Explore – 7 Best Cycling Pub Stops on the Isle of Wight

The Highdown Inn Freshwater
There is nothing quite like the feeling of stumbling in from a freezing winter ride and resting up in front of a roaring log fire with a plate of steaming hot pub food in front of you. Equally, a sunny summer beer garden is one of the best places to relax. The Isle of Wight is fortunate to have many superb country pubs that make ideal rest stops on a cycling tour. This blog post looks at my seven favourites…


The Pointer Inn, Newchurch

For many years this was my local, but that did not stop me calling in there for a post ride meal on many occasions. Serving up incredible home-cooked food, and with a classic country pub atmosphere; it is a wonderful place to stop whatever the time of year, with its warm cosy fires for the winter and large beer garden for the summer months. I heartedly recommend Rob's 'Newchurch Pie'—the pub's signature dish.




The Buddle Inn, Niton

Riding the Undercliff Road from Ventnor to Niton is a pure delight—even more so now it has been shut to motorised traffic after the main carriageway slipped into the sea. At the Niton end of the road you will find The Buddle Inn – a beautiful country pub that is the perfect place to stop off at this southern point of the Island. With great specials using locally sourced seasonal produce, as well as a fantastic open fire and beer garden, this is a welcoming venue throughout the year.

The Buddle Inn Niton Isle of Wight



The New Inn, Shalfleet

Ideally situated on the Randonnée route, the New Inn at Shalfleet is a classic country pub with a great menu and cosy atmosphere. Whether you have been on a gentle family ride exploring Newtown Creek, or you are halfway round the Round the Island route after starting in Ryde; this pub is a wonderful place to relax in summer or winter. For a quick stop off, it also serves great desserts/cakes and beautiful Island Roasted Coffee.

The New Inn Shalfleet 2003



The Red Lion, Freshwater

The Red Lion is a great stopover at the far western side of the Island. Situated on the Round the Island Cycle Route and at the Freshwater end of the traffic-free Yarmouth to Freshwater Cycle Path; it makes it the ideal resting place on a multitude of route itineraries. Inside you will find a roaring log fire, and a kitchen that serves up fantastic food. Outside there is a great beer garden in a quiet and peaceful setting. When I visited, I enjoyed one of the best 'moules frites' that I have had this side of the English Channel.

Red Lion Freshwater Isle of Wight



The Highdown Inn, Freshwater

The Highdown Inn is the most westerly pub on the Isle of Wight and serves up wholesome home cooked food in front of a roaring log fire. There is also the Tennyson Tea Rooms within the pub, which provides scrumptious cakes and afternoon teas for those with a sweet tooth. A great stop-over as you ride around the Isle of Wight.

The Highdown Inn Freshwater



Yarbridge Inn, Brading

The Yarbridge Inn is situated on the eastern side of the Island, as you pass through the village of Brading. It is right on the Round the Island Randonnée route, making it the ideal mid-way stop if you have begun your tour at Yarmouth. With famously delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere, this is a great venue to stop at with a group of riders in summer or winter. You will find great pub classics on the menu, as well as more gourmet meals; all wash down with fine ales or an Island Roasted Coffee.

The Yarbridge Inn Brading



The Blacksmiths Arms, Carisbrooke

The Blacksmiths Arms has the same proprietors as The Pointer Inn in Newchurch and serves up equally scrumptious meals in a great dining atmosphere. Situated in the middle of the Island, and on my 'Tour de Wight' route, it is a well-placed stopover for any cycling route on the Isle of Wight. Distant views of the Solent make for a splendid backdrop, and the pub is also just a stone's throw from the famous Tennyson Trail bridleway that takes you from Carisbrooke out to Freshwater.

The Blacksmiths Arms - Photo Jason Rodhouse


Hopefully this assortment of pubs gives you a well-placed option to refuel and refresh yourself mid-way through a summer or winter bike ride on the Island.

For more ideas for an Isle of Wight cycling trip, check out:

Drop me a message on Twitter (@timwiggins1) or Instagram (@tim_wiggins1) with any questions.
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