Visit this Idyllic Island

Things to see

Whether you are with us for just a few hours eating in the restaurant and soaking up the view, or staying in one of our newly refurbished rooms, there is always time to enjoy the local attractions.

Beaches and Walks

If you are looking for a leisurely walk by the sea or hunting for fossils we will be happy to recommend different beaches for you to visit.

West Wight has many walks you can enjoy. If you would like a suggestion please ask our reception team and maps can be provided.

The Needles Tennyson Down Osborne House Freshwater Bay Golf Course Events Round the Island Race Restaurants Local Attractions

The Needles

Easy to drive to from the hotel, this is probably the Isle of Wight’s most iconic natural feature. The original “needle” disappeared in the late 1800’s but what is left is spectacular and steeped in military history.

Did you know, this is where the first UK satellite rocket was developed and tested?

Whilst the black arrow may have kicked it all off, there are still fireworks every Thursday in the summer.

https://www.theneedles.co.uk/

Tennyson Down

Just up to the West of the hotel, Tennyson Down has the most amazing walk up to the monument named after the Victorian poet Laureate. You can even walk to the Needles from the monument.

Invigorating, but worth the walk. You will have uninterrupted views across the Solent one way and the Channel the other.

Osborne House

The islands most famous country house, Queen Victoria’s island seat was built in 1851, at the same time as the Albion Hotel was given it’s Royal Warrant.

Local folklore has it that Thomas Cubitt (Osborne House’s architect) and members of the royal party stayed here to oversee the build.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/

Freshwater Bay Golf Course

One of the oldest Links courses in the UK, not many know about the Golf Club at Freshwater.

This spectacular course is set on the downlands overlooking the English Channel.

Originally a 9-hole course in Victorian times, it was later extended to 18 holes. 5,725 yards long, par 69, it provides a challenge for golfers of all abilities.

https://freshwaterbaygolfclub.co.uk/

Events

Isle of Wight Festival: Revellers have been rocking the Island every June since the 1960’s, albeit there was a break due to an Act of Parliament banning it because it was too wild!

Well it’s back with a vengeance and a great draw every year.

https://isleofwightfestival.com/

Plenty other spectacles all summer: There’s Cowes Week, Walk the Wight, The Cycling Randone & The Royal Show.

Round the Island Race

The largest yacht race in the world graces our shores in June, with over 1,100 yachts of all sizes and abilities rounding the Needles and passing the hotel around mid-morning.

A great spectacle for our special race brunch – enquire at reception.

https://www.roundtheisland.org.uk/

Restaurants

Of course, we hope you will find all you need at our restaurant, the Rock. However, we all like a bit of variety, so we are more than happy to shuttle you to one of the other great local restaurants in the area. Some are incredibly popular in the summer, so we highly recommend booking way ahead of staying with us.

For even more choice click on the link below.

More Places to Eat

Local Attractions

Tapnell Farm – A favourite with children and adults alike. Tapnell Farm is home to The Cow restaurant and many activities for the whole family to enjoy.
https://tapnellfarm.com/

Dimbola museum – Just a short walk from the hotel and perfect for a rainy day, Dimbola was the home of the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. It is now a museum and gallery dedicated to her life and work, which also showcases contemporary exhibitions from photographers around the globe.
Dimbola also has a permanent exhibition of photographs and posters commemorating the original 1970 Isle of Wight Festival.

An award winning café serving breakfast and lunch is open year round – check website for details
https://www.dimbola.co.uk/

Farringford – Farringford was Alfred Lord Tennyson’s island home where he and his wife Emily raised their two sons. Queen Victoria’s Poet Laureate wrote some of his most famous poems here – the most famous of which are The Charge of the Light Brigade and the Lady of Shalott. The house and gardens are open to visitors between April and October.
https://farringford.co.uk/