In recent years The Isle of Wight has become a dog-friendly holiday hot spot. Dotted with chocolate box villages and famed for its quintessential British charm, the dogs and I set out to explore whether this unique island lives up to its dog-loving reputation.
Hailed as the diamond isle, (due to its shape) the Isle of Wight proves itself time and time again as a top-rated holiday destination for tourists of all ages. Encapsulating stunning landscapes, it’s an alluring mix of white cliffs, golden sands, and rolling countryside.
But for me, this picturesque island is steeped in nostalgia. As a child, I spent many a Summer holiday here with my parents. Building sandcastles on the beach, bobbing about in my dingy [my Dad sporting his 1980s Speedos!], and relishing many of the islands child-friendly attractions.
So when we were invited by Wight Waves Holidays to stay in one of their dog-friendly chalets, I couldn’t wait to return to what is undoubtedly one of my favourite holiday destinations, and relive my youth!
Travelling with dogs on Wightlink Ferries
When you visit The Isle of Wight your adventure begins at the ferry terminal! In fact, this is one of the things that makes it so magical. You really feel as though you’re going on holiday! [Albeit without your passport or the guaranteed sunshine!]
With a weather warning in place for strong winds I was a little apprehensive as we boarded the ferry. It was the first time I’d taken the girls on ‘public transport‘ and I was half prepared for a potential ‘bark-off‘ from Winnie! Fortunately, to my relief, the crossing was plain sailing in all respects, and we seemed to be docking in Yarmouth in no time.
Travelling with the dogs on Wightlink Ferries was easy and hassle-free. We headed straight for the dog-friendly deck outside and huddled behind the glass screen to protect ourselves from the elements! [Gertie saw it as a great excuse to wrap up in her Equafleece!]
There is a dog-friendly lounge inside, however, we opted to travel alfresco given the potentially bumpy ride!
The minute you arrive on the island, life takes on a more leisurely pace. While on the mainland, those ‘Sunday drivers‘ who dawdle around at twenty miles per hour are a source of great irritation [to me anyway!], here on the Isle of Wight, it isn’t bothersome in the least!
So, with holiday mode well and truly activated, and the sunshine making a well-timed appearance for our arrival, we headed in search of our accommodation.
Wight Waves Holidays – Dog Friendly Chalets
Wight Waves Holidays are situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty at Sandown Bay Holiday Centre which overlooks Culver Down.
Whilst only a stone’s throw from the bustling seaside resort of Sandown, Wight Waves Holidays enjoy a quiet location away from the vibrant nightlife and tourist hot spots.
At this secluded holiday resort, there’s no sign of redcoats or karaoke contests! Instead, the resident rabbits take the limelight. Indulging in their playful antics till the wee hours, their little white tails provoking nothing short of jubilation among terrier guests!
Wight Scape
Wight Waves Holidays own three chalets, and we were staying in chalet 71, known as Wight Scape. The chalet is conveniently tucked away from the main driveway, which was ideal for the girls who can be a tad territorial at times!
Compact and bijou, Wight Scape has plenty of seaside curiosities to satisfy my insatiable desire for all things coastal. In fact, at first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you were walking into a rather glamorous beach hut!
Decked out in tasteful neutral tones, the chalet has a calm and welcoming vibe – perfect to put you in the holiday spirit. And despite the limited space, owners Rowena and Carl have gone out of their way to make Wight Scape a real home from home.
Kitted out with everything you could want for a comfortable stay, the modern living area provides the ideal place to kick back and relax. With a newly fitted kitchen, complete with every pot, pan and utensil you could wish for, the dogs and I soon felt very at home.
The chalet provides accommodation for up to four guests. Comprising a double bedroom (with ample storage space), a bunk room, and a contemporary shower room it makes for a very comfortable, yet budget-friendly family holiday.
Dog Rules at Wight Scape
At Wight Scape dogs are requested to keep their paws on the floor. And whilst I cannot deny I love it when places invite you to snuggle up in bed with your dog, I appreciate that not all guests are crazy about canines!
Dog bowls are provided, as is a stair gate which can be fitted across the front door in warmer weather.
A ground stake is also available should you wish to dine alfresco with your dog and make use of the patio table and chairs.
Dogs are not allowed to be left unattended inside the chalets. A rule which, in my book, goes without saying. Why anyone would want to leave their dog alone in unfamiliar surroundings is quite beyond me.
Walkies on your doorstep
The coastal path, which runs alongside the holiday park, leads down to Yaverland Beach, renowned for being one of the islands best and most unspoilt beaches. Within just 10 minutes of leaving the chalet (or five in my case, with two enthusiastic terriers in tow) you can be strutting your stuff along the golden sand.
Dog friendly all year round, Yaverland Beach provides the perfect playground for morning and evening zoomies when you’re staying at Wight Waves Holidays. Despite the bracing evening temperatures, the girls had great fun indulging in several rounds of bitey-face on the beach and chasing about like loons!
Doggy Days Out on The Isle of Wight
With fifty seven miles of coastline and over twenty beaches to explore, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to doggy days out on the Isle of Wight. From Steam Railways to Donkey Sanctuaries and adventure parks there are very few places that don’t welcome our four-legged friends.
We awoke on the first morning to glorious sunshine and with a list as long as my arm of places to visit, it was time to take a trip down memory lane!
The Botanical Gardens – Ventnor
The Botanical Gardens at Ventnor have always been a favourite of mine. Even as a little girl, I remember being mesmerised by all the different flowers from around the world and exploring all the nooks and crannies, and winding pathways.
With its sub-tropical microclimate, this little slice of paradise is home to many rare species of plants and trees. Wandering amongst the lush greenery and vibrant flowers you can feel like you’ve been transported to a different continent.
In the height of summer, these gardens are an oasis of colour, and with twenty two acres to explore, it provides the perfect backdrop for a dog friendly day out.
If you fancy a bite to eat, there is The Plantation Room Cafe, or you can exit the gardens and take the coastal path to Steep Hill Cove.
This quaint little cove is a hidden treasure. Accessible only on foot or by boat, it is a haven of tranquility, the perfect place to sit, relax, and get lost in your thoughts.
Unspoilt by modernisation, the cove retains a timeless appeal. With fishermen’s cottages adorning the shoreline and colourful fishing nets and lobster pots stacked high on the jetty. The dogs and I took the opportunity to sample the local fair and enjoyed a very scrummy cream tea at The Beach Shack.
This quirky little eatery comes highly recommended as one of my favourite spots on the island.
The Model Village Godshill
Having idled away a good few hours, relaxing in the sunshine, whilst the girls enjoyed a leisurely sniff around the gardens, we made our way to another cherished childhood haunt of mine.
The Model Village at Godshill has to win the award for the most enchanting tourist attraction ever. With its meticulous depiction of the island’s traditional architecture, this captivating attraction gives you the feeling of walking through a time-stilled miniature world.
Each carefully crafted building has been scaled with precision to replicate life on this unique island. With miniature steam railways, model morris dancers, and replica churches playing audible hymns, it really does have an unrivaled charm all of its own.
As you meander through this miniaturised wonderland, you can’t help but imagine the tiny inhabitants going about their daily lives, and it’s easy to see why people of all ages come from far and wide to enjoy this mini spectacle.
The last time I visited the model village, I probably wasn’t much taller than the model buildings! Yet, despite the decades that have elapsed, it hasn’t lost its sense of magic. And I know Winnie and Gertie would agree with me. They would’ve spent hours watching the trains chug around the track – it’s a vision of total happiness that will live with me forever.
Shanklin Chine
Having spent the whole day lost in a reverie of eternal youth, I decided to treat the girls to a visit to Shanklin Chine.
As a young child, this was one of my holiday highlights. After dark, this incredible natural phenomenon turns into a magical fairyland where illuminated waterfalls cascade through ancient ravines and tree-lined gorges.
Bathed in a rainbow of colour, every waterfall and every tree glistens, drawing you into an imaginary world.
Not only does it encapsulate the human senses, but clearly the dogs found it equally enchanting with the vast array of fauna that inhabit the gorge.
Bembridge
If you are a regular reader of my blogs, you will know that I absolutely love the seaside.
So, on the second day of our holiday, we made the most of another fine day and headed off in the direction of Bembridge Beach.
This beautiful stretch of golden sand is situated on the easternmost point of the island, and when the tide is out, it’s the perfect secluded spot for zoomies. The beach is framed by a backdrop of lush green woodland interspersed with some very attractive dwellings.
Taking a moment in between the madness of chasing after a ball, we sat and watched the yachts bobbing about in the calm waters. It really is a relaxing little spot.
We were keen to continue on our whistle-stop tour of the island, but if you fancy extending your visit here, you can also check out Bembridge Windmill which is dog-friendly.
There is a lovely coastal walk between Bembridge and St Helens, or even Bembridge and Seaview, if you’re feeling energetic. However, with a reluctant walker in the pack [mentioning no names, Gertrude] we decided to indulge in an afternoon of culture at Mottistone Gardens instead.
Mottistone Gardens – Dog Friendly National Trust
This National Trust property is the most beautiful place to while away a few hours.
Set in a sheltered valley, the manicured lawns framed by well-tended herbaceous borders create the perfect setting to sit and ponder. With shady orchards and a more formal kitchen garden to explore, there was plenty for us to enjoy as we ‘bench hopped‘ around the terraces.
The Mottistone Estate has extensive grounds that giveaway to woodland, and as we ambled around, we could see carpets of bluebells about to burst into life.
Tennyson Downs
As always, our dog friendly adventures had whizzed by far too quickly. But before we reluctantly returned to the mainland, there was one last place on my wish list that we just had to visit.
Having packed up our belongings and bid a fond farewell to White Scape and Yaverland Beach, we headed to the other side of the island.
Situated in West Wight, Tennyson Downs is perhaps one of the island’s most famous natural landmarks, and its sweeping grasslands make for the most breathtaking walk.
The contrast of the white chalky cliffs rising from the crystal blue waters, and green grassland peppered with vibrant yellow gauze is a sight to behold. And if you need an incentive to complete to the seven mile route, the panoramic views of the island are a pretty good motivator!
A striking feature of Tennyson Down is the Tennyson Monument, standing tall as a tribute to the famous Victorian poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson, who found much of his inspiration here. Naturally, the puparrazzi were out in force to snap an iconic photo!
A Fond Farewell
Our little retro tour of the Isle of Wight had been nothing short of idyllic. Even the weather gods had pulled out the stops and blessed us with the most magnificent sunshine. In fact, I rather felt like we’d spent a few days abroad – only without the travel chaos and delayed flights!
As with all our adventures, we have made memories that I will treasure forever. This little jewel of an island will forever hold a very special place in my heart. And bizarrely the older I get, the more I seem to appreciate just what a charming little place it is.
If you’ve been to the Isle of Wight, we’d love to hear all about your favourite dog friendly haunts.
Click here to book at stay at Wight Waves.
Woofs and Wags
Kate, Gertie and Winnie
xox
Wightwaves Holidays gifted us a stay in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.