A bustling village resting on the Isle of Wight, Carisbrooke can be found settled on the south western outskirts of Newport. Best known for Carisbrooke Castle, a point of interest which has been all of an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king’s prison and a royal summer residence, this village is a wondrous base, with a variety of amenities to cater to all tastes. The village’s medieval parish church of St. Mary’s is a talking point; once part of a Benedictine priory, established by French monks in around 1150, there’s so much to explore here. Within the village there are two pubs; the Victorian-era pub and inn of The Waverley and the Grade II listed The Eight Bells, along with a Turkish Restaurant, Italian restaurant and a local shop. Feed the ducks at the Carisbrooke Millpond, or take a trip into the vibrant county town of Newport where you can take a stroll along the River Medina before exploring its wider range of eateries settled amongst its Museum of Island History and art centre, or explore the outskirts of the town to find the 88 acres of countryside in the form of Robin Hall Country Park, with a plethora of walking routes and a scatter of family-friendly attractions to be discovered. Venture into the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for even more stunning scenery, as well as the wonder of Compton Beach walled by sandstone cliffs and offering a scenic experience like no other. To the north of the village you can also find the coast of Cowes, with even more wonderful beach walks, independent shops, a golf course, various museums and historical landmarks, it’s well-worth a visit. Sitting at the centre of the Isle of Wight, the village of Carisbrooke is ideally positioned for exploring the many attractions that the area has to offer, with easy links to Portsmouth for a day out with a difference.
