Welcome to the Isle of Life!

Welcome to the Isle of Life!

So here we are! A hot July is now over and an even hotter-looking August is upon us! We’re so lucky to be having such a fantastic summer - this weather has been beautiful for the best part of 6 weeks now. and it looks as though there’s another 6 weeks of glory ahead of us too!

We’ve decided to be a little ‘different’ in this blog as apposed to what we’ve done previously… We’re writing more from the heart rather than our minds… We want to let you all know what it’s like to be an actual islander here in the summer as there are so many things to do, so many places to go, so many things to see. We’ve decided to list a number of our favourite events that are coming up!

So without further ado, welcome to the Isle of Life:

The Chale Show - 02-03 Aug 2014, Chale Recreation Ground

Being an islander, this is a yearly event that a lot of people make an effort to come to. See it as our own little Royal Garden show, but on a smaller scale. There’s plenty to do for all generations attending, with things such as:

• Island vintage tractors, steam & military vehicles
• Farmers market     
• David Randini Magician
• Children's free creative activity and circus skills area.
• Annual community kids running races
• Fun for all ages with professional Street entertainers, jugglers and circus performances
• Childrens fairground rides

Be sure to check it out if you’re nearby. Bring the family along with you. There’s more than enough to be able to spend a day here then make your way down the road to a lovely pub to enjoy an evening meal in the sun.

For more info, check their website here. (http://www.thechaleshow.co.uk/).

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week - 02-09 Aug 2014, Cowes/Solent

Picture curtesy of http://www.girlsforsail.com/

Now, alongside the two festivals, Cowes Week has got to be one of the events that really puts the Isle of Wight on the map for things to do. Cowes Week entices around 20,000 people trust the week long event. On the follow Friday there is always fireworks from on the Solent. It is an amazing site to see, so we would recommend that you go down there with the whole family because the atmosphere is incredible!

During the week you will see thousands of boats, meet thousands of people, and enjoy some of the finest islands beer.

But, don't just take our word for it check out the website itself: (http://www.aamcowesweek.co.uk/)

Ventnor Fringe Festival - 12-17 Aug 2014, Ventnor

Well then… Everyone loves the festival don't they? Similar the very famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Ventnor Fringe Festival is the Isle of Wight’s own fancy version. Celebrating all things party and cultural the fringe festival is a fantastic place for people to bring their family along for a day out. 

Simply talking about this will not do it justice, you really should check it out for yourself: (http://ventnorexchange.co.uk/vfringe)

V-Dub Island - Thur 14 to Tue 19 Aug 2014

Own a VW campervan? Not heard of V-Dub? Shame on you! The V-Dub Island weekend is aimed at the VW camper van enthusiasts, Attracting people from all over the world. The plus side to this, is even if you're not a fan per se, you get to explore and see some of the most impressive and well kitted out vans there are. Becoming quite a fashion accessory… the VW Campervan is becoming quite an island icon as of late. This event is fantastic the people of all ages and interests. It's bound to be a fun week! 

Take a look at their website here: (http://www.v-dubisland.com/home.html)

Isle of Wight Garlic Festival - 16-17 Aug 2014, Near Newchurch, Sandown

Unfortunately, only a two day event! The isle of wight garlic festival is one of the most entertaining, fun, family friendly events on the calendar. There is always live music, lots of fun and games, market stalls from Local farmers giving you free tasters of their food, competitions, And some of the best types of beer and annual you will ever taste.

Costing just £9.50 for adults and £5 for children, this event really is a no-brainer: (http://www.garlic-festival.co.uk/).

Isle of Wight Scooter Rally - 22-25 Aug 2014, Ryde

Truly Isle of Wight: the Isle of Wight scooter rally takes place towards the end of August. Again, much like the camper vans, you don't need to be a true fan of scootering around to appreciate and absorb the atmosphere. There are very few places where you can go on the island during this weekend and not see a scooter driving by. Just looking at some of the detail which goes into these guys with their bikes and how they modify them is just phenomenal. It's a really great weekend.

For more details please check out their website here: (http://www.vfmscoot.co.uk/_pages/index.htm).

We hope you've enjoyed our different styled blog, And that you'll come back next month to see Septembers fantastic events. 

Much love, the Niton Barns team!

Isle of Chocolate

As a fashionable holiday destination, the Isle of Wight population almost doubles during the summer months and the influx of visitors start at Springtime.  The blanket of winter lifts and the island opens its eyes with a big welcoming smile.  Already well known for such attractions as Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House and Brading Roman Villa, the island has, in recent years, added crowd-pulling attractions such as the Isle of Wight Festival, The Bestival and The Old Gaffers Festival to its year-round programme of events and attractions.  So,  what is there to do at Easter to keep everyone amused?  Why Easter Egg Hunts of course!  What is there not to like?  Chocolate, face painting, silly clues, chocolate, fun games, prizes, chocolate, Easter bunnies, blind tastings and did I mention chocolate?  And where will you find some of these events?  Read on...

Easter Egg Hunts

•  Chale Bay Farm holds its annual Charity Easter Egg Hunt between 30^th March and 1^st April with fun clues for children to follow.  Entry is £5 per head and each child wins a prize. (Proceeds to Earl Mountbatten Hospice)
• Blackgang Chine holds its Easter Eggstraveganza on 3^rd, 4^th  9^th and 10^th April.  In the Chocolate Headquarters, you will find: a chocolate fountain, blind tastings, fun activities and competitions.
• Mottistone Manor Gardens hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday (31^st March) with clues and puzzles to solve together with face painting.  Sponsored by Cadbury.
• Osborne House get egg-cited with a fun family Easter Trail this year, there is an egg-stremely silly challenge for children who will have to locate Easter bunnies in and around the grounds resulting in a chocolate Easter egg treat.
• Robin Hill is holding an Easter Dash on 31^st March and 1^st April followed by the opening of the Easter Electric Woods.
• Isle of Wight Steam Railway – Havenstreet have organised an Easter Bonnet Parade, a Treasure Hunt and a ride on a steam train.  Kids go free!
• The Needles Park have invited Professor Huxley Humbug to create some fantastical sweet treats this Easter.  Combine this with a hunt around the park for hidden clues and solve some puzzles to be in with a chance of winning some Easter treats.  30th March – 1st April and 6^th and 7^th April.

If you don’t fancy hunting for your chocolate, why not try the following?

• Chocolate Heaven in Godshill who create their own hand-made chocolate, a firm favourite with visitors is the chocolate fondue.
• Chocolate Apothecary in Ryde is a chocolatier and patisserie par excellence!
• Chocolate Mad Cowes in Cowes hand dip in Valrhona chocolate and top sellers include: delectable truffles, salt caramels and Chocolate Mad Fudge.
• Bufferflies Cafe in Yarmouth offer delicious hand-made chocolates and gifts.

Have a Happy Chocolate Isle of Wight Easter!

A guide to Niton

We’re proud of our accommodation at Niton Barns, but we owe a great deal to the charm of the surrounding area. Niton is the southernmost village on the Isle of Wight, split into two halves by a break in the inner cliff . The Island as a whole is packed with gorgeous scenery- around half of which was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1963. Upper Niton is the northern part of the village, which is where we are. In a hollow and centred around a crossroads, Upper Niton is home to the village shops and pharmacy. South of the cliff is the aptly named Niton Undercliff, formerly a fishing hamlet. Scattered around are various Victorian buildings left over from its popularity at the time as a health resort.

Right next door to us is the stunning Church of St John the Baptist. Parts of the church date back to the 11th century, with additions being made through to the 17th century, overlapping with the initial constructions of our oldest barns. The church yard boasts a memorial to a co-founder of the British public library system, Edward Edwards.

If you’re looking to whet your whistle, we have two pubs in the village. The Buddle Inn (located down in the Undercliff) which has a rich past, dating back to the 16th century. It was voted in the Top 10 UK Pubs with Gardens in 2011, and offers local and seasonal dining. Nearby is Castle Cove, steeped in tales of smugglers and ghosts. In the heart of Upper Niton, we have The White Lion. Executive chef Adam is renowned for his sizeable steaks and Sunday roasts. It’s well worth having a pint and a local meal during your stay.

In more recent history, many of long range radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi’s early experiments were carried out in Niton at the turn of the 20th century. There is a memorial stone marking his achievements whilst in the area at Knowles Farm.

There’s a local convenience store if you’re looking to stock up on amenities. Norris Family Grocers has been in the area since 1887, trading for an astounding five family generations. They offer a range of local produce, including eggs from Godshill, Minghella ice cream and local ales.

Also locally, we have St Catherine’s Lighthouse. At the Island’s most southerly point, this beautiful building overlooks the English Channel. There has been a light at that point since 1323, the current tower being built in 1838 following a shipwreck. World War II saw three lighthouse keepers killed in a bombing raid. Becoming automated in 1997, the lighthouse remains a stunning piece of local history. The surrounding area is popular with walkers and birdwatchers, and it’s definitely worth spending an afternoon rambling here.

Of course, there’s a vast amount to see and do all over the Island. But it’s important to remember that there’s a wealth of history and intrigue in walking distance of your holiday home.

start 2014 in the right way with free ferry travel

Looking for a cosy holiday in the countryside to start 2014 in the right way? A rural getaway on the Isle of Wight is the perfect antidote to those early-year blues. If that sounds enticing, we’re providing free ferry travel for our visitors as an extra incentive to get you to come and relax with us.  Starting today, we’ll pay for a return ticket for up to six people who book and stay with us throughout March.

Our barns date back as early as the 16^th century, and have been fully restored and renovated to ally modern comforts with antique charm. With flatscreen TVs and Wi-Fi provided across all barns, we can be your home away from home. We welcome everyone from couples to large groups- our range of accommodation suits all, with our largest barn big enough for fourteen people to stay together. And dogs are welcome too!

Contact us today to book your visit, and we’ll make the ferry costs disappear- leaving you with more money to enjoy the South Wight this winter! 

Taste the Wight this Christmas

Now that the count down to the big day has kicked off, the Niton Barns team are digging out our Christmas decorations and are ready to get cracking! There are many things that make Christmas on the Isle of Wight particularly special, but our favorite element has to be the local produce on offer.

Us Isle of Wighters really love shopping locally, and it’s no wonder when there are so many amazing locally produced goodies on offer. We cater for all needs, all the way from deck chairs, to jewelry, to reclaimed furniture and lets not forget the food! There aren’t many people that come to the Island that don’t end up paying a visit to The Garlic Farm or scoffing down some Isle of Wight Tomatoes - so it only seems fit that we support local producers at Christmas, and treat ourselves to some gourmet goodies.

Here at Niton Barns we are proud to have a strong relationship with local foodies The Real Island Food Company, who supply the lovely hampers we offer our guests upon arrival! When you check in to your barn, you can choose some local supplies to see you through your trip! Choose the basic hamper for your essentials including tea, coffee, sugar, locally made bread and jam or treat yourself to locally reared meats and delicious cheeses and cake.

Almost Christmas

It may be a bit of an unpopular opinion, but we love winter. There's nothing like a season of festivities to distract from the drop in temperature and the nights drawing in. Now Halloween and bonfire night are behind us, we are looking forward to the event we've all been waiting for... Christmas!

We can't deny that during the busy festive period, a lot of us find ourselves rushing around with little time to dedicate to looking after ourselves! Luckily Niton Barns can offer a sanctuary from the frantic festive season.

We have accommodation to suit all needs, right in the heart of a tranquil Island village. Our barns are equipped to deliver the cosy winter get away that you deserve. With under floor heating and the perfectly snuggly beds, you’ll be sure to feel rested and restored after your break!

If it's a Christmas get away with the family you're after, our Pepper Pot Barn offers the perfect setting for festive memories to be made. Sleeping up to 14 people, there's room for everyone to get together all in one place. There is even a grand dining table in the open plan kitchen - perfect for that Christmas dinner! Or if you don't fancy cooking, why not book into one of the excellent local pubs within walking distance of the barns!?

If you’re after a quieter family get together, why not visit our Tennyson Barn? Named after the famous local writer Alfred Lord Tennyson, this barn offers you all the amenities you need, leaving it up to you to relax. Sleeping up to four, this barn offers the perfect retreat for small families or couples.

If you join us for Christmas this year, our team will provide you with your very own real Christmas tree, lovingly decorated and ready to add cheer to your stay, but if you have that one special ornament that you just can’t do Christmas without, feel free to bring it along!

We take bookings throughout the whole festive season, including New Years, but our barns are filling up fast, so if you fancy a break at Niton Barns this Christmas be sure to book quickly! You can check out the prices and availability by clicking here.