Brading town

If you want to visit a small town packed with history, then look no further than Brading, otherwise known as The Kynge’s Town. The Romans came here 1,500 years ago and 750 years back Edward I granted it a royal charter, hence its alternative name.

In times gone by, Brading was a busy sea port before the land was reclaimed from the sea. The ancient harbour sea wall, landlocked in the middle of the Brading Marsh Nature Reserve can still be seen and even walked, just across the railway line from Brading Station.

Things to do

Visit the pretty church, St Mary’s, which dates from Norman times and dominates the northern approach to the town.

Another historic building is the “new” town hall, outside which there still remains a bull ring, from the times when a bull was gruesomely baited by dogs.

Down Quay Lane you will find your way into the RSPB Brading Marshes bird reserve, home to rare species, wading birds and even unusual avian visitors to UK shores. The reserve has several walks to access the marshes.

Located in the High Street is the Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum that has one of the finest collections of dolls and toys in the UK.

Wine buffs will enjoy a visit to Adgestone Vineyard, which produces a range of wines including its iconic Something Blue sparkler, which is incredibly…blue!

Last but not least on the list of things to Say Yes to in Brading is the Brading Roman Villa. Here you can discover a 1600-year-old Roman site, complete with amazing mosaics, all housed in a stunning modern building.

Places to eat

Brading has three pubs and several restaurants. For great pub food, why not try The Bugle Inn, right in the heart of the town. Another restaurant gaining rave reviews, and situated in the middle of Brading is The Hungry Bear, where the roasts are to die for.

Nearby Newchurch is home to the archetypal village pub The Pointer Inn, which has a strong reputation for food and a lovely garden. Another pub with a name for great grub is The Yarbridge Inn, on the outskirts of Brading.

Along the road at Adgestone Vineyard, you will find the UK’s oldest commercial vineyard. Here you can enjoy a cold lunch, wine tour and tasting. 

You can find out more about where to dine and drink in the area here.

Places to stay

Being close to the holiday towns of Sandown and Ryde, there is no shortage of holiday accommodation for all tastes and budgets in the area.

There are lots of holiday cottages available for let in the East Wight area too. In Brading itself you will find Brading House, a spacious home over three floors that dates back to the 1600s. Or, if you want something a bit more rural and a bit more “out there”, then the Garlic Farm at nearby Newchurch has three luxury yurts in a field adjoining the farm.

Over in Sandown, The Wight Hotel has an indoor swimming pool and is handy to explore Brading and the rest of the South Wight.

Tourist information

Brading has its own Tourist Information Point at the town’s recently renovated railway station on the Island Line.

Getting here and getting around

Brading is very well served by public transport and there is a spacious car park at the northern end of the town.

Island Line has a rail station in the town and Southern Vectis buses link Brading to Ryde, Newport, Sandown and Shanklin.