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Priory Bay Hotel, Isle of Wight

Link to National press endorsements Set within the grounds of a stunning 70 acre estate adjoining the spectacular beach of Priory Bay, the hotel also has its own beach, tennis courts, swimming pool and, reputedly, the best six hole golf course in the South of England. This elegant Virginia creeper-clad country retreat built upon by medieval monks, Tudor farmers and Georgian gentry has a medley of beautiful buildings which have been restored and stylishly redecorated to create a “country house hotel by the sea”.The hotel sits atop a small valley with spectacular views to the mainland and East Solent. Each of the eighteen bedrooms have their own very distinctive character and are superbly furnished retaining many of their original features. The principal rooms have views across the extensive grounds (there are also two family rooms within the house which sleep 4 respectively). The two Tithe Barns (each accommodate 6 people), The Cluniac Cottage (8 people) and The Coach House (9 to 10 people) are also ideal for families. The extensive grounds are a haven for wildlife and fauna, including rare birds of prey, owls, red squirrels, dragonflies, wild garlic and orchids. The lawns and terraced gardens were designed by the famous doyenne of landscape design, Gertrude Jekyll. Documentation also records that Queen Victoria sat beneath the magnificent magnolias growing on the south wall of the hotel.

The amazing diversity of this small estate makes it ideal for families. Children can wander safely and freely within the grounds and enjoy the sheltered sandy beach. The chefs, if not too busy(!), are delighted to cook any prawns, cockles, crabs or mackerel caught off the beach. Couples wishing to escape from the hectic metropolis can also enjoy a little luxurious comfort, good food, great wine and romantic walks within the grounds and along the beach. The hotel has a degree of informality which makes it feel like home. For those who want a little more physical activity there are tennis courts, the challenging six-hole golf course and diverse grasslands where one can forage for wild mushrooms and the occasional Penny Bun (ceps). Located between the famous sailing towns of Bembridge and Seaview and only a few miles from Portsmouth and Cowes, the area provides some excellent boating and yachting opportunities. The hotel also provides the hotel’s chefs with access to the developing herb and vegetable gardens and the landings of fresh fish, crustacean and shellfish from the local fishermans’ daily catch. The Island Restaurant - Click here for details The Priory Oyster - Click here for details The Isle of Wight is the UK’s most southerly island with a unique climate and typography which has always made it one of the UK’s earliest producers of top-quality fruit and vegetables, as well as providing excellent grazing for the sheep and cattle traditionally sent over by barge for a fattening-up exercise during the summer months, prior to slaughter. More recently the Isle of Wight has become famous for the production of garlic (over 12 varieties), asparagus, new potatoes and organic cherry and plum tomatoes. Weddings at the Priory Bay - Click here for details Classic Yacht Charter - Click here for details Priory Bay Golf - Click here for details

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