A WEEKEND OF CULTURE

Stop 1: Osborne, East Cowes

For our first morning out, head for perhaps the Isle of Wight's most famous historic attraction. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with the Osborne estate, with its long grounds heading down to the private beach. You'll soon fall for its charms, with its Italian style architecture, Swiss Cottage and walled gardens.

The Queen's role as Empress of India is apparent in the Durbar Room, which was designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father, Lockwood Kipling.

Getting there:
The journey from our ferry terminal in East Cowes to Osborne is easy, just a short five-minute drive or bus ride on Southern Vectis route 4 or 5 leaving from outside Waitrose. Or you can walk, taking around 30 minutes. 

For lunch, pop into Newport, which is the Island's county town. Newport is the home of the Quay Arts Cafe, where you can enjoy a light bite whilst overlooking the River Medina.

Take a little time to visit the Quay Arts' two galleries, which have a busy schedule of exhibitions. The larger gallery is the West Gallery, which has displayed works by Turner Prize winners and artists in residence. The smaller gallery is the Clayden Gallery where local artists and students show off their work, much of which is available to purchase.

Getting there:
Arriving in Newport from Osborne House couldn’t be simpler. The drive will take you 20 minutes, or you can hop aboard the number 5 bus from outside of the estate gates to arrive at Newport Bus Station– it’s just a short onward walk from the station to Quay Arts. 

In the afternoon or evening, catch a show at Shanklin Theatre. This 600 seat venue welcomes a mix of touring celebrities on the national circuit as well as local talent. Keep an eye out for shows from the Island's home-grown musical theatre groups, such as the Savoyards. Their dedicated team of local volunteers and performers have been putting on shows at Shanklin Theatre since the 1970s and regularly sell out several nights. Recent performances have included Legally Blonde and The Sound of Music.

The Victorian theatre also holds tours where you can hear about its history.

Getting there:
Driving from Newport to Shanklin Theatre will take around 25 minutes, passing through open countryside and pretty villages until you reach Shanklin on the coast. From Newport Bus Station you’ll need to board the number 2 bus to Ryde via Shanklin, which will take around 40 minutes but with excellent views of the Island from the top deck. 

Stop 1: Farringford, Freshwater Bay

Our first stop on our second day is at Farringford Historic House and Gardens, the former home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

The Poet Laureate made the West Wight village of Freshwater his home in the 1850s, prompting much interest from fans of his work and encouraging many to visit the Island for the first time. Over the years, his home has had a number of lives, including some time as a hotel after the Second World War. It has now been restored in a late 19th century style that would have been very familiar to Tennyson. The owners have also spent much time authentically restoring the walled garden, using notes and pictures from friends of Tennyson.

Farringford is nestled beneath Tennyson Downs, home to the impressive Tennyson Monument. If you enjoy walking and a challenge, the walk up the steep hill to the monument is worth it if you have time, with spectacular views out to sea and across the Island.

Getting there:
It takes around 50 minutes to drive from the east to west across the Island, so be sure to plan your route from wherever you are staying to reach the west Wight and Farringford. Travelling to Freshwater by bus, you’ll need the number 7 or 12 from Newport Bus Station which takes 45 minutes, with a short 10-minute walk to the estate. 

For lunch, take your pick from one of Freshwater Bay's excellent cafes. Light lunches are available at the Piano Cafe, which is the former home of Queen Victoria's piano tuner. It now specialises in live music and dishes with a Greek influence.

Alternatively, try the cafe at Dimbola Museum, once home to Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. At Dimbola you’ll find exhibitions and a tearoom where paninis, sandwiches and soup are popular choices. There is plenty of outside seating for sunny days and the beach is only a short walk away. 

For the afternoon, explore Dimbola Museum and learn more about its past life as home to Julia Margaret Cameron, and the place-to-be amongst Victorian artists.

Cameron was a renowned entrepreneurial and creative photographer recognised for her unique portrait style. She was the chosen portrait photograph for celebrated figures of the day, shooting portraits of her Freshwater neighbour Alfred Lord Tennyson, as well as Charles Darwin who travelled to the Island to have his portrait taken. The image of Darwin was later used on the back of a £10 note.

Alongside it’s photographic and art exhibitions, Dimbola also tells the story of the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, when hundreds of thousands of music fans came to see the biggest names of the day. The event was held just down the road in Afton and included performances from the likes of Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and Leonard Cohen.

Complete your visit with a photograph with the Jimi Hendrix statue that stands proudly outside the front of Dimbola. And look out for the original William Morris décor inside.

Getting there:
You’ll find Dimbola Lodge both a short walk and drive away from Farringford, situated just above Freshwater Bay with great views across the sea and iconic rock formations in the bay. 

For fine dining in a cosy pub setting, try The Red Lion in the village of Freshwater.

A short drive away to neighbouring harbour town of Yarmouth, you’ll find relaxed dining at olde world pubs The King’s Head and The Bugle Coaching Inn, as well as a fine dining offering at The Terrace and Italian food at Salty’s. There’s often live music in venues in the town on a Friday and Saturday evening. You can hop on the number 7 bus from Freshwater to Yarmouth.

From Freshwater, it’s a 40-minute drive to the Red Funnel Ferry Terminal in East Cowes, so be sure to leave in good time. By bus, you’ll need to catch the number 7 via Yarmouth back to Newport Bus Station, before changing to the number 5 bus back to East Cowes – this will take around 1.5 hours in total. Disembark the bus outside Waitrose and walk two minutes to the terminal to board your ferry home.