News & Features

The 2026 World Cup Isle of Wight guide is here to help you find the best places to enjoy football’s biggest tournament. Whether you’re visiting the Island during the competition or you’re a local looking for the perfect match-day atmosphere, there are plenty of fantastic venues showing the action live. From lively town-centre pubs and sports bars to welcoming community venues and seaside locations, discover some of the best places across the Isle of Wight to watch the 2026 World Cup. England’s World Cup 2026 Group Games: Watch the World Cup in the Centre of the Isle of Wight The...

Free-to-Attend Community Festival ‘Ticket to Ryde’ Returns for its 12th Year this May Bank Holiday Weekend 2026. Two days of free live music, family fun, food and local stalls on Ryde Seafront – 23rd and 24th May 2026. One of the Island’s most cherished community events, Ticket to Ryde, is back for its 12th year, and entry is completely free. Organised by Jack Up Events in conjunction with Ryde Town Council, Ticket to Ryde takes place at Eastern Gardens opposite Ryde Harbour across the Late May Bank Holiday Weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2026, running from 10:00...

The Isle of Wight Open Studios (IWOS) Showcase Exhibition 2026 is now open at Quay Arts, offering visitors a preview of work from over 90 artists ahead of this year’s Open Studios event. Running from 18th April to 30th May 2026, the exhibition brings together a diverse range of disciplines, providing a snapshot of the creativity that will be on display across the Isle of Wight when more than 200 artists open their studios from 15th to 25th May 2026. The Showcase Exhibition acts as a central starting point for visitors, allowing them to discover artists, explore different styles and...

For the first time in nearly 30 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia returns to Cowes on the Isle of Wight through ‘Sailing Through Royal History’, an exhibition from The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust celebrating its enduring connection with Cowes, its community and the close Royal links to legendary local yacht designer Uffa Fox. This brand-new touring exhibition will be hosted in the historic Commodores House, once the workshop of renowned yacht designer and builder Uffa Fox. Commodores House also hosted members of the Royal Family, including Prince Philip, who was a former crewmate and personal friend of Uffa. The exhibition...

Celebrate St George’s Day on the Isle of Wight on 23rd April, a time to honour England’s patron saint and embrace the best of English culture. From traditional food and drink to live music and lively pub atmospheres, it’s the perfect place to mark the occasion. Whether you’re visiting the Island or a local looking for inspiration, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to celebrate St George’s Day 2026 on the Isle of Wight. What is St George’s Day? St George’s Day takes place annually on 23rd April and commemorates the life of Saint George, a Roman soldier...

This spring, artists across the Island open their doors for Isle of Wight Open Studios 2026, inviting visitors to step inside the spaces where creativity happens. Running from 15th – 25th May 2026, the IW Open Studios event features over 200 artists working across painting, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more. From coastal studios to tucked-away workshops, visitors can meet artists, explore their processes and purchase work directly from the maker. The event is preceded by the IW Open Studios Showcase Exhibition at Quay Arts, Newport, running from 18th April to 30th May 2026. The exhibition brings together a curated selection...

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....

You could be forgiven for thinking that the Isle of Wight and its attractions shut up shop outside the summer months, but you’d be very wrong. From blustery winter walks to cosy cultural hideaways, the Island offers plenty to enjoy all year round. Whether you’re dodging the showers or embracing the fresh sea air, there’s everything from live music and theatre to fascinating museums and animal encounters waiting to be discovered. So zip up your coat, fill the thermos and explore these Isle of Wight attractions that stay open all year round. 1. Carisbrooke Castle, Carisbrooke Begin your adventure at...

Isle of Wight Pearl is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Wyatt as its new Head Chef at the iconic, and recently revamped, Pearl Café. Mark’s arrival marks a clear new direction for the café, championing fine-dining quality food designed to be enjoyed every day, overlooking what are widely regarded as some of the Island’s best sea views. Alongside a completely refreshed menu, the Pearl Café now offers a range of weekday food promotions, making quality, chef-led dishes accessible to everyone. Island food lovers can enjoy two of Mark’s new main meals for just £20 on Mondays, a half-price...

January is the perfect time to slow down, reset and focus on wellbeing, and there’s no better place to embrace Dry January than the Isle of Wight. With its fresh sea air, peaceful landscapes and abundance of wellness-focused activities, the Island offers an inspiring escape that proves you don’t need alcohol to unwind, indulge or have fun. Whether you’re committing to a month alcohol-free or simply looking for a healthier start to the year, here’s how to spend Dry January on the Isle of Wight. What Is Dry January and Why Do People Take Part? A key feature in many...

January is Walk Your Dog Month, and the Isle of Wight is a paradise for dog owners, offering miles of trails, scenic coastline, dog-friendly beaches and family-friendly walks. Exploring the Island’s landscapes with your four-legged friend is one of the best ways to enjoy its natural beauty. With a mix of coastal paths, woodland trails and countryside walks, the Island is perfect for dogs of all ages and energy levels. Here’s your ultimate guide to Isle of Wight dog walks. Coastal Walks Woodland & Countryside Walks Family-Friendly Walks Coastal Isle of Wight Dog Walks Celebrate Walk Your Dog Month by...

The Isle of Wight isn’t just a summer hotspot – winter brings a quieter, magical charm. With cosy countryside adventures, historic sites and stormy coastal walks, there’s plenty to explore even in the colder months. Here’s our guide to 10 of the top things to do on the Isle of Wight this winter. 1. Ride the Isle of Wight Steam Railway Winter is one of the most charming times to experience the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Special winter services run around Christmas like Santa Specials, Boxing Day Specials and New Year’s Day Specials. Allowing visitors to enjoy traditional steam...