Romantic breaks on the Isle of Wight with Wightlink

The Isle of Wight is one of the most romantic places to visit in the UK at any time of the year, but particularly in the colder months. The Island is quieter and more tranquil, making it the perfect location for those seeking a truly ‘get away from it all’ (but not too far from home) break.

As soon as you step onto one of our ferries, the feeling of escapism kicks in as you sail away to the scenic Isle of Wight. Plus, the Island has plenty of activities for every kind of relationship. From windswept beach walks to intimate dining spots, there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re spending the big day with your friends, your family or your one true love.

There are lots of heavenly hotels, cosy cottages and coastal retreats, which are ideal for couples.  Choose from historic houses, stylish hotels, boutique bed & breakfasts, dreamy cottages and other intimate hideaways.

An escape for history and literature fans, Keats Cottage is ideal place to stay, not only because the romantic poet John Keats once stayed there in the summer of 1819, but also because the cottage is just a five minute walk from the sea.

The charming Seaview Hotel is in the iconic sailing village of Seaview. Based just two minutes from the sea front, it’s a great place to stay for couples looking for a casual but still romantic trip.

The award winning 5-star country house, Haven Hall, offers seven differently designed self-catering period suites within its stunning estate. The Edwardian property is set across two acres of land with sea views, a swimming pool, tennis courts and even a croquet lawn.

Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat features lodges with luxurious, contemporary design and outdoor hot tubs – it’s a stylish beachside resort just a short drive away from vibrant Cowes.

Visit a traditional inn with a roaring log fire, serving local ales and top-notch pub grub. Many Island pubs host regular live music events provided by the very best local talent and which are well worth seeing. Sing the blues, jazz things up or just have fun as you settle back on comfortable sofas and let the sounds of aspiring artists wash over you.

If fine dining is the order of the day, then spend a candlelit evening at a Michelin-listed restaurant that celebrates Island produce and afterwards enjoy a stroll hand in hand on a beautiful beach or wander through an illuminated town buzzing with night life.

Half of the Isle of Wight is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it the ideal location to enjoy some scenic walking routes with a loved one. From rugged coastal paths and open farmland to enchanting forest trails and charming villages there are plenty of walks available and you can use our useful guide to walks and decide on the best route for them. In Ryde you can walk for miles along the sandy beach and visit the enchanting Appley Tower – a picturesque seaside folly that’s ideal for re-enacting a Romeo and Juliet moment from the legendary landmark’s steps.

A bike ride can create the perfect backdrop for romance and adventure and the Island’s 500 miles of cycle paths will take you on a journey through dramatic and contrasting landscapes.   Look out for the Bronze Age Longstone at Mottistone, pay a visit to the medieval castle at Carisbrooke and incorporate a bit of off-road cycling in the majestic woodland of Parkhurst Forest.

Head to the cosy Chocolate Apothecary on Ryde Esplanade. Glistening inside with patterned tiles, this former Victorian fishmonger’s shop is now an elegant emporium of cocoa, with owner Susan Van Praagh turning fair trade Tanzanian and Javan chocolate into a tasteful array of tempting delights. Try their rich, dark chilli hot chocolate for starters, followed by a fruity florentine or a slice of oven-fresh brownie. On your way out, perhaps pick up a box of handmade chocolates as well (to share with someone special or to leave on a certain doorstep), with options including spiced chai, salted caramel, strawberry champagne and espresso.

If however, you’re looking to pick up some tools and create something unique with your significant other then head inland to Arreton Barns. Here you’ll find the workshop of Thomas P Cochran, a family-run silversmith business, first established in Mauritius and specialising in stunning marine-inspired jewellery. Ring-making workshops are held by their son (also called Thomas) who will show you how to twist and hammer a one-of-a-kind piece – which may well come in handy if a wedding or engagement is on the cards soon.

Check yourselves in for an afternoon of well-deserved pampering at Lakeside Park. Set beside the tranquil tidal waters of Wootton Creek, this hotel and spa comes complete with a 10-metre indoor pool (with added hydro jets), a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi too.

You can also sign yourself up for some feel-good treatments such as the refreshing lime and ginger cleansing scrub or the nourishing frangipani body wrap (where you’ll be rolled up in a warm, aromatic cocoon). If at the end of the day, you just can’t pull yourself away from all that pampering, then maybe book yourself into one of the Lakeside’s 42 tasteful en suite bedrooms. That way, you can do it all again in the morning!

There are plenty of other activities to choose from on the Isle of Wight for romantic weekend, including historic landmarks such as Queen Victoria’s holiday home at Osborne, wildlife attractions and adventurous activities. More inspiration can be found with our Wightlink Explorer tool.