In Family, Food, Ideas, Spring, Summer

Beautiful sunny weather coupled with our stunning landscapes make the Isle of Wight a picnickers paradise! 

One of life’s simple pleasures, the picnic has been a Great British summer pastime for centuries. Whether you are a pro with a cool box, a traditionalist with a wicker basket or a ‘chuck it all in a bag’ type of picnicker, the Island can deliver on amazing locations and even tastier local produce. 

Read on to discover some of our top picnic spots to enjoy...

Friends walking along the beach on the Isle of Wight

Beautiful beaches...

Imagine this: a sun-soaked afternoon on the Isle of Wight, with the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore and a cool breeze carrying the salty sea air. You’ve picked the perfect spot on one of our stunning beaches, perhaps the golden sands of Sandown or the charming cove of Steephill. Your picnic blanket is laid out, adorned with a feast of local delights – think creamy Isle of Wight cheese, fresh strawberries from the nearby farms, and perhaps a bottle of local wine. As you relax with loved ones, the kids building sandcastles, and seagulls dance above, you realise there's no place you’d rather be. 

If you’ve got pooch with you, Yaverland Beach near Sandown Bay has golden sand stretching for over half a mile and welcomes dogs all year round. BBQs are also welcome here, just make sure to leave no trace when you leave!

Or why not try St Helen’s Duver, managed by the National Trust, it is an ideal spot to sit amongst the sand dunes. Teaming with wildlife and ideal for little ones to explore the nearby rockpools, it’s a great spot for the whole family. 

At Compton Bay, the beach seems to stretch on forever and you can certainly find space for a group picnic here. Soft sand plus fun waves and even the chance of finding a fossil or discovering an old shipwreck makes Compton an absolute must-visit picnic spot.

Couple enjoying views of the Island with their dog

A rug with a view...

Enjoy your tasty treats on top of the world with a trip up one of our famous downland spots. Culver Down, Tennyson and Mottistone Down to name just three, (and are all cared for and managed by The National Trust), all enjoy far-reaching views and have rolling grassland perfect for rolling out the mat - just be on the watch for local livestock. 

The gardens at the National Trust’s Mottistone are stunning in the warmer months, as the garden blooms to life. From here you can also climb up to the Longstone - a 6,000-year-old Neolithic hunk of iron sandstone. The views from here are breathtaking as you take in the ‘Back of the Wight’ and out west towards Freshwater. 

On the outskirts of Chale, at St Catherine’s Point, the Oratory, or, as its affectionately known to locals, The Pepperpot, is England’s only surviving medieval lighthouse. One of the highest points on the Island meaning that the views are pretty impressive! A good place to stop and see what’s in the foodie hamper and you can even grab an ice cream a dessert from the van that frequently stops at the viewpoint car park.

When you step inside the iconic building at Isle of Wight Pearl, you are greeted with breathtaking sea views at every turn. The Pearl Cafe serves delicious homemade food, sandwiches, and daily specials using local island produce and you can enjoy your meal on one of their outside picnic tables overlooking the English Channel. They also provide blankets on request, as well as Afternoon Tea (booked 24 hours in advance), gluten-free, and vegetarian options.

Friends enjoying local produce on the Isle of Wight

Teddy bear picnic...

If you go down to the woods today, you are sure to find a fab picnic-spot! For fans of forest walks and foraging, Brighstone Forest is the largest woodland on the Island and offers hours of fun. A favourite picnic spot where you can walk, explore, cycle and climb as well as enjoying some dappled shade when the sun gets too hot. 

If you fancy seeing some of the Island’s famous resident Red Squirrels, Borthwood Copse near Winford is a pretty area of ancient woodland that can be traced back to medieval times. Cared for by the National Trust, you can picnic among ancient oaks, beech, chestnut and hazels – just the place for an indulgent picnic and afternoon snooze in the sun. 

Enjoy a picnic spot in historical surrounds with a trip to Carisbrooke Castle. Dating back over 1000 years, the grounds that surround the castle are perfect for picnics with plenty of flat grass and spots of shade, plus the views across the rolling countryside are simply stunning.