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....

It just doesn’t feel like a proper family holiday when man’s best friend has to be left at home, right? Luckily, the Isle of Wight offers plenty of dog-friendly activities, places to stay and dining options for you to choose from. Whether you’re searching for where to stay, fun activities, attractions or nice walks, there’s plenty to enjoy alongside your four-legged friend… Dog-Friendly Accommodation Tom’s Eco Lodge at Tapnell Farm offers a wide range of dog-friendly accommodation options. Set in the beautiful surroundings of West Wight, there are loads of dog walks to explore! Choose from geodesic domes with clear...

Located between Sandown and Newport in the southeast of the Isle of Wight, you’ll find Arreton and Newchurch. These historic villages feature churches built in the 11th and 12th centuries, with one being the inspiration for the name ‘Newchurch’. In the 18th century, Arreton and Newchurch were two of the largest parishes on the Isle of Wight. The Arreton Valley runs through the rural centre of the Island and has been a centre for agriculture for hundreds of years. Whereas, Newchurch parish stretched from the north to the south of the Island. History Things to do Accommodation Food & Drink...

Located on the south west coast of the Isle of Wight, Brighstone and Chale can be found in a part of the Island known as the ‘Back of the Wight’. These charming villages, along with several other villages and hamlets scattered in between, offer a mix of coastal and countryside experiences. Featuring thatched cottages, historic buildings and dramatic cliffs along the coast. They have connections to shipwrecks and fossil discoveries. History Things to do Accommodation Food & Drink Events A brief history of Brighstone and Chale Brighstone and Chale have histories that date back to the Bronze Age, with signs...

Tucked away on the southern coast of the Isle of Wight is Ventnor. This charming seaside town, famous for its picturesque beaches, has been attracting both visitors and locals for centuries. Ventnor stands out from other spots on the Isle of Wight. Maybe it’s the unique microclimate. Perhaps it’s because it resembles a mini-Mediterranean town, with its winding roads perched on the cliffs, pavement cafés and azure waters. Or maybe it’s the town’s artistic atmosphere, where independent boutiques and artisan shops dominate the High Street. History Things to do Accommodation Food & Drink Events A brief history of Ventnor Ventnor,...

The north of the Isle of Wight is home to one of its most well-known towns, Cowes. Famous worldwide for sailing and water sports, providing first-class conditions along with excellent entertainment. There’s a lot to explore here, with a bustling High Street packed with shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. You can check out maritime museums and plenty of places to take a stroll. Like the Esplanade, where you can relax with an ice cream while watching all the sailing excitement. History Things to do Accommodation Food & Drink Events A brief history of Cowes Cowes has a rich history shaped...

From a cosy stone farmhouse set in the grounds of a Benedictine monastery to a converted tin tabernacle on the rugged south coast, the Isle of Wight has plenty of unusual accommodation to stay with a spiritual link or two. Whichever you plump for, you’re sure to find peace and tranquillity – and (if you’re lucky) perhaps a touch of divine inspiration too. As idyllic as this sounds, unfortunately, the typical unpredictability of British weather can often put a bit of a dampener on things. But fear not, as we’ve gone and compiled some of the best things you can...

You can’t leave the Isle of Wight this Winter 2024 without… #1 A bit of birdwatching The waters around the Isle of Wight are a popular stop-off for wading birds and ducks at this time of year. Head to a nature reserve, such as Newtown or Brading Marshes or get your binoculars out onboard to see what you can spot. #2 Going dinosaur hunting With the stormier weather that the winter brings, you’re likely to spot more fossils while walking along beaches such as Brook (stay clear of the cliff bases though). #3 Feeling romantic With the Isle of Wight...

For digital detoxes and off-grid holiday getaways, the Isle of Wight has more enticing options than you can shake a battery-powered head torch at. Plus, from hand-crafted cabins to historic hillside cottages, we’ll show you that a tech-free escape needn’t mean doing without those reassuring home comforts. Tiny Homes Holidays First things first, turn those phone notifications to mute and make your way to the woody fringes of Parkhurst Forest, where you’ll find Tiny Homes Holidays. Set in a natural grassy meadow, these six individual architect-designed holiday homes are intended to be as low-impact and off-grid as possible – whilst...

With fresh winds whipping through your hair, miles of rolling countryside to get lost in and a hundred and one tranquil spots to meditate in, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination to relax and recharge. Not only that, we’re also home to a wealth of well-being experts and practitioners offering everything from yoga retreats and luxury aromatherapy products to bamboo massages and self-care candles. So, shake off those post-Christmas blues, take a deep breath and we’ll begin. Balance + Glo If the idea of a wellness retreat set amongst the lush green countryside of West Wight gets your...

What’s better on a blustery autumn day or after a chilly winter walk than cosying up by the fire in one of the many great pubs the Island has to offer? Your experience of our wonderful inns does not have to stop at the bar. There are many characterful pubs with rooms on the Isle of Wight and open throughout the year. We thought we’d start you off with a few suggestions of where you might like to stay… The Spyglass Inn, Ventnor This multi-award-winning pub sits at the end of Ventnor Esplanade and has one of the most spectacular...

Dogs are just as much a part of the family as anyone (sometimes more so) and looking for dog friendly days out on the Isle of Wight are at the top of many lists when you’re visiting. If you’re in the west Wight and looking for a bite to eat, head to Off The Rails. A hugely popular restaurant with dog owners. Pooches are welcome in the restaurant and they offer an extensive menu dedicated to doggy diets, including a range of dry meals, treats and even dog friendly ice cream to keep them cool during these (hopefully) warm Isle...