Isle of Wight

Cowes and East Cowes face each other across the Medina estuary, their sailing heritage still evident in the crowded marinas, while Ryde offers a lively seafront with its long pier and sandy beach. Yarmouth, on the western side, keeps a quieter harbour feel, close to Freshwater with its coastal walks towards the cliffs, and Brighstone and Chale further along the south-west coast suit those wanting village life away from the crowds.

Sandown and Shanklin form the island's classic seaside resorts, with sweeping beaches and traditional entertainment, while Ventnor's terraced streets climb a dramatic hillside above a more secluded bay. Inland, Brading offers a glimpse of older island history, and Bembridge combines a working harbour with a relaxed coastal pace, rounding out a mix of towns suited to both busy family holidays and calmer retreats.

The Isle of Wight has long catered to seaside holidaymakers, and its hotels and B&Bs reflect that heritage, from grand Victorian guest houses to small family-run rooms just streets from the beach. Ryde and Shanklin hold the biggest concentrations, with Shanklin's clifftop setting drawing places like Haven Hall Hotel and Foxhills of Shanklin, while Ryde's town and seafront mix offers options such as St Georges House and The Miclaran.

Beyond these two towns, smaller guest houses and B&Bs are scattered across the island, useful for those basing themselves near a particular walk, beach or attraction rather than a main resort. The Birkdale Guest House, Martlets B&B, Osborne Lodge and Ivy Hall give a sense of the range, mostly modest in size and often close to the coast. Choosing between them usually comes down to whether you want to be within walking distance of a promenade and amenities, or prefer a quieter spot inland or in a smaller village.

The Isle of Wight packs a wide range of days out into a small space, from coastal heritage sites to activity centres built around the island's cliffs, farmland and water. Bembridge alone offers a good example of that mix, with its Lifeboat Station and Heritage Centre sitting close to family farm attractions like Tapnell Farm further west.

Outdoor pursuits are well represented too, with Goodleaf Tree Climbing, the Butterfly Paragliding School and Wight Karting appealing to visitors after something more active, while Sallys Riding School and the Donkey Sanctuary suit those travelling with children or animal lovers of any age. Smaller museums, such as Brighstone Village Museum, add a quieter, local angle.

Given the spread across Cowes, Ryde, Ventnor, Yarmouth and beyond, it is worth grouping choices by area to cut down on travel, since the island's roads are rarely fast even over short distances. Coastal towns tend to combine attractions with beaches and harbours, making it easy to build a full day around one base.

The Isle of Wight's eating and drinking scene runs from beach cafés and old-fashioned tearooms to tandoori houses and Thai kitchens, with plenty of pubs that have been serving the same seafront or village green for generations. Sandown has a good spread of casual spots for after-beach food, while smaller places around Northwood and the wider island tend towards local pubs and cafés with a slower pace.

What suits you often depends on where you're staying and whether you want a proper sit-down meal or something quick between attractions. Places like Tradewinds Beach Cafe or Safe Harbour Cafe work well for a coastal lunch, while Cardinals, Bahar Tandoori or Khao Yai Thai Restaurant offer a change of pace in the evening. Country pubs and tearooms such as The Old World Tearooms or Freshwater Bay House suit a longer, unhurried stop, and it's worth booking ahead in summer when island towns get busy.

The Isle of Wight has been a caravanning and camping favourite for generations, and its 62 sites here range from simple farm pitches to well-equipped glamping stays. Places like Kingates Farm, Pigsty Farm and Sibbecks Farm keep things rural and low-key, while newer arrivals such as The Ark Park and Camp Corve lean towards yurts, shepherd's huts and pre-erected tents for those who'd rather not put up a tent themselves.

Location matters more than most people expect on an island this size. Coastal spots put you within easy reach of beaches and the ferry ports, while inland farms around the Downs, such as Springfield Oaks or Kingston Smallholding Goat Farm Campsite, offer quieter surroundings and often some contact with animals or a working smallholding. Windmill Campersite suits those touring by camper van rather than settling for a week.

Families tend to gravitate towards sites with space to roam and a bit of activity nearby, while couples after something different might prefer Glamping at Island Riding Centre or Rusty Meadow for their more individual settings. Given the spread across the island, it's worth thinking about which coast or town you want as a base before booking.

The Isle of Wight has long been a self-catering island, with cottages spread right around the coast and inland through villages and farmland. Places like Seaport Cottage or No 7 North suit those wanting to be within walking distance of harbours and beaches, while others sit further inland for a quieter base with easier access to the whole island by car.

The range runs from traditional stone cottages such as Whitestones or Bodwen Corner Cottage to apartments like Reef Apartments - Dory and more unusual stays, including yurts at Kids Love Yurts - Robin. With 342 properties across the island, it's worth thinking about which coast suits your plans, as the Solent shore and the more exposed south differ considerably in character.