The UK has its fair share of picturesque landscapes. From the Highlands of Scotland to the rugged Jurassic Coast, the countryside of the British Isles is packed with glorious vistas and stunning panoramas.
The UK food scene has also become something of a world-beater, with globally-renowned chefs plying their trade across the country, with Michelin-starred restaurants from the capital of London to tiny seaside towns like Seasalter.
But few places serve up the combination of natural beauty and great food quite as well as the Isle of Wight. This charming little island off the southern coast of England is quaint, beautiful, and a haven for food enthusiasts. Famous for some of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in England as well as delightful villages where time has stood still, it is also a wonderful place for a food-based excursion as an addition to a UK holiday cruise experience.
Whether you love fresh seafood, classic British cooking, or haute cuisine, you are guaranteed to find something to tickle your tastebuds on the Isle of Wight. Here’s how to plan the perfect foodie day trip.
Morning: Arriving and Starting Your Culinary Adventure
Getting to the Isle of Wight requires a short ferry ride from Portsmouth or Southampton across the Solent channel. It is a lovely way to begin your day, with great views of the island’s amazing coastline.
Start your culinary adventure with breakfast at The Garlic Farm in Newchurch. This incredible, unusual farm grows huge amounts of garlic and serves up a menu of garlic-infused dishes, like garlic mushrooms on toast, or sandwiches with garlic chutneys. It might be a bit early to partake, but the garlic beer is worth taking away for later!
Mid-Morning: Exploring Local Produce and Coastal Delights
After you’ve squared away your hearty breakfast, head over to Farmer Jack’s Farm Shop in Arreton. This delightful, award-winning spot is one of the best places to try the best produce on the island, and is a great place to pick up local delicacies for later, and keep yourself energized with a coffee and freshly-baked pastry from their cafe.
Lunch: Seafood Extravaganza
As you might expect from an island, seafood is a big part of the food offerings on the Isle of Wight, so lunch is the time to get stuck in. Head to The Hut at Colwell Bay, for amazing fresh seafood and charming views. From lobster and crab to oysters and sardines, this excellent beachfront restaurant is a great choice for a long, leisurely lunch.
Afternoon: Sweet Treats and Cultural Stops
The Isle of Wight is famous for its dairy and ice cream, and no visit is complete without trying the amazing offerings served up by the Isle of Wight Ice Cream Company. These delicious artisan ice creams come in a range of tasty and unusual flavors, and make for the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon wandering the streets of Ventnor.
Evening: A Memorable Dinner
Round your day off with a memorable dinner at The Royal Hotel in Ventnor. This is one of the finest restaurants on the island, and specializes in high-quality, locally-sourced dishes. From Isle of Wight lamb to freshly-caught Ventnor crab, it is a wonderful showcase of the rich bounty of this charming corner of the UK and the perfect end to your gourmet excursion.
Your foodie adventure ends when you head back to the ferry terminal and make your journey to the mainland. The Isle of Wight’s stunning combination of natural beauty and bountiful produce makes it a wonderful option for a day of treating yourself and your tastebuds to something special, and you’ll be planning your next day out as soon as you get home!
