Island & Culture

artists & writers

Since Victorian times, the Isle of Wight has been the home of many artists and writers from Tennyson to Keates who have found inspiration from the stunning coastline and countryside. Today, the Isle of Wight is a wealth of local artisans producing some unique crafts.

With large craft centres where you can watch hands-on making, to the many galleries dotted around the Island, the local art scene is thriving so you are sure to pick up something memorable from your holiday. Many of our local events are dedicated to the arts from the Open Studios in July to the Ventnor Fringe in August.

Round the island races

The Round the Island Race is an annual yacht race around the Isle of Wight. It starts and finishes in Cowes, and is organised by the Island Sailing Club. The course is about 50 nautical miles (93 km) long. It was first held in 1931 and since 2005 has been sponsored by JP Morgan Asset Management.  Have a drink or a spot of lunch on our decking area to watch the race in action!

isle of wight festival

The original events were promoted and organised by the Foulk brothers (Ron and Ray Foulk) under the banner of their company Fiery Creations Limited and their younger brother Bill Foulk. The venues were Ford Farm (near Godshill), Wootton and Afton Down (near Freshwater) respectively.[5] The 1969 event was notable for the appearance of Bob Dylan and the Band. This was Dylan's first paid performance since his motor cycle accident some three years earlier, and was held at a time when many still wondered if he would ever perform again. Followers from across the world trekked to the Isle of Wight for the performance