 1649 (www.english-heritage.org.uk).
From slaying dragons to walking with dinosaurs, visit Dinosaur Isle and experience 120 million years in the making, the geological odyssey of the Isle of Wight with fleshed out animatronic dinosaurs, and take part in one of the organised fossil hunts which can be arranged at the attraction (www.dinosaurisle.com).
Relax at the critically-acclaimed Hambrough Hotel, overlooking Ventnor Bay, which on April 23rd is hosting a special St George's Day Supper. Expect a four-course gourmet meal with only the finest and freshest local ingredients all washed down with a selection of English wines and ales (£55 per person inclusive - www.thehambrough.com).
Complete the experience with an overnight stay at the aptly-named St George's House - just the place for a relaxing break in the heart of Shanklin (www.stgeorgesiow.com). Alternatively, the George Hotel, a 17th Century town house in the bustling village and harbour of Yarmouth, provides a traditional English environment of warmth and elegance in each of its individually designed bedrooms (www.thegeorge.co.uk).