Why the Isle of Wight?
Queen Victoria made it fashionable in the 19th century. Hollywood royalty is doing the same for it today: Benedict Cumberbatch got married there last week, the couple holding their reception at the National Trust’s Mottistone Manor, bringing the island to the attention of the Heat readership. The island attracts top bands to Bestival and the Isle of Wight festival. Coming up soon is the second Acoustic Isle festival (28 February-8 March), featuring unplugged gigs in pubs, restaurants and on boats.
Where to head?
Ventnor, on the south coast, has a bit of an arts scene. As well as several Acoustic Isle gigs, it hosts the Isle of Arts festival (2-5 May), the Ventnor Fringe and the Isle of Wight Film Festival (both 11-15 August). The art deco Winter Gardens Pavilion is now a theatre and brasserie; the former post office has become the Ventnor Exchange, a theatre, record shop and bar; and a 1920s bank is now Ventnor Arts Club – a members club that visitors can join for £10 a week.
Vintage bathing machines converted into beach huts can be hired on the town beach, and lovely Steephill Cove is a hidden beach reached on foot. The Botanic Garden grows subtropical plants in Ventor’s mellow microclimate. Appuldurcombe House in nearby Wroxall is an English Heritage property and the setting for a forthcoming BBC drama, The Lady in Red. Blackgang Chine, on the edge of Ventnor, claims to be the oldest theme park in the world.
Any decent grub?
Try the crab on chips at posh chippy Ventnor Haven Fishery. The Crab Shed serves seafood pasties and the Boathouse restaurant dishes up the morning’s catch (lunch only). The Winter Gardens serves all-day breakfast, lunch and fancy dinners.
How about a pint?
The Spyglass Inn perches above the western edge of the beach, serves decent ale and has regular live music most nights, not just during the acoustic festival.
Anywhere to stay for under £100?
No24 Ventnor opened last summer as a cafe/cocktail bar with five simple rooms above (doubles from £60, B&B).
Do I need a car?
It’s not essential. Take a ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde, a train (1930s tube carriages!) to Shanklin, then a taxi. Or the No 3 bus goes from Ryde to Ventnor – more at visitisleofwight.co.uk
