Priory Bay Hotel

Cluniac monks, Tudor farmers and Georgian gentry all shaped Priory Bay

The quiet sandy strand of Priory Bay lies between the seaside towns of Bembridge and Seaview on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. Set above the beach, this gorgeous site is named for a Cluniac priory established by French monks soon after the Norman Conquest. The surrounding estate has been tended for almost a 1,000 years, and the present house probably originated as a Tudor farmhouse later extended and improved until it came to resemble the engaging medley of beautiful buildings, sloping lawns and terraced gardens of Priory Bay Hotel.

Just over two and a half hours from London - including a relaxing ferry crossing - this is no run-of-the-mill country house hotel, as guests will discover from the minute they enter the stunning medieval carved portico brought from France and reconstructed stone by stone! The public rooms have been stylishly restored and furnished with antiques, while the guestrooms run the gamut from classic Regency to cool Shaker style in the main building and purpose-built cottages and even yurts in the grounds.

There are two restaurants to enjoy: fine dining in the Island Room or a more relaxed Priory Oyster, which has just undergone a stunning refurbishment. Chef Oliver Stephens has returned to his native Isle of Wight after working in many of the world's top restaurants, including most recently the legendary Noma in Copenhagen. His seasonal cuisine specialises in local and foraged produce (sourced from the 70-acre estate and also Island farmed, fished and foraged ingredients), alongside an innovative wine list which includes an excellent selection of organic and bio-dynamic wines - not to be missed!