Growing garlic is a serious business on the Island. A named ingredient on some of the smartest menus around the South Coast, it even has its own annual festival. There’s nowhere better to get a flavour of why the garlic is so special than at The Garlic Farm. You’ll find it in Newchurch, on the East side of the Isle of Wight, near Arreton.

A gastro must-visit, The Garlic Farm dates back more than 50 years, when Granny Norah planted the first cloves in her kitchen garden. In the years since, the family has dedicated itself to exploring the history and origins of the mighty bulb. They’ve experimented with different varieties and created a range of garlic-infused products, from garlic mayonnaise and garlicky chutneys to black garlic beer and ice cream.

Wander Soil Association-certified organic fields and treat yourself to a tasty meal in the award-winning restaurant, which dishes up delicious garlicky breakfasts and lunches every day. Think buttery toast, locally-sourced eggs and a whiff of the good stuff – with seasonal specials starring the farm’s own Pasture for Life beef and goat. Come evening (on select dates), the vibe turns up a notch with live music and events that spill from the restaurant.

A treasure trove of garlicky goodies and local produce, the Farm Shop has jars, chutneys, bulbs and oils galore plus a carefully curated stash of local food and drink, and artisan-crafted gifts. Throughout the year, the Garlic Farm host a range workshops and tours too (make sure to check on what’s on before you visit).

Staying over is a treat in itself. Seven charmingly converted self-catering cottages and five swish yurts (sleeping 2–10) dot the land around the farm, giving you that blissful back-to-nature feeling without compromising on creature comforts. You’re also slap bang in the middle of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, making it the perfect launch pad for exploring the island’s wild beauty.

Bring the kids and let them run riot – there’s acres of open space, a football pitch (goals included) and even a tennis court you can book on request. Indoors, the games room has pool, ping pong, table football and air hockey. For something a little more zen (or steamy), the gorgeous wood-fired sauna and bracing cold plunge can be booked for 90-minute bliss-out sessions. And don’t forget to say hello to the farm’s resident charmers: the clucking hens and gloriously shaggy Highland cattle.