From characterful campsites to majestic manors, harbourside houseboats to cosy cabins, there’s no shortage of quirky places to stay on the Isle of Wight.
Quirky Campsites
Not all campsites were created equal and the Windmill Campersite outside Carisbrooke is a prime example. Surely winning awards for the most memorable places to bed down – guests can choose from a shepherd’s hut, wooden shack, a Bollywood-inspired campervan and even a complete Westland helicopter – you can’t get much more offbeat than that! Visitors are welcome to bring their own tents or campervans too, and make use of the unusual on-site facilities such as the cinema in a silo or the Reliant Robin turned laundrette.
Literary Lodgings
Inspiration at the top of the agenda? Book a stay in the tranquil self-catering cottages hidden away on the Farringford Estate – the former home of Alfred Lord Tennyson. Ideal for readers, writers and poets, the glorious gardens provide the ideal opportunity to follow the paths the great man once trod, wearing his big black cape and broad brimmed hat. Plus, a gentle walk to the sea takes you to Freshwater Bay and the majestic Stag Rock – providing enough inspiration to last a lifetime!
Alternatively, check availability at Keats Cottage in Shanklin where the Romantic poet John Keats came to write in the summer of 1819.
Eco Escapes
If eco-friendly adventures are more your thing, check Tom’s Eco Lodge in West Wight. Their wonderful wooden eco pods are luxurious and low impact at the same time – allowing you to enjoy an extra special guilt-free getaway. After a busy day of exploring the rolling hills and downland, spend the evening getting cosy round the fire pit, toasting marshmallows and watching the stars come out, from your very own private decking.
Similarly, Tiny Homes Holidays offer bespoke eco-cabins set in a bee-friendly meadow next to Parkhurst Forest. Expect solar panels, composting toilets and an ultimate off grid experience.
Royal Residences
Looking for something fit for a King, Queen or even a Maharajah? Then book yourself a regal retreat in one of the Island’s historic royal residences. Choose from three characterful cottages set in the stunning grounds of Osborne House – Queen Victoria’s favourite summer home. Previous guests at the palace have included Russian tsars, Belgian kings and Indian princes, so you’ll certainly be in good company. Let’s hope they left some five star reviews!
On the other hand, a stay at The Bowling Green Apartment in Carisbrooke Castle is not to be missed! Today it’s a much more tranquil spot than in the turbulent days of the Civil Wars when King Charles I was imprisoned here, and both Roundheads and Cavaliers are very much welcome to stay.
Glorious Glampsites
Normally found on the wide plains of Mongolia and Central Asia, you can now stay in a yurt on the Isle of Wight too! Tucked in a quiet corner of The Garlic Farm in Newchurch you can find a clutch of stunning locally made yurts, complete with all the mod-cons as well as some thoughtful finishing touches including a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ and hammock.
Heading towards Whitwell, you’ll find another great glampsite in the form of Sibbecks Farm and their top of the range safari tents. Set in the heat of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’d be hard pushed to find a better location!
Retro Retreats
Finally, if you’re looking for a trip back in time, then we can help with that too. Pull up at Retro Staycations in Ashey and you’ll be greeted by an array of mid-century American Airstreams, alongside classic caravans. We’re pretty sure it’ll tick all the boxes for those lovers of retro.
Of course, there are plenty of other Isle of Wight campsites available if you’re looking to relive your childhood memories and take those nostalgia levels up a notch. Try Grange Farm near Brighstone for a cliff top camping ground to hammer in those tent pegs or Whitecliff Bay near Bembridge where there’s no minimum stay whatsoever, so you can come for one night or twenty!
