Isle of Wight walks with cafés along the way

Whether you're a serious hiker or a gentle stroller, you’ll want a cup of tea along the way! Energetic walks finished with coffee and cake are some of life’s simple pleasures, and we’re here to help you enjoy your trek as much as possible.

From tea and cake to a slap-up meal, there are plenty of cafés to sample along the many walking routes dotted throughout the Isle of Wight. As you'd expect, the Island is crammed with friendly eateries, meaning you'll be spoiled for choice wherever you go. Here are just some of the routes that will offer you the chance to sample their fare.

Sandown to Shanklin

Where: Blueberrys Café

Serving breakfast, lunches and light snacks alongside a selection of uniquely-favoured cakes and sweet treats, Blueberrys Café is a family-run clifftop café overlooking Sandown Bay. With spectacular views of the Isle of Wight, it’s the perfect place to fuel up after a challenging stroll up the cliff path from Sandown beach. When you’re ready to get going again, continue your 2-mile journey on the Isle of Wight coastal path to Shanklin – a charming old village steeped in charm, character and history. You can also attempt the route the other way around if you prefer.

Tennyson Down

Where: Dimbola Tearoom

Once the home, salon and studio of Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, Dimbola Tearoom now offers a delicious array of locally-sourced food, homemade cakes, fresh cream teas and hearty Sunday roasts (which are only available in the Winter months). They also serve full english breakfasts, should you wish to start your walk with some fuel! The Tea Room also provides a great selection of wine and real Isle of Wight ale for you to sample.

The tearoom is situated towards the end of the invigorating Tennyson Down trail. With amazing views of the Needles, a 19th-century fort and the iconic Tennyson monument, this challenging route is sure to get your heart pumping. The full 7-mile trail can be split into a shorter 3-mile walk if you’re looking for something a little more manageable.

The Red Squirrel Trail

Where: Pedallers Café

If you’re up for a challenge, The Red Squirrel Trail is sure to test your mettle. Though 32 miles long in total, this gentle route takes you through nature reserves and peaceful woodland, giving you plenty to look at along the way. You can also split it into smaller sections to suit your fitness level. Pedallers Café is the only café located directly on the trail, giving you the perfect opportunity to rest your weary legs before you continue along your journey.

Enjoy a traditional or continental breakfast with freshly-made tea and coffee if you're an early-morning hiker. Or, if you're visiting later in the day, you'll find a selection of hot paninis, filled baguettes and homemade specials on offer. In winter, get cosy indoors by the fire or relax in the summer sunshine in the large, secluded decking area overlooking the wildlife pond. You might even see a red squirrel feeding in the beautiful surroundings.

Ventnor Downs

Where: Lady Scarlett’s Tea Parlour

Be transported to the early 1900s with a visit to Lady Scarlett’s Tea Parlour. Situated in the seaside town of Ventnor, this quirky café offers light bites and homemade cakes and treats – including their scrumptious strawberry cream tea – against the backdrop of vintage bric-a-brac and interesting period features from the Second World War.

Plenty of walking routes take you into Ventnor, including the Ventnor Downs loop. This relatively challenging route rises steeply above the sparkling sea, south-facing chalk slopes and magnificent Holm oak trees. You’ll also be able to see a variety of wonderful wildlife at different times throughout the year, making this walk one to remember. You can start your walk by driving to the top of the downs, or you can earn your cake by climbing the steep hills from the town of Ventnor.

Combley Great Wood

Where: Bluebells at Briddlesford

If you’re looking for a beautiful walk the whole family can enjoy, the enchanting 2-mile woodland route at Combley Great Wood offers families the chance to get close to nature against the backdrop of spectacular woodland scenery. Climb trees, search for pine cones and see what wildlife you can spot amongst the woodland’s canopy. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Bluebells at Briddlesford Lodge Farm to sample homemade pies, halloumi burgers and the famous house schnitzel in what once was the cows’ winter housing.

Newport Town

Where: The Blue Door Café

For a taste of Island culture, spend the day exploring the fabulous Newport Town – the adopted capital of the Isle of Wight. After spending the day shopping and wandering around the local museums and attractions, rest up at the Blue Door Café in St James Square. Located in the heart of Newport, you can enjoy a hearty bistro breakfast, mouth-watering cake or their speciality, Bunny Chow – a baked bloomer filled with a curry of your choice! There are a variety of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and Slimming World-friendly options made using the finest local produce, too, giving you plenty of delicious options to choose from.

Brighstone Village to Isle of Wight Pearl

Where: The Pearl Café

A visit to the Island wouldn’t be complete without a wander around the pretty parish of Brighstone. After taking a slow stroll past old churches and traditional thatched cottages, head down to Grange Chine – taking in the panoramic scenery – before carrying on along the beach and Military Road to The Pearl Café.

Situated on the outskirts of Brighstone, only a stone’s throw from clifftop walks and historical monuments, the café is the perfect spot to enjoy uninterrupted views of the English Channel. Choose from a selection of homemade cakes, cream teas and lunchtime specials to whet your appetite. Even better – muddy boots are welcome.

Headon Warren

Where: The Piano Café

Once the home of Queen Victoria’s piano tuner, The Piano Café now serves delicious barista coffee created with its own unique four-bean blend. Offering loose-leaf teas, homemade cakes and delicious lunches made with locally-sourced produce – as well as various cocktails, fine wines and beers throughout the week – it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind and soak in the atmosphere.

The nearby 4-mile Headon Warren walk offers spectacular views of The Needles, Alum Bay and Hurst Castle. This exhilarating route is a bit of a challenge, with chalk tracks, lots of steps and stiles. You can also shorten the walk to a more manageable 3 miles if you skip Alum Bay.

Sandown to Culver Downs

Where: The Bay Vegan Deli and Coffee House

The 2-mile coastal walk along the flat sea wall from Sandown to Shanklin is the best way to see the area's spectacular beauty. You can also take a stroll along the miles of soft golden sand, where the fresh sea breeze is sure to blow the cobwebs away. Alternatively, keen ramblers looking for a longer walk should take a trek along Culver Parade up to Bembridge Down before following the route all the way to Culver Downs.

After your walk, be sure to make a much-need pit stop at The Bay Vegan Deli and Coffee House. Lovingly named after Sandown Bay, this picture-perfect café offers a range of plant-based delights and features a courtyard for relaxing and enjoying the summer sunshine.

Quarr Abbey

Where: Quarr Abbey Teashop

Whether you're taking part in our Walking Festival route or visiting the Island at any other time, Quarr Abbey is a must-visit. Situated along the coast between Ryde and Fishbourne, both gateways to the Island, Quarr Abbey has existed since the 12th century.

The monastery belongs to the Catholic Order of St Benedict and now focuses on the church and buildings that were finished in 1912. Interestingly designed in a Byzantine style, the church is stunning, and of course, you can see the remains of the original 12th-century abbey as well. Around 12 monks live and work at Quarr Abbey, manning the attached farm and providing refuge for people. The walk takes in the beautiful grounds and gives you the chance to sample the delightful cake on offer in the monastery's very own teashop.

P.S.

Finding great places to eat is one of the highlights of any holiday, and the Isle of Wight offers a fabulous array of eateries, cafés and tearooms to cater for all tastes and appetites.