In Ideas, Autumn, Food, Family, Winter

On a colder autumnal day, there’s nothing better than going for a good stomp followed by a cosy fireside lunch or dinner. Luckily on the Isle of Wight, we have plenty of autumn and winter walks with many places offering a bite to eat and a roaring fire when it's a little chilly outside…

Fireside eating at The Buddle Inn, Niton

  1. The New Inn has Shalfleet Quay and the Newtown Estuary less than a mile away, making it perfect for walkers and bird watchers. Park in the car park to the side of the Inn and walk along the path to the estuary. On your return, enjoy classic dishes and an ever-revolving board of special dishes depending on what is in season. And of course, the fire.
  2. The Blacksmiths is a 400-year-old pub with spectacular views across miles of open countryside looking out to the Western Solent. You can walk or cycle the three miles from Carisbrooke before tucking into Sunday roast or a fabulous lunch with plenty of locally sourced produce on the menu. Just perfect for chilly winter days.
  3. Combine a walk along the River Yar with a stop at The Red Lion. A warm welcome awaits as you step inside to flagstone floors and a roaring fire. The food here is top-notch and is even mentioned in the latest Michelin Guide. The menu changes with the seasons and there are always specials on offer. The cosy bar stocks regularly changing real ales on tap as well as a great selection of wines. Located right next to a church, The Red Lion is the quintessential English pub.
  4. A walk up Culver Down is rewarded with a spectacular view across Sandown Bay, as well as a great meal at The Culver Haven Inn. It’s the perfect spot for a circular walk with options for a quick under one-mile loop, or a longer 5-miler. Finish it off with a bite to eat in this cosy pub as you look out across the English Channel.
  5. Breakfast by the fireside? Why not try Cook and Baker in the heart of the pretty village of Godshill. The perfect fuel before you undertake a bracing walk through the countryside, this popular cafe is influenced by the owners’ travels around Australia and their love of baked goods. Breakfast, brunch and lunch are catered for, and Saturday is Doughnut Day!
  6. A popular stop-off for cyclists and walkers alike, Pedallers Cafe is situated on the cycle path in Langbridge, Newchurch. Expect cosy indoor seating plus a log-burning stove for the winter months. Enjoy a delicious selection of homemade cakes, pastries and freshly prepared snacks plus filled baguettes, hot paninis, and homemade specials. It’s licensed too, so you can enjoy a tipple by the fireside.
  7. The Buddle Inn in Niton is a 16th-century cliff-top free house pub and restaurant, set in an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), with gorgeous views across The English Channel. Combine a stop here with a walk to St Catherine’s Lighthouse then back to the pub for a pint of real ale and a classic pub dish by the fire.