Friday 7th – Sunday 9th March 2025

Day 1

This time we’re ferry-bound for the Isle of Wight – but not before Steve gets creative with directions and ignores the maps. Twice. Not lost exactly… just taking the “scenic almost-wrong-turn route” to the ferry port.

Once we finally got there (hooray!), lunch was a glamorous sandwiches in the car. Let’s just say Steve’s tuna choice was… aromatic.

The ferry crossing itself was uneventful – smooth sailing all the way. On arrival, we found our barn accommodation and hello F-Type in the drive! Memories for Steve, but at least it wasn’t a convertible!

The barn was packed with lovely little touches – exposed beams, cute décor, and even a record player, which Steve couldn’t resist fiddling with.

We popped out for a little gin-based adventure to the Mermaid Distillery. No tours running, but we consoled ourselves with a rather nice drink. Then came the Big Food Shop Fiasco. Steve decided that the best route to dinner supplies involved a completely unnecessary round trip to an Aldi in Sandown… only to drive straight back to Ryde (where we’re staying) to go to Tesco anyway.

Then came the Tesco Meal Deal Wine-Gate. There were no drinks to go with the meal deals – absolutely scandalous. Tensions rose. Vikki may have gone a bit hangry. There was some mild debate over the location of Tesco Express, but all was forgiven once food was secured and we were safely back at the barn.

Birthday dinner to the rescue: steak and chips, apple crumble for pud, and a glass (or three) of red wine. All was well again in the world.

Day 2

Vikki’s birthday! 🎉 Cards, gin, wine, washing tablets (classic gift!), and a pashmina kicked things off nicely – plus coffee and a lazy morning to ease into the celebrations.

Picnic packed, we headed to Osborne House with a vital pastry stop for Steve along the way. Plans shifted slightly (as they always do) – we moved our house tour earlier, but not before strolling through the walled gardens… which were slightly lacking in actual flowers.

Picnic time was next – Queen Victoria’s private beach sounded romantic and regal until we realised it was freezing and very windy. Lunch with a side of shivers. The house tour was beautiful though, with lots to see (and warmth inside!).

Next bright idea: a boat tour round the Needles! Only… not in season. No boats for us. So we tried heading to “the best café” on the island for coffee and cake – also closed for the season. We sensed a theme.

Onward to Ventnor, which came through for us! Boozy hot chocolate, mulled wine, and cake – now that’s how you birthday properly. We even squeezed in a little walk to a boulder crash site. Because why not?

Back to the barn for a drink and then a walk to the Fishbourne Inn for dinner with a side of cowboy antics from the local rugby club! . The food? Not a culinary highlight, but it filled the gap. A lovely walk back and a few drinks in the cosy barn rounded off a chilled, windswept, and wonderful birthday day.

Day 3

A lazy start to the day (as it should be on holiday) before we hit the road to Compton Bay – home of epic views and even more epic ice cream. Possibly the best 99 ever.

Next stop: The Blacksmiths Arms for a dreamy Sunday roast in the sunshine. Trio of meats and classic beef with extra gravy, of course. Washed down with wine and beer, and enjoyed al fresco in the pub garden – pretty much peak Sunday.

After we were happily full, we rolled on to Fort Victoria Country Park for some gentle wandering and a peek at Hurst Castle from across the water. The coffee was… not great. Let’s just say the elderflower juice was the better choice!

Then it was off to the ferry port, braced for delays with all the news of cancellations – but luck was on our side and we sailed straight through with no waiting. A smooth end to a lovely long weekend on the island.

Isle of Wight – That’s a Wrap!

Three days, one birthday, many cups of coffee, and at least one too many drinks with a view – the Isle of Wight did not disappoint. From royal beaches and windswept picnics to mulled wine in Ventnor and roast dinners in the sun, it was a weekend of good food, cosy pubs, the best Mr Whippy known to man and plenty of laughs.

Oh, and Vikki’s birthday haul of gin, wine, and washing tablets!