Isle of Wight, first trip of 2021. It felt good to be finally getting away, even if it’s not abroad. Don’t know about you but a hotel and someone else looking after you is a great trip in my book. We booked a long weekend to Isle of Wight for a steam train gala, obviously, and a little get away. Here’s a few highlights
Hotel
We struggled on the hotel front, I had to use my phone a friend card. She said if she was going she would pick North House, Cowes. A boutique 14 room town house hotel, equipped with bar, restaurant, terrace, garden and outdoor pool. Not to mention some rooms have roll top baths.
The hotel was right up our street. Our kind of decor, great drinks, great food, friendly staff. The pool was great and we had a gorgeous sunny day to lie round it, you could of been abroad. The roll top bath was a great addition for the room and we had a really great stay. You’re either a bath person or not and I sure as hell am.
In the interest of honesty is the best policy, we did notice a few wear and tear bits, marked furniture and some holes had been filled in the bathroom but not repainted. The room didn’t have anywhere to sit and do your makeup and we didn’t like the lack of space around the sink, nowhere to put your toiletries etc. That said it’s purely us being fussy and did not detract from our stay.
Food
Few spots to look out for, first up The Garlic Farm. We didn’t actually manage to get a table here but spent a small fortune in the shop. The snacks were delicious. If you’re garlic fiends like us you’ll love it. Gorgeous setting too, so gutted we couldn’t get a table.
The Coast restaurant is the sister restaurant to the North House hotel where we stayed. It’s a short walk from the hotel but the food was delicious, we ordered a bit of everything and were not disappointed. I couldn’t even pick a highlight because everything was so good. John had steak and the peppercorn sauce was the best either of us have ever had. They even stocked my favourite Chase Gin, Pink Grapefruit and Pomelo. Wine was delicious too and we finished off the meal sharing a delicious biscoff cheese cake. Heaven.
I can’t not mention the food at the hotel, breakfast was great. A selection of mini pastries, toast and choice of cooked, granola and yogurt etc. We had some brilliant nibbles, whitebait and scallops. I would of happily booked dinner there but we hadn’t realised you ate there and then we had booked else where.
Final mention goes to The Hut, located in Colwell Bay, right on the sea front it really is a beautiful spot. Great seafood and other choices if that’s not your thing. The best Mocktails, I offered to drive before anyone gets any ideas. The place has a great atmosphere and there was even a DJ playing. The music is a little bit club vibes so something to note if that’s not your thing. It wasn’t super young though, there were all ages and even families.
Trains
Obviously it was pretty much a steam train kinda weekend. The Isle of Wight has a moderate line, two small stations and one main attraction. There is a falconry there as well and during the weekend there were demonstrations. A beer barn, restaurant, ice creams, shop, work shed and just general train feel good atmosphere. You can spend all day wandering round, jumping on and off trains and having drinks and snacks. I know it’s not for everyone but there is something about the atmosphere that just makes you feel happy.
Thoughts…
We had the best time, it really was a great trip. Even though it was short we felt relaxed and happy. Relaxing round the pool, trains and lots of delicious food and drink it really was exactly what the doctor ordered. We wouldn’t necessarily rush back but we did have a great trip.
Have you been to the Isle of Wight? What are your favourite things to see and do?
If you missed my last post you can catch up here.
Rach xx
