Places to visit in East Isle of Wight

Before you discover the top places to visit in East Isle of Wight, start your adventure with breakfast at No64 Ryde. Enjoy barista-brewed coffee, home-cooked omelettes and freshly baked cakes in a cosy cottage-core atmosphere; it’s popular with locals and visitors alike, so booking a table is recommended.

Enjoy views of the rolling hills and beautiful coastline of East Wight as Victorian holidaymakers did – by steam train! The 10-mile heritage line that makes up the Isle of Wight Steam Railway starts from Havenstreet Station (take a cab or drive there as there are no buses) and features a museum and twice-daily falconry display while you wait. One of the best places to visit in East Isle of Wight.

Step back in time at the historic homestead of Brading Roman Villa, overlooking Sandown Bay. Marvel at the Medusa mosaic (which is said to ward off bad spirits), and explore ancient artefacts such as pottery, games and jewellery. Afterwards, tuck into coffee and cake at the onsite café, with panoramic countryside views.

Check into the clifftop Luccombe Hall Hotel overlooking Shanklin Chine, which offers stunning sea-view rooms, afternoon teas and plenty of ways to relax. Why not try a sauna and hot tub dip before heading out for dinner, or sip a classic cocktail while exploring the gardens? It also hosts murder mystery and comedy-themed weekends throughout the year.

A must-visit for seafood lovers, The Steamer Inn is one of the top foodie places to visit in East Isle of Wight. Only a 19-minute walk from Luccombe Hall Hotel, this nautical-themed pub is located on the Shanklin Esplanade and champions local produce where possible – try its hearty Seafood Chowder, which is chock-full of the catch of the day.

Start your final day of adventure with a leisurely breakfast at the award-winning Blueberrys Café. This popular local spot is known for its panoramic coastal views and delicious homemade food – and you can buy freshly baked cakes, pastries, and sweet treats for later too.

Keep your camera to hand when exploring Shanklin, its old village is one of the prettiest places to visit in East Isle of Wight. Among the quaint thatched cottages and winding streets you’ll find quirky independent gift shops and cafés serving traditional cream teas – such as the 18th-century Laburnum Cottage Tea Room. Afterwards, explore Shanklin Chine, a wild woodland ravine which leads down to the beach.

Looking for unique places to visit in East Isle of Wight? Garlic fans will be in their element at The Garlic Farm in Merstone. It’s known for its eclectic menu (garlic ice cream or beer, anybody?) and popular annual summer festival, plus you can pick relishes elephant and black bulbs and smoked garlic to experiment with at home, and even garden bulbs to produce your own supply.

A must-visit for animal lovers, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has been caring for unwanted and abandoned donkeys since 1984. You can walk beside the sanctuary paddocks or take part in feeding, mucking out and cuddling the donkeys. And if you’ve fallen in love with them, you can even adopt a donkey (sorry, you can’t take them home), to help ensure they have the retirement they deserve.

End your day with dinner at Pendletons, located in the heart of Shanklin. It serves fresh, locally sourced English and European dishes like vegetarian “scarecrow pie” and beef bourguignon alongside a wide selection of wines and Island-brewed beers.

Vintage lovers and bargain hunters, rejoice! Ventnor is chock-full of quirky independent and second-hand shops, and is one of the top places to visit in East Isle of Wight. For one-of-a-kind statement jewellery made from beachcombed bits and pieces, check out Artemis and the Mermaid. Music collectors should head to Reggie’s Retro for classic LPs, while Absinthe Vintage is a hotspot for pre-loved dresses and accessories.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, drop your shopping at the car and take a stroll west one mile along the coast to the Crab Shed. It’s famous for its seafood pasties and mackerel ciabattas, so lunch at this beachside gem is strictly first-come, first-served. Make sure you check its Facebook page beforehand, as it may close in bad weather.

Looking for unique places to visit in East Isle of Wight? Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach lies Ventnor Botanical Gardens, the sub-tropical haven known as “Britain’s Hottest Garden”. Its sheltered location and mild climate enable its exotic plants to thrive – including sweet-scented magnolias and giant echiums, which are usually spotted in Africa and Asia. Wander the gardens or seek inner peace in one of the popular wellbeing classes.

If you’ve fallen in love with this sub-tropical paradise, there’s no need to leave at the end of the day! Ventnor Botanical Gardens has several self-catering accommodation options. Stay in Signal Point, a lovingly restored Victorian cottage, or opt for a cosy cabin for a romantic stay; all feature spectacular views of the gardens and coast, and special out-of-hours access to enjoy the gardens in solitude.

Work up your appetite on the mile-long stroll back to Ventnor, then dine out in Mediterranean style at Cantina. It’s small and welcoming, and advance booking is essential. The menu showcases European and North African cuisine, including crab empanadas, seabass and sourdough garlic bread, plus cocktails such as chocolate-orange espresso martinis.