7 days on Isle of Wight
A land where stories come to life…
Explore the Isle of Wight in a week, where every corner reveals a new story of adventure, beauty, and history.
A Perfect Blend of Attractions, Dining, and Relaxation
Explore the best of the Isle of Wight with this 7-day itinerary. From beautiful beaches and fascinating attractions to dining in top Isle of Wight restaurants, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable stay on the Island.
DAY 1 – VENTNOR: Discover Charming Seaside Villages and Beautiful Gardens
MORNING: Visit Ventnor Botanic Garden
Start your Isle of Wight adventure in Ventnor, a charming seaside town known for its mild climate and lush gardens. Begin with a visit to Ventnor Botanic Garden, which boasts an impressive collection of subtropical plants. Stroll through the themed gardens and enjoy the peaceful environment.
AFTERNOON: Explore Steephill Cove
After spending the morning at the gardens, head down to Steephill Cove, a picturesque, secluded beach just a short walk from Ventnor. The beach is perfect for relaxing or enjoying a peaceful swim. The Steephill Cove Café serves freshly prepared seafood and other local dishes, making it an excellent spot for a light lunch by the sea.
EVENING: Dinner at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor
For an elegant dinner, enjoy a meal at The Royal Hotel in Ventnor. This hotel is renowned for its refined dining and stunning sea views. The menu features a range of locally sourced dishes, including fresh seafood from the surrounding waters.
Other Dining Options in Ventnor
- The Spyglass Inn – A popular waterfront pub offering hearty island dishes and fresh seafood. Located on the Ventnor seafront, it’s perfect for a relaxed meal with views of the beach.
- The Bistro – A relaxed dining spot in Ventnor, offering a variety of British and Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with fresh, seasonal produce.
DAY 2 – SHANKLIN & SANDOWN: Traditional Seaside Fun and Scenic Views
MORNING: Spend Time at Sandown Beach
On Day 2, head to Sandown, one of the Island’s most family-friendly beach destinations. With its wide, sandy beach and gentle slope into the sea, it’s ideal for swimming and relaxing by the shore. After your beach visit, explore Dinosaur Isle, a fascinating museum that brings the Island’s prehistoric past to life, making it perfect for families.
AFTERNOON: Explore Shanklin Old Village
After enjoying the beach, make your way to Shanklin, a traditional seaside resort. Visit Shanklin Old Village, known for its charming thatched cottages and quaint tea rooms. Take a walk through Shanklin Chine, a beautiful gorge filled with lush vegetation and a waterfall. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for a relaxing stroll and photography.
EVENING: Dinner at The Crab, Shanklin
For a cosy dinner, head to The Crab in Shanklin. This traditional pub serves classic British dishes and is a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Other Dining Options near Shanklin & Sandown
- Crown & Bear – Offers affordable, quality food and drink made from local produce. Enjoy fond classics with a modern twist and Sunday roasts.
- Fisherman’s Cottage Inn – A popular spot for fresh fish and chips, perfect for a casual and satisfying meal on the seafront.
DAY 3 – COWES & GURNARD: Sailing, Views, and Dining by the Water
MORNING: Coffee and Boutiques in Cowes
Begin your day in Cowes, a world-renowned sailing destination. Grab a coffee from PO41 Coffee House and explore the independent boutiques that line the high street. Cowes is known for its unique shops, perfect for picking up local art, gifts, and nautical treasures.
AFTERNOON: Walk the Cowes Esplanade & Enjoy Solent Views
Take a stroll along the Cowes Esplanade, offering stunning views of the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Solent. Watch the boats sail by or consider joining a sailing experience at one of Cowes’ sailing schools. Don’t miss the Mermaid Bronze Statue, a beautiful waterfront landmark.
EVENING: Dinner at The Garden, Cowes
Located in the heart of Cowes, The Garden offers a refined selection of dishes 7 days a week. The extensive drinks menu features everything from expertly crafted barista coffee to signature in-house cocktails. Set within a walled garden, The Garden Cowes is a suntrap in the summer, heated and covered in the winter, offering alfresco dining all year round.
Other Dining Options in Cowes
- Smoking Lobster Cowes – A fantastic eatery offering fresh Japanese and other Asian dishes with an extensive drinks selection.
DAY 4 – EAST COWES & OSBORNE HOUSE: Royal History and Seaside Views
MORNING: Visit Osborne House
Start your day at Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s iconic family residence. Tour the beautifully restored rooms, gardens, and the Swiss Cottage, where the royal children spent their time.
AFTERNOON: Visit East Cowes
Cross the River Medina to East Cowes and enjoy a stroll along the scenic promenade. From this quiet marina town, you can take in views of Cowes and the Solent.
EVENING: Dinner at The Cow Restaurant & Bar, Tapnell Farm
For a family-friendly dining experience, head to The Cow Restaurant & Bar at Tapnell Farm, Yarmouth. Known for its award-winning burgers and locally sourced dishes, this restaurant is perfect for a delicious meal.
Other Dining Options in East Cowes
- The Lifeboat (East Cowes) – A friendly, welcoming pub serving classic British dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. A huge favourite for yachters visiting in the summer, it offers one of the best riverside dining experiences on the Island.
DAY 5 – THE NEEDLES & ALUM BAY: Iconic Landmarks, Blackgang Chine, and Beachfront Dining
MORNING: Explore The Needles
Start your day at The Needles, the Island’s most famous landmark. Take a boat trip for an up-close view of the iconic chalk stacks, or visit the Needles Battery to learn about its fascinating military history.
AFTERNOON: Visit Blackgang Chine & Alum Bay
After visiting The Needles, head to Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest amusement park. This family-friendly attraction offers a fun mix of rides, themed areas, and incredible views. It’s perfect for families with children and those seeking a whimsical adventure.
Following your visit to Blackgang Chine, head to Alum Bay, where you can take the chairlift down to the beach for stunning views. Stop by the Glasswork Factory to see local artisans create beautiful glass art or explore the area’s famous multi-coloured sands.
EVENING: Dinner at The Hut, Alum Bay
A quintessentially English “beach hut” style restaurant, The Hut combines an unrivalled passion for high-quality, seasonal food with a relaxed yet stylish environment. MICHELIN-awarded, The Hut offers exciting beachside dining, blending culinary classics with innovative ideas.
Other Dining Options in Alum Bay
- The Waterfront Bar & Restaurant – A cosy restaurant offering fresh British classics with modern twists in a beautiful waterside setting.
DAY 6 – FRESHWATER & WEST WIGHT: Outdoor Adventure and Scenic Views
MORNING: Hike Tennyson Down
Start your day with a scenic hike or cycle up Tennyson Down, which offers some of the best views on the Island. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding areas.
AFTERNOON: Spend Time at Freshwater Bay
After your hike, visit Freshwater Bay, a sheltered cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy a swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the coastline.
EVENING: Dinner at The Red Lion, Freshwater
For a traditional pub dinner, head to The Red Lion in Freshwater. Enjoy hearty dishes made with fresh local ingredients in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Other Dining Options in Freshwater
- The Piano Cafe (Freshwater) – Focuses on good food, great coffee, and live music, perfect for a relaxing experience.
DAY 7 – YARMOUTH: Historic Towns and Seaside Dining
MORNING: Explore Yarmouth Town & Castle
Spend your final day exploring Yarmouth, a historic harbour town. Visit the 16th-century Yarmouth Castle and enjoy wandering through the quaint streets, browsing the unique shops, and relaxing in the lovely cafes.
AFTERNOON: Relax at Colwell Bay
In the afternoon, head to Colwell Bay for a relaxing beach experience. Enjoy the clear waters and take in the scenic views of Hurst Castle.
EVENING: Dinner at The Terrace, Yarmouth
Finish your Isle of Wight adventure with dinner at The Terrace in Yarmouth. A harbour-side restaurant with a Michelin award, it offers views across The Solent. The Terrace is a fun, friendly restaurant that is serious about great service and excellent cooking.
Other Dining Options in Yarmouth
- Off The Rails – An award-winning railway restaurant offering a unique dining experience with various locally sourced dishes.
Where to Stay
Explore Mermaid Holidays properties, offering stunning views and the perfect base to explore the Isle of Wight.
