The best seaside stays on the Isle of Wight

With lapping waves on every side, it’s no wonder the Isle of Wight has a nautical feel – and that goes for the accommodation too! Whether you want to stay right on the water or just somewhere that’s got a nautical feel, there’s something for everyone. So hoist those anchors and splice the mainbrace as we sail with you round some of the Island’s best maritime-themed stays.

If you’re a fan of salty breezes whipping through your hair, climb to the heady heights above Alum Bay where a string of cosy National Trust cottages awaits. Surrounded by clifftop grassland, scurrying rabbits and panoramic views of the sparkling sea, they’re certainly one of the Island’s more spectacular seaside options. Once home to the local band of coastguards, each light and airy cottage is named after a famous shipwreck – Varvassi taking its name from a steamship that sank off the Needles in 1947 (carrying a cargo of Algerian tangerines to Southampton!).

However, if lofty locations shiver your timbers, then try No 6 Coastguard Cottages in Brook, an equally characterful property (with maritime connections) a tad closer to sea level. Formerly officer’s quarters for the village’s coastguard station, it’s now a comfy holiday let, sleeping up to six guests and all within easy reach of the renowned surfing beach at Compton.

Moving south, to the rustic fishing village of Steephill Cove, you can drop anchor in a range of high-end hideaways set amongst the lobster pots, deckchairs and seagulls that call this place home. Hard to miss is the bright white octagonal newbuild known as The Lighthouse – a contemporary retreat with endless views across the sea towards France. Aside from its unusual shape and commanding position it also offers a private decking area perfect for brunching on prawns, landed in the bay that very morning.

Talking of lighthouses, head four miles west to the village of Niton and you’ll find St. Catherine’s – a fully functioning lighthouse that today still warns ships to steer clear of the dangerous rocky coastline. First constructed in 1838, its tower was originally so tall it was often enveloped in mist, but in 1875 it was made thirteen metres shorter so the lantern could shine across the open waves unimpeded. At its base sit Landward, Gurnard and Penda, the historic keepers’ cottages where these days up to five guests can bed down within sight and sound of the English Channel.

For those looking for a more nautical night’s sleep (or who prefer their accommodation to float), shuffle up the gangplank and step aboard ‘Sturdy’ – a luxury houseboat moored in the tranquil waters of Bembridge Harbour. Containing four doubles, a single and a bunk room, this 72-foot-long vessel started life in London as a Thames Lighter before its 2014 relocation and transformation into (supposedly) one of the UK’s most luxurious holiday-let houseboats. Stepping through the bi-fold doors for a sundowner on the foredeck, it’s not hard to see why The Guardian, Stylist and London Evening Standard have all given ‘Sturdy’ their seal of approval.

If, however, you prefer your bedroom to come with knobs, whistles, trap doors and a periscope then look no further than HMS Bond, a former nuclear-powered Soviet submarine, now five miles safely inland at Windmill Campersite near Carisbrooke. As seen in the 1999 James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, this unusual and immersive place to stay sleeps up to five submariners and comes with the added bonus of a spacious adjoining kitchen and bathroom (something not normally a feature of Cold War submarines).

Back over in West Wight, just a cannon ball’s throw from Freshwater Bay, sits Fort Redoubt – a Victorian stronghold built in 1856. Initially constructed to fight off any French invasions, its moat now houses ‘Upper Caponier’ a swanky and sophisticated apartment with exposed brickwork and industrial-style lighting. With a bridge to enter the grounds and a tunnel leading down to the apartment, it’s definitely an atmospheric spot to stay.

If you’re visiting in August there’s nowhere more nautical than Cowes – home to the world-famous Cowes Week sailing regatta. Since the starting guns first fired in 1826, up to 7,000 competitors have docked in the town each August for a week of races and contests, with past sailors including King George IV, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and the late Duke of Edinburgh. To get in amongst the action, try staying at Villa Rothsay, a 150-year-old Victorian hotel in the heart of Cowes’ historic centre, with ship shape rooms (named after famous yachts), sea-view balconies and a smoked fish of the week on the breakfast menu.

Alternatively, check in to The George Hotel in Yarmouth during the town’s Solent Old Gaffers’ Regatta (where classic boats gather together, their rigging festooned with nautical flags and maritime regalia).

ℹ️ A version of this article by James Rayner first appeared in Wightlife magazine.  Looking for more ideas of where to stay? Visit our Accommodation on the Isle of Wight page.