Wight Holiday’s guidebook

Wight Holiday
Wight Holiday
Wight Holiday’s guidebook

Neighbourhoods

Located a short drive (or a long walk) from the capital town of the Isle of Wight, between Newport and Ryde, you’ll find an idyllic riverside development of waterfront homes, Restaurant, Marina and access to miles of riverside walks. Island Harbour is the only harbour on the Island to use Lock-gates to maintain the water level at low tide, so it remains a quiet and relaxed area, away from the busier Marinas and shipping areas up the River at Cowes. The Harbour is located about half way down the River Medina, which is a tidal estuary, popular with pleasure boats and visiting yachts. The banks of the Medina are teeming with wildlife, including dozens of species of birds. At the entrance of the Harbour, by the peculiar shaped harbour office (looks like a UFO), you’ll find the start of riverside public footpaths heading north and south along the riverside. The path to the south will take you along the old ‘tow-path’ towards Newport Quay, and this path has recently been rebuilt and is ideal for walkers, cyclists and suitable for pushchairs. The path passes Seaclose park which is the site of the Isle of Wight Festival in June each year. When the festival isn’t taking place, the park is perfect for a family walk and has football pitches, tennis Courts, a skate park and a large children’s play area. If you take the path to the north along the river, you’ll find this path is slightly less defined and ‘wilder’ with the odd bit of Mud during the wetter months. The pathway finishes at the famous Folly Inn, a popular waterside pub which serves great food all day. If you explore a little further, you can continue towards Whippingham and end up at Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria. Within the harbour area, you’ll find the Breeze Restaurant & Bar which has extensive outdoor seating offering views of the Marina and surrounding countryside. There is also a large children’s play area at the rear, which is popular all year round. Whilst exploring the area, you are likely to stumble across an interesting feature to the local landscape. The Ryde Queen is a 1930’s Paddle Steamer which has been moored on the riverside since the 1970’s. The ship was used a nightclub in the 70’s and 80’s. It is now possibly beyond repair but does make quite a statement on the landscape and is a great spot for budding photographers.
Island Harbour Marina
Mill Lane
Located a short drive (or a long walk) from the capital town of the Isle of Wight, between Newport and Ryde, you’ll find an idyllic riverside development of waterfront homes, Restaurant, Marina and access to miles of riverside walks. Island Harbour is the only harbour on the Island to use Lock-gates to maintain the water level at low tide, so it remains a quiet and relaxed area, away from the busier Marinas and shipping areas up the River at Cowes. The Harbour is located about half way down the River Medina, which is a tidal estuary, popular with pleasure boats and visiting yachts. The banks of the Medina are teeming with wildlife, including dozens of species of birds. At the entrance of the Harbour, by the peculiar shaped harbour office (looks like a UFO), you’ll find the start of riverside public footpaths heading north and south along the riverside. The path to the south will take you along the old ‘tow-path’ towards Newport Quay, and this path has recently been rebuilt and is ideal for walkers, cyclists and suitable for pushchairs. The path passes Seaclose park which is the site of the Isle of Wight Festival in June each year. When the festival isn’t taking place, the park is perfect for a family walk and has football pitches, tennis Courts, a skate park and a large children’s play area. If you take the path to the north along the river, you’ll find this path is slightly less defined and ‘wilder’ with the odd bit of Mud during the wetter months. The pathway finishes at the famous Folly Inn, a popular waterside pub which serves great food all day. If you explore a little further, you can continue towards Whippingham and end up at Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria. Within the harbour area, you’ll find the Breeze Restaurant & Bar which has extensive outdoor seating offering views of the Marina and surrounding countryside. There is also a large children’s play area at the rear, which is popular all year round. Whilst exploring the area, you are likely to stumble across an interesting feature to the local landscape. The Ryde Queen is a 1930’s Paddle Steamer which has been moored on the riverside since the 1970’s. The ship was used a nightclub in the 70’s and 80’s. It is now possibly beyond repair but does make quite a statement on the landscape and is a great spot for budding photographers.
The sandy beaches of Sandown Bay are stretch from the centre of the seaside town, eastwards all the way to the famous white cliffs at Yaverland. The seafront is teeming with popular attractions such as Sandown Zoo, Dinosaur Isle and the new crazy golf course and playground at Sandham. There is also a traditional Pier, chocked full of amusements and rides. There are some excellent bars and restaurants along the seafront, all with great sea views. Heading west along the promenade will take you to Hope Beach in lake, which is only accessible on foot and therefore quieter than the main beach at Sandown. About halfway along the stretch of promenade between Sandown and Shanklin (approx. 1.2 miles) you’ll find a couple of cafes, one at the bottom and one along the top of the cliff, accessed via the public footpath that runs the length of the bay. Shanklin sits at the west end of the bay, and also features a great deal of popular and a number of new attractions, including a fairground, arcade, pirate and dinosaur themed crazy golf courses and many cafes and places to buy an ice cream. The beaches along the bay are predominantly sandy, with the odd pebble in patches. The bathing waters in Sandown are shallow and safe for swimming.
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Sandown
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The sandy beaches of Sandown Bay are stretch from the centre of the seaside town, eastwards all the way to the famous white cliffs at Yaverland. The seafront is teeming with popular attractions such as Sandown Zoo, Dinosaur Isle and the new crazy golf course and playground at Sandham. There is also a traditional Pier, chocked full of amusements and rides. There are some excellent bars and restaurants along the seafront, all with great sea views. Heading west along the promenade will take you to Hope Beach in lake, which is only accessible on foot and therefore quieter than the main beach at Sandown. About halfway along the stretch of promenade between Sandown and Shanklin (approx. 1.2 miles) you’ll find a couple of cafes, one at the bottom and one along the top of the cliff, accessed via the public footpath that runs the length of the bay. Shanklin sits at the west end of the bay, and also features a great deal of popular and a number of new attractions, including a fairground, arcade, pirate and dinosaur themed crazy golf courses and many cafes and places to buy an ice cream. The beaches along the bay are predominantly sandy, with the odd pebble in patches. The bathing waters in Sandown are shallow and safe for swimming.
Ryde is renowned for its collection of quirky independent shops, which stretch from the Seafront all the way to the centre of town. In the evening there are plenty of bars and restaurants within the centre of town, including some quieter establishments on the ouskirts near Appley Beach. Ryde is famous for its long stretches of sandy beach, which run from the Victorian Pier, all the way to Puckpool Park. The sandy shallow waters make the beach a great spot for children, with the safe bathing water. Along the seafront, you'll also see amusements, a boating lake, swimming pool, bowling alley and a couple of children's playgrounds.
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Ryde
27 locals raden deze aan
Ryde is renowned for its collection of quirky independent shops, which stretch from the Seafront all the way to the centre of town. In the evening there are plenty of bars and restaurants within the centre of town, including some quieter establishments on the ouskirts near Appley Beach. Ryde is famous for its long stretches of sandy beach, which run from the Victorian Pier, all the way to Puckpool Park. The sandy shallow waters make the beach a great spot for children, with the safe bathing water. Along the seafront, you'll also see amusements, a boating lake, swimming pool, bowling alley and a couple of children's playgrounds.

Attraction

A very welcome addition to the West Wight a few years ago, Tapnell Farm has seen extensive expansion to the attraction over the last couple of years with even more planned for 2020, with the inclusion of an outdoor water park. The Farm has multiple areas suitable for all ages, although the main play areas are aimed at young children. The enormous play-barn at the far end of the park, contains a very large haybale climbing area, which includes tunnels and slides. Alongside this you’ll find a climbing wall and trampolines and a fast Zip line for the slightly larger kids. One end of the barn opens onto a tarmacked race circuit for the numerous peddle-cars available to pick up and race. The centre of the farm hosts a multitude of animals to see and touch, including some more exotic species as well as plenty of farmyard favourites such as pigs, lambs, donkeys, etc. There are regular feeding and interactive events taking place daily. Outside, the growing collections of attractions includes, climbing frames, sledge runs, jumping pillows and more animals to see, including Wallabies and Meercats. On the far side of the large central Café / picnic area, you’ll find the indoor soft-play area, which is always lively. This large open space and climbing area is suitable for all ages and there’s even a special area for toddlers. Alongside the soft-play there is an area for riding toy sit-on tractors and building block area. Just outside of the play barn you’ll find The Cow Co Restaurant, which takes pride of place in an old dis-used straw barn. The barn retains its charm, and the rustic feel of the farm and offers a menu teeming with fresh dishes many of which contain ingredients from local producers. Tapnell Farm is open daily, 9-5
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Tapnell Farm Park
Newport Road
113 locals raden deze aan
A very welcome addition to the West Wight a few years ago, Tapnell Farm has seen extensive expansion to the attraction over the last couple of years with even more planned for 2020, with the inclusion of an outdoor water park. The Farm has multiple areas suitable for all ages, although the main play areas are aimed at young children. The enormous play-barn at the far end of the park, contains a very large haybale climbing area, which includes tunnels and slides. Alongside this you’ll find a climbing wall and trampolines and a fast Zip line for the slightly larger kids. One end of the barn opens onto a tarmacked race circuit for the numerous peddle-cars available to pick up and race. The centre of the farm hosts a multitude of animals to see and touch, including some more exotic species as well as plenty of farmyard favourites such as pigs, lambs, donkeys, etc. There are regular feeding and interactive events taking place daily. Outside, the growing collections of attractions includes, climbing frames, sledge runs, jumping pillows and more animals to see, including Wallabies and Meercats. On the far side of the large central Café / picnic area, you’ll find the indoor soft-play area, which is always lively. This large open space and climbing area is suitable for all ages and there’s even a special area for toddlers. Alongside the soft-play there is an area for riding toy sit-on tractors and building block area. Just outside of the play barn you’ll find The Cow Co Restaurant, which takes pride of place in an old dis-used straw barn. The barn retains its charm, and the rustic feel of the farm and offers a menu teeming with fresh dishes many of which contain ingredients from local producers. Tapnell Farm is open daily, 9-5
On the north East Coast of the Island, just a short hop from the Red Funnel Car Ferry, you’ll find the palatial holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, at Osborne House in Whippingham. Osborne was built by Thomas Cubitt in the mid 1800's, Osborne House became Queen Victoria's beloved country getaway on the Isle of Wight and is an English Heritage site. The House and gardens are open to the public all year round, and you can enjoy a guided tour of the house which is filled with original furnishings and priceless artworks, and get a real insight into royal family life 200 years ago. Wander through the many acres of beautiful gardens, a private bathing beach, private apartments and guided walks, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. The private beach at Osborne has been opened to the public for all to enjoy, and on display is the fully restored bathing machine Queen Victoria used to protect her modesty whilst taking a dip.
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Osborne House Osborne House Estate
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On the north East Coast of the Island, just a short hop from the Red Funnel Car Ferry, you’ll find the palatial holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, at Osborne House in Whippingham. Osborne was built by Thomas Cubitt in the mid 1800's, Osborne House became Queen Victoria's beloved country getaway on the Isle of Wight and is an English Heritage site. The House and gardens are open to the public all year round, and you can enjoy a guided tour of the house which is filled with original furnishings and priceless artworks, and get a real insight into royal family life 200 years ago. Wander through the many acres of beautiful gardens, a private bathing beach, private apartments and guided walks, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. The private beach at Osborne has been opened to the public for all to enjoy, and on display is the fully restored bathing machine Queen Victoria used to protect her modesty whilst taking a dip.

Food scene

At the end of a bustling pedestrianised street, amongst a variety of independent shops, ‘Coast’ sits conveniently on the edge of the High Street. The Restaurant and Bar is open from 9am till Midnight 7 days a week in the summer and is always busy with locals and visitors. The Restaurant has a very rustic look with exposed brickwork, mixed with quirky features. The recently expanded part of the restaurant features a traditional stone Pizza oven which is roaring day and night. The menu is often updated and contains predominantly locally sourced seasonal dishes, as well as the excellent aforementioned Pizzas. It’s a great place for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, with a great choice of dishes whatever the time of day. Because of it’s position on the high street, which is always busy in the summer, it’s a great spot for people watching whilst enjoying a coffee and watching the world go by.
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The Coast Bar & Dining Room
14-15 Shooters Hill
69 locals raden deze aan
At the end of a bustling pedestrianised street, amongst a variety of independent shops, ‘Coast’ sits conveniently on the edge of the High Street. The Restaurant and Bar is open from 9am till Midnight 7 days a week in the summer and is always busy with locals and visitors. The Restaurant has a very rustic look with exposed brickwork, mixed with quirky features. The recently expanded part of the restaurant features a traditional stone Pizza oven which is roaring day and night. The menu is often updated and contains predominantly locally sourced seasonal dishes, as well as the excellent aforementioned Pizzas. It’s a great place for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, with a great choice of dishes whatever the time of day. Because of it’s position on the high street, which is always busy in the summer, it’s a great spot for people watching whilst enjoying a coffee and watching the world go by.
A hidden Gem, known mostly to visiting yachtsman and everyone across the Solent in Lymington. The Hut sits on the Waters edge at Colwell Bay with uninterrupted views of the turquoise Sea at Colwell bay, and out across the Solent to Hurst Castle. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Bournemouth. The Restaurant has become incredibly popular with visiting yachts and pleasure boats, due to the ease of getting ashore from anchorage in the Bay, with a little help of the water taxi the Restaurant provides to get people ashore and back again. Due to its popularity, booking a table is recommend and if you’re not arriving by Yacht, you’ll find getting to the Hut very easy and there is a large public car park a few yards away on Colwell Chine Road. The Hut serves an excellent selection of Seafood, most of which is caught and landed locally. In the summer, it’s a great spot to stop for lunch or a drink on one of the waterfront booths. There are popular footpaths running along the seawall in both directions, so if you’re out for a long walk along the coast, plan a stop off at the Hut and you won’t be disappointed. For larger groups, the upstairs terrace can be booked for private dining. Ideal for a family gathering, Birthday or Wedding group.
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The Hut
Colwell Chine Road
104 locals raden deze aan
A hidden Gem, known mostly to visiting yachtsman and everyone across the Solent in Lymington. The Hut sits on the Waters edge at Colwell Bay with uninterrupted views of the turquoise Sea at Colwell bay, and out across the Solent to Hurst Castle. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Bournemouth. The Restaurant has become incredibly popular with visiting yachts and pleasure boats, due to the ease of getting ashore from anchorage in the Bay, with a little help of the water taxi the Restaurant provides to get people ashore and back again. Due to its popularity, booking a table is recommend and if you’re not arriving by Yacht, you’ll find getting to the Hut very easy and there is a large public car park a few yards away on Colwell Chine Road. The Hut serves an excellent selection of Seafood, most of which is caught and landed locally. In the summer, it’s a great spot to stop for lunch or a drink on one of the waterfront booths. There are popular footpaths running along the seawall in both directions, so if you’re out for a long walk along the coast, plan a stop off at the Hut and you won’t be disappointed. For larger groups, the upstairs terrace can be booked for private dining. Ideal for a family gathering, Birthday or Wedding group.