Isle of Wight Hidden Gems | Summer 2020
Mattinson Associates, Architects and Interior Designers have compiled their favourite hidden gems and secret spots on the Isle of Wight for those visiting this summer. With worldwide restrictions on travel halting our summer get aways, more of us are looking to holiday in the UK instead this summer. From the coastal village of Seaview on our wonderful Island to culture capitals like Edinburgh, the UK has so much to offer when it comes to staycationing. Although some places might be a little more expensive than others, holidays within the UK can be cheaper than abroad and there is even the added bonus of being more eco friendly by avoiding flights. So instead of jetting off to Spain or Greece, we’ve put together our hidden gems on the Isle of Wight so next time you’re visiting, or if you’re a local yourself, you can support the Isle of Wight tourism, retail and hospitality industries. ACTIVITIES | The Jewellery CabinIn the rural village of Chillerton, south of the Island, is the Jewellery Cabin where you can learn how to make a range of pieces over several courses. Or, if you’re looking to do something for a special occasion, Jodie and Kelly offer 1 on 1 sessions and private parties for up to eight people where you can make rings, bracelets and even more. Their customer service is incredible and with nothing but beaming reviews, we look forward to next visiting the cabin again!Check out their website here: https://www.thejewellerycabin.comACTIVITIES | Bramble Bank Cricket MatchOnly once a year, the bramble cricket match takes place in August / September time (depending on tide times) on the bank in the middle of the solent. The bank only emerges for around half an hour when the tide is especially low so we would recommend getting there a little earlier than the suggested time as the Southampton vs. Cowes match brings in a fair few people. Rumour has it that it began as a place exercise for high risk prison inmates as they had no means of escaping! To see some pictures from last years match, follow this link here: https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2019-09-01/annual-bramble-bank-cricket-match-in-middle-of-solent/FOOD & DRINK | Fuoco PizzaLast November, Fuoco Pizza opened in Freshwater delivering Neapolitan wood fired pizzas. As locals will know, there isn’t much choice when it comes to takeaway pizza on the Island so we were very excited for this to open. With gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available, it offers so much choice and the prices are really reasonable considering how good the food is. For those staying at home, they’re able to deliver to the West Wight and if you don’t fall within that location, we would recommend taking trip to Yarmouth one evening and getting it delivered on the beach - the perfect summer evening!Take a look at their menu: https://www.facebook.com/FuocoPizzaUk/FOOD & DRINK | Ventnor ExchangeThe Craft Beer Bar at the Ventnor Exchange specialises in Belgium and German beers with almost 70 different types rotating at one time. With so much choice, their experts can help steer your mind however if you’re not in the mood for a pint, go for one of their exciting cocktails or soft drinks. Within the exchange, you can find book clubs, community choirs and even a co-working space! A great place to network and make new friends as well as bringing existing pals out for a brilliant experience. With not just the bar to offer, click here to see what you can do at the Ventnor Exchange: https://ventnorexchange.co.uk/yourvisit/bar/PLACES | Compton BeachNestled away off the Military Road is Compton Beach where you’ll find endless waves, dark sand and sheltered spots surrounded by sandstone cliffs. On slighter windy days, the beach is a hot spot for locals looking to surf, however on calmer days, it’s perfect for pretty much everything. Despite being a little treacherous on your way down to the beach, it’s always worth it when you get to the water - especially on an evening when you can look out west to watch the sun set.PLACES | Gurnard Secret BeachHidden from view, the secret (maybe not so secret) beach in Gurnard is great for families looking to do some exploring in the summer. The shingle beach can only be accessed by Shore Path behind the sailing club and backs onto the woodlands that seclude gurnard from the rest of the Island. The sporadically placed rocks on the beach make it a great adventure for children - the only recommendation we have is that you pack some water shoes as the shingle and stones can make walking into the sea a little bit more painful than it needs to be. RETAIL | Tregear PotteryBased on the southern side of the Island, Tregear Pottery specialise in handmade stone pottery that can be found in galleries and shops all over the Island and mainland. Trained in Japan, owner Neil has travelled across the world perfecting his technique and expending their portfolio of work. Each piece is hand decorated with beautiful motifs. We would recommend visiting their studio in Niton to hear a little more about their process and see what beautiful items they have to offer. Check out their online shop here: https://www.tregearpottery.co.ukRETAIL | This & ThatNew to Seaview this year, This & That is located on Pier Road and sells quality home and interiors pieces. They offer a very personal service where if a particular item is needed, they are happy to source it for you from their catalogue of worldwide suppliers. We’ve seen some great summer furniture pieces in here over the past few weeks and are looking forward to seeing what exciting stock they’ll be sourcing next. We would definitely recommend popping down to their shop in Seaview, however have a browse through their website here: https://www.thisandthatseaview.co.uk/? To check out the work we do on the Island, follow the link here for our Portfolio: https://www.mattinsonassociates.com/portfolio/