The Best Art Galleries in England's Isle of Wight
While the Isle of Wight is a wonderful place to embark on a blustery hike thanks to its rugged and varied landscape, or to while away an afternoon or two in its eccentric range of museums, there’s also a thriving local arts scene which is evident in its superb collection of art galleries. Many are small and family-run, proudly displaying the mixed-media work of passionate local artists.
1. Seaview Gallery
Art Gallery
Glory Art Glass
The independent glass blowing studio and gallery produces exquisite hand-blown pieces of art which take inspiration from their stunning island surroundings. This is a family-run business that’s been going for more than 20 years, making entirely unique objects from pots and vases to bowls, light fittings, and much more. Pop along to this friendly space to check out some of the colourful creations and even buy a one-off souvenir from your island visit.
2. Shanklin Gallery
Art Gallery
3. The Neil Williams Gallery
Slap bang on Ventnor’s gorgeous Victorian seafront is the Neil Williams Gallery. It showcases a wonderful selection of photographs, including panoramas and scenes of land, sea, and cityscapes too. Its namesake, photographer Neil Williams, is clearly passionate about his art and has lived on the Isle of Wight with his partner and their two daughters since 2012.
4. Kendalls Fine Art
This popular gallery can be found on the windswept seafront of Cowes. Specialising in marine art, they also have a large variety of other pieces on display, including paintings both traditional and modern, sculptures and fascinating antiques too. Pop in to find out about their exhibitions (hosted throughout the year) and maybe even pick up a piece for your own collection.
5. Island Fine Arts
This smart gallery in the dreamy seaside village of Bembridge is filled with gems. Divided into four rooms, the space displays the work of modern British painters from the 20th century onwards. With works by a huge range of artists, this is a lovely little place to stop by and gaze at the glorious still-lifes, enchanting portraits and swirling seascapes among the collection.
6. The Afton Gallery
Art Gallery
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.