Isle of Wight recommendations early oct, 2 adults

[bjonesreborn]

Evening wise mumsnetters.
we have booked 3 nights Near East Cowes early October. Looking for recommendations for restaurants/ things to do and see. Osborne House is the only place I know of so far.
many thanks

The Lifeboat in East Cowes has a lovely spot right by the water. It gets very busy so you’ll need to book.
You get some impressive cliff top sea views from Culver Haven Inn which is a relaxed pub overlooking Sandown and Shanklin from a spot near Bembridge.
The Smoking Lobster on Ventnor Esplanade featured on Best of Britain By The Sea! There's also a branch of the Smoking Lobster in Cowes. Murray’s Seafood Restaurant, also in Cowes, is long established and popular.

Thanks so much, they all sound lovely

The garlic Farm, the needles and alum bay, the needles old battery, Carisbrooke castle, Shanklin chine.

Sorry to jump on here instead of start my own thread but I figured this way at least 3 of you will see it and I didn't want to post a fake aibu for traffic!

@bjonesreborn @Forgottenmyphone @YouBoggleMyMind

I'm travelling to West Cowes in November with my DD for a sailing association open day. Have booked an Air BnB for two nights right near the UKSA so all walking distance.

If I don't want to take the car over on the ferry, is there any parking for the 3 days somewhere in Southampton for a reasonable cost?

Presuming it will cost more to take the car over and pay the £10 a day parking charge at the property than parking it this side and going by foot, but obvs not sure where I would park. Thank you in advance.

You can park in West Quay for over 24 hours. It's then a 5 - 10 minute walk to the Red Jet. Just be warned that the Red Jet plus West Quay might cost more than the car ferry. There is lots of on street parking once you're out of the immediate Cowes town centre, so it really would depend where you're staying.

OP our current favourite casual place to eat is at Goddards Brewery. Fab Sunday roast.

@SnowflakeSmasher86
This site will help you.

https://www.yourparkingspace.co.uk/southampton/red-funnel-ferries-parking

The Piano Cafe in Freshwater Bay is lovely, and the drive to it along the Military Road is regularly featured among the best drives in Europe.

Ah that’s brilliant thank you all! Maybe worth having the car then, even though we’re only there for a long weekend. Might be nice to see a bit of the place once she’s finished at the open day.

Vote for car here. You should be able to park on Mill Hill Road in Cowes