Want a celebrity experience? Here are the top celeb hangouts on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has long been a favourite escape for famous faces, since its rise in popularity in Victorian times. With its laid-back pace, beautiful coastline and quietly stylish places to eat and stay, it’s easy to see why celebrities slip across the Solent for a little downtime.

From beachside restaurants to hidden corners of the countryside, here are some of the Island spots known for attracting well-known visitors.

Few places on the Island have the same reputation for star spotting as The Hut. Sitting right on the sand at Colwell Bay, this stylish beachside restaurant has become one of the UK’s most iconic seaside dining spots.

Its relaxed atmosphere, fresh seafood and sweeping views across the Solent make it a natural draw for visitors looking for a memorable meal by the water – some say it could be mistaken for a spot on the Med.

Over the years, several well-known names have been spotted enjoying lunch here on sunny afternoons. Many arrive on private yachts and are brought in by The Hut’s tender, with this restaurant becoming a well-known summer hotspot.

Rumour has it that Lord Sugar, David Beckham, Kate Moss, Simon Cowell, Cara Delevingne, Richard Branson and Josie Gibson have all enjoyed time here in the past. Who might you sit next to?

Ventnor’s Royal Hotel is one of the Island’s most historic places to stay. Known for its award-winning restaurant, beautiful gardens and stunning views across the bay, it’s hosted notable guests for generations.

Her majesty Queen Victoria first visited in 1844 and often enjoyed afternoon tea with her friends in the gardens. Charles Dickens also stayed here in the 1830s.

Other guests have included writers, performers and well-known personalities looking for a peaceful coastal retreat away from the spotlight. The Royal tells us that George Ezra, Ainsley Harriot, Mary Berry, Joel Dommett and the Manic Street Preachers have all rested their heads here.

You never know who you might meet on a Wightlink ferry. And sometimes it’s the most unexpected moments – like that time Alan Titchmarsh and Joe Sugg caught up on old times onboard. Or when Olivia Rodrigo sat quietly in the sun on the Lymington-Yarmouth ferry while sipping a hot drink from Wight Taste. Or when Josie Gibson casually gave a welcome announcement on the FastCat.

Each summer the Isle of Wight becomes one of the UK’s biggest music destinations during the Isle of Wight Festival. As artists, crews and fans arrive on the Island, it’s not unusual to spot famous musicians on the ferry.  Wightlink’s proud to have transported thousands of acts over the years – including The Rolling Stones, Rag’n’Bone Man, The Prodigy, Sting, Tom Jones and Sam Ryder –  so you never know who you might spot!

Ventnor has quietly built a reputation as one of the Island’s most exciting food destinations. Thanks to its unique microclimate and creative restaurant scene, the town regularly attracts chefs, food lovers and the occasional famous visitor.

From beachfront cafés to award-winning restaurants tucked into the hills, Ventnor offers a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience that feels a world away from the mainland.

The town’s reputation as a culinary destination has grown steadily over the past decade, attracting attention from chefs like Tom Aikens, Rick Stein, Michel Roux Jr, James Tanner and the Hairy Bikers.

Visit the Best Dressed Crab in Bembridge for the freshest shellfish on the Island – landed straight from the boat. It’s also the Island’s only floating seafood cafe. This family business specialise in the freshest finest crabs and lobsters, which are caught locally and only the very best are selected for sale.  Not only that, but The Apprentice’s Lord Sugar once compared it to Key West in Florida!

Don’t miss their specialities – a hot crab ramekin and a seafood platter, or try the local Bembridge prawns when they’re in season.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter held their wedding reception at Mottistone Manor near Brighstone in 2015. The couple married at a private ceremony on Valentines Day, with the reception held at the National Trust-owned house. Guests at event are said to have included Tom Hiddleston and Cumberbatch’s Sherlock co-star Martin Freeman.

The ancient manor near Brighstone was first mentioned in documents relating to the Domesday Book in 1086. Set in a sheltered valley this manor boasts  herbaceous borders, exotic plants, olive grove and an organic kitchen garden. Walk along the network of paths crossing the estate, from the sea up to the top of the downs.

Cowes has always had a touch of glamour. As the home of world-famous sailing events and its location on the edge of a challenging yachting playground (The Solent), the town regularly attracts high-profile visitors.

During the summer sailing season, the stylish waterfront restaurants, yacht clubs and marinas become lively gathering spots where sailors and spectators mingle late into the evening.

Cowes regularly hosts famous visitors thanks to its sailing events, too. Cowes Week regularly attracts the yachtie types like Sir Ben Ainslie and Ellen MacArthur as well as household names such as Bear Grylls and Sir Richard Branson. The town’s yacht clubs and waterfront restaurants often become informal meeting spots during regattas, so you’ll want to keep an eye out!

While the Island has been popular since the 18th century, it truly became a “must-visit” spot in the 1800s, bringing with it significant development, including the expansion of towns like Ryde, Sandown, and Ventnor, and the arrival of the railway in 1862.

Osborne, once the beloved seaside residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, helped establish the Isle of Wight as a fashionable retreat for those looking to escape London. Queen Victoria claimed “it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”.

Today visitors can explore Osborne at their leisure, including the sumptuous rooms inside the house, the impressive manicured gardens and the private beach where royal children learnt to swim.

So whether you’re hoping for a celebrity sighting or simply looking to hang out at some top notch locations, the Isle of Wight offers an incredible mix of places to explore. Book your ferry today.