The Needles Isle of Wight — Pic: visitisleofwight.co.uk

The Isle of Wight really is a magical place. Disconnected from the mainland by at least three miles of the Solent, to get here you need to hop aboard a ferry, FastCat or even a hovercraft (no passport required, honest!). Once you do, you’re in for a real treat.

EAT

Off the Rails Yarmouth cafe places to eat Isle of Wight Dog friendly cycling — Pic: visitisleofwight.co.uk

Eating out on the Island, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Starting in Yarmouth, Off The Rails (above) is a dog-friendly converted railway station decked out with loads of vintage memorabilia. They’re particularly known for the ‘Suitcase Burger’, served in a charcoal black bun enclosed in a little wooden suitcase. Yep, a suitcase.

In an unlikely location above the Wightlink ferry port building, The Terrace is a Michelin-rated restaurant with whitewashed furniture, unbeatable views over the harbour and simple yet refined dishes. Sit on the terrace with a glass of vino and you could practically be in Greece. Also in Yarmouth is The George, a historic hotel with restaurant, walled-garden beach bar and cracking waterside views.

A little further toward the West, The Hut in Colwell Bay is a must. The summer pop-up (March – Oct) attracts celebs with its laid back beach vibes and a menu that serves up top-notch seafood. Book well ahead.

Seafood is in abundance elsewhere on the Island, too. The Smoking Lobster in Cowes / Ventnor and Stotesbury’s in Newport serve up everything from the humble fish & chips to high-end lobster, caught fresh. It’s prawns by the pint at the brilliant Spyglass Inn at Ventnor. Or if you’re really pushing the boat out, an epic Admiral’s Platter of whole lobster, crab, mackerel, prawns, mussels and more.

RT Cafe Grill Ryde Isle of Wight Robert Thompson

While the Island doesn’t currently have any Michelin-stars, there are lots of high end spots such as Robert Thompson’s RT Café Grill and (soon-to-open) Thompson’s in Newport. Also among the best for fine-dining, the Michelin-rated Aquitania restaurant at the Seaview Hotel, near Ryde and The Hambrough in Ventnor.

Claiming the crown for the foodiest pub restaurant, The Red Lion in the idyllic village of Freshwater is one of the oldest pubs on the Island – the only restaurant to have a spot in the Michelin Guide and an AA Rosette rating. If you’re travelling with the family, it has the bonus of being dog and child-friendly.

Opened in the beautiful Freshwater Bay in summer 2024, The Albion hotel has also pulled out all the stops with a stunning 100-seater restaurant with panoramic views (above) and very cool cocktail bar. Worth noting, the Head Chef trained under Marco Pierre White and Tom Kerridge (expect good things).

STAY

Tapnell Park Farm Glamping Isle of Wight Muddy Stilettos

Want to get all “one with nature” without too much of the actual, err, nature? Check out Tapnell Farm in West Wight. The former dairy farm is surrounded by glorious pastures, meadows and coastal woodlands with a big choice of luxe (heated) eco glamping options with incredible views. Look for one with a wood-fired hot tub – bliss.

Another good glamping spot is Glamping The Wight Way, just outside of Freshwater. Their ginormous safari tents (largest on the Island, in fact) are incredible with super luxe interiors carved by hand by a local craftsman and 90% of the wood comes from the Island itself. With two bathrooms, an outdoor shower, super comfy king-sized beds and a generous deck and living space, this is luxury glamping indeed.

For something a little bit grander, The George in Yarmouth is always a good choice. With its own private beach overlooking the incoming sailing boats and a fab Sicilian-style beach bar, it combines with cracking views with lots of Island character.

If you want to get really fancy then how about rocking up at Queen Victoria’s old gaff, Osborne House? OK, so you can’t stay in the house itself but you can stay at the gorgeous Albert Cottage Hotel, or Pavilion Cottage and Sovereign’s Gate, two gorgeous holiday cottages at the entrance of the Queen’s former residence. And down the tranquil medina near Newport, the Muddy Award-winning twenty four-acre Pinkmead Estate and Vineyard is the ultimate luxe self-catering stay.

Sea view bedroom at Luccombe Hall Hotel Shanklin Isle of Wight Insider Guide

Spacious and very family orientated, for hotels, take a look at Luccombe Hall near Shankin, with its amazing sea views, close proximity to the beach and great facilities for adults and kids. Or how about The Lakes Rookley? With a range of cottages and lodges and lots of gorgeous countryside to view, they also make an ideal pied à terre for getting out and exploring the Island.

DRINK

Isle of Wight distillery mermaid bar — Pic: The Isle of Wight Distillery

As with the Island’s gastro love affair, drink is definitely a big thing here. Starting with Isle of Wight Rock Salt Vodka or the famous Mermaid Gin from the Isle of Wight Distillery, available in numerous places but also at the distillery’s very own pub – The Mermaid – just outside of Ryde.

For possibly one of the best views going (not to mention the largest wine selection on the entire Island!) it has to be the Spyglass Inn in Ventnor. Voted Best Pub on the Island for many years on the trot, it’s also steeped in smuggling history as well.

Cool and creative types can be found hanging out at The Ventnor Exchange, a studio theatre, record store and craft beer bar. Or find a waterside table at The Met Bar (above) as you sink a few sundowners.

SHOP

The Rabbit Hole Isle of Wight Insider guide — The Rabbit Hole, Freshwater

The Island is home to some amazing, unusual and off-radar shops and boutiques.

If you’re an avid reader or book collector, head down to Freshwater to Mrs Middleton’s Shop & The Rabbit Hole café. Both are packed to the roof with amazing second-hand books – and super tasty cake.

Vintage fashion lovers should head straight for the cool and quirky Velvet Pig in Ryde. And if you like sustainable clothing, then check out Rapanui. Not only can you pick up some fantastic clothing made from organic materials, they also offer a recycling scheme where you send your old togs for credit against new ones. (Psst! Kate Moss is a fan!).

Also on the renewable/sustainable front is Wyatt & Jack in Ryde who make incredibly striking totes and weekender bags upcycled from, believe it or not, old deckchairs and bouncy castles.

Channelling the sea and sailing community with its gorgeous hand-drawn nautical homewares and cool blue colour hues, Cowes-based XV Stripes has a gorgeous little shop in Yarmouth. Just around the corner in Yarmouth, have a mooch around the gorgeous gifts and womenswear at Blue By The Sea Muddy’s favourite local lifestyle boutique.

Based on a farm in an area of outstanding natural beauty, every part of Duxmore Botanics beauty and home fragrance range is inspired by the Isle of Wight. Available online or at the shop in Ryde, there’s even a dedicated Isle of Wight-inspired home fragrance collection – The Island – which blends pure essential oils of Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Vetiver and Cypress (best souvenir ever).

Another beauty business originally from the Isle of Wight is Liz Earle. Visit the flagship store on Ryde’s Union Street for your skincare favourites and check-in for pampering in the on-site treatment rooms.

Isle of Wight produce picnic Mermaid Gin — Pic: visitisleofwight.co.uk

One of the reasons the Island is so special is the wealth of food unique to the area. Every road you turn down there’s a farm shop, local dairy farm or someone making and selling chutney.

If you want to try some local produce (and trust me, you should) then choose from any of the amazing farm shops and delis on the Island. My top tips are The Garlic Farm at Newchurch, Farmer Jack’s at Arreton Barns and Briddlesford Farm Shop shop, which stocks over 50 local producers including it’s own delicious dairy products.

Also worth a visit, Grace’s Bakery has branches at Ryde, Shanklin, Newport, Cowes and Yarmouth. Try one of their aromatic ‘Christmassy’ Bird’s Nest donuts based on an 1845 recipe by the poet and early cookery writer, Eliza Acton. The bakery also sells local produce sourced from the likes of Briddlesford Farm, The Island Jam Company, Wight Label Tea, Island Roasted, Wild Island and other local producers.

Fancy grabbing something for a picnic? Check out Bembridge’s WW Woodford. Not only does this butcher have some of the funniest staff I’ve ever met, but James Martin TV-chef extraordinaire declared the sausage rolls his favourite ever. I can concur, they’re pretty damn good.

TOURIST

Pencil cottage Shanklin. Pic; Garry Knight — Pic: Garry Knight

The Island has more than its fair share of touristy stuff to check out and even Islanders visit these places on a regular basis. First is the absolutely iconic The Needles and Alum Bay. You’ll need to pay to park during high season but the view is breathtaking. If you’re feeling brave, take a trip on the chairlift (not for the faint-hearted, or acrophobic).

Further along the southern coast you’ll find Shanklin Chine which, while pretty steep, is an utterly spectacular natural sight. You’ll also want to snap some pictures of the cute thatched cottages in Shanklin Old Village for your Instagram feed.

The Island is has an unusual microclimate which means that it is home to a range of plants and flora that you wouldn’t be able to grow elsewhere. The place to check this out is Ventnor Botanic Garden, an incredibly beautiful and chilled place to while away a few hours.

Queen Victoria and Albert Osborne House Isle of Wight

Queen Victoria’s old home, Osborne House, is one of the English Heritage sites and visitors can see why Old Vic really loved the Island so much. Speaking of palace-like places, also worth a visit are Carisbrooke and Yarmouth Castles.

And while you’re in Yarmouth also have a little meander along the beautifully preserved Yarmouth Pier. It’s the longest wooden pier left in the UK and the absolute pinnacle of Victorian amusement. (They really knew how to party in those days!).

KIDS

The Island is a fantastic place to holiday with children. Most of the attractions allow free returns within a week too which might make a difference when the dreaded mid-afternoon moaning about being tired starts (theirs, not ours, though now you mention it…).

For animal-mad sprogs, check out Monkey Haven in Newport, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Ventnor (it’s also free with donations accepted), the Isle of Wight animal sanctuary in Sandown, West Wight Alpacas in Wellow and Amazon World in Sandown.

The Island is also home to the world’s oldest amusement park, Blackgang Chine. If you ever went as a child, the magic is still definitely there. It’s also pretty cool to check out all the creepy abandoned bits that have fallen in the sea due to coastal erosion.

For some outdoors time then Robin Hill Country Park is filled with hidden trails, the famous toboggan run and some huge adventure play areas.

Finally, Tapnell Farm has a fantastic mix of animals to pet, play areas and its own go-kart circuit that may well amuse adults as much as the kids. It’s also home to the Island’s only outdoor aqua park, which is perfect for cooling off.

QUIRKY

Where to start? If you want some quirk in your getaway then the Island will certainly deliver on that front. It is full of the most unusual, obscure and downright bonkers things to see and do.

One of the most popular attractions on the Island is The Garlic Farm where they, well, grow garlic but also sell garlic themed everything – including beer and ice-cream! And vampires beware the brilliantly fun and quirky Isle of Wight Garlic Festival in August.

There’s also an entire chain of shops around the Island dedicated to rock (the sweets, not the stones). Another highlight is the kitschy Wight Ghost Emporium at Arreton Barns, complete with spooky tales and paint-your-own ghosts.

Speaking of which, what about a visit to Appuldurcombe House at Wroxall? Once the grandest mansion on the Island, the semi-ruin is the scene of Lady Worsley’s real life Scandalous Story – and with tales of ghostly monks, phantom carriages, strange lights and sudden chills, it once featured on TV’s Most Haunted.

Quarr Abbey, Isle of Wight guide — Pic: Visit Isle of Wight

Another brilliant spot for an afternoon wander that’s very unique to the Isle of Wight, try a spot of tea, cracking homemade cake and spiritual contemplation with the monks at Quarr Abbey, just outside of Ryde.

Or how about a paddle? Located at the foot of the cascade, the Ventnor Paddling Pool has a giant replica model of the Isle of Wight in the middle so you can stomp all around the Island in minutes.

CULTURE

The Isle of Wight isn’t a place associated with high culture, but listen here you lot (*wags finger*), there happen to be fabulous galleries and art spots here. First on the list is Seaview Gallery located in an absolutely beautiful little village on the North coast.

Then there’s Quay Arts in Newport which has a brilliant calendar of events throughout the year and The Dimbola Museum and Galleries, once home to trailblazing photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and now host to excellent exhibitions with a lean towards popular cultural movements. There’s also an annual celebration of Jazz and the popular Wight Proms.

Festie highlights include – of course – the Isle of Wight Festival in June, Jack Up Summer Festival retro event in August. Foodie and family, in September, Great Wight Bite near Cowes is a newcomer but already popular. Expect festi-food galore, kids cooking classes and big name local and international chefs.

One of the biggest events on the Island each year is Cowes Week in August. One of the longest-running regattas in the world, even if you’re not overly into your sailing it’s definitely worth a visit for the party atmosphere that takes over the town. There’s a huge firework display, live music and plenty of opportunities for dancing the night away (lots of gin too!).

Muddy’s Insider Guide to the Isle of Wight

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