Cloaked in jewel tones of ruby and gold, there’s no better time to visit the Isle of Wight for an atmospheric retreat than autumn. A season of lingering calm perfect for resetting life balance, it promises an idyllic escape from the everyday, woven with copper-leafed walks through forest swathes and crisp walks along island beaches.
To start planning your dream autumn stay on the Isle of Wight, here are some of the best things to look forward to this year, from the season’s top events to the finest autumn eateries.
Places to Eat
The Hambrough, Ventnor
Recommended by the Michelin Guide, The Hambrough in Ventnor is one of the most delicious places to dine in autumn. Set high on Ventnor Road overlooking the bay, its stunning vistas lend a beautiful backdrop for dream dinner dates. Head over to The Hambrough Lounge Bar, open each day, or the dedicated restaurant, open on select days, and cast your gaze over the menus of seasonally curated specials. For an exclusive touch, you can also hire the Garden Room for private parties and gather all your favourite people for an unforgettable celebration.
The Terrace, Yarmouth
For those looking for autumnal dining with a unique twist, The Terrace should pique your interest. Located in an oceanside situ overlooking the sea, this welcoming restaurant is home to a sun-soaked terrace and an impressive wine room with over eight hundred different bottles. On the menu, temptation continues in the form of expertly executed and perfectly presented cheese and charcuterie boards each day, as well as set multi-course dinners on certain days, served around the single dining table in the intimate restaurant.
Smoking Lobster, Ventnor and Cowes
The Smoking Lobster duo in Cowes and Ventnor promises some of the finest seafood on the Isle of Wight. With fish at the fore, these two restaurants serve delicious repasts curated with the freshest island produce and inspired by Pan-Asian cuisine. Take a seat at the award-winning Cowes establishment in the north, or head south and secure a reservation at the two AA Rosette Ventnor venue on the seafront. If choosing the latter, you can also set time aside to visit the nearby Drunken Lobster, a wine, sake, and cocktail bar perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif.
Aquitania, Seaview
Making use of the ‘Garden Isle’s’ wealth of fresh, local produce, the award-winning Aquitania in The Seaview Hotel is one of the best places to go for modern British cuisine with an island approach. Recognised by the AA and the Michelin Guide, it offers carefully crafted meals that can be savoured in either the restaurant for a formal experience, or adjoining bistro or dog-friendly bar for more laidback dining. Especially sought-after during the cooler months of autumn are the restaurant’s Sunday lunches served with duck-fat roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
The Lifeboat, Cowes
One of Cowes’ most popular destinations throughout the year, The Lifeboat is beloved by locals, seafarers and island dreamers alike. Set beside the water in East Cowes Marina, it features a large outside decking area which can be enjoyed in the rich autumn sunshine, as well as vibrant interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows. Peruse the menu of appetising pub classics for hearty replenishment after a day on the coast, or simply head to the bar for relaxed conversation over a favourite tipple. Adding to the experience are occasional special events, including sailing days, wine-tasting evenings, and music nights.
Places to Visit
Brighstone Forest
For a spellbinding autumn on the Isle of Wight, wrap up in your cosiest attire and head to Brighstone Forest. The largest forest on the island, it covers nearly 250 acres and blankets the contours of hilly ridges, including Chessell, Westover and Brighstone Downs. One of the best places to see autumn colours, its network of paths and trails weave through chalky downlands and tangled trees that turn to bronze and citrine hues in autumn. Hike or cycle around the forest, enjoying the pretty palette brushing the leaves and the peaceful tranquillity of this haven. To fuel your adventures, pack a bag with some treats from Grace’s Bakery in Yarmouth before you set off.
Headon Warren
On the most westerly tip of the Isle of Wight, Headon Warren is one of the best places to go for chasing sunsets. From the park’s clifftop vantage points, the sight of the sun sinking below the Needles and casting a golden glow across the sea and the mainland is sure to enchant. Set off for slow morning walks under bright blue skies or take a spot in the early autumn evening to watch the sun set, warmed by a hot flask of something delicious and the cosy embrace of a thick wool blanket.
Shanklin Chine
Adored by all generations, Shanklin Chine is the Isle of Wight’s oldest visitor attraction. One of the best places to see autumn colours infused with an additional dose of magic, its season runs until the beginning of November and promises a bewitching experience. Follow winding pathways through Shanklin’s deep ravine, carved over thousands of years by the flow of water on its journey to the sea. For further wonderment, stay until the sleepy moments of dusk, when hundreds of multi-coloured LED lights illuminate the gorge’s ancient trees, streams and waterfalls.
Ventnor Botanic Garden
The dog-friendly Ventnor Botanic Garden resides within the picturesque realms of Undercliff along the southeast corner of the Isle of Wight. Open throughout autumn, its sheltered south-facing aspect is protected by chalk downlands and enjoys its own microclimate nurturing a subtropical haven. Uncover an exotic autumn idyll where russet-hued native species flourish alongside collections of succulents, cacti, echiums, eucalyptus and palms. For flavoursome breakfasts and lunches, seek The Plantation Café overlooking the leafy gardens.
Brading Roman Villa
Embark on a tale of yesteryears with a journey to Brading Roman Villa. One of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK, this intriguing time capsule was once the home of a wealthy Roman family and provides a fascinating window to the past. Arrive at the visitor centre on Morton Old Road to discover a wealth of curiosities, from exceptionally preserved mosaic floors to ancient artefacts spanning the eras, from the Victorians to the Romans to the Neolithic. As well as the mosaics, original paintings can be seen, such as a colourful depiction of a peacock, and a sesquipedalis tile impressed with a Roman handprint.
Things to Do
Island Refreshments
One of the best distilleries on the island, the Isle of Wight Distillery has been crafting fine, artisan spirits for over a decade. Focusing on premium small-batch creations, its team in Ryde harnesses local, sustainable ingredients to create authentic, moreish tastes. Just some of its flavourful secrets include rock samphire from the island’s shores, Boadicea hops from Ventnor Botanic Gardens, and delicate elderflowers from the surrounding fields. Visit The Mermaid Bar, restaurant and shop in Ryde to sample the distillery’s artisan range, including its famous Mermaid Gin, and while away a dreamy autumn afternoon. For another unique experience on the Isle of Wight, you can visit the award-winning Adgestone Vineyard just five miles away, the oldest continuously operated vineyard in the UK.
Chairlift Rides
Synonymous with the Isle of Wight, the iconic Needles is one of the UK’s most spectacular natural landmarks. To see these stunning chalk stacks in the most memorable way, a ride on the Alum Bay Chairlift is a must. Park in The Needles car park in Totland and stroll over to the chairlift hub. From here, you can board the chairlift and relax into your seat on clement autumn days to savour a leisurely cruise down to the beach below. With breathtaking views towards The Needles, lighthouse, and sapphire sweep of the ocean, it’s hard to find a more captivating oceanside setting for autumn pursuits and proposals.
Feasting and Foraging
To fully immerse yourself in the autumn elements and discover the island’s natural gems, why not try your hand at foraging? Offering bespoke courses, Island Wild Food provides dedicated foraging walks where you can learn all about wild foods and how to use them sustainably. To add another delicious note to your autumn sojourn, weave a trip to The Garlic Farm into your retreat. Nestled in the Arreton Valley in the rural heart of the island, this award-winning, family-run farm puts the season in seasoning, surrounded by beautiful countryside and woven with autumn attractions. To uncover the delectable delights of the farm, explore its shop and walks and seek replenishment in the onsite restaurant. You can also make the most of the autumn events that grace the farm’s calendar, such as family suppers, Sunday roasts, and farm tours.
Railway Adventures
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway promises one of the best family and dog-friendly things to do for autumn forays. Inviting passengers to step into a timeless tale where nostalgia and steam lead the way, it offers a uniquely charming way to admire the island’s scenery. Hop aboard and settle into the lovingly restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, gazing out the window as the steady rhythm of the steam train carries you through captivating countryside. With the oldest locomotive dating back to 1876, each journey fuses the romance of bygone eras with the beauty of the present day.
Wild Swimming
The Isle of Wight is fringed by stunning coastline that entices wild swimmers from near and far. One of the best destinations for wild swimming in the country, its seaside destinations of Sandown, Shanklin and St Helens are particularly noted for dreamy swimming conditions. Encouraging ocean dips, autumn on the Isle of Wight often delivers still, crisp days with mirror-topped seas. Check the local tides and indulge in an invigorating dip, ready to be revitalised by the ocean. You can also join up with local wild swimming groups, such as Swim The Wight.
Events
Isle of Wight Literary Festival
3rd - 6th October 2024
The Isle of Wight Literary Festival is an award-winning festival on the UK Arts calendar. Established over a decade ago, it promises a far-reaching and wide-ranging programme showcasing British talent and the cultural richness of the island. Held at Northwood House, it sets the stage for writers and presenters sharing their latest works, from maritime adventures to medicine to romance.
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
5th - 13th October 2024
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival takes place from 5th to 13th October this year. A much-anticipated annual event, it comprises a number of different walks across the island each day. From two-mile ambles to full-day hikes, each route offers a different perspective of the island and brings together walkers of all ages and abilities.
Pumpkin Trails
12th October - 2nd November 2024
Head out into the soul-soothing tonic of the autumn air and uncover some of the unmissable pumpkin trails woven across the Isle of Wight. The perfect way to admire the scenery, absorb the atmosphere and pick a pumpkin or two, these family-friendly trails offer timeless appeal. For ample opportunity, both Arreton Barns in Arreton and Tapnell Farm in Yarmouth have pumpkin trails on select days during autumn.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
19th October - 2nd November 2024
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown is opening its door this autumn with a unique Myths and Legends Adventure Trail and Escape Room. Perfect for families and friends, each activity encourages visitors to test their courage and skills with a series of fascinating discoveries and challenges. Time your visit to coincide with daily Animal Carer Talks and learn all about the sanctuary’s rescued animals.
Fiesta of the Dead, Blackgang Chine
25th - 31st October 2024
Blackgang Chine is a well-loved attraction on the Isle of Wight and is famous for being the oldest family theme park in the UK. All the more exciting this autumn, the park is transforming into an enigmatic wonderland inspired by Mexico’s Día de los Muertos. Step through the gates and follow the pathways through the Sacred Fire Garden to The Fiesta of the Dead for a mesmeric Halloween adventure.
Bembridge Fireworks
25th October 2024
For a night of radiant fireworks displays lighting up the skies, venture over to Bembridge’s annual fireworks night this October. Beginning at 6.30pm on Friday 25th October, this seasonal spectacular is held at Steyne Park and offers a night of multi-generational entertainment. Cocoon in your cosiest layers and head out to watch the show.
Feeling inspired this autumn? Take a look at our luxury cottages on the Isle of Wight.
