Self-catering cottages for every type of break
Our holiday cottages are situated all over the Isle of Wight. Some stand on clifftops, and have sea views that are so striking, you'll be lost for words. Other self-catering cottages are tucked into the green heart of the island and located down quiet lanes where the only sound is a wood pigeon.
If you are planning on bringing your dog along to the Isle of Wight, we also have dog-friendly cottages on offer. There are cottages with hot tubs for evenings spent soaking under the stars, accessible cottages with level access and adapted facilities, and large cottages for groups who'd rather be under one roof than scattered across three hotels. Some properties have their own swimming pools and private gardens too. Whatever your requirements, Simply Owners has the self-catering cottage for you.
Beaches on the Isle of Wight
The island has a reasonable variety when it comes to its coastline. Sandown and Shanklin have long sandy stretches, the kind where you plant a windbreak and stay put until the ice cream van arrives. Freshwater Bay is smaller but stunning, with white chalk cliffs, clear water, and decent snorkelling on a calm day.
Then there's Priory Bay, on the east coast near Seaview. Priory Bay feels hidden and secluded, like your very own private getaway. It has no signposts, and you'll find it through the woods.
Along the south-west coast, Compton Bay pulls in surfers and fossil hunters. The cliffs are eroding constantly, which is not great for the cliffs but useful if you want to spot a 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprint. Colwell Bay near Yarmouth catches the evening sun beautifully, while Totland Bay suits families with younger children due to its shallow water and beach cafe.
Things to do on the Isle of Wight
The island packs in far more than you'd expect. Osborne House in East Cowes was Queen Victoria's private retreat, and wandering through the state rooms and out onto the private beach makes you realise this is far more intimate than Buckingham Palace.
The Needles, three chalk stacks off the western tip, are probably the island's most photographed landmark. The Old Battery viewpoint above them is free to enter, and the coastal path from Freshwater Bay to The Needles is one of the finest short walks in southern England.
Carisbrooke Castle has over 800 years of history, and donkeys still work the medieval well. Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest amusement park, a bit eccentric and eternally popular with under-tens. Shanklin Chine, which is a wooded gorge with waterfalls and ferns, is great on a warm day when you need a bit of shade.
Outdoor enthusiasts can walk the 70-mile coastal path, cycle along the old railway lines that criss-cross the island, or try kayaking off the sheltered east coast. Cowes hosts Cowes Week, an internationally renowned regatta, each August. The Isle of Wight Festival books some of the biggest names in music every summer. And the Garlic Farm near Newchurch is worth a visit too.
Where to stay on the Isle of Wight
Every corner of the island has a different atmosphere.
Shanklin is the archetypal seaside resort thanks to its sandy beach, beautiful Old Village, and an esplanade lined with cafes. Ventnor, on the south coast, sits in its own microclimate within the sheltered Undercliff. The town climbs steeply from the sea and has a growing reputation for independent restaurants.
Seaview and Bembridge are calmer with sailing harbours, good pubs, and pebbly beaches. Yarmouth in the west is close to The Needles and some of the island's finest walking territory, while Freshwater has a strong community feel and sits within the Isle of Wight National Landscape. Newport, the island's capital, occupies the centre and works well as a base for exploring in every direction.
We have cottages near Saint Helens, where the village green runs down to the Duver and the beach beyond, and properties overlooking the Solent from East Cowes.
Getting to the Isle of Wight
Three ferry operators serve the island. Car ferries run from Southampton to East Cowes, taking about an hour for vehicles, with a high-speed passenger service to Cowes taking around 25 minutes. Car ferries also run from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and from Lymington to Yarmouth, both around 40 minutes. A hovercraft service runs from Southsea to Ryde and takes about ten minutes, which is a bit of a thrill if you've never done it before. Several of our property owners arrange discounted ferry crossings as part of the booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there pet-friendly holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight?
Yes. We have dog-friendly cottages right across the island, from coastal properties near the beach to countryside cottages with enclosed gardens. There are dog-friendly beaches in every direction and hundreds of miles of footpaths to explore.
Can you find holiday cottages by the sea on the Isle of Wight?
The island is only 23 miles across at its widest, so most cottages are a short drive from the coast. We have properties with sea views in Ventnor, Shanklin, Seaview, and Colwell Bay.
What is the best time to visit the Isle of Wight?
The island is busiest from June to August, when the weather is warmest and the days longest. It receives more sunshine than most of the UK mainland. Spring and early autumn are ideal for walking and exploring without the summer crowds - and cottage prices tend to be lower too.
Are there cottages with hot tubs on the Isle of Wight?
Yes. Have a look at our cottages with hot tubs for properties with a private hot tub. They tend to go quickly in peak season, so it's worth getting your dates in early.
How do you get to the Isle of Wight?
Car ferries run from Southampton, Portsmouth, and Lymington. There is also a hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde. Crossings range from about ten minutes to roughly an hour.
Browse our holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight and book direct with verified owners. No booking fees, no service charges. Contact owners directly to ask about their property, check dates, or arrange your stay. Every property listed on Simply Owners is covered by our Payment Protection plan, so you book with confidence.
