Holiday Rentals and airbnb in the Isle of Wight

There is no better way to experience the beauty and charm of this island than staying in one of its many traditional cottages, which are dotted around its captivating coastline. Rent a holiday let or holiday cottage in the Isle of Wight to immerse yourself in the isles rich history and spend your days at Queen Victoria's beloved residence, riding The Needle and bathing on the sandy beaches which fringe The English Chanel. For the adventurous souls, the Isle of Wight has no shortage or adrenaline-pumping activities, from riding some of the best shores in the nation, to spending the afternoon at one of the numerous theme parks, there is a holiday rental waiting for everyone.

When to go to the Isle of Wight?

The island's tourism peaks in the summer months of July and August, when the weather is the hottest, and the schools are closed, which mean the attractions are at their busiest. The second week in June also attracts thousands to its annual music festival, so unless you are a music lover, it is one week to avoid. Overall, the quietest time to visit when the weather is at its warmest is around late May time, so try and book your holiday rental in advance for this month now.

How to get there?

With over 200 ferries crossing every day, the Isle of Wight is most accessible by the water from various locations around the UK mainland, including Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. If you are already staying in holiday apartment in Portsmouth, a bed and breakfast in Southampton or a guesthouse in Bournemouth, then you could even visit the Island of Wight for the day, as the crossing takes only one and a half hours from the heart of the city. However, the crossing can take as little as just 10 minutes from the coast when choosing a high-speed ferry or Hovercraft. Another alternative is to fly, with connecting flights from across Europe and further afield from London Heathrow or Gatwick airport.

Getting around the island?

Though the Isle of Wight has a reliable train and bus network, including a tourist bus, the most efficient way of getting around the island is by car. If travelling from the UK, choose to take your car on a car ferry, and jump in the driver's seat as soon as you touch on the island. Renting a car is another way visitors from further afield can make the most of the islands well-signposted roads and stunning roadside views, and means any tourist attraction is accessible, wherever your holiday rental may be.

Where to stay on the island?

Ventnor

The 19th-century seaside resort of Ventnor has a reputation for trapping the sun, meaning it is the perfect place to make the most of the Isle of Wight's beaches. Decorated with colourful beach huts and boasting an arcade and promenade, Ventnor is bursting with a traditional Victorian character, so choose a holiday cottage or holiday rental and allow yourself to step back in time over 200 years to this resorts birth.

Newport Town

Newport is often referred to as the island's capital, and that really is no surprise when you learn what this market town has to offer. With streets crammed full of Georgian architecture, markets, a quaint minster and restaurants, Newport has something for all ages. Book a hotel room or holiday home in this vibrant town and stay in the very centre of the island so that you are an equal distance from attractions all around the county.

Ryde

The largest town on the island is also one of the quaintest, with its seafront bed and breakfasts and guest houses which are tucked in between its countless boutiques, cafes and galleries. Ryde also has an appeal to those who want to immerse themselves in water sports and beach soccer when the tide goes in. For those visitors who want to get involved at a smaller cost, browse a low-cost apartment rental, youth hostel or homestay in Ryde, so that you can wake up in the very heart of the action.

Cowes

The sophisticated resort of Cowes is a suitable place to rent a holiday accommodation or holiday cottage in the Isle of Wight. Holiday like a queen and indulge yourself in the resort which was a favourite to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and stay just a stone throw away from her seaside palace of Osborne.

Sandown

One of the most naturally beautiful locations on the entire island, Sandown is renowned for its picturesque beaches where avid photographers can snap a picture of the sunset over the English Channel. Sandown's coast has revealed some fossils which date back to the dinosaur age, so rent an apartment in this ageless resort, and keep an eye out so that you could be leaving with your own piece of the island's history.

Shanklin

The seaside resort of Shanklin is framed by its many thatched holiday cottages, so choose to live like a local and stay in a room with a view of the famous islands bay and magnificent sandstone cliffs. For days when you want to explore beyond the beach, Shanklin has no shortage of land-based attractions, from its emerald parks and gardens to its nostalgic tea rooms, this town is packed full of memorable character.

What to do on the Isle of Wight?

The Needles Landmark Attraction

The Needles is home to the world-famous chairlift, which spreads across the island's cliffs and offers unforgettable views as you dangle above the sea. The Needles does not stop with the chairlift, however, as this attraction also boasts a cinema, a glass blowing shop and even a sweet factory.

Osborne House

Queen Victoria herself remarked that "It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" when staying in Osborne House, which was her holiday home in the Isle of Wight. Unsurprisingly, this house has gone on to be the biggest tourist attraction on the island, with visitors flocking to see where the famous queen spends her holidays. Wonder the staterooms, the colourful gardens and even enjoy an ice cream Queen Victoria's private beach.

Best beaches to visit?

Alum Bay Beach

Surrounded by its renowned chalk stacks, Alum Beach has a reputation as one of the islands most picture-perfect spots. The sandy beach and clear water mean Alum Bay Beach is favourite for families, as young visitors can paddle in the sun glazed bay. A holiday cottage is ideal for a large family, so choose a home close to Alum Bay Beach for a family getaway.

Colwell Beach

Visitors choose Colwell beach for its breathtaking views of mainland England and its calm waters which are perfect for swimming in. Choose a holiday rental on the shore and wake up to aspects of the sunrise over England in the distance.

Bembridge Beach

Unlike the other famous beaches in the Isle of Wight, Bembridge Beach is made up of pebbles and shells, but then has sand below the tides high water mark. The beach also boasts a harbour which connects the island to the English Channel, so book bed and breakfast in this coastal getaway and take in the endless sea air.

Egypt Point

Though this beach sounds like it could be thousands of miles away from the traditional seaside shores of the island, Egypt Point is one of the most visited beaches and was famously a preferred point of Queen Victoria's. Live like a royal and rent a holiday home overlooking one of the former queens favourite views in her kingdom.