Isle of Wight Vacation Rentals

The Isle of Wight has had a lot of visitors: after the dinosaurs, who walked there millions of years ago, plenty of notable figures have sailed across the Solent to relax, recuperate and generally have a good time.

If the Isle of Wight’s scenery and starry skies don’t already draw you in, take a look at the impressive list of famous writers, authors, and royals who have visited the retreat. Admittedly, Charles I, who was imprisoned there in Carisbrooke Castle, may not have had such a whale of a time. But, in general, visitors to Isle of Wight holiday lettings have long been charmed by the island’s haven-like feel, its natural beauty, and its many attractions.

How to get to the Isle of Wight

The island is a 10- to 40-minute boat ride away from the mainland: where you travel and how fast is up to you. Foot passengers can hovercraft across (Southsea to Ryde), ferry across with Wightlink (Portsmouth-Ryde), take the Red Funnel (Southampton-West Cowed), or join the slightly longer car ferries. These leave with Wightlink (Portsmouth-Fishbourne) and the one-hour Red Funnel service (Southampton-East Cowes).

With a wide range of Isle of Wight holiday homes available, you can choose to be in the towns, coastal areas, and remote countryside. It's a good idea to check the island’s Southern Vectis bus service information before you book your Isle of Wight holiday letting - the island has extensive bus coverage, but you should make sure you'll be able to get to your holiday home by bus ahead of time. Alternatively, you may prefer to reach your secluded retreat by car, which you can hire or bring along on the ferry.

Crab on chips: what to eat on the Isle of Wight

There are plenty of self-catering holiday lettings available, so cooking in your own cosy Isle of Wight holiday cottage will be easy, whether you are barbecuing outside or firing up the oven. Try local farm shops for supplies: Briddlesford Lodge for ‘Buttercup Milk’ and cheese, Farmer Jack’s for continental meats and pies, and Brownrigg’s Farm for hog roasts and pickles.

Stay on the beach (Ventnor Haven Fishery) or head inland (Seafood Corner) to sample crab on chips – seemingly the island’s unofficial dish – before you leave.

Isle of Wight attractions: from dinosaurs to rockets

Wherever you stay, your Isle of Wight holiday home is sure to be near a piece of history either millions of years, or decades, old. Animals and people alike have left their mark across the island. The dinosaurs came first, leaving us fossilised footprints at Hanover Point and fossilised remains along the western coast. To learn about them, get transported back in time at Dinosaur Isle at Sandown, or join one of the number of organised tours along the beach.

The Stone Agers - or, if you’d prefer, the Devil and St. Catherine - were responsible for The Longstone, followed by the Romans (Brading Roman Villa), and then by a medieval man who stole monks’ wine and built the ’Pepperpot’ as atonement.

After Henry VIII built Yarmouth Castle, which offers picturesque views of the Solent, an unwilling Charles I stayed in Carisbrooke Castle, just outside Newport. Today, the partial ruins of the medieval castle offers wall walks, museum displays, and the rather interesting spectacle of watching donkeys draw water from a well.

Despite being just across the Solent in East Cowes, Queen Victoria’s family revelled in the privacy of Osbourne House, which combines beautiful interiors with insights into their family life. To blast back into the modern world, visit the Needles Old Battery and New Battery to learn about secret rockets and admire its sea views.

Natural attractions on the Isle of Wight: down on the beach and up in the sky

Beaches will be within easy reach of your Isle of Wight holiday letting, whether you are camped right on the coast or in a country cottage. The sandy beaches of Ventnor and Shanklin to the east are perhaps the most family-friendly.

The multi-coloured sand of Alum Bay at The Needles - Landmark Attraction is also a must. The park’s 4D cinema, Sand Shop, and water activities are sure to keep you occupied for some time: to reach Alum Bay take the stairs or chairlift, and take either a relaxing pleasure cruise or exhilarating high speed boat to see the Needles up close. For a higher vantage point, reach one of the three viewing points at The Needles Old Battery, or board the open top double-decker Needles Breezer bus.

Everywhere is walking country here, but the western coast is particularly scenic: brush up on Tennyson’s poems before embarking on the Tennyson Trail and head to Freshwater Bay.

Look out for red squirrels in Parkhurst Forest, walk with West Wight Alpacas, get up close with vultures (Appledurcombe House) and falcons (Haven Falconry), or ride a horse along the beach before heading back to your Isle of Wight holiday cottage to relax.

Top things to do on the Isle of Wight

Monkey Haven in Newport

The Monkey Haven is an award-winning sanctuary for gibbons, lemurs and eagle-owls, offering marmoset encounters and informative talks. You can also relax in the lovely tea room and gift shop.

Godshill Model Village

This charming attraction features models of Godshill and Shanklin Old Villages as they were in the past, including model trains. Round your visit off with a walk through the delightful gardens that surround the site.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Located between Ventnor and Shanklin, this sanctuary provides a home for abandoned donkeys, horses and ponies. By visiting, you are supporting the great work done here.

Osborne House

This former summer retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert has numerous exquisite interiors to explore, as well as pristine gardens and special children's attractions.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Popular with adults and children alike, this heritage railway runs through 8.9 km of unspoiled countryside, from Wootton to Smallbrook Junction.

Frequently Asked Questions