Category: Places to Stay

An escape to the Isle of Wight, just across the south-coast of mainland Britain offer exciting adventures and magical discoveries which brings together nature, wildlife and incredible history. This natural paradise also offer stunning countryside and villages with rivers running through it. To really know this gem of an island is to spend a few days here in one of the best places to stay on Isle of Wight.

Best places to stay on the Isle of Wight | England

As you may already know, the Isle of Wight is a small island but it is the largest in England. It is so small that you could drive from one end to the other in an hour (no traffic) or drive the entire circumference of the island in three hours, without traffic and not stopping for views. Therefore, most people think a day is more than enough to visit this island but this little gem deserves more than a day.

Give the island a few days…

The best way to experience this fascinating island is to spend a few days here and explore to your heart’s content. Anything between three and five days is a good start and you will be planning your second trip to the island before you depart 🙂

To support you to do just that, here are 26 very best places to stay on Isle of Wight. These have been carefully selected, located at or within proximity of the five major towns on the Isle of Wight – Bembridge, Cowes, Newport, Shanklin and Ventnor. You could stay in any of these towns and drive or take public transportation to any of the attractions dotted around the island. All destinations are easily reached without much time spent on commute.

The very best places to stay on Isle of Wight are selected for timeless memories for you to peruse and reserve. While some properties prefer adults only as their guests, there are a number of properties where you can take your paw friends with you which is superb and no-one is left-out! However, this is by no means an exhaustive list and there are many that may not be included but the ones listed here are selected based on excellent location, incredible views, fabulous stay, very good service and staff as well as for good hearty breakfasts (where breakfast is included in the stay).

Included also are suggestions on things to do and places to eat and drink around the vicinity of the properties.

The 26 very best places to stay on Isle of Wight as recommended by TTS are:

1 | Bembridge East Wight

Bembridge, a village at the easternmost point of Isle of Wight has a reputation of being the largest village in England. The village has a population nearing 4,000, a harbour, three beaches and an airport. Bembridge is notable for the RNLI – The Bembridge Lifeboat Station. The three beaches at Bembridge are Lane End, the Ledge and Bembridge Beach and offer different experiences to visitors.

1.1 | Very best places to stay on Isle of Wight at Bembridge

1.2 | What to do at Bembridge

The RNLI station is open to the public and visitors can learn about its history and the boats that have been stationed there. There is a walkway here that also offers a scenic view of the coastline around Bembridge.

Explore parts of the Isle of Wight Coastal path by following the Lane End beach route. This will lead you to Bembridge Harbour and the famous Bembridge Sailing Club. Visit the 500-year old Bembridge Windmill which is the only surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight. Other points of interest are the Bembridge Heritage Centre and the Holy Trinity Church

1.3 | Where to eat and drink at Bembridge

Restaurants and eateries are aplenty in Bembridge and the surrounding areas that caters for any and all tastes. Bembridge is well-known for its seafood – crab and lobsters are a “must try” as these are often caught daily to serve up as fresh as possible. Visit the award winning Crab and Lobster Inn for delicious seafood treat.

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2 | Cowes and East Cowes | Very best places to stay on Isle of Wight

Boasting a rich wealth of history and culture, Cowes sits across the Medina estuary by chain ferry. Cowes and East Cowes are home to one of the oldest, biggest and vibrant sailing regatta in the world, Cowes Week.

2.1 | Very best places to stay on Isle of Wight at Cowes

2.2 | What to do at Cowes Isle of Wight

Cowes Week takes place at the height of summer and it is busiest time of the year. There are live entertainments, and numerous activities to get into. The historic Northwood House hosts the Isle of Wight Proms and the Isle of Wight Literary Festival. For a little Victorian nostalgia, visit Osborne House, St Mildred’s Church and Egypt Point which are open to the public for most of the year.

Recommended read: The Victorian Love Affair

2.3 | Where to eat and drink at Cowes Isle of Wight

For families, adrenalin junkies, hungry sailors and visitors alike, there is an excellent gastronomic delight in Cowes. From pubs, wine bars, cafes and restaurants offering tempting tapas, mouthwatering pizzas, perfect burger stacks to simplest of sandwiches. You will be spoiled for choice.

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3 | Newport | Very best places to stay on Isle of Wight

Newport is often referred to as the capital of Isle of Wight and is located in the centre of the island. This principal town forms a civil parish with Carisbrooke and has a population estimated at 26,000. The town is surrounded by two squares of Georgian architecture on one side and Victorian on the other. The Isle of Wight Festival takes place in June each year at Seaclose Park, Newport.

3.1 | Best places to stay on Isle of Wight at Newport

3.2 | What to do at Newport Isle of Wight

As a principal town of Isle of Wight, Newport offers a number of well-known chain stores for shopping. There are some smaller independent shops as well for unique designs. As well, a popular farmers market every Friday selling a good range of local produce.

There are a great selection of attractions nearby to suit all interests. The Museum of Island History, Quay Arts Centre and the Newport Roman Villa are easily reached from the town centre. In the heart of Newport is Newport Minster – a church with historical links to Queen Victoria. To the west of the town is Carisbrooke Castle, a 12th century fort ideal for a fun day out. For a truly wonderful experience with nature, explore the natural woodland of Robin Hill within a short distance away.

There are plenty of entertainments too – multi-screen cinema, range of shows at the Medina and Apollo throughout the year.

3.3 | Where to eat and drink at Newport

There are great options to eat and drink with world cuisines, seafood, and pizzas on offer. Here are just three from the wide selection available at Newport.

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4 | Shanklin | Very best places to stay on Isle of Wight

Shanklin is one of the most popular holiday destinations on Isle of Wight for families, groups, couples and solo travellers. From award winning sandy beaches, the wooded ravine of Shanklin Chine to the enchanting pretty thatched cottages of the Old Village, there is plenty to do here with no moments to be bored!

4.1 | Best places to stay on Isle of Wight at Shanklin

More places to stay at Shanklin

4.2 | What to do at Shanklin Isle of Wight

Watch a show at Shanklin Theatre which offers amateur shows, comedy and concerts to choose from. There are traditional seaside games and amusements at the Esplanade to get into for all the family or walk through Shanklin Chine, home to rare plants, unique gorge and a beautiful waterfall. For quiet evenings, walk along the sandy beach and experience some timeless crimson and red sunsets.

There are also miles and miles of cycle paths and footpaths to explore. The historical Shanklin Walk is highly recommended. The Shanklin Walk is a journey through history on how a small fishing settlement became a popular seaside resort.

4.3 | Where to eat at Shanklin Isle of Wight

From cream tea, traditional fish and chips to freshly caught crab and lobsters plus choose a local ale and live entertainment for an extraordinary experience!

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5 | Ventnor Isle of Wight

Ventnor is a beautiful seaside resort and was a favourite of Queen Victoria when the Isle of Wight was her palatial home. The town is located on the southeast coast of the island, about 17 km (11 miles) from Newport, beneath St Boniface Down, built on steep slopes leading down to the seafront and beach.

Ventnor is famous for its health resorts because of its unique micro-climate.

5.1 | Best places to stay on Isle of Wight at Ventnor

26 | The Hambrough is rated very highly for their service, staff, food and comfy beds. It is regarded that the area where the hotel is located which is on the cliff of the south coast of the island gets more sunshine than the rest of the British Isles. This boutique accommodation sits high above Ventnor Fishing Harbour. Peruse more of what it offers and reserve your stay at The Hambrough.

5.2 | What to do at Ventnor Isle of Wight

Ventnor’s sand and shingle beach is the main attraction and is great for sunbathing and family swimming. Hire a beach hut along with some deckchairs for a fun day at the beach. For stunning views across the sea, head to the viewing platform at Ventnor Harbour.

A short distance from the western side of town is the beautiful Victorian Ventnor Park (Park of the Year Award at the South and South East England in Bloom awards 2014). A stroll through the Victorian Ventnor Park leads you to a 22 acre sub-tropical paradise – the famous Ventnor Botanic Gardens at the Undercliff. Not too far from here is Steephill Cove.

5.3 | Where to eat and drink at Ventnor

There are a number of pubs, cafes and restaurants offering a great many varieties in food that cater for all ages and tastes. There is plenty to choose from especially fish and seafood options which are locally sourced – these are delicious and as fresh as it can be.

While the following are highly recommended, nothing beats a meal at the Royal Hotel Ventnor which you simply must try.

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These are the 26 places to stay which we hope will add value to your adventure on the beautiful Isle of Wight – do return to share your stories with us and our readers. If there are particular properties that need adding to this list, please let us know and we will add these as “Reader Recommendations.”

If you find this article and suggestions useful, consider using the links to book your stay. TTS earns a commission on qualifying stay at no cost to you, and as always your support is much appreciated.

Have an awesome time exploring the Isle of Wight, England.

xoxo

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