I'd second the IoW; good pubs, there's a signed bike route around the circumference of the island (approx. 100km) and it seems like every road has been resurfaced recently.
There has been a lot of the island roads as well as all the lighting replaced. Whilst I think this is a good thing, it is being done under a PFI contract which will be paid for by our children, their children and possibly theirs too.
I'd second the IoW; good pubs, there's a signed bike route around the circumference of the island (approx. 100km) and it seems like every road has been resurfaced recently.