The search for the Island’s best begins! Entries are now open for the 2026 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards

Red Funnel is delighted to announce that entries for the 2026 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards are officially open! The awards celebrate the exceptional, diverse array of businesses that make the Isle of Wight such a wonderfully different place to live and visit.

This year, 19 awards are up for grabs across four main categories:  Places to Eat, Places to Stay, Things to Do, and the much-loved Isle of Woof Award, recognising dog-friendly businesses that go the extra mile for our four-legged friends. 

So, if you think you serve the Best Roast, run the Best Shop, or own the Best Place to Go Glamping, now is your time to shout about what makes your business stand out and tell us why it deserves to be crowned the very best of the Island’s best. 

Applications are now open at www.redfunnel.co.uk/awards and the closing date for submissions is 31 March 2026. Businesses can enter up to two award categories and must be open and trading for the 2026/27 season. 

Once the application window closes, all eligible submissions will go to a public vote. A fully impartial and independent judging panel then have the tricky task of reviewing the public’s chosen top three businesses for each category and deciding who will be the Island’s 2026 Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners.

All winners are invited to celebrate their accomplishment and the role they play in making the Isle of Wight such a vibrant and unique place at the annual Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards ceremony in November.

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: “I often get asked what makes the Isle of Wight so special! For me, it’s the incredible independent businesses that bring the Island to life. They help create unique stays, delicious meals, and unforgettable experiences that create wonderful memories for visitors and a home that is cherished by its residents.

“The Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards are our chance to say thank you, to celebrate the passion and creativity that make this Island such a joy to explore. We’re proud to support the businesses that give the Isle of Wight its character, charm and personality and keep it thriving as a great place to live and visit all year round.”

To apply for up to two categories before 31 March 2026, visit: redfunnel.co.uk/awards

Key dates to remember 
•    Entries open: Now
•    Entry deadline: 31 March 2026
•    Public voting: Opens following the close of applications in April 2026
•    Winners announced: November 2026 at the annual Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards ceremony on the Isle of Wight

2026 Award Categories

Places to Eat
Best Burger
Best Café/Tearoom
Best Fish & Chips
Best Local Produce
Best Pub
Best Restaurant
Best Roast

Things to Do
Activity Provider
Best Island Event
Best Large Attraction
Best Small Attraction
Best Shop

Places to Stay
Best BnB/Guesthouse
Best Campsite
Best Holiday Cottage/Apartment
Best Hotel Experience
Best Holiday Park
Best Place to Go Glamping

Other
Isle of Woof Award 2026

-ENDS-
For further information, please contact [email protected] / 02380 382 970

Notes to editors
About Red Funnel
Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry company with roots tracing back to 1820. Based in the UK port of Southampton, Red Funnel carries 2.3m passengers and over 800,000 vehicles on its ferry route between the UK port of Southampton and East Cowes and 1.1m passengers between Southampton and West Cowes on its Red Jet Hi-Speed service.  

In addition to ferry travel, Red Funnel is the only cross-Solent operator to offer ferry inclusive bonded holiday accommodation, attraction tickets, festival and event tickets and activity packages. Sub-brands include ‘Red Jet’ (the Hi-Speed passenger only ferry service serving West Cowes) and its on board café, ‘ReFuel’.  

The Company is a founding member of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, the Island’s not for profit destination management organisation. Red Funnel is also proud to sponsor and support most of the Island’s premier events including the IW Festival, Cowes Week, Ventnor Fringe and Walk the Wight alongside a wide range of other community and niche interest events. 

Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year 2026 is Friends of the Animals.

For more information, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk.