Jessica’s guidebook
Best brunch/coffee spots
A beautiful cafe 5mins down a county lane from the house. The Piano is perfect for a coffee and cake on the way to the beach, has a great choice of breakfasts or is a good spot to meet friends for lunch.
32 locals recommend
Piano Cafe
Gate LaneA beautiful cafe 5mins down a county lane from the house. The Piano is perfect for a coffee and cake on the way to the beach, has a great choice of breakfasts or is a good spot to meet friends for lunch.
A beautiful walk 56min walk from Ivy Lodge along the old railway line (“Causeway") set next to the River Yar to Yarmouth, PO41 Coffee House is the perfect stop for you explore the picturesque harbour village.
13 locals recommend
PO41 Yarmouth Coffee House
Quay StreetA beautiful walk 56min walk from Ivy Lodge along the old railway line (“Causeway") set next to the River Yar to Yarmouth, PO41 Coffee House is the perfect stop for you explore the picturesque harbour village.
One of the most unique places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight; set along the old railway line (“Causeway") in Yarmouth’s former train station, the restaurant overlooks the outstanding natural beauty of the Yarmouth Marshes and Mill Copse. Being located along the Causeway makes it the perfect pitstop for walkers, cyclists and those visiting the Isle of Wight as the restaurant is just a 5-minute stroll from the Yarmouth Wightlink Ferry terminal.
Off The Rails offers one of the best vegan menus in the West Wight.
46 locals recommend
Off The Rails
Station RoadOne of the most unique places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight; set along the old railway line (“Causeway") in Yarmouth’s former train station, the restaurant overlooks the outstanding natural beauty of the Yarmouth Marshes and Mill Copse. Being located along the Causeway makes it the perfect pitstop for walkers, cyclists and those visiting the Isle of Wight as the restaurant is just a 5-minute stroll from the Yarmouth Wightlink Ferry terminal.
Off The Rails offers one of the best vegan menus in the West Wight.
Food scene
The Red Lion is a traditional country pub in a quiet, rural corner of Freshwater close to the Causeway making it an ideal venue for cyclists and walkers.
The food is freshly prepared using as much local produce as possible & includes a specials board which changes regularly.
As the pub is small it is best to book.
Open seven days a week from 11am-11pm (10.30pm on Sundays) and the kitchen serves food 12-2.30pm & 6-9pm every day.
65 locals recommend
The Red Lion
Church PlaceThe Red Lion is a traditional country pub in a quiet, rural corner of Freshwater close to the Causeway making it an ideal venue for cyclists and walkers.
The food is freshly prepared using as much local produce as possible & includes a specials board which changes regularly.
As the pub is small it is best to book.
Open seven days a week from 11am-11pm (10.30pm on Sundays) and the kitchen serves food 12-2.30pm & 6-9pm every day.
A little more upmarket for anyone looking for a treat The Hut is an easy-going beach restaurant that serves delicious fresh seafood and grilled meats in an alfresco and buzzy atmosphere, creating a unique dining experience which is unforgettable.
Booking recommended.
104 locals recommend
The Hut
Colwell Chine RoadA little more upmarket for anyone looking for a treat The Hut is an easy-going beach restaurant that serves delicious fresh seafood and grilled meats in an alfresco and buzzy atmosphere, creating a unique dining experience which is unforgettable.
Booking recommended.
A beautiful example of a traditional country pub just up the road from Ivy Lodge the Highdown Inn welcomes walkers, dogs, muddy boots and cyclists to come in and soak up the atmosphere or to relax in our garden or patio area.
Probably the best place for a Sunday Roast but again please book in advance.
14 locals recommend
Highdown Inn
Moons HillA beautiful example of a traditional country pub just up the road from Ivy Lodge the Highdown Inn welcomes walkers, dogs, muddy boots and cyclists to come in and soak up the atmosphere or to relax in our garden or patio area.
Probably the best place for a Sunday Roast but again please book in advance.
If you would like a beachfront dinner at a more affordable price for the family try The Waterfront.
A Mediterranean kitchen where you can enjoy the magical location of Totland Bay and experience some of the finest sunsets in Europe over a drink, or our freshly prepared delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
29 locals recommend
The Waterfront
Madeira RoadIf you would like a beachfront dinner at a more affordable price for the family try The Waterfront.
A Mediterranean kitchen where you can enjoy the magical location of Totland Bay and experience some of the finest sunsets in Europe over a drink, or our freshly prepared delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Family day out
Tapnell Farm Park is the newest family attraction on the Isle of Wight!
Inside this all-weather attraction you will find a wide range of hands-on animal experiences, and indoor and outdoor play – with loads to keep kids and adults entertained. Located near to Yarmouth on the west of the Island, Tapnell Farm Park is surrounded by stunning 360 degree views over the Solent, Newtown Creek, Tennyson Down, and the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival site!
- WALLABY WALKABOUT
- PLAY BARN
- OUTDOOR PLAY
- STRAW BALE ADVENTURE BARN
ALSO AT TAPNELL FARM…
The Cow Co Restaurant & Bar next door to Tapnell Farm Park is set in a converted straw barn, with windows looking out to some of the most amazing views on the Isle of Wight. They are a very popular dining choice for both locals and visitors, specialising in Beef and Dairy dishes and cook delicious fresh food to order.
113 locals recommend
Tapnell Farm Park
Newport RoadTapnell Farm Park is the newest family attraction on the Isle of Wight!
Inside this all-weather attraction you will find a wide range of hands-on animal experiences, and indoor and outdoor play – with loads to keep kids and adults entertained. Located near to Yarmouth on the west of the Island, Tapnell Farm Park is surrounded by stunning 360 degree views over the Solent, Newtown Creek, Tennyson Down, and the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival site!
- WALLABY WALKABOUT
- PLAY BARN
- OUTDOOR PLAY
- STRAW BALE ADVENTURE BARN
ALSO AT TAPNELL FARM…
The Cow Co Restaurant & Bar next door to Tapnell Farm Park is set in a converted straw barn, with windows looking out to some of the most amazing views on the Isle of Wight. They are a very popular dining choice for both locals and visitors, specialising in Beef and Dairy dishes and cook delicious fresh food to order.
Things to do
The best way to start or finish your day is with Jenny Stewart Yoga.
All classes are 60 mins. Her yoga style is a mix of vinyasa and hatha flow - it’s suitable for all levels but be prepared to get moving, feel energised, be challenged and have lots of fun doing it!
Jenny Stewart Yoga and the brilliant iSurf team have collaborated to bring you SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) Yoga Adventures right here on the Isle of Wight. We are so excited to be able to offer this on the island!! SUP Yoga is a great way to stay fit, build core strength, learn those life lessons (if you fall.. get back up!), calm your mind and have ALOT OF FUN!
Jenny Stewart Yoga THE COACH HOUSE STUDIO
The best way to start or finish your day is with Jenny Stewart Yoga.
All classes are 60 mins. Her yoga style is a mix of vinyasa and hatha flow - it’s suitable for all levels but be prepared to get moving, feel energised, be challenged and have lots of fun doing it!
Jenny Stewart Yoga and the brilliant iSurf team have collaborated to bring you SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) Yoga Adventures right here on the Isle of Wight. We are so excited to be able to offer this on the island!! SUP Yoga is a great way to stay fit, build core strength, learn those life lessons (if you fall.. get back up!), calm your mind and have ALOT OF FUN!
SURF LESSONS AND SUP LESSONS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
iSurf is a fully mobile surf school on the Isle of Wight meaning we’re free to track down the best conditions in which to teach our fantastic range of surf and stand up paddle board lessons.
iSurf - Surf School (Hanover Point Car Park)
Military RoadSURF LESSONS AND SUP LESSONS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
iSurf is a fully mobile surf school on the Isle of Wight meaning we’re free to track down the best conditions in which to teach our fantastic range of surf and stand up paddle board lessons.
We offer two types of trip, firstly the traditional cruise to the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, departing from the beach at Alum Bay on a circular route around the bay, taking in the views of the coloured sands of Alum Bay, passing under the dramatic chalk cliffs towards the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse.
The second trip encompasses all the sights of the traditional cruise, but is aboard either of our fast Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) Summer Rose or Wild Rose and is a 15 minute trip, taking you a little further into Scratchells Bay for that perfect photo opportunity on the south side of the lighthouse.
Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd
Main RoadWe offer two types of trip, firstly the traditional cruise to the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, departing from the beach at Alum Bay on a circular route around the bay, taking in the views of the coloured sands of Alum Bay, passing under the dramatic chalk cliffs towards the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse.
The second trip encompasses all the sights of the traditional cruise, but is aboard either of our fast Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) Summer Rose or Wild Rose and is a 15 minute trip, taking you a little further into Scratchells Bay for that perfect photo opportunity on the south side of the lighthouse.
Essentials
The Co-operative Food
Afton RoadThe Village Bakery
7 Avenue RdWalk down the road and pick up your morning bread.
J&B Fisheries
7 Avenue RdAn incredible selection of locally caught fish.
P J Thorne Butchers
Avenue RoadGood quality Island meat.