Which strait separates the Isle of Wight from mainland England?

The strait separating the Isle of Wight from mainland England is the Solent.

The Solent is a tidal strait off the south coast of England, separating the Isle of Wight from mainland Hampshire. It opens into the English Channel and contains major historic ports including Southampton and Portsmouth. The waterway is roughly 20 miles long and varies considerably in width along its winding course.

Although it is often described simply as a sea channel, the Solent has a complex geological history. It was once part of a river valley and estuary, but rising seas after the last Ice Age gradually flooded it. The Isle of Wight was probably separated from the mainland about 7,500 years ago when the chalk ridge between the Needles and Dorset was breached.

The Solent is not a river, despite the occasional phrase “River Solent.” Its unusual double high tide helps keep Southampton’s port accessible for deep-draught ships, while its sheltered waters support sailing and the annual Cowes Week regatta. Spithead, near Portsmouth, is also famous for traditional Royal Navy fleet reviews.