Holidays mean different things to different people, and different generations, and here at Nettlecombe Farm, we get that. For over forty years, we’ve been welcoming guests to relax, make memories and just enjoy everything that the Farm and the Island has to offer, and we think we’re doing a pretty good job as over 60% of our bookings are referrals or families returning; some of whom have been for forty years.
For youngsters, there’s the thrill of just being down on the farm with our ever-popular farm feeding mornings where kids can get involved in a unique way feeding lambs in spring, collecting eggs from the chickens, and meeting our menagerie which includes alpacas, goats, reindeer, ponies and of course, Edna the Emu. There’s also our rural play area to let off steam as well as a big Wendy house, our amazing wooden tractor, climbing play facility, and a sports area for ball games.
For adults and older folk, there’s also plenty to do. Or not as the case may be! Guests can choose from a programme of well-being activities that include yoga and personal training and there’s even a personal chef whom you can book for a night off from cooking yourself. Of course, walking and cycling are both to be highly recommended within both the AONB and our biosphere and there are numerous trails and paths which are suitable for various differing abilities, and which take you to different parts of the Island where you can enjoy the peace and quiet, have an ice cream, or a sundowner.
We also should mention our fabulous fishing lakes which are well-stocked with carp, roach, and tench of various sizes. The largest recorded fish caught from these lakes to date was a 20lb carp caught by a 12 year old boy. Suitable for anglers of all abilities, the lakes are a wonderful place to spend a peaceful day in beautiful scenery – great sport for the more experienced and a chance to simply catch a fish for the less.
The holiday properties themselves have been carefully thought out so that the larger ones can be used for family get-togethers or families can split themselves between a couple of different choices – so grandparents can join the holiday but have the privacy of their own holiday cottage. We’ve also thought about accessibility for older guests and six of our properties are on one storey making them easier to access, and we do welcome your canine friends too.
Away from the Farm, there’s plenty to do with miles of beaches for sandcastles, picnics, surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. On the west side of the Island, you can fossil hunt for ancient treasures, and on the east, enjoy a traditional bucket and spade holiday with safe sandy beaches, deckchairs, and beach huts for hire. There’s also Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the UK, and Robin Hill with amusements, rolling fields to roam in, and evening shows to entertain.
For older guests, there is, of course, one of the jewels in Queen Victoria’s crown – Osborne House. Filled with treasures and boasting beautiful gardens, it’s the perfect place to while a day away. There are also award-winning pubs and restaurants to visit and enjoy, great seafood at Steephill Cove, and endless sunset opportunities to enjoy a glass of something cold.
We’ve been welcoming you for the past forty years and look forward to welcoming you back for the next forty or more. However young you are or young at heart you may be, holidays at Nettlecombe Farm and on the Isle of Wight are memory-making, unique, and with the Island being a designated UNESCO Biosphere, very special indeed.
