Whitwell
Whitwell village sits on the road between Godshill and Ventnor on the Isle of Wight, just a mile east of Niton. It’s thought that the name of the village is derived from the Old English word ‘white’ meaning fresh or pure and refers to the original White Well, located towards the south end of the village. It was once a place of veneration as a holy well and a site of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages.
White Horse Inn in Whitwell. The oldest pub on the Island.
Distinctive Red Lion water hydrants in Whitwell
In the heart of the village is a fine church that dates back to the 12th century and is unusually dedicated to both St Mary and St Radegund, as at one time it existed as two separate chapels.
Like any good village there’s also a great pub. The White Horse Inn is reputed to be the oldest on the Isle of Wight and one of the oldest in England, it was first recorded as a public house in 1454. It is a Freehouse with a good reputation for food; breakfast is served from 9am and dinner up until 9pm every day. It’s a very good place to start and/or finish a country walk with footpaths and bridleways spidering off in all directions and many circular routes to enjoy. Outside the pub is a milestone for the Yar River Source to Sea route that finishes in Bembridge where the Yar river flows into the harbour.
Whitwell Garage is a well established local business, it is a Ford dealership, full-service garage and is one of the few places where you are able to buy fuel outside of the main towns and supermarkets.
Another distinctive feature of Whitwell are the cast iron, Red Lion water hydrants that once provided a fresh water supply around the village. They are very easy to spot and there are still several dotted around the village. Many local events are updated on the Whitwell village Facebook page. Every year there is a church fete as well as a well dressing in August, when the old White Well is blessed and adorned by a decorative tableau which takes as contemporary event as its creative theme.
Whitwell well dressing in 2018. Photo by Sarah Dologhan
Useful contacts for Whitwell:
White Horse Inn
019836 85424
whitehorseiow.co.uk
There are several places to stay in Whitwell:
Nettlecombe Farm
Stay on this working farm that offers luxurious self-catering holiday accommodation. Residents are welcome to explore the farm and meet the animals, usually chickens, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, rabbits and even reindeer.
01983 730783
nettlecombefarm.co.uk
Berryl Farm Cottages
Hedgerow Cottage, Fossil Cottage & The Bake House are one-bedroom cottages in an idyllic rural location which is quiet and peaceful in the midst of secluded countryside, two miles from the coast and just a 5-minute walk from the village pub.
07516 665394
berrylfarmcottages.co.uk
Whitwell Station
Originally built as a railway station on the old Ventnor West Line, it now provides self-catering accommodation. Stay in a converted waiting room or station masters office.
01983 730667
whitwellstation.co.uk
Ford Farm House
Comfortable Continental Bed and Breakfast or Room Only accommodation in the peaceful, rural location. Guest rooms provide far-reaching views across the gardens towards the village of Whitwell and the downs.
01983 840048
http://fordfarmhouse.com
The Parish Council would like to compile a directory of places to stay in Niton and Whitwell.
If you would like your bed and breakfast or hotel to be included in this directory, please email the Parish Clerk with the following details: Name, address, contact details and type of accommodation offered.
