Our Favourite Picnic Spots on the Isle of Wight

With the weather hotting up, we can all enjoy a spot of al-fresco dining and what better way than with a picnic in your favourite spot? From dramatic coastal cliffs to peaceful gardens, the Island offers the perfect setting for every kind of picnic lover. Here’s our handpicked guide to the most picturesque spots to unpack your hamper…

The Needles & Alum Bay –

Picnic with a View Want your sandwich served with a side of jaw-dropping scenery? Head to the Isle of Wight’s most iconic location: The Needles. Towering chalk stacks rise from the sea, set against the rainbow sands of Alum Bay - an unforgettable picnic backdrop. Settle on the beach or near the historic Needles Old Battery, where history and coastal beauty meet. After lunch, why not hop on a boat tour and see these natural wonders up close? It’s the kind of picnic that turns into a full-day adventure.

Ventnor Botanic Garden –

A Subtropical Escape Step into another world at Ventnor Botanic Garden, nestled in the sun-soaked microclimate of the Undercliff. This lush paradise overflows with exotic plants from around the globe. Find a quiet lawn, spread your blanket, and dine surrounded by blooming colour and birdsong. The on-site café is great, but bringing your own picnic lets you linger longer among the Mediterranean, South African, and Arid Gardens. Afterwards, wander down to Steephill Cove, a tucked-away beach perfect for a post-picnic paddle.

Appuldurcombe House –

Picnic Among Ruins History buffs, this one’s for you. Picture yourself enjoying lunch on the rolling lawns of Appuldurcombe House, a grand baroque mansion turned atmospheric ruin. It’s a place where elegance and time have intertwined, offering a hauntingly beautiful picnic setting. After your meal, explore the remnants of the house and stroll through its landscaped parkland. It’s a peaceful spot full of stories of centuries past.

Mottistone Gardens –

Secret Corners and Flower Paths Looking for a storybook setting? Mottistone Gardens delivers. Tucked away in the west, these enchanting National Trust gardens surround a 15th-century manor house and are full of secluded corners perfect for a peaceful picnic. Wander through wildflower meadows, rest beneath ancient trees, or explore the vibrant seasonal blooms. Don’t miss the nearby Mottistone Longstone, a mysterious Neolithic standing stone.

Compton Bay –

For Surf, Sun & Sandwiches If your ideal picnic comes with salt in the air and sand between your toes, Compton Bay is calling. This sweeping beach is a favourite for surfers, fossil hunters, and anyone craving open skies and golden sands. Stunning sweeping sea views await as you find your perfect patch on the beach. After your feast, take a stroll along the surf, look for dinosaur footprints in the rocks, or simply soak in the sound of crashing waves.

Parkhurst Forest –

Woodland Wonders Craving a picnic under the trees? Parkhurst Forest is your woodland haven. With its ancient oaks, meandering trails, and rustling leaves, it’s a brilliant choice for families and nature lovers alike. Bring a hamper and find a quiet clearing or picnic table tucked into the woods. Keep an eye out for the Island’s elusive red squirrels - Parkhurst is one of the few places in England where you might spot them.