An island awash with charm, the spellbinding Isle of Wight promises extraordinary adventures throughout the year. The sunniest place and one of the most historic island realms in the UK, this iconic isle is home to the UK’s oldest carnival, theme park and pier, as well as one of the oldest vineyards. Attracting seafaring voyagers from near and far, the Isle of Wight also encompasses one of the most famous sailing harbours in the world, evoking dreams of fair wind escapes past giant sea stacks and glistening coves.
Discover wanderlust pursuits and uncover the beautiful scenery, sweeping beaches and hidden gems that beckon for unique experiences on the Isle of Wight. Whether you seek timeless romance at coastal castles, savouring the finest fare with heavenly views, or watching the sunrise over the endless ocean, magical moments await.
Uncover the UK’s Oldest Working Vineyard
A tight-knit, family-run vineyard, Adgestone Vineyard near Brading has a unique quality. Continuously operated for over fifty years, its ten acres of sun-kissed land are sown with the UK’s oldest commercial vines. Originally planted in 1968 and tended to ever since, the vineyard’s Seyval Blanc grapes are of particular note. The product of generations of love-filled endeavour, they have produced countless bottles of wine over the years and are still used to produce a range of still and sparkling wines. Venture over for a guided audio tour of the vineyard, before heading underground to uncover the subterranean cellars. Rounded off with wine tasting and amuse-bouches, Adgestone’s tours and tastings offer a unique experience for lovers of fine wines. For something really novel, you can also sample the vineyard’s trademark blue sparkling wine, Something Blue.
Savour World-Class Sailing in Cowes
For sailors and seafarers, there’s no better port to call home than Cowes. One of the most famous places in the world for its sailing history, the town hosts a number of sailing regattas and events throughout the year, such as British Classic Week, Round the Island Race, Quarter Ton Cup and Etchells World & European Champions. Especially well-known, the annual Cowes Week has been held each August since 1826 and plays an important role in the British sporting calendar. One of the UK’s longest running events and the largest of its kind in the world, it features up to forty races each day, with over seven hundred boats taking to the waters that encompass the island. Head over to see Olympic and world-class sailing professionals and take part in festivities. Should you wish to learn the ropes yourself, a range of sailing institutions offer training courses in Cowes, including the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA).
Retrace Royal Steps at Osborne House
From the Neolithic Longstone, to the remains of the Roman “Vectis”, to the castles of kings and queens, the chapters of time can be rediscovered at every turn on the Isle of Wight. Holding an especially important role in local history, Osborne House in East Cowes was at the centre of Queen Victoria’s love affair with the island. So enamoured with the manor was she that the Royal Queen once said, “it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”. To retrace the steps of Queen Victoria and the royalty who called upon her there, visit the house during a luxurious Isle of Wight retreat. See inside the manor and roam the royal rooms, marvelling at the extensive antique collections. Outside, follow pathways through Italianate gardens and grounds, before making way to Osborne beach for shoreside exploration.
Take a Chairlift to See the Needles
Gracing the westernmost reaches of the Isle of Wight, the Needles are a world-famous landmark characterised by sweeping chalk formations. Stunning sea stacks that rise from the water, they were originally part of a natural chalk ridge running through the centre of the island. Breached by the sea over seven thousand years ago, the ridge was eroded away over time, with the stacks standing in defiance of time and tide. Today, the romantic Needles and their accompanying lighthouse can be admired through a unique Isle of Wight experience: the Alum Bay Chairlift. Rising over fifty metres in altitude, the chairlift takes you on a twenty-minute round trip to the top of the Alum Bay Cliffs and back to the beach again, affording breathtaking views of the coast and its natural wonders along the way.
Play a Game of Tennis or Croquet
For those leisurely summer afternoons during a luxurious retreat, what better way to while away the time than with a friendly game of tennis or croquet? Around the island, a variety of courts and pitches offer manicured grounds on which to play. A beloved local club, Ryde Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club is especially popular and provides year-round facilities for tennis and croquet players of all ages and abilities. Amongst its offering are eight tennis courts, six of which are blanketed in astroturf and two in grass, and five courts of which are illuminated in LED floodlighting. There are also four full-size croquet courts with seasonal availability. Take part in team games or hire exclusive use for a unique experience on the Isle of Wight.
Watch a Bembridge Sunrise
Surrounded by the sea on the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is one of the best places to watch sunrises in the country. For a unique experience on the Isle of Wight that is simply spellbinding, whisk yourself away from your luxurious abode and head out early to catch the sun first’s golden rays. With a number of striking places to choose from, you can revel in bewitching moments each day. A particularly beautiful destination is the picturesque harbour town of Bembridge which resides within a SSSI and Special Protection Area. At the easternmost tip of the island, it rewards sunrise seekers with uninterrupted views over the ocean. Relax on the pebble and stone shore of the beach, take a spot on the pier, or curl up atop Bembridge’s cliffs to watch multi-coloured shards of light dance across the sea at dawn.
Hike to St Catherine’s Oratory
For the magic in life’s simplest moments, seek a unique experience during a soul-stirring hike on the Isle of Wight. One of the best routes on the island, the walk to St Catherine’s Oratory weaves behind Blackgang Chine (home to the oldest theme park in the UK) and enjoys an enchanting aspect over Chale Bay. Start your walk from the village of Niton or the coast path and take time to absorb the beautiful scenery before navigating to the oratory. Known locally as the Pepperpot, the mediaeval oratory stands atop one of the highest points on the island, St Catherine’s Hill, and was once used as a lighthouse. Believed to date back to the fourteenth century, it also presides over a Bronze Age Barrow just two dozen feet away.
Play Golf at Freshwater Bay
One of the best ways to experience the beautiful landscapes of the Isle of Wight whilst challenging yourself at the same time is with a game of golf. Whether you are a golfing aficionado or are seeking somewhere special to take to the course for the first time, Freshwater Bay Golf Club on the Isle of Wight is a divine destination. Presenting one of the most beautifully positioned golf courses in the country, it resides within striking chalk downlands and overlooks the deep blues of the English Channel. And, at 5,725 yards long, this eighteen-hole, par sixty-nine seaside links golf course has something for all aptitudes. Arrive onsite and make the most of the course conditions, basking in the incredible backdrop as you go. When you’re ready to refuel, you are also invited to visit the clubhouse, where drinks and light bites are served.
Picnic with Prosecco on a Steam Railway
Immerse yourself in the countryside scenes and coastal swathes of the Isle of Wight with a journey with a difference. Led by the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, seekers of tranquil escapism can savour a serene, hour-long journey from Havenstreet to Smallbrook Junction and back on a vintage steam train. Settle into a carefully restored carriage (some date back to 1864) and enjoy a relaxing voyage. Making the experience even more memorable, you can make the most of an exclusive Edwardian Hamper Experience, which promises magnificent views, the finest service, and a delicious picnic with a bottle of prosecco.
Seek Timeless Romance at Carisbrooke Castle
Taking pride of place at the heart of the island, Carisbrooke Castle near Newport is one of the most famous attractions on the Isle of Wight. With a history dating back a thousand years, this renowned heritage site exudes timeless romance. Looked after by English Heritage, it is open on select days throughout the year and invites visitors to learn about its fascinating past. Embrace the atmosphere of the setting, soak up the fresh air, and admire the far-reaching vistas across land and sea. On the ground, pathways lead you around the castle moat, along King Charles I’s bowling green and through the Princess Beatrice Garden. Meanwhile, stone staircases and rooftop walkways lead you to the heights of the castle walls and reward you with sweeping panoramic vistas. A quintessential Carisbrooke experience, you can also meet the local donkeys, valued residents of the castle’s grounds since the sixteenth century.
Enjoy a Massage at The Cabin
One of the most soothing experiences on the Isle of Wight, a therapeutic massage can do wonders for body and soul. At The Cabin in Ventnor, a sea-view sanctuary awaits on the cliffside and beckons for soothing hours of relaxation. The perfect place to unwind, this award-winning retreat offers an array of treatments, from forty-minute-long massages accompanied by hot basalt stones to two-hour-long spa rituals with sea views and organic oils. Book ahead to secure your dream treatment and look forward to a rejuvenating experience. Massage, reflexology, facials, pedicures, wraps and scrubs are all available and can be catered to accommodate specific needs..
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