My partner's parents live their so we've visited frequently over the past 7 years or so, and we are getting married there in a couple of weeks time
Despite what a few here have said, I think it is a charming place with lots to offer, including a couple of great record shops! Like any 'classic' British seaside resorts, there are a few places which need some love, but it's pretty easy to see past or avoid these bits altogether. A car or alternative method of personal transport is definitely recommended to get to the good bits, but there are buses covering most of the Island.
We are actually staying at the Hambrough after our wedding for a couple of nights, and Ventnor is one of our favourite spots - it's really changed over the past couple of years with some great places to eat and probably the Island's best record shop - Reggies Retro!
Other things we've loved:
- Walk from Quarr Abbey to Ryde (Ryde has some great architecture and some interesting shops to browse)
- Walk along Appley beach to Seaview, nice cafe and pub along the way
- Cycling. Would love to do more there, but the ride alongside the Medina from Newport to East Cowes is off-road - lovely views, and pretty flat.
- Walk from Gurnard into West Cowes. Great views of the solent and the best side of Cowes to enjoy at the end, another good record shop too!
- Morning look around Yarmouth, lunch at the Off the Rails, then walk it off by doing the coastal walk to Colwell Bay, and then Totland if you're feeling fit.
- Steephill cove is lovely with some great spots to eat, and the coast walk back to Ventnor is great, but with a couple of steep (unsurprisingly) stepped sections.
- Walk from Shanklin Chine all the way along the promenade to Sandown and beyond if you want.
- Lunch or dinner at Woods Kitchen or Taverners in Godshill
- Osbourne House and the grounds are stunning, try and go when they have most of the house open (they sometimes don't), V&A chose that spot for a reason!
- Drive/ride along the Military Road and stop at a couple of the beaches, the view along the road is awesome
Yep, lots of walking there