The ultimate Isle of Wight travel guide for a dreamy UK staycation
Move over Cornwall, the Isle of Wight is officially the hottest destination for a summer holiday to travel to sans-passport. And no, we're not just talking about heading to the annual festival. Located off the south coast of England, it's surprisingly easy to reach from the mainland via a train journey (two hours from London to Portsmouth) and a45-minute ferry ride.
UK staycations have really peaked in the past few years. Just because you can go abroad doesn't mean you have to. Especially when you take into account the numerous benefits of holidaying closer to home, from reducing your carbon footprint to bringing along furry friends.
With its own micro-climate, sandy beaches and breathtaking coastal views paired with quintessentially picturesque British towns, you get a little bit of everything. And while there's plenty to keep you busy for a week's sojourn, a weekend visit is also a realistic option as it takes only an hour to drive from one end of the island to the other.
Where to stay
With ferry ports located in Fishbourne, East Cowes, Yarmouth and Ryde, we stayed at Pinkmead Estate, located between Cowes and Newport, the heart of the island and also its capital.
Pinkmead is an idyllic escape located off the beaten track and right on the water’s edge. With 24 stunning acres comprising a cute three-bedroom cottage, separate studio and kitchen garden spaces, a sauna and not forgetting a vineyard all on-site, you’ll feel transported to a remote getaway. In reality, Cowes is just a 10-minute cycle away, easily accessible by the bikes provided by the estate. Or why not hail a water taxi instead? Yep, it will be your own personal playground for the duration of your stay. Go for the breathtaking views alone, gazing over the water while you sip your morning coffee.
You could happily spend the entirety of your stay hidden away at Pinkmead, exploring the grounds via golf buggy, enjoying the river on kayaks and paddleboards, trying your hand at bee-keeping or relaxing with a yoga class, all activities provided by the estate for an additional charge.
For rates and to enquire, find out more here.
Where to eat
The Hut
The Hut has garnered something of a reputation for itself in recent years, and it does not disappoint. As well as the most delicious food – you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, especially the seafood due to the proximity to the sea – the atmosphere is always thriving with the in-house DJ providing a backing track as you sip your rosé. You could happily while away a whole afternoon sat al fresco watching the motorboats charter guests to and from the restaurant (because yes, people sail from the mainland just to enjoy a meal here). Make sure to book in advance, it’s a must-do.
True Food Kitchen at Castlehaven
For something a little more laidback, visit The True Food Kitchen at Castlehaven. Fair warning, it’s a bit of a hike down the cliffside, though I made the journey with ease in my sandals. And more importantly, it's worth it for the chance to dine with uninterrupted views over the water straight to the horizon. For the duration of our lunchtime visit (a sunny Saturday afternoon in mid-June) not even a boat blurred the stretch of blue that extended every which way we looked. As for the food, enjoy locally caught seafood or plant-based dishes with a pan-Asian influence – delicious!
Heron
Calling all foodies! Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after places to eat on the island, Heron brings the creative tastes of fine dining to a more casual setting. With locations in Ryde and Cowes, the menu changes seasonally and is dependent upon the offerings of their local producers.
What to do
Sea and sauna at SloMo Compton Bay
Obviously, the water and sandy beaches are a huge appeal to visiting and living on the Isle of Wight. You'll see swimmers taking to the sea year-round for a cold water dip. Combining the coast with a dose of wellness, book in to the sauna at Compton Bay. Positioned high up on the cliffs, the sauna has a one-way window giving you stunning views across the water without nosey passersby-ers ogling in at you as you relax in your cossie. After sweating out any toxins for 10-20 minutes (really, however long you can handle), make your way down to the water's edge and cool off with a dip in the sea. Refreshing doesn't even begin to cut it.
With hour slots available to book for £15 per person or private hire for up to six people costing £75, you can make multiple trips up and down the beach as you sauna in swim in style. Book online here.
Explore the high streets and shop locally
From Ryde to Newport, each town has its own high street full of the cutest independent boutiques stocking coastal clothing, homewares and gifts. As we stayed local to Cowes, this was the town we explored the most, spending an entire afternoon wandering from shop to shop.
Jack Thompson is a gorgeous interiors shop that, as well as offering an interior design service, stocks all aspects of homewares from furniture and wallpapers to cushions, candles and other decorative accents, many of which are created on the island.
If you want to pick up a souvenir from your trip, head to Live Like This. You won't struggle to find something that catches your eye, be it a woven tote bag or seashell earrings, amongst the beautiful selection of gifts, homewares and accessories.
Enjoy a little culture
It's easy to feel transported to far more exotic locations when visiting the island, and nowhere invokes this feeling more than the Ventnor Botanic Garden. Due to its location on the Ventnor Undercliff, it experiences a unique microclimate more akin to the Mediterranean than the rest of the UK and proudly claims the title of Brtain's hottest garden, home to over 6000 species of rare and exotic plants and trees.
The Isle of Wight was once Queen Victoria's holiday destination of choice, with her former holiday home Osborne now open to the public. Built between 1845 and 1851, the impressive house showcases stunning Italianate architecture surrounded by sprawling gardens and grounds on the edge of a private beach. Inside, you can get a glimpse into royal life by touring the grand reception rooms lined with furnishings and artworks from the Royal Collection.
In the same thread, Dimbola Museum is the former home of internationally acclaimed Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. A pioneer in the art industry, many of her most famous portraits were captured at Dimbola. The house became a focal point for artists, writers and poets including Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Lewis Carroll. Visitors now can learn about Julia's history and see some of her most prized work alongside contemporary photography and art exhibitions.
FYI
If you're planning on exploring the island, a car is definitely the easiest way to do so. Otherwise, if you're happy to stick to your chosen area, you can easily get around on foot or by bike. Fair warning, the island is a cycling hot spot with plenty of cycle routes and bike paths.
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