The Royal Hotel

What’s On & How to Join

There’s no better time to lace up your walking boots than the Autumn Walking Festival here on the Isle of Wight. A week of guided walks, hidden views, heritage trails, and fresh air, running from 4th–12th October 2025.

Here’s how you can get involved, explore the island, and make your stay truly restorative, especially when you’re with us at The Royal in Ventnor.

The Festival offers walks for all abilities, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, themed walks (nature, history, spooky, etc.), and volunteer-led routes.
Many of the walks are free or have a small donation. Booking is essential through the Isle of Wight Walking Festival website below.
Some walks include special guided trails, like viewing autumn woodland, historic viewpoints, or nature reserves.
To make getting here easier, ferry is included through our Sail,Dine & Stay package so you can travel more affordably.

ISLE OF WIGHT WALKING FESTIVAL:
https://isleofwightwalkingfest...

All Official Walks: https://isleofwightwalkingfest...

Walking & Staying with Us

Imagine this: You wake up in one of our elegant Garden View rooms at The Royal, surrounded by Ventnor’s lush greenery. Thanks to our half-price room upgrade offer (from 7th October), you can enjoy upgraded comfort at great value.

Start your morning with our Full English Breakfast, then head off on a Festival walk. Perhaps a coastal trail, a heritage path, or something tranquil through woodland. Mid-day can be your time to pause at a local pub, café, or viewpoint to soak in the views and refresh.

Afterwards, return to the hotel, take a moment to rest, then enjoy a dinner in our 2 AA Rosette Geranium Restaurant. Let the staff pamper you with great food, paired wines, and a warming atmosphere as the skies darken and autumn settles in.

Comfort & luxury after a day’s walk, nothing beats returning to a cosy room, a hot shower, and great food.
The half-price room upgrade means you get more of what you love (views, space, extras) for less.
We are perfectly placed in Ventnor. Calm, scenic, and a great launching point for many walks or for relaxing after exploring.
Dining at our award-winning Geranium Restaurant is a highlight. Ideal to reward yourself after roaming the paths all day.

If you’d like to book for the Autumn Walking Festival, check out their website or contact us. We’d love to host you, show you hidden paths, and ensure your stay is unforgettable.

BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW:

https://royalhoteliow.co.uk/of...

Suggested Self-Guided Walks To Try

1. Ventnor to Steephill Cove (Easy, 1 mile return)

A gentle coastal stroll from The Royal down to the esplanade and along to Steephill Cove. Perfect for a morning wander with a coffee stop by the sea.

2. Ventnor Botanic Garden Circular (Easy, 2 miles)
A leisurely loop around the subtropical gardens and coastal paths, where autumn colours blend with exotic planting unique to Ventnor’s microclimate.

3. Ventnor Downs & St Boniface Down (Moderate, 3–4 miles)
Climb up from the town onto the Downs for sweeping island views. St Boniface Down is the highest point on the Isle of Wight, and the scenery is spectacular in crisp autumn light.

4. Ventnor to Shanklin via Coastal Path (Moderate, 6 miles one way)
Follow the Isle of Wight Coastal Path through woodland and cliffs, passing hidden beaches along the way. You can return by bus or taxi after a hearty pub lunch in Shanklin.

5. St Catherine’s Oratory from Niton (Moderate, 4 miles)
A short taxi ride away, this circular route takes you up to the medieval Pepperpot lighthouse with stunning coastal views. Great for history lovers.

6. The Worsley Trail (Challenging, 10 miles, can be split)
A longer trail through woodland, farmland, and villages, eventually connecting to Carisbrooke. Perfect for seasoned walkers looking for a full day out.

See all official Walks: https://isleofwightwalkingfest...