Isle of Wight

Child friendly Isle of Wight

Hop on the steam railway, step back in time or get out on the water with our top child friendly things to do on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Anmarie Bowler

The best pubs for a Sunday roast on the Isle of Wight

Our island team are clued up on many things to do with the Isle of Wight but we like to think that food is their speciality. We put together this all important list of the best pubs to eat a Sunday lunch for the next time you fancy a cosy winter warmer.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

October events on the Isle of Wight

With Diwali celebrations and spooky Halloween goings-on, there’s loads of Autumnal fun on the Isle of Wight this October.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Autumn events on the Isle of Wight

As the leaves change colour and winter returns, the Isle of Wight continues to be a buzzing hub of activity for visitors and locals alike.

Things to do Anmarie Bowler

Shanklin beach review

Along the east side of the Isle of Wight, Shanklin beach and esplanade is a place for dog-walking, sandcastle building and a good old-fashioned day at the beach.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Top places to eat crab on the Isle of Wight

There's nothing better than fresh local seafood. Crab is possibly one of the most versatile delicacies you'll find on the island. Eat out or prepare a culinary spectacle in the luxury of your holiday cottage.

Classic Fodder Anmarie Bowler

Ryde Winery

Just outside of Ryde sits a small piece of heaven that, on a sunny day, could resemble the Med. Welcome to Rosemary Vineyard.

Things to do Anmarie Bowler

East Cowes beach review

This shingle beach is a charming, quiet little spot if you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Anmarie Bowler

September events on the Isle of Wight

Catch the end of the summer on the Isle of Wight this September. Embrace island life with garden fairs, cycling and food festivals.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Sandown beach review

A visit to the Isle of Wight would not be complete without a stroll along the golden sands of Sandown beach.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Top 6 spots for a sundowner on the Isle of Wight

You don’t need to scour the internet in search of the perfect pint with a spectacular sea view on the Isle of Wight. Just head to some of these handpicked places.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Family friendly walk around Fort Victoria

Get a breath of fresh air with a family walk along the beach and through the woods near Yarmouth. This dog friendly beach means every member of your clan can enjoy the Great Outdoors of the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

August events on the Isle of Wight

The height of summer calls for beach days, sailing lessons and adventures across the Isle of Wight. There’s plenty of events and activities for everyone to discover on the island this August.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

The ultimate summer barbecue guide

Nothing says summer more than the sizzle of a barbecue in the summer sunshine. We’ve put together our top tips to make your next barbecue the best one yet.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Isle of Wight festivals

The Isle of Wight hosts so many festivals throughout the year with a really special line up throughout the summer. Visit festival island for fun and frolics all summer long.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

St Helens beach review

If you've been to the Isle of Wight but never visited St Helens beach then make sure it's on your list of places to visit.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

July events on the Isle of Wight

Summer is just around the corner. Pack up the family and enjoy long July days and nights with the addition of some amazing events across the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Freshwater

A brief round up of all the things to do around Freshwater and Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Places to eat in Ryde

Ryde has a great variety of places to eat so go ahead and treat yourself, after all you are on holiday!

Classic Fodder Liz Arnell

June events on the Isle of Wight

From the running festival to a jazz weekend, the Isle of Wight is buzzing this June. Just in time for an out of season break with friends and family.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Rip Currents

It’s best to familiarise yourself with the dangers that come with swimming in the sea so that you can stay safe and happy - how to spot a rip current is important.

Visitors' Book Lizzie H

Family fun on Hayling Island day trip

When you think of a UK summer holiday, what comes into the mind's eye? I would hedge a bet that it may involve a pebbled beach, seaside huts, little ones playing in the water and perhaps an amusement park or two. Enter, Hayling Island.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Gardens of the Isle of Wight

Tiptoe through the tulips, admire the roses and smell the lavender at the darling gardens on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

10 Top Isle of Wight Beaches

In no particular order, we've been exploring hidden beaches, best beaches and Blue Flag beaches to bring you this Isle of Wight beach guide of our Top Ten.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Holiday cottages with swimming pools for Easter

Whether you celebrate Easter or not, most people tend to make the school holidays a family occasion. Choose a holiday cottage with a pool as an added luxury to your holiday in the South and West.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

May events on the Isle of Wight

Keep up with all the events taking place on the Isle of Wight this May. Get outdoors at the annual walking festival or step back in time at the spring steam gala. Escape to the island this May.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Freshwater Bay

A beach profile for this West Wight beach, just around the corner from the iconic Needles.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Ryde Beach

Called Ryde beach by visitors or Appley beach by the locals, this north coast beach is perfect for a coastal walk on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Gardens of the South and West

Tiptoe through the tulips or run by the roses at these top gardens in the South and West.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Easter activities on the Isle of Wight

With Easter not far away, it’s time to start planning what you’ll be doing with the kids. Make the most of the school holidays with some egg-citing events on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

April events on the Isle of Wight

Head to the Isle of Wight for a belated Mother’s Day trip, an Easter family holiday or an early bank holiday break. Whatever you choose, you’ll find plenty of spring events to keep you busy over April.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

40 ways to propose in the South and West

Some ideas for those considering getting down on one knee. Some would be perfect for Valentine's Day, others are great all year round.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Ryde

I hadn’t thought much about having a holiday in Ryde before I spent the day there but I was really surprised by what it has to offer.

Things to do Liz Arnell

March events on the Isle of Wight

Escape from the mainland this March to explore the island while its free of half term visitors. Take your pick of events across the Isle of Wight to keep you busy on holiday.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

A day out to Brading Roman Villa

Liz Arnell visited Brading Roman Villa on the Isle of Wight and discovered more than just a bit of Roman pottery.

Visitors' Book Liz Arnell

Queen for a day: A visit to Osborne House

Kayleigh Hardy spent a day exploring the gardens and house at Osborne. A truly regal experience to round off her visit to the Isle of Wight.

Visitors' Book Kayleigh Hardy

February events on the Isle of Wight

Stay in a holiday cottage on the Isle of Wight over February to celebrate valentines with your beau or hang out with the kids for half term. Whatever you choose, there's plenty to keep you busy on the island.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Places to eat on the Isle of Wight

There's nothing better than finding a new favourite place to eat and the beauty of a self catering holiday on the Isle of Wight is you have the choice of buying food to eat in or going out to a restaurant, pub or cafe on the island. Here's some recommendations.

Classic Fodder Katie Chown

New Year on the Isle of Wight

Get ready for the approach of the New Year on the Isle of Wight with these festive additions to your holiday.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Historical sites on the Isle of Wight

A favourite of Queen Victoria, the Isle of Wight has a long history of heritage and culture, so it's little wonder there are places of grandeur to visit. Here is a select of places to visit on the island to sample some national heritage.

Places to Go Katie Chown

January events on the Isle of Wight

If you're heading to the Isle of Wight to beat the January blues, here are some events from across the island to keep you busy during your holiday.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Sea Glass and Dogs at Yaverland

Isle of Wight dog walks at Yaverland don't come prettier than this one filled with sparkling sea glass for beach wanderers.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Top 6 dog friendly pubs on the Isle of Wight

6 of our favourite places to take your doggy friends on the Isle of Wight. These dog friendly pubs are just the ticket after a long walk with your four-legged friend.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Top five Isle of Wight Christmas Markets

Find your festive feelings in November and December. With a Christmas market filling most weekends in the lead up to Christmas, you’ll be fully prepared for the big day by the time you head home from your Isle of Wight holiday.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Isle of Wight Comic Con

For those that don't know, a 'comic con' is a convention for fans of comics and everything associated. 2017 saw the first on the island and it was such a success, we hope it'll stay for years to come.

Things to do Katie Chown

Things to do in Yarmouth

It’s a great place to watch the ships go by from Portsmouth and Southampton with sailing boats dotted in between with many a deli and cafe to while away relaxing days.

Things to do Liz Arnell

December events on the Isle of Wight

Our guide to events on the Isle of Wight this December. From Victorian Christmas to Christmas tree festivals, each of these December events are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Bembridge

Bembridge is on the east coast of the Isle of Wight. With a working harbour, plenty of beaches and a plethora of countryside walks, there's plenty to do in this East Wight hot spot.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Top 4 Isle of Wight theatres

Try something a little more cultural on your Isle of Wight holiday with a visit to one of these theatres. See amateur dramatics, live screenings, comedy or a Christmas pantomime at these venues throughout the year.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

November events on the Isle of Wight

Check out our round up of what’s on the Isle of Wight this November. Whether you’re in Ventnor or Cowes, there’ll be a special Isle of Wight event taking place near you.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

UK Island hopping escapes in the South and West

Island hopping can be a beautifully British pastime. In this case, it’s all about the transport, as recommended by our staff, travelling on alternative modes of transport and escaping to an island in the South and West.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Why did Queen Victoria love the Isle of Wight?

In honour of the release of Victoria and Abdul, a silver screen epic telling the story of the Queen and her Indian companion, Abdul Karim, we discover why Queen Victoria loved the Isle of Wight so much.

Stories & Characters Kayleigh Hardy

Walking on the Tennyson Downs

Fill your lungs with fresh air on your Isle of Wight holiday by walking across the AONB Tennyson Downs.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Ventnor Botanic Gardens

A former lung hospital, Ventnor Botanic Gardens are a real breath of fresh air when it comes to family days out on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

3 family friendly things to do in Southampton

When looking for a family day out, what is it you look for? I think of fun, food, and a little bit of education sprinkled in for good measure. To get just that, you need look no further than Southampton.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Top 6 dog friendly cafes on the Isle of Wight

A selection of dog friendly cafes to stop for a brew with a four legged friend in tow. Go for a long coastal walk and then call in at one of these lovely locations.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Isle of Wight holiday competition

**NOW CLOSED** WIN a week on the island, staying in 6 St Josephs, the perfect family-friendly holiday home in Ventnor with views of the shimmering blue sea and sample a Royal Tea at the Royal Hotel in our holiday competition.

News & Offers Katie Chown

Cowes Week

The beginning of August hails Cowes week on the Isle of Wight. The ultimate sailing regatta brings people from all over the world to the island in the summer.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Godshill

A pretty chocolate box village on the south of the island. Godshill makes for a quaint day enjoying cream teas and pretty pubs, it’s also a great base for walking out into the Isle of Wight countryside.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Portsmouth

If you're heading to the Isle of Wight on holiday, you may well stop in Portsmouth - why not make a day of it?

Things to do Kylie Barton

5 family friendly watersports to try instead of surfing

If you've tried surfing and found it's just not for you, take a look at our alternatives. You can still get in the water while you're on holiday, try a new activity and get all the family involved.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

A pretty walk to Steephill Cove

A hidden gem with calm waters and golden sands, perfect for a quiet afternoon out in the sunshine while on holiday on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Michelin starred restaurants on the Isle of Wight

With an abundance of fresh produce on land and sea, the Isle of Wight is perfect for chefs and restaurants who like to cook up a storm. Although no establishments on the island hold a star, here's our recommendations for amazing food.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

My 5 Best Dog Friendly Beaches on the Isle of Wight

As voted for by Nigel, the yellow labrador. We holiday on the Isle of Wight a lot and like to make the most of the dog-friendly beaches on the island. These are the ones we think are the best.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Things to do in Ventnor

Made famous by the Victorians for the cleanest air in Britain, Ventnor is a calming yet fun place to spend a day on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Where to find red squirrels on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a wildlife haven with several reserves and an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty, there are plenty of animals to spot. Red squirrels have been homed on the Isle of Wight to protect the species, here are our top places to lay in wait for a glance or two.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

History lover's guide to the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight may be a small island, but there is certainly a lot of history present there, with numerous historic sites of interest to visit. I'll walk you through the most impressive of those sites:

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Arts cinemas in the South and West

Cinemas are everywhere. And can be a great way to dodge a rainy day while you’re on holiday. But if you like places with a dash of character and plenty of good films to go around, you might want to plan a special trip to one of these.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Spring tide walk to St Helens Fort

A walk with a difference. This walk can only be attempted 4 times a year so plan your holiday for low tide and hope to strike lucky.

Things to do Liz Arnell

No 8 Cafe and Farm Shop in Bembridge

Stop by at No 8 cafe in Bembridge for vegetarian delights. From lunch dishes to cake and coffee, spend 10 minutes or 2 hours soaking up the ambience and this pretty spot.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Brading Marshes circular walk

Join Liz Arnell and her Labrador Retriever, Nigel, on a circular walk on the east of the Isle of Wight. The walk takes in stunning sea views and magical woodland on the island.

Visitors' Book Liz Arnell

Things to do in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight

A holiday in Shanklin is the perfect bucket-and-spade seafront experience. Full of fun for all the family, it’s the quintessential beach resort destination, but in an idyllic setting on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Katie Chown

Things to do in Cowes

Renowned as the sailing capital of the world, Cowes has plenty of restaurants, cafes and activities to keep you entertained on your Isle of Wight holiday.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Visit Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in the UK where you could get away with a relaxed approach to holidaymaking. From the centre of the Island you are never more than half an hour from the sea, and you'll find family friendly bays, beaches and coves scattered all over. There are lots of things to do on a visit to the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Robbie L

My Best Friend has a Tail (eleven animal sanctuaries)

What do you do with your dog when it comes to your holiday? Well, bring him or her along for the ride! If you don't have a dog, take a look at our list of animal sanctuaries to visit for some furry fun in the south and west.

Places to Go Katie Chown

How to take great holiday photos

Follow our simple hints and tips on how to capture your holiday memories. Including composition ideas, group photos and how to snap that all important sunset shot, we’ve got you covered on it all.

Visitors' Book Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Seaview

On the east of the Isle of Wight, Seaview is a great spot for family holidays on the beach, romantic ocean vistas and maybe even an ice cream or two.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Dog walking on Bembridge Beach

Soak up the sunshine and views of the Solent and the Channel with a walk around the Bembridge coastline on the east of the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

5 Isle of Wight cottages to take your breath away

5 Isle of Wight properties to show you what's in store on an island holiday. Each of these cottages offers something which will take your breath away, whether it be views, interiors or sheer size.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

5 top tips for holidays with dogs

Dogs are man's best friend and who wouldn't want to take their best friend on holiday? Choose one of our dog friendly cottages for a great stay with your four legged friend.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

Find holiday cottage by name / number

Classic Cottages is the trading name of Classic Cottages Limited. Registered in England with Registered Number 1966317. The Registered Address is: Leslie House, Lady Street, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 8NA. The VAT Number is 268296752.