Isle of Wight holiday recommendations please?

April 5, 2011 3:22 AM

Recommendations for a two night break in the Isle of Wight (UK)?

Tips on hotels, restaurants, things to see, ferry crossings etc. gratefully received.

My wife and I, travelling by car, wanting a relaxing time.

Thanks

posted by mairuzu to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (2 answers total)

I don't know if loving the Isle of Wight is totally weird, but I have awesome memories of being there several years ago. We went from Lymington to Yarmouth, stayed in that area, and then we went to Alum Bay and just hiked around looking at sheep and other stuff. We also went to Osbourne House (which I probably just misspelled). I just remember it being a very relaxing trip with lots of buses and hiking.

We eventually left the island via Ryde, which seemed like a tourist hell. I was there for only a few hours so I don't know anything about it, but the other side of the island was lovely.
posted by Medieval Maven at 6:08 AM on April 5, 2011

The island is rather old-fashioned but (mostly) extremely charming. Ryde isn't quite tourist hell, but it's much more kiss-me-quick and candyfloss than places like Cowes and Yarmouth, which have yacht marinas and therefore money. A little gem on the north-east coast is Seaview. The Seaview Hotel is quite highly rated (although I haven't stayed there). Further round the coast in Ventnor is The Hambrough, again very highly rated for food and accommodation and about as smart as the east coast gets. If you head inland you can stay at one of Vintage Vacations' refurbished Airstreams.
posted by jonathanbell at 8:37 AM on April 5, 2011