Best bluebell woods in the UK
The UK is home to some of the best bluebell woods in the world, from pocket copses to sprawling forests. Explore our favourites for your next spring adventure.
Annie CowenIsle of Wight
Steeped in history and surrounded by coastal bliss, the Isle of Wight has something for every visitor. It’s also home to some of the best festivals in the UK, giving this beautiful island a wonderfully vibrant calendar.
Isle of Wight festivals 2024
Festival fun on the Isle of Wight in 2024, including Ventnor Fringe, Isle of Wight Walking Festival, Cowes Week and Chale Show.
Robbie Lane
Michelin restaurants on the Isle of Wight
Making the most of the Garden Isle’s astonishing natural larder, the superb Michelin recommended restaurants on the Isle of Wight are a foodie must-visit.
Annie Cowen
Most romantic places in the UK
Make the most of your next couples getaway with a visit to these romantic places, from the coastal charms of Dorset to the wild beauty of Scotland.
Annie Cowen
Most popular cottages in 2023
From romantic sea-view escapes to rural group-friendly havens, discover our most popular cottages in 2023 for some holiday inspiration.
Lucy Williamson
Best places to visit for autumn colours in the UK
From copper-dipped woodlands with waterfalls to lakes, lochs, and russet landscapes, immerse yourself in the colours of autumn with these UK destinations.
Annie Cowen
A guide to Christmas on the Isle of Wight 2023
With Christmas markets galore and festive feasts aplenty, the Isle of Wight is the place to be this Christmas. Here’s our Yuletide run-down of the season…
Annie Cowen
Cottages with direct access to the beach
From private coves to Blue Flag beaches, explore our cottages with direct access to the beach for a coastal stay unlike any other.
Annie Cowen
Famous film and TV locations to inspire your next holiday in the UK
From the magical world of Harry Potter to the windswept wiles of Poldark, these famous filming locations are sure to inspire your next UK stay.
Annie Cowen
Best places to propose in the UK
From enchanting castles to dramatic clifftop scenes, these romantic spots are some of the best places to propose in the UK.
Annie Cowen
Best holiday cottages for groups
From country houses with hot tubs to coastal retreats with sea views and space galore, these holiday cottages are perfect for a group holiday.
Annie Cowen
Best cosy holiday cottages with a wood-burner
When it comes to winter getaways, you just can’t beat a cosy cottage with a wood-burner, the ultimate way to enjoy the toastiest season.
Annie Cowen
Top things to do on the Isle of Wight
From royal summer houses and stunning walks to Michelin recommended restaurants and theme parks, there's no shortage of things to do on the Isle of Wight.
Robbie Lane
Art galleries and studios on the Isle of Wight
Discover the best art galleries, studios and potteries on the Isle of Wight including Dimbola, Quay Arts, Monkton Arts and the Classic Boat Museum Gallery.
Robbie Lane
Cosy holiday cottages near a pub
Whether you want a log fire in your living room or your local taproom, this collection of cosy holiday cottages near a pub is perfect for your winter getaway.
Annie Cowen
Secret places on the Isle of Wight
Off-the-beaten-track, these secret places to visit on the Isle of Wight include Roman villas, beautiful bays, fascinating forts and ancient churches.
Robbie Lane
Best vegan pubs, restaurants and cafés on the Isle of Wight
From meat-free Sunday lunches to dinners that satisfy every kind of diner, there are some incredible vegan pubs, restaurants and cafés on the Isle of Wight.
Robbie Lane
A walk from Freshwater Bay to The Needles on the Isle of Wight
An easy to follow route from Freshwater Bay in the West Wight to The Needles headland, including the Old Battery, New Battery and Alum Bay.
Robbie Lane
Classic Cottages supports Sunshine Radio
Sunshine Radio is a small charity run entirely by volunteers, providing free audio entertainment for patients of the local hospital, and we are delighted to be supporting them this year.
Dominique Adams
A guide to visiting Osborne House
Everything you need to know about touring Queen Victoria’s beautiful home of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, including the walled gardens and Osborne beach.
Robbie Lane
Historic houses on the Isle of Wight
Stately homes, abbeys and priories on the Isle of Wight including Osborne House, Farringford House, Appuldurcombe House, Quarr Abbey, and Carisbrooke Priory.
Robbie Lane
Gardens on the Isle of Wight
Whether you like your flowers expertly curated or fabulously wild, there is a garden on the Isle of Wight to tempt every green-fingered guest.
Robbie Lane
Castles and forts on the Isle of Wight
Castles, forts and historic batteries on the Isle of Wight including Carisbrooke Castle, Yarmouth Castle, The Needles Old Battery and Fort Victoria.
Robbie Lane
Best beaches on the Isle of Wight
Discover the Isle of Wight’s best beaches, including Sandown Bay, Shanklin Beach, Ventnor Beach and Appley, along with advice on accessibility and facilities.
Robbie Lane
Places to eat on the Isle of Wight
Outstanding restaurants, pubs and eateries on the Isle of Wight including places to eat in Newport, Ryde, Sandown and Ventnor.
Robbie Lane
The best walks on the Isle of Wight
Outstanding walks on the Isle of Wight for families, ramblers and dog walkers including Tennyson Down, The Culver Trail and The Medina Estuary.
Robbie Lane
The best pubs for a Sunday roast on the Isle of Wight
Whether you're a die-hard roast potato fan or a lover of the toothsome Yorkshire pud, these Sunday roasts on the Isle of Wight are sure to hit the spot.
Kayleigh Hardy
The best places to spot wildlife on the Isle of Wight
The island is the perfect place to discover an abundance of wildlife. Protected by the Solent from the mainland you can enjoy exploring vast swathes of ancient woodland and shoreline, just don’t forget your binoculars.
Liz Arnell
A royal history: The story of Barton Manor Farmhouse
The fascinating history of Barton Manor Farmhouse on the Isle of Wight...
Dominique Adams
In Search of Secret Shanklin
Whether staying in Shanklin or further afield, if you’ve come for a visit be sure to pop into these secret Shanklin stop offs.
Anmarie Bowler
Eco holidays on the Isle of Wight
A quick guide on how to be green on the Island.
Anmarie Bowler
Ventnor Fringe Festival
According to The Sunday Times, Ventnor Fringe is “...rapidly becoming the country’s most surprising and inspirational multidisciplinary arts festival.” See what it's like for yourself.
Anmarie Bowler
50 things to do in May Half Term
50 ideas to keep you busy during school holidays, ranging from fruit picking to wild swimming. There's plenty of ideas to kick start your holiday planning.
Kayleigh Hardy
A day out in Yarmouth
Whether you are staying on the West Wight or east of the River Medina, be sure to make a day of Yarmouth.
Anmarie Bowler
How easy is catching the ferry to the Isle of Wight?
Looking for an Isle of Wight holiday but unsure how to get there? Explore our guide to catching a ferry to the Island.
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
Ventnor beach review
A sheltered cove with golden sands and lots of amenities; what's not to like here?
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
Isle of Wight bucket list
Our ultimate guide to things to do on the Isle of Wight.
Kayleigh Hardy
Free things to do on the Isle of Wight
From dinosaur bone hunting to watching the red arrows, we've a great bunch of things to do for free on the Isle of Wight.
Liz Arnell
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.
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.
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.
Anmarie Bowler
Breakfast at Briddlesford Lodge Farm
Get your day off to a good start with breakfast at Briddlesford and enjoy local produce at its best
Liz Arnell
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.
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.
Anmarie Bowler
Sandown beach review
A visit to the Isle of Wight would not be complete without a stroll along the golden sands of Sandown beach.
Liz Arnell
Top 5 spots to buy fresh produce on the Isle of Wight
Embrace island life with a taste of Isle of Wight produce. These are our top five places to find fresh food on the island.
Kayleigh Hardy
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.
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
Steephill Cove beach review
A lovely secluded cove with golden sands and views over the sea.
Liz Arnell
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
A day out at Adventure Activities on the Isle of Wight
For an action packed day of adventure in West Wight, this is the place to go! There's an adventure awaiting all the family, whatever the weather.
Liz Arnell
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.
Liz Arnell
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.
Liz Arnell
Top 5 best places to eat out in West Wight
Our top 5 favourite places to eat on the west of the Isle of Wight.
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!
Liz Arnell
How to Spot a Rip Current
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.
Lizzie Heather
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.
Kylie Barton
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
Freshwater Bay
A beach profile for this West Wight beach, just around the corner from the iconic Needles.
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.
Liz Arnell
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.
Liz Arnell
Food and Love in February
Feed your imagination with food ideas for Valentine's half term.
Katie Chown
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.
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
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.
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.
Katie Chown
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.
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
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.
Liz Arnell
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kylie Barton
Climbing trees on the Isle of Wight
Hark back to your childhood with some professional tree climbing on the Isle of Wight.
Liz Arnell
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Liz Arnell
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.
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.
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
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.
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.
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.
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.
Liz Arnell
Things to do in Island Harbour on the Isle of Wight
You can’t escape the sea when on holiday on the Isle of Wight, but head inland towards Newport and you can enjoy a waterside location that’s slightly less salty.
Katie Chown
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.
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.
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.
Robbie Lane
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.
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.
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.
Kayleigh Hardy
