Rookley
Rookley is a village you are more likely to pass through than you are to stop, but it does, however, have a few places of interest. In the centre of the village is a small green with a seat on which to sit and watch the world go by. It was set there for the Queen's Jubilee in 1977. Opposite lies the old schoolhouse now converted into a private dwelling and next to it you will find a farm shop.
Further into the village there is an industrial estate which lies on the site of an old brickworks. It was built in 1924, lay derelict after the war, then was knocked down. Next door to that is Rookley Country Park which has two fine lakes bordered by trees and is a sheltered spot for many breeds of ducks and geese. There is also an adventure playground, a restaurant and a putting green.
Just outside Rookley is The Chequers Inn, originally a depot used by smugglers bringing spirits to Newport from the Island's south coast. In an effort to avoid the customs officers living in Rookley they would hide their goods often under a layer of fish! The Inn now offers good food and a play area for children. Behind it lies Lake Farm, a riding stables and school with an indoor arena.
There are many good walks from Rookley, two of which are to Godshill or Chillerton.
