Ventnor is the perfect destination for anyone craving a quiet, simpler, more wholesome life of sunshine and the beach, in a sub-tropical microclimate. This is the destination of choice too, for folk who like crab and lobster, especially if you like to eat these out in the fresh sea air, under the shade of palm trees. And our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Ventnor are ideal bases for doing just that.

It’s easy to see why the Victorians loved Ventnor. This small seaside town tumbles gently down a chalky hill facing the sea, sunnier and warmer than the rest of the UK due to having its own sub-tropical microclimate, and sitting quietly sheltered by the highest point on the Isle of Wight - St. Bonifce Down. Ventnor’s long, gently arching sand and shingle beach is still lined with Victorian bathing machines, behind which there’s a charming old arcade. Ventnor’s faded somewhat since its heyday, but one of our Gurus has suggested that the accommodation has improved in leaps and bounds, and some of the best places to stay in Ventnor are now fabulous picks for food lovers, as well s families on seaside holidays.

Ventnor has become quite a foodie town, and if that’s something you want to pursue, there are numerous excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants to try - and our Gurus highly recommend The Hambrough, which is a restaurant with rooms also on their list of the best places to stay in Ventnor. Crab and lobster are the specialities, and there’s a local fishery, the Ventnor Haven Fishery, which is worth visiting if you’re interested in that side of the industry too. Our Gurus also recommend a stroll along the seawall at Wheeler’s Bay or Bonchurch, and a visit to Appuldtcombe House. If you have a bit of time our Gurus also propose a visit to Cowes and Yarmouth, and a trip to The Needles.

The Best Places to Stay on Ventnor

For a Special Occasion

• The Hambrough is an enchanting clifftop villa with spectacular sea views, turned restaurant with rooms. The decor makes the most of the seven guest rooms’ fantastic, light-drenched positions, and our Gurus’ favourite rooms have French doors, as well as balconies with fantastic views. Expect modern amenities. But guests should also expect fantastic food. The chef is young, but with great experience in busy London restaurants, and what he does with Ventor’s local produce is superb. A chic stay.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• There are four different ferry routes serving the Isle of Wight. WightLink runs ferries between Portsmouth and Fishbourne, Portsmouth to Ryde, and Lymington to Yarmouth. Red Funnel run ferries between Southampton and East Cowes. All of these ferries carry car traffic as well as foot traffic. The Fishbourne ferry terminal is about 20minutes drive from Ventnor, and Ryde is about the same. It takes about 30minutes to drive between Yarmouth and Ventnor, but you’re coming from the opposite direction. If you’re travelling by train, the closest station is probably Portsmouth, or Lymington.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The UK is known for its unpredictable weather, but, surprisingly considering it’s a small island in the middle of water, the Isle of Wight has a microclimate that’s a bit more reliable than many places in the UK. Spring days often start with rough seas and fog which burns through to sunshine, summer is dry and sunny, autumn is mild and sunny still, but with less daylight hours of sunshine, and winter is often crisp and still sunny. Ventnor’s carnival is held in August, and that’s the busiest time to visit.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay on the Isle of Wight?
• or consider Ventnor’s neighbours? Cowes? or Yarmouth possibly?
• You may want to stay across the Solent in one of the best places to stay in the New Forest?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.