When it comes to indulging in picturesque cycling, coastal walks, and simple seaside pleasures, the Isle of Wight should be your top choice. This charming island boasts 20 beautiful beaches and a collection of unspoilt coves. You can explore the 17 miles of coastline and countryside through a network of cycling and walking trails. Additionally, the island is famous for hosting the Cowes sailing regatta in July and August, and offers a wide range of water sports activities such as kayak surfing, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, and parasailing.
During our visit, we had the pleasure of staying at Foresters Hall, a stunning Grade II-listed boutique hotel with 14 impeccable bedrooms. Located in Cowes old town, just a short walk from the Red Jet terminal, the hotel provided us with borrowed bikes to explore the island. The hotel courtyard features a bike rack, and as you pass through the lovely dining terrace, you’ll come across a small herb garden. Beyond that, a white picket fence surrounds a small salt-water swimming pool, and a remarkable 3D mural by Joe Hill of 3D Joe and Max overlooks the pool, creating the illusion of a swimmer diving off a painted balcony.
For those who enjoy swimming, Room 11 in the Garden Suite is conveniently situated next to the pool. If you’re looking for sea views and a touch of cinematic stardust, Room 12, also known as the Judi Dench suite, is the perfect choice. This particular room was occupied by the famous actress during the filming of Victoria & Abdul at Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s summer retreat.
On our second day, after enjoying a nourishing breakfast at Foresters, we embarked on the four-mile Cowes-to-Newport cycling trail, which runs parallel to the scenic River Medina. Our route took us to Newport, from where we headed south to Carisbrooke Castle, where King Charles I was famously imprisoned. We also discovered that Carisbrooke Castle serves as the starting point for the Tennyson Trail, a beautiful trail that leads to the Needles, the island’s westernmost point. Instead of continuing the journey, we decided to make a detour and cycled a short distance to the delightful village of Shorwell, where we enjoyed a delicious vegetarian roast lunch at the charming Crown Inn. It’s worth noting that this route can be quite hilly, so it may not be suitable for everyone unless you’re an avid cyclist, in which case you might want to try the challenging Chalk Ridge Extreme route, a 50-mile trail with steep gradients and cliff-top trails, of which the Tennyson Trail is a part.
After our exhilarating bike ride, we treated ourselves to pre-dinner cocktails at the luxurious Foresters bar, a vibrant blue room adorned with an impressive collection of art, including a colorful robe portrait by American artist Jim Dine. The hotel also features an iconic Annie Leibovitz portrait in the ladies’ restroom and paintings by Peter’s favorite artist, Alex Katz, throughout the premises.
Sara Curran and Peter Sussman, the passionate owners of Foresters Hall, opened the hotel in 2022. Both coming from film and TV backgrounds, their vision for the hotel goes beyond just providing accommodation. They wanted to create a space that celebrates art and design and encourages conversations about them. The adjacent library is filled with their personal collection of art and wine books, adding to the hotel’s artistic ambiance. The Brasserie by Smoking Lobster, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, not only serves outstanding seafood dishes but also offers a unique wine selection by the glass, supplied by local winery Wine Therapy.
During our stay, we also had the opportunity to visit Steephill Cove, a hidden gem of a fishing cove located a short 20-minute walk from Ventnor, a charming Victorian resort featuring vintage beach huts. In Steephill Cove, we indulged in fresh crab pasties at The Crab Shed and enjoyed fresh crab sandwiches at the neighboring Beach Shack. Cove Kayaks offers sea kayaks for rent, allowing visitors to explore the stunning coastline. However, we decided to simply soak up the sunshine, relax in the idyllic surroundings, and watch a Labrador happily swimming in the sea, reminding us of the simple pleasures of the seaside.
If you’re planning a trip to the Isle of Wight, Foresters Hall is a superb accommodation choice. With its stylish and comfortable rooms starting at £295 per night, breakfast included, you’ll have a delightful stay in a hotel that combines luxury with a deep appreciation for art and culture.
For those seeking a Victorian seaside experience, we recommend three additional resorts. Selina in Brighton offers a trendy hostel-hotel hybrid in Hove, allowing you to enjoy the best of both Brighton and Hove’s vibes. Overlooking the beach, Grand Hotel in Tynemouth provides an elegant and traditional seaside retreat. Lastly, The Sail Loft in Southwold offers a peaceful haven away from the bustling streets of Southwold, complete with fantastic sea views and fresh seafood options.
Overall, the Isle of Wight and these Victorian seaside resorts are perfect destinations for those seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and the simple pleasures of the seaside.
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