Spacious Stays for a Magical Christmas on the Isle of Wight

It’s been said that Christmas is better when surrounded by loved ones, but whoever said that probably didn’t host Christmas dinner squeezed into a two-up two-down. So, this year, why not broaden those festive horizons? Gather the gang, leave the cramped spaces behind and book a spacious Isle of Wight stay guaranteed to and create memories to last a lifetime.

Whether your Christmas revolves around treasured traditions, festive feasts or simply great company, our hand-picked group getaways promise a season spent with loved ones in a setting straight out of a Christmas movie.

If waking up on Christmas morning to the sounds of waves lapping at the shore as the sun rises over the misty horizon sounds like your idea of a perfect holiday getaway, the Island offers idyllic spots for groups looking for a festive seaside sanctuary.

The Pink House in Bembridge

This charming Georgian manor (pictured) provides the quintessential seaside escape. With ample space for 12 or more guests, almost every room boasts captivating sea views. Gather everyone on the terrace to toast with mulled wine overlooking the icy winter waters. After dinner, challenge friends to a match of table tennis or pool in the games room and savour the crisp sea air on your private lawn as you follow the path leading directly to the beach below.

Sun Lodge in Ventnor

Perched on a hillside with sweeping sea views, Sun Lodge is a warm, inviting sanctuary for groups of eight in the heart of Ventnor. Imagine cosy nights by the fireplace, wrapped in blankets, sipping hot chocolate while watching winter sunsets illuminate Ventnor Bay – a perfect festive retreat in a bustling town full of great eateries and pubs galore.

For those dreaming of a Christmas reminiscent of movies like The Holiday, where crackling fires and rustic charm greet your every turn, these cottages and converted buildings offer character and seasonal warmth that’ll feel like you’re living in your very own fairytale.

St Andrews in Yarmouth

If you’re looking for something truly unique, gather your friends or family for an unforgettable stay in a beautifully converted 19th-century church. St Andrews retains its majestic stained-glass windows and peaked ceilings but now offers luxurious open-plan living, a sauna, hot tub, private gardens and countryside views stretching across the Solent and beyond, providing an extraordinary backdrop for festive celebrations. Book via Classic Cottages.

East Afton Farmhouse & Annexe near Freshwater

Situated next to Tapnell Farm, East Afton Farmhouse (pictured) combines farmhouse charm with luxurious comforts, offering space for up to 14 guests. Cook up festive feasts in a traditional kitchen featuring an Aga, gather in the cinema room for Christmas movie marathons or soak in starry winter skies from the rooftop terrace. Open fires and spacious gardens complete this stunning countryside escape.

There’s no hiding away from it; group escapes aren’t always the most penny-sensitive way to spend your holidays. But festive indulgence doesn’t need to break the bank. These welcoming properties offer space, comfort and charm without overstretching the Christmas budget.

Orchard House in Bembridge

Located near the picturesque Bembridge Harbour, Orchard House offers generous space for 10 guests. Gather everyone around the large kitchen table for a hearty festive feast before retreating to the spacious living room to exchange presents beside the twinkling Christmas tree, with the enclosed garden providing ample room for brisk walks to shake off the excess Christmas pud. This property can be booked via Wight Locations.

Castle View in Newport

Perfect for those seeking modern comforts at great value, Castle View (pictured) sits just outside the Island’s capital, near a host of unmissable eateries and entertainment venues. Newly built and accommodating eight people, its open-plan kitchen is ideal for socialising while preparing festive treats. Eco-friendly underfloor heating keeps things cosy and enviable countryside views make this contemporary home enjoyable for all group gatherings.

Little Forelands in Bembridge

Offering an unbeatable mix of value and luxury, Little Forelands comfortably sleeps 10 and is just a short stroll from Forelands Beach. Relax with sea views in multiple reception rooms, including a snug and a conservatory or if you’ve filled yourself with Bucks Fizz and Baileys, why not brave a festive dip in the heated outdoor pool? Its spacious layout and excellent amenities ensure a delightful Christmas without stretching your budget. Book through Island Holiday Homes.

When the festive season demands that special something, these luxurious properties provide the ultimate backdrop for a truly once-in-a-lifetime Christmas, turning even the most Scrooge-like guests into firm Yuletide believers.

Shalfleet Manor near Newtown Creek

Step into a Christmas fantasy at Shalfleet Manor (pictured), a Grade II manor house brimming with history and luxury. Picture oak-panelled rooms aglow with firelight, mulled wine in hand or toasts beneath twinkling lights on the terrace overlooking 60 acres of private grounds. With its outdoor pool, tennis court and private boat mooring, it’s the kind of setting that makes celebrations feel truly extraordinary.

Northcourt House in Shorwell

For the largest family gatherings or reunions with friends, Northcourt House (pictured at top) offers space for up to 36 guests within a Jacobean mansion. Enjoy festive sing-alongs in the 32-foot music room, complete with a grand piano or wander through 15 acres of enchanting gardens for frosty morning strolls. Its elegant yet homely ambience makes it ideal for multi-generational Christmas celebrations that linger in the memory long after the decorations come down.

ℹ️ A version of this article first appeared in Wightlife. To read the current issue, please visit our Wightlife magazine page.