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  1. Why choose a cottage stay on the Isle of Wight?
  2. Types of cottage you'll find on the IOW
  3. Best IOW locations for a cottage break
  4. What to expect from a cottage stay on the Isle of Wight
  5. Getting to your Isle of Wight cottage
  6. Things to do near your cottage
  7. When is the best time to book a cottage stay?

Cosy cottage stays

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  2. Accommodation on the Isle of Wight

  3. Cottages on the Isle of Wight

Cottages on the Isle of Wight

Looking for a place to slow down and feel at home on the Isle of Wight? A self-catering cottage stay gives you the space, privacy and flexibility to enjoy the Island at your own pace.

From coastal boltholes with stunning sea views to countryside cottages tucked away in sleepy villages, you’ll find the perfect option for you – whether you’re in a couple, family, group or even if you want to bring your dog.

With regular Wightlink ferry crossings from the mainland, you can bring everything you need along with you – your car, bikes, four-legged friends and as much luggage as you can fit in your boot – ready for your perfect Island getaway.

Book Isle of Wight ferry
Row of traditional thatched stone cottages along a quiet village road on the Isle of Wight, with whitewashed walls, cottage gardens and blue sky.

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Why choose a cottage stay on the Isle of Wight?Types of cottage you'll find on the IOWBest IOW locations for a cottage breakWhat to expect from a cottage stay on the Isle of WightGetting to your Isle of Wight cottageThings to do near your cottageWhen is the best time to book a cottage stay?

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Why choose a cottage stay on the Isle of Wight?

A cottage or self-catering stay is ideal if you want the freedom to shape your break around you, not a timetable. Whether you’re visiting for a few nights or settling in for a longer escape, cottages offer a relaxed and flexible way to experience the Island.

  • ✅ More space and privacy

    Enjoy your own front door, separate living areas and outdoor space, without shared corridors or busy communal areas.

  • 🏠 A true home-from-home feel

    From cosy cottages to modern holiday lets, you can expect fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable living rooms and space to unwind. This will make it easy to settle in and feel comfortable from day one.

  • 😌 Perfect for longer, slower stays

    Cottages suit unhurried breaks, giving you the time to explore the Island's beaches, countryside and villages at your own pace.

  • 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Great value for families and groups

    When you travel together, cottages can offer excellent value, especially when you factor in shared space and self-catering flexibility.

Types of cottage you'll find on the IOW

From seaside escapes to rural hideaways, the Isle of Wight offers a wide range of cottages to suit different travel styles.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or bringing the dog along for the fun, there’s a cottage to match how you want to spend your time on the Diamond Isle.

Coastal cottages

If waking up to fresh sea air sounds appealing, a coastal cottage could be the perfect choice for your next getaway.

Many are set close to beaches, clifftop paths and coastal towns, making them ideal for morning swims, sunset walks and easy access to the Isle of Wight’s stunning sandy shoreline.

We’ve rounded up some of favourite providers below.

Stone holiday cottage with a slate roof set in a grassy coastal garden on the Isle of Wight, overlooking the sea and white cliffs in the distance under a blue sky.

holidaycottages.co.uk

With a strong choice of coastal properties, holidaycottages.co.uk makes it easy to find a cottage close to the sea.

From beachside boltholes to larger coastal homes, their Isle of Wight collection is well suited to relaxed breaks spent exploring the coast and enjoying time by the water.

holidaycottages.co.uk
Seaview Holidays cottage with a private deck and outdoor seating set on a spacious grassy park, with rows of neighbouring lodges and countryside views under a bright blue sky on the Isle of Wight.

Seaview Holidays

With a focus on the village of Seaview and the surrounding coastline, Seaview Holidays specialises in coastal cottages just moments from the sea.

Their collection is ideal if you’re looking for traditional seaside charm, easy beach access and a relaxed village atmosphere for your Island break.

Seaview Holidays Ltd
A white coastal holiday cottage with a red-tiled roof and chimneys, viewed from a sunny garden patio with wooden seating, potted plants and leafy hedges on the Isle of Wight.

Wight Coast Holidays

With properties dotted along the Island’s shoreline, Wight Coast Holidays are experts in cottages designed for seaside escapes.

Their collection includes stays close to beaches and coastal paths, making it easy to spend your days by the sea and your evenings unwinding to the sound of the waves.

Wight Coast Holidays

Countryside cottages

Tucked away in quiet villages and rural landscapes, countryside cottages offer space, scenery and a slower pace of life.

Expect open views, peaceful surroundings and some of the Island’s darkest skies, ideal for a bit of night time stargazing.

See some of our favourites below.

View from inside a holiday cottage looking through open French doors onto a small patio and picket fence, with rolling green countryside and hills beyond on the Isle of Wight.

Nettlecombe Farm Holiday Cottages

Set within peaceful surroundings, Nettlecombe Farm Holiday Cottages offers a relaxed countryside escape on the Isle of Wight.

Their farm-based cottages are ideal for slower breaks, with open views, quiet lanes and easy access to walking routes and unspoiled landscapes.

Nettlecombe Farm Holiday Cottages
Aerial view of countryside accommodation at The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight, showing stone cottages, converted barns and outdoor seating set among rolling green hills and woodland.

Garlic Farm cottages

Surrounded by farmland and rolling countryside, The Garlic Farm offers a unique selection of cottages and self-catering stays at the heart of one of the Island’s best-known rural attractions.

It’s a great choice if you want peaceful surroundings with the added bonus of on-site food and plenty of scenic walking routes nearby.

The Garlic Farm Accommodation
Stone-built cottages at the Farringford Estate on the Isle of Wight, with outdoor tables and chairs set around a paved courtyard under a blue sky.

Farringford

Set within historic grounds near the West Wight coast, Farringford offers elegant self-catering cottages surrounded by woodland and open countryside.

It’s an ideal option if you’re looking for a peaceful rural stay with a strong sense of history, close to walking routes and some of the Island’s most scenic landscapes.

Farringford

Dog-friendly cottages

The Isle of Wight is a brilliant destination for dogs and owners alike and many cottages welcome four-legged guests

Look out for enclosed outdoor spaces, nearby coastal paths perfect for walkies and plenty of dog-friendly beaches and pubs to enjoy together all year round.

Take a look at some of our favourites options below.

Black and white dog lying on a neatly made bed with a green textured blanket, resting comfortably indoors.

Classic Cottages

Well known for their pet-friendly stays, Classic Cottages offers a range of dog-friendly cottages across the Isle of Wight.

Many are well placed for countryside walks, coastal paths and year-round adventures, making it easy to enjoy the Island with your four-legged companion.

Classic Cottages
Aerial view of a coastal village on the Isle of Wight, with houses lining the shoreline, green hills rising behind and clear blue sea stretching along the coast.

Island Holiday Homes

Offering a varied selection of dog-friendly stays, Island Holiday Homes has cottages across different parts of the Isle of Wight.

Many are well suited to guests travelling with dogs, with easy access to outdoor space, walking routes and some of the Island’s most dog-friendly beaches and countryside.

Island Holiday Homes
External of Dairyman's Cottage at Tapnell Farm Park, Isle of Wight. Beautiful cream cottage walls, and a brown tiled roof.

Tapnell Farm holiday cottages

Set within wide open countryside, Tapnell Farm offers dog-friendly holiday cottages with plenty of space to roam.

With rural walks on the doorstep and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a countryside break where dogs are very much part of the holiday.

Tapnell Farm Accommodation

Best IOW locations for a cottage break

One of the joys of a cottage or self-catering stay on the Isle of Wight is how different each corner of the Island feels. From wide open countryside and dramatic coastlines in the west to bustling harbour towns and seaside resorts to the east, there’s a real sense of variety packed into the Diamond Isle.

Whether you picture mornings spent walking coastal paths, afternoons by the beach or evenings watching boats drift across the water, choosing the right location helps shape the kind of break you’ll enjoy. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best areas for cottage stays, each offering its own pace, scenery and atmosphere.

West Wight

If you’re one for wide open landscapes and a slower pace, the west of the Island is ideal for a cottage break. Known for its dramatic coastline, rolling hills and some of the best walking routes in the UK, this part of the Diamond Isle is perfect for switching off and spending time outdoors.

Expect peaceful villages, big skies and easy access to a wealth of beaches and coastal paths.

A sweeping coastal view of Freshwater Bay on the west of the Isle of Wight, with turquoise sea, chalk cliffs, rolling green hills and the village nestled along the shoreline under a bright blue sky.

The east coast - Bembridge, Seaview and Sandown

The coastal towns to the east of the Island combine traditional seaside charm with delightful coastal views. From the village feel of Bembridge and Seaview to the long, sandy beaches of Sandown, this stretch of the IOW is ideal for relaxed cottage stays by the sea.

With calm waters, scenic beach walks and easy-going days that move at a gentle pace, it’s a popular choice for families and couples. Frankly, it’s great for anyone who yearns to be by the sea!

A palm-lined promenade overlooking Sandown Beach on the Isle of Wight, with golden sand, calm sea and the pier stretching out in the distance on a sunny day.

Ventnor and the south coast

Famous for its Victorian character and elevated sea views, Ventnor and much of the south coast feel a little different to the rest of the Island.

Cottages and self-catering accommodation are often set on hillsides or tucked away in narrow streets, offering striking views and a fun, yet relaxed, artsy atmosphere. It’s a lovely choice if you enjoy coastal scenery, a touch of the Mediterranean and a sense of being somewhere genuinely unique.

An aerial view of Ventnor Bay with turquoise sea, a curving sandy beach and seaside buildings rising up the hillside behind.

Godshill and Shanklin Old Village

If you’re drawn to storybook settings and picture-perfect streets, both Godshill and Shanklin Old Village deliver charm by the bucket-load.

Think thatched cottages, winding lanes and village tearooms, with seaside walks and sandy beaches never far away. It’s a lovely choice for slower cottage stays where wandering, pottering and soaking up the character is very much part of the plan.

Thatched Houses in Shanklin Village Isle of Wight

What to expect from a cottage stay on the Isle of Wight

Staying in a cottage or self-catering accommodation gives you the freedom to enjoy the Isle of Wight in a way that suits you, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

While every property is different, most cottage stays on the Island share a few familiar features that will help you settle in quickly and feel right at home.

  • 🍳 Everything you need to self-cater

    Most cottages come with a fully-equipped kitchen, making it easy to cook when you want to and dine out when you don't. Many also include a dining space, comfortable living areas and practical storage for longer stays.

  • 🛜 Modern comforts included

    Wi-Fi is widely available and many cottages offer private or nearby parking. You'll often find thoughtful extras like outdoor seating, gardens or space for bikes and beach gear.

  • 🔓 Flexibility and freedom

    With no set meal times or schedules, cottage stays are ideal if you like to explore at your own speed. Whether you're planning early starts, lazy mornings or days that change with the weather, the choice is yours.

  • 🌦️ Great all year round

    Cottages aren't just for summer. In warmer months, they're a perfect base for beach days and coastal adventures. In autumn and winter, they come into their own as cosy retreats, ideal for walking, relaxing and enjoying the hidden parts of the Island.

Getting to your Isle of Wight cottage

Here at Wightlink, we know that getting to your cottage on the Island is part of the getaway. Travelling by ferry makes the journey a refreshingly unique experience and it’s straightforward – with regular crossings from the mainland, you can arrive relaxed and ready to start your break.

Find some tips and information on your ferry travel below.

Book your ferry
Cars queue to board a Wightlink ferry at Portsmouth Gunwharf, with port staff overseeing vehicle loading.

Bring your car for extra flexibility

Many cottage stays are best enjoyed with a car, giving you the freedom to roam the Diamond Isle’s beaches, villages and countryside whenever you like.

Travelling on one of our vehicle ferries makes it easy to bring everything along with you, from food shopping to outdoor gear.

See vehicle tickets

See vehicle tickets
A couple relax on blue deck seating aboard a Wightlink ferry, cuddling their dog while enjoying sea views during the crossing.

Easy travel with luggage, bikes and dogs

Cottage breaks often come with a bit more kit, whether that’s suitcases, walking boots, bikes or a four-legged companion.

Our ferries are designed to make travelling with luggage and pets simple, so you can focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about logistics.

What to expect when you travel

What to expect when you travel
Wightlink’s hybrid ferry Victoria of Wight sailing in calm waters near the Fishbourne shoreline under a clear blue sky.

Choose the route that suits your stay

We have two vehicle ferry routes linking the mainland with the Isle of Wight, so it’s easy to plan your crossing around where you’re coming from or where you accommodation is based.

That means a smoother arrival and less time on the road once you’re reach the Island.

Discover our routes

Discover our routes
Two people walk hand in hand along the stone pathway into Carisbrooke Castle, framed by historic walls and a medieval archway on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do near your cottage

Wherever you stay, you’ll find plenty to enjoy close to your cottage, from coastal and countryside walks to sandy beaches, fossil hunting and family-friendly attractions.

The Isle of Wight is well-known for its food and drink scene, with cafés, pubs and restaurants never far away.

Explore more ideas for days out, walks and seasonal inspiration to make the most of your stay.

Explore the Island

When is the best time to book a cottage stay?

The great thing about cottage stays on the Island is that they work well throughout the year.

Each season offers something a little different – summer and school holidays are of course popular for beach days and family breaks while spring and early autumn are ideal if you’re looking for milder weather and fewer crowds.

Autumn and winter have their own unique appeal, too, offering a slower pace, cosy evenings by a country pub fire and a chance to experience the Island at its most peaceful.

Take a look at our Wightlink Explorer tool – a handy interactive map containing places to stay and things to do – to find your perfect accommodation option for your next getaway.

Find self-catering stay