About Us

The Wellington Hotel radiates the timeless charm of Victorian residential architecture, beautifully restored after a four-year closure and extensive renovations under new ownership in 2021. Retaining many of its original features, it seamlessly combines classic Victorian elegance with modern comforts, offering guests an authentic experience of an English seaside resort and its unique microclimate.

Our family-run hotel celebrates the heritage of the Duke of Wellington and Scotland, promising to exceed your expectations and provide a peaceful retreat you’ll want to return to. Enjoy breath-taking views from our panoramic terrace, complete with pristine white fencing and plush outdoor seating. Inside, you'll find an intimate bar, a welcoming breakfast room, and a cosy log fire, creating an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality throughout.

Located just steps from the southernmost beach on the Isle of Wight, the hotel features 22 comfortable en-suite rooms, all with picturesque views of the sea just 100 yards away. With our own private steps leading down to the beach, you'll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty. With a mix of red shingle and golden sand, complemented by vintage beach huts offers a delightful taste of coastal nostalgia.

To make your stay even more special, we offer year-round discounted ferry rates for all guests. Book directly with us to receive a complimentary room upgrades when available.

Your journey to relaxation begins here, as we ensure your stay on the historic Isle of Wight is nothing short of delightful.

Isle of Wight Related Facts

“The prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad.”
— Charles Dickens, 1849, in a letter to his wife while staying in Bonchurch during the writing of David Copperfield.

“It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.”
— Queen Victoria, 1800s, reflecting on Osborne House, her residence on the Isle of Wight.

“She thinks of nothing but the Isle of Wight, and calls it ‘the Island,’ as if there were no other island in the world.”
— Jane Austen, 1813, Mansfield Park.

“I chain fancy now at home / Among the quarried downs of Wight.”
— Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1888, from his poem “And See My Cedar Green”.

“This island is a little paradise.”
— Karl Marx, 1800s, during one of his many visits to the Isle of Wight.

Lewis Carroll began writing The Hunting of the Snark in Sandown in 1875. He visited the Isle of Wight multiple times and drew inspiration from the island for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

In 2007, Amy Winehouse headlined the Isle of Wight Festival, delivering a memorable performance that included a duet of "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" with The Rolling Stones. The following year, Grammy Award-winning Amy Winehouse performed at Bestival. During the event, Amy and her team stayed at The Wellington Hotel. This marked her final live performance on the island.

Many famous people have been residents of the Isle of Wight, including Sir Christopher Cockerell, Jeremy Irons, Robert Hooke, Bear Grylls, Charles Dickens, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Queen Victoria and Alan Titchmarsh.

King Charles I was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle for fourteen months before his execution in 1649. Afterwards his two youngest children were confined in the castle, and Princess Elizabeth died there. From 1896 to 1944, it was the home of Princess Beatrice, daughter of Queen Victoria, as Governor of the Isle of Wight.

Hovercraft: Invented by Sir Christopher Cockerell in the 1950s, the hovercraft was designed to quickly transport troops up a beach. The first hovercraft, the SR-N1, was built in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, and was the first to cross the English Channel. The Isle of Wight is now home to the world's only commercial hovercraft service.

John Ackroyd, an Isle of Wight resident, played a key role in building the first practical electric city car in 1970. He also designed and built the world’s fastest vehicle—constructed in a shed in Fishbourne—and was part of the team behind the balloon that reached the highest altitude ever achieved by a human at the time, soaring to 64,000 feet (approximately 12 miles).

Black Arrow
The Black Arrow was a British satellite carrier rocket developed in the 1960s. Assembled in East Cowes, it underwent qualification testing at High Down, near the Needles. Standing 13 meters tall, with a diameter of 2 meters and weighing 18,130 kilograms, the Black Arrow was an ambitious project. However, due to funding issues, the program was eventually canceled, and the Ministry of Defence opted for the American Scout rocket instead. A full-sized replica of the Black Arrow can be seen at the Wight Aviation Museum at Sandown Airport.

Black Knight
The Black Knight was initially designed for testing purposes but was later used to carry research modules into the upper atmosphere. After testing at High Down, the rocket was launched in Australia, contributing to important atmospheric research.

Britain's Oldest Phone Box
As phone boxes continue to disappear from Britain’s streets, one of the oldest still standing can be found in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. This historic phone box, a rare piece of Britain’s past, no longer accepts the current currency in use.

The First Radio Transmission
In 1896, Guglielmo Marconi set up the world’s first wireless radio station on the Isle of Wight, near the Needles. From this pioneering location, the signals were broadcast around the world, marking a ground-breaking moment in communication history.

Once Known as Vectis
In ancient times, when the Romans occupied parts of Britain, the Isle of Wight was known as Vectis. Though the Romans left in the 5th century, the name has endured and can still be found in use in some places today.

The Oldest Pier in the UK
Ryde Pier, built during Victorian times, is the oldest pier still in use in the UK. It offers a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll with stunning views.

One of the Last Manned Lighthouses
The Needles Lighthouse, a famous British landmark built in 1850, is one of the last remaining manned lighthouses in the UK. It continued to have a keeper until 1994 and still attracts many visitors each year.

The Oldest Theme Park in the UK
Blackgang Chine, located on the Isle of Wight, is the UK’s oldest theme park, still welcoming visitors each year. Opened in 1843, its name comes from a coastal ravine. Originally popular with Victorians, it has continued to entertain families for over 170 years.

The UK’s Dinosaur Capital
The Isle of Wight is known as the UK’s dinosaur capital, with over 20 species of dinosaur discovered to date. The most recent find, a gigantic Spinosaurus, was uncovered in June 2022.