What to do in an Isle of Wight Heatwave
Whether you’re a sun worshipper or prefer the solace of the shade, there’s no better place to be during a heatwave than by the sea.
And here on the Isle of Wight, we’re blessed to have 25 magnificent beaches, bays and coves, as well as sunny places to dine alfresco and welcoming accommodation with gorgeous gardens and pools.
We’ve put together some recommendations for the best places to enjoy the sun and take a break from it. Whatever you choose to do, please remember to drink lots of water, wear sun cream and take a hat!
BE BY THE SEA
Yaverland Beach, Sandown
A long stretch of sandy beach within the area of Sandown Bay and overlooked by the dramatic white cliffs of Culver Down, Yaverland offers plenty of space for sunbathing, family time and enjoying calm clear waters on a baking hot day.
This beach is dog-friendly (to the left of the groin) year-round, so every member of the family can enjoy a day cooling off by the sea. You’ll find a slipway and large car park too, making it a great place to take kayaks and paddleboards for exploring the area by water.
And if it all gets too hot on the beach, further along the esplanade you’ll find Sandown Pier offering traditional amusements, candyfloss and fish and chips for a nostalgic British seaside experience.
Appley Beach, Ryde
Beachgoers can enjoy miles of soft white sands on the east of the Island. Stretching from Ryde Harbour along to Puckpool Park, Appley Beach is perfect for buckets and spades and a day lounging under the sun.
At low tide the wet sands at Appley look to go on forever, making it a popular spot for a game of family rounders, races to the sea and paddling in seawater pools warmed in the sun.
Overlooking the beach is Appley Tower, an impressive turret once part of the grand 18th century Appley Towers Estate. With the estate now sadly demolished, the iconic tower now offers a shop of curiosities and lookout point across the Solent.
To the left of Appley Tower, dogs are permitted on the beach year-round, with an area of shaded woodland behind the beach for a welcome break from the heat. You’ll find winding woodland walks through the trees and an expanse of grass, once a golf course, as well as water taps for washing sandy feet and thirsty dogs – plus the chance to explore the ancient Appley canopies with Goodleaf Tree Climbing.
Freshwater Bay, Freshwater
This picturesque pebble beach is situated in the west wight, in an area of ‘National Landscape’ recognised for its outstanding natural beauty. The beach is defined by a dramatic rock formation, Stag Rock, and overlooked by grassy cliff tops and the towering Tennyson Down and monument.
Offering deep waters, Freshwater is popular with paddle boarders, kayakers and snorkelers, with caves to explore and pretty coves only reached by water either side of the bay.
Beachgoers can cool off with an ice cream courtesy of Freshwater Independent Lifeboat at their shop, raising funds for the vital local service. Or stop by the Travelling Tavern, a double decker bus turned bar, for your favourite tipple.
If you find yourself in need of escaping the sun for a while, why not head for a nosey around Farringford Estate, once the family home of poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, up the road or Dimbola Lodge, the nearby home of Victorian portrait photographer Julia Margaret Cameron.
Look out for the life-size bronze statue of Jimi Hendrix in front of Dimbola, commemorating one of the rock legend’s last performances at the Isle of Wight Festival at Afton Down in 1970, before his untimely death later that year.
DINING ALFRESCO & SUNDOWNER SPOTS
The Best Dressed Crab, Bembridge
If you like sun and seafood, you’re in for a treat at The Best Dressed Crab! A floating café at “Fisherman’s Wharf” on Bembridge Harbour with its own fishing boat, this is the place to go for the freshest seafood with a side of sunshine. Choose from delicious doorstop crab sandwiches, prawns, lobster, dressed crab and speciality seafood platters.
Cool off inside the café, or spend time relaxing on a balcony atop the water at this floating restaurant.
Booking at The Best Dressed Crab is essential, and it comes highly recommended by none other than Lord Alan Sugar – “At the Best Dressed Crab restaurant on the Isle of Wight. Reminds me on Key West in Florida. Great crab salad.”
The Hut, Colwell Bay
An iconic Island restaurant, The Hut overlooks the idyllic Colwell Bay, serving up delicious food and breathtaking views with a side of party atmosphere.
The go-to place for Whispering Angel or Aperol Spritz alongside a ‘Plateau de fruit de Mar’, at The Hut you’re guaranteed front row seats for a dramatic sunset every evening – making it THE spot for sundown drinks.
The sort of place you might stop by for lunch and still be there by dinner, The Hut offers a pickup service courtesy of their own “Hut Truck” from nearby Yarmouth, which has regular bus connections back to Newport or Freshwater.
Spending a day on the water? The Hut has its own moorings and RIB transfer service for guests arriving by yacht or motorboat. And should it be an option for you, you can even arrange arrival by helicopter (bring your own heli).
The Terrace, Yarmouth
The clue is in the name with this one, a stylish harbourside restaurant with unrivalled waterfront views, The Terrace offers a large, raised terrace area for alfresco dining with a beautiful sea view.
From coffee and a croissant with a side of salty sea air to start your day, through to refined dining under the stars on a balmy night, you’ll soon forget you’re in the UK dining at this bona fide sun trap serving up the taste of summer.
For chilly evenings, The Terrace offers a series of bouji glass pods for you and your party, for dining alfresco in comfort.
The Crab & Lobster Inn
A landmark pub on the most easterly point of the Island, The Crab & Lobster specialise in great seafood by the sea. Relax on a large sun terrace to the front of the pub, offering panoramic views across Bembridge Ledge towards the horizon.
This traditional olde worlde pub is the perfect spot for a crisp glass of locally distilled Mermaid Gin & Tonic, fresh seafood or succulent meats from the local village butcher Woodfords – famed for making ‘the best sausage roll in the world’ as declared by TV chef James Martin!
From the front door of the pub, you’ll find footpaths to the beach and to follow the coastal path towards Sandown or St Helen’s. Dogs are welcome inside and out.
The Aperol Garden, Cowes
In the centre of the bustling sailing town of Cowes, you’ll find a hidden alfresco waterfront bar in a vision of orange and white – specialising in vibrant Aperol creations.
Feel transported to the sunny climes of Italy, sitting with views of the sea beneath the warm Island sun, with a resident house DJ bringing the sundowner vibes.
Hungry? Enjoy a range of mouth-watering authentic Italian pizza options alongside your spritz. A must-visit for lovers of Aperol, sun, sea and summer!
STAY SOMEWHERE WITH A POOL
Book any of the accommodation options below with Red Funnel Holidays and save 25% on your ferry travel to the Isle of Wight!
Luccombe Hall Hotel, Shanklin
A clifftop hotel with panoramic views out to sea, enjoy a comfortable stay at this award-winning coastal hotel above Shanklin Beach.
As well as being a stone’s throw from the sea, Luccombe Hall also offers a heated outdoor pool and hot tub in the pretty gardens for taking a dip, along with an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna – if you’re not quite warm enough!
The Royal Hotel, Ventnor
A grand Victorian hotel once visited by Queen Victoria herself, The Royal offers timeless luxury by the sea.
To the front of the hotel, you’ll find beautiful English gardens in full bloom, a truly idyllic spot for basking in the sun or enjoying a sumptuous Afternoon Tea.
And if the Mediterranean temperatures get too much (thanks to Ventnor being at the heart of the Island’s microclimate), there’s a sparkling turquoise outdoor pool for taking a dip!
The Brunswick Hotel, Shanklin
A beautiful family and pet friendly hotel with breath-taking sea views across the channel, The Brunswick is the ultimate summer retreat for those looking for a bit of sun, or a place to escape the heat of the city.
Relax in The Brunswick’s peaceful gardens nose deep in a book, or take a dip in a choice of indoor or outdoor pool to cool off. Just a short walk from the beach too, The Brunswick offers a plethora of ways to catch rays or embark on a coolcation this summer.
