Isle Of Wight: A Girl's Guide To The Best Shops, Hotels And Restaurants

Amy Bryant, The Daily Telegraph, August 19, 2013

Stay

Sea views? Tick. Beautiful grounds? Tick. Private beach? Tick. Priory Bay Hotel in Seaview does relaxed grandeur to a T, with elegant, chandeliered rooms and chaise-longues. From £200; priorybay.co.uk

For a countryside base, book into Little Idyll, a grade-II-listed 16th-century stone cottage in Ningwood. The breakfast will fuel a riverside ramble to Newtown’s nature reserve. From £100; littleidyll.co.uk

Eat

The Hambrough’s new chef is set on retaining the island’s only Michelin star with his impressive menu for seafood lovers. The restaurant’s awesome cliff-top vista takes in Ventnor Harbour. thehambrough.com

Do lunch at the Beach Hut, a tiny shack above the rock pools on Forelands Beach. The crab is spanking fresh, cutlery comes in sandcastle buckets and post-feast paddling is de rigueur. isleofwightbeachcafe.co.uk

Drink

Of the many thatched inns and cosy pubs on the island, the Taverners is among the most charming. Try its delicious home-brewed ale after a stroll through the chocolate-box village of Godshill. thetavernersgodshill.co.uk

Sip pear-scented viogniers and full-bodied malbecs at Wine Therapy in bustling, boaty Cowes, where sampling machines dispense tasters from 50p for 25ml. winetherapy.co.uk

Shop

Maritime curios, Edwardian chairs and lace nightdresses jostle for space in Number Twenty, an antiques boutique where the owner runs a bespoke finding service. It all depends on what you can carry home… 20 High Street, Yarmouth (01983 761057)

Tucked away on Watchbell Lane, just off Newport’s main shopping street, is With Love Betty, selling vintage tea dresses, midi-skirts and pussy-bow blouses. Heaven if you’re into prints. withlovebetty.com

Do

Carisbrooke Castle and Queen Victoria’s beloved Osborne House are two must-visit English Heritage sites, but for a tour with a tipple, go to Rosemary Vineyard. You can walk through the vines and try their wine and fruit liqueurs for free. rosemaryvineyard.co.uk

Channel your inner Emma Bridgewater at Chessell Pottery Barns, where the ceramic designer’s handmade teapots and plates are available to paint. While they’re being fired, take afternoon tea in the pretty garden. chessellpotterybarns.co.uk

Spa

Union Street in Ryde is home to Liz Earle’s first shop and serene, snooze-inducing treatment rooms. Indulge in a Signature Facial, £90 for 90 minutes. uk.lizearle.com

SAIL WITH: Red Funnel vehicle ferries and high-speed foot-passenger services depart regularly from Southampton ( redfunnel.co.uk ; 0844 844 9988)