Blog

Did you know that from certain points on the Island, you can see constellations of stars? Through the Dark Wight Skies Initiative the IW AONB is working in partnership with the Vectis Astronomical Society and Campaign to Protect Rural England to achieve international recognition for the Island’s night sky. So what is a dark sky? Dark Skies are special areas across the world where...

It's International Women's day on the 8th of March and here on the farm we're delighted to tell you that over 80% of our staff are female and we have just taken on a new apprentice Tallulah. We're passionate about girl power and when we decided to take on a new apprentice we looked no further than Tallulah who has been with us for a couple of years doing farm tours. She's...

Walking and running are brilliant not just for your physical health but also for your mental wellbeing, and with both of those in mind we’ve devised some wonderful circular routes from Nettlecombe Farm at the very heart of the Isle of Wight, with countryside, coastal and woodland views all within easy reach. The perfect way to unwind and recharge. If you’re hooked up to the Strava...

Travel is very much at the forefront of the Isle of Wight’s sustainability drive and the ‘Drive Less See More’ campaign is one that we at Nettlecombe Farm wholeheartedly support. So much so, that we have reinforced green transport initiatives and we include free transport to and from Shanklin Station if you decide not to bring your car, and free bus travel so that you can see...

When you go on holiday, the last thing you want to do is worry about shopping or having bring a carload of groceries with you and so we’ve come up with some great ideas for deliveries to your door so that you don’t have to. Here on the Isle of Wight we’re blessed with an abundance of local produce and independent shops, restaurants and takeaways that can cater to your every...

We love our furry friends here on the farm and we’re always delighted when you bring your canine family with you to visit us. Nettlecombe Farm is perfectly equipped to welcome dogs and with nine award winning dog friendly self-catering cottages you’ll really be spoiled for choice as we can accommodate parties from three to ten people and their canine friends. We do of course, ask...

There were shepherds, wise men, angels and Mary and Joseph as well as sheep, alpacas and of course donkeys and reindeer performing at the St Francis Catholic and Church of England Academy’s nativity which took place at the Farm in December. There’s nothing like a real stable and real animals to put on the best nativity play ever and it was clear that the children from St Francis...

The 2020 winners of the Isle of Wight Rural Business Awards have been announced. – Isle of Wight Observer News (iwobserver.co.uk)

Nettlecombe Farm is a birdspotter's paradise, we have just dug out a list of all the birds that one of our guests spotted during his stay with us between August 21st - October 1st. If you have spotted any others then plese do let us know!  Robin  Dunnock  Great Tit   Blue Tit  Long Tailed Tit  Grey Heron  Kestrel  Common...

We have seen a significant increase in the number of people enjoying fishing at our lakes and it’s clear to see that we have a real community at the lakes, so we have created a community group for everyone to share their photos and tips on. Regardless of numbers, booking is never required, the space allows everyone to enjoy a secluded and tranquil day of fishing. We...

Nettlecombe Farm has been rewarded for its sustainable approach.   A rural Island business has become the latest to reach the gold standard in Visit IW's green tourism awards.  Nettlecombe Farm has been awarded the Green Star Gold Award due to its sustainable approach to tourism.  Nettlecombe has a number of self catering cottages set in the countryside at Whitwell...

If you visit the Isle of Wight regularly or perhaps have a home here, you will hardly need reminding that it’s a very special place. But in 2019, it was recognised by UNESCO (perhaps better known for awarding World Heritage Sites) as a biosphere reserve. For many, this will immediately bring to mind Cornwall’s Eden Project, but a biosphere designation is much more than that and...

Over the years we have supported many charities close to our hearts. This year we have chosen The Farming Community Network (FCN) - a voluntary organisation and charity that works tirelessly to support farmers and their families across England and Wales through tough times. This year marks FCN’s 25th anniversary. FCN runs a free, confidential Helpline (03000 111 999) and helps thousands...

Visit England has rated Nettlecombe Farm as number 2 in the UK for farm stays for a family break. In the heart of the island is a working farm home to charming self-catering barns, stables and cottages – full of rustic touches. The ideal spot for a holiday with toddlers, there are lots of opportunities to meet the furry residents, from chickens and turkeys to piglets and reindeer. As...

Isle of Wight farm-stay, Nettlecombe Farm, has been named The Best Rural Tourism Business after winning national final of this Rural Business Award. Rural businesses from across Britain are celebrating following the Rural Business Awards’ National Final, held on 27th February at the exceptional grade II heritage building, The Monastery. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the...

We have been named one of the best rural businesses in the South East after winning a regional Rural Business Award. Nettlecombe Farm was named Best Rural Tourism Business at the South East regional finals of the Rural Business Awards in partnership with Amazon which were held at Canterbury Cathedral and regionally sponsored by Openreach. Following the impressive achievement at the...