Unique places to stay on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight may only be 23 miles wide, but it’s one of the most interesting places to spend a holiday in the UK. Striking the perfect balance between peaceful countryside, breathtaking walking trails and bustling coastal towns – all within easy access of one another – our island's the perfect place to get away from it all.

Whether you’re an adventurer, nature-lover or just want to sit back, relax and take in the stunning scenery, the Isle of Wight is bursting with unique and quirky places for you to stay. Finding the right accommodation for your trip couldn’t be easier.

Special and unique places to stay

Renowned for its spectacular coastline, picture-perfect beaches and enchanting villages, there’s no need to hop on a plane to enjoy a memory-making getaway. We know that not everyone is into the traditional seaside hotel experience, and more and more people are looking for a different kind of accommodation when they go away on holiday.

As you’d expect from such a unique holiday destination, the Isle of Wight offers an eclectic mix of accommodation. Choose from yurts, treehouses, Airstream caravans, quirky old cottages and even castles – we’ve got it all!

As most of our island is an officially designated Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), it’s worth having a good look around for the most unusual kinds of accommodation. If you thought you’d have to travel hundreds of miles to find Airstream caravans in a wild and isolated location, or to stay in a HMS Bond submarine, you’d be mistaken!

The Isle of Wight is on your doorstep and has every kind of holiday you can imagine. Want to sleep under the stars and wander undeveloped clifftop paths? Or perhaps you fancy staying in a magical yurt within the countryside? Or a floating luxury apartment on a waterlodge with stunning views across the Solent? Or even at the castle where Charles I spent the last days of his exile? You can do all of this and more, and always be near stunning coastline and sandy beaches.

So, what kind of unique accommodation would suit you best?

Glamping and yurts

Over the last few years, there’s been an explosion in ‘glamping’ – that is, ‘glamorous camping’. But what makes it different to regular camping? As you’ve probably guessed from the name, it’s basically deluxe camping. You get all of the comforts of a luxury hotel and you get to sleep under the stars – the perfect mix!

Yurts and luxury Lotus bell tents are usually equipped with all mod cons, and extra lovely touches. High quality furnishings, proper beds, lights, heating, WiFi, kitchens – a home away from home, but better! You can expect luxurious king sized beds, yurts big enough for the whole family, high ceilings and a sense of space and light you don’t find in normal tents.

The Isle of Wight has several campsites specialising in glamping and yurts, as well as various hotels offering yurts in their grounds during high season.

Airstream caravans

There was a time when caravan parks meant one thing, rows and rows of static caravans mingled with touring caravans. And there are still lots of traditional sites on the Isle of Wight, with superior quality caravans and plenty of space to bring your own. But we’re also home to some awesome Airstream caravans, giving your holiday an authentic retro vibe.

Retro Staycations, (pictured below), offer stays in beautifully and tastefully restored Airstream caravans.

From two night stays to long holidays the caravans are classic American Airstream trailers. Restored to keep the original character of the trailer, without compromising on quality, style and holiday comforts, they’re a really unique way to spend your holiday. Fully equipped with kitchens, electricity, hot water and everything you’d expect, they’re surrounded by stunning countryside.

So if you’ve ever pictured yourself in a retro caravan, having a drink and watching the sun set, you’re looking in the right place. A little bit of retro Americana in the most quintessentially English countryside!