Home / Shopping on the Isle of Wight

Shopping on the Isle of Wight

The beauty and varied landscape of the Isle of Wight has long been an inspiration to artists and makers. Such an artistic heritage is matched today with a modern arts community that is thriving. There are individual craft outlets and galleries for you to visit and enjoy, selling just about everything from handcrafted jewellery and pottery to sculptured glass and contemporary art. Scour the second hand books shops - the Island has these in abundance - and who knows, you may find that first edition!

Well known high street stores, individual boutiques, antique and craft markets - whatever your preference, there's something to please all tastes. Most of the famous high street stores, bars and restaurants can be found in Newport, the Island's main town, located in the centre of the Island. The atmospheric farmers' market takes place on Fridays, in St Thomas' Square. Simply stroll around the stalls selling wonderful local produce including, meats, cheeses and honey. The Island's garden centres offer a fantastic wet weather alternative with a wide selection of gifts for those green-fingered friends and well as items to adorn your home.

Discover the range of produce from wines and ciders to garlic, asparagus, tomatoes on the vine, bacon and dairy produce. The Garlic Farm at Newchurch will sell you everything to spice up your picnic and your kitchen including pickles, chutneys and garlic bread made from flour from Calbourne Water Mill.

Wide and busy Union Street in Ryde is just one example of an Island teeming with clothes, fashion and jewellery shops and has a delightful Victorian Arcade - The Royal Victoria - lined with shops selling books and curios, as well as an underground market - a veritable 'Aladdin's Cave' for bargain hunters.

So you've shopped till you've dropped, probably enjoyed a good pub lunch and are ready for some relaxation. What better way than pampering yourself whilst the rest of the family visit a local attraction or play on the beach?

The Island is one of the few places in the UK where the small, family retailer still has a foothold, able to offer customers a more personalised shopping experience - particularly home, music, photography, toys and shops selling the latest electronic gadgetry. Teenagers will find all the latest clothing and footwear brands in the sports and leisure shops, while the well-known outdoor retail outlets offer everything for that walking or camping holiday.