Located in the east of the Isle of Wight, you’ll find the villages of Bembridge and Brading. Both are steeped in history, from ancient settlements to maritime heritage, and remain key parts of Island life today.
Brading is one of the Isle of Wight’s oldest towns, with roots stretching back to Roman times, evidenced by the famous Brading Roman Villa. Brading Haven was once a busy natural harbour before being reclaimed for farmland.
By contrast, Bembridge developed as a coastal village, shaped by the sea. Home to the Island’s last remaining windmill and one of the UK’s oldest lifeboat stations.
A Brief History of Bembridge and Brading
Brading is steeped in ancient history and is best known for Brading Roman Villa, one of the finest Roman sites in the UK. Discovered in the 19th century, the villa’s beautifully preserved mosaics and artefacts offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life on the Island. During the medieval period, Brading was an important port thanks to Brading Haven, a large natural harbour that later silted up and was reclaimed for farmland. The village’s historic importance is still visible today in its narrow streets and the impressive Church of St Mary the Virgin, dating back to the 12th century.
Once part of the parish of Brading, Bembridge grew in prominence during the 18th and 19th centuries as a coastal settlement. It’s home to the Isle of Wight’s last remaining windmill, built around 1700, and one of the UK’s oldest lifeboat stations, established in 1867. Its location at the easternmost point of the Island has long made it significant for navigation and maritime trade.
Today, Brading retains a traditional village feel with strong historic roots, while Bembridge is known for its relaxed seaside atmosphere, beautiful beaches and thriving local community.
Things To Do
Bembridge and Brading offer a wide variety of attractions on the Isle of Wight, from historic landmarks and nature reserves to family-friendly activities and scenic coastal walks.
One of Bembridge’s most recognisable landmarks is Bembridge Windmill, a picturesque, 300-year-old structure and the only surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight. Managed by the National Trust, it provides fascinating insight into traditional milling and rewards visitors with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.
At the eastern tip of the Island, Bembridge Lifeboat Station stands as a proud symbol of the village’s maritime heritage. Founded in 1867, the station operates around the clock, every day of the year, and overlooks two of the UK’s busiest ports. Its vital work is carried out by more than 40 dedicated volunteers, helping to keep local waters safe.
In nearby Brading, step back nearly 2,000 years at Brading Roman Villa, one of the finest Roman sites in the UK. The award-winning visitor centre and museum showcase beautifully preserved mosaic floors and a remarkable collection of Roman artefacts. During your visit, stop by the Forum Café, which offers free entry and enjoys stunning panoramic views across Sandown Bay, alongside a tempting selection of lunches, cakes and daily specials.
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring RSPB Brading Marshes, the Isle of Wight’s first RSPB nature reserve. Stretching from the village of Brading to the sea at Bembridge Harbour, this peaceful landscape is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including marsh harriers, little egrets, buzzards, red squirrels and a wide range of butterflies and birdlife.
Discover more things to do on the Isle of Wight by visiting our attractions page.
Places to Stay
The Isle of Wight offers some fantastic places to stay, and Bembridge and Brading are no exception, from coastal hotels and holiday parks to self-catering and countryside retreats.
For a beachside escape, Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park sits just steps from its own secluded bay. Ideal for families, the park features indoor and outdoor swimming pools and offers a variety of self-catering options, from classic caravans to luxury lodges. It’s a great base for exploring the Isle of Wight while enjoying fun-filled, seaside facilities.
Nestled beneath Culver Cliff, Sandhills Holiday Park is a family-run retreat overlooking Whitecliff Bay. Surrounded by peaceful countryside, it provides a relaxing coastal getaway and is an excellent starting point for walks, cycling or sightseeing across the Island.
For a more traditional hotel experience, Bembridge Coast Hotel is located on the Isle of Wight’s tranquil eastern shore, just a short stroll from the beach. Set within 23 acres of landscaped grounds and Spanish-style gardens, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, some of which have a royal connection, having once hosted King George V and Queen Mary. Guests can enjoy fine dining and evening entertainment in a welcoming, historic setting.
If you’re after a countryside retreat with panoramic views, Hill Farm offers two beautifully converted self-catering barns: Hill Farm Barn and The Little Black Barn. Hill Farm Barn, an 18th-century threshing barn, sits in half an acre of private grounds with sweeping vistas across Bembridge and Brading. The Little Black Barn offers a contemporary take on traditional barn living, sleeping four and providing a stylish, comfortable base for exploring the Island’s eastern villages and nature reserves.
Discover more places to stay on the Isle of Wight by visiting our accommodation page.
Food & Drink
Bembridge and Brading are home to plenty of eateries, from traditional pubs, countryside cafés, a craft brewery and everything in between.
In Bembridge, The Pilot Boat Inn is a cosy pub and restaurant offering a warm welcome all year round. Its menu features a mix of classic dishes, lighter lunches and weekly specials highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients. The pub also serves a wide range of drinks, from local ales and draught lagers to ciders, soft drinks, and premium spirits. Guests can stay overnight in five comfortable bed and breakfast rooms, each with its own en suite bathroom.
Wight Knuckle Brewery began life at the back of The Pilot Boat Inn in 2021 and has since moved to New Farm on Nunwell Estate, near Brading. Focused on quality and sustainability, the brewery uses only the finest natural British ingredients and produces beers that are unfined, unfiltered, unpasteurised, and completely vegan. Every beer reflects the team’s love for the Isle of Wight, creating distinctive, flavourful brews that are a true taste of the Island.
Also in Bembridge, The Old Village Inn is a lively hub for locals and visitors alike. The menu caters to everyone, with homemade curries, Sunday roasts, burgers, stonebaked pizzas, pub classics and bar snacks. Its friendly, vibrant atmosphere makes it perfect for family meals, drinks with friends, or simply soaking up village life.
For a scenic dining experience, The Crab & Lobster Inn sits on Bembridge Ledge with a garden overlooking the sea. Enjoy locally sourced seafood and Island-reared meats while taking in stunning coastal views, or cosy up inside the vintage interior with open fires. The inn also offers five fully refurbished en suite rooms, many with spectacular sea views, making it a fantastic spot for a relaxing overnight stay.
In Brading, The Bugle Inn is a welcoming, family-run pub in the heart of the village. Known for its warm hospitality and use of locally sourced ingredients, it serves traditional pub favourites in a friendly setting. Families are well catered for, with a refurbished garden featuring safe play areas for children. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty meal, a casual drink, or a relaxed outing, The Bugle Inn is a quintessential Isle of Wight pub experience.
Discover more places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight by visiting our eating out page.
Events in Bembridge and Brading
Bembridge and Brading host a range of Isle of Wight events all year round, including walking festivals, live music and rowing competitions.
One of the Island’s most popular charity events is Walk the Wight, raising vital funds for Mountbatten. Participants can choose from four routes, including the full 26.5 mile walk from Bembridge to The Needles. Free bus travel is provided to and from each route, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. It’s a great way to explore the Island’s stunning landscapes while supporting a good cause.
Bembridge Gig Fest offers a weekend of thrilling fixed-seat rowing at Bembridge Harbour on 30th – 31st May. Saturday features 1km straight-line races for Women’s, Mixed and Open crews, followed by live music, food and drinks onshore. Sunday’s 2km circular race around St Helens Fort combines challenge with breathtaking scenery. Crews compete for the Gig Fest Trophy, awarded to the club with the strongest overall performance.
Music lovers can enjoy Rock the Boat at Duver Marina on 13th June 2026, supporting the Sophie Rolf Trust, KissyPuppy. Popular Island bands, including Capital G and The Lazerhearts, provide live entertainment, while the Duver Cafe and Steve’s Bar offer food and drinks. Tickets are available for all ages, and the Harbour Water Taxi provides easy access.
History fans will enjoy events at Brading Roman Villa, which hosts activity days, talks and family-friendly programmes during school holidays. Visitors can explore Roman life, see mosaics and artefacts and enjoy interactive learning experiences.
For more events happening in Bembridge, Brading and across the Isle of Wight, check out our what’s on guide.
