History came to life in Ventnor as the full-scale replica of the Nao Santa Maria sailed into the bay, reminiscent of the Spanish Armada’s attempt to invade English shores in 1588, complete with cannon fire echoing across the coast.
The Nao Santa Maria was one of the key ships used by Christopher Columbus on his 1492 voyage, and vessels like her later played significant roles in maritime history, including in the age of exploration and the build-up to the Spanish Armada.
From the The Royal Hotel, we had front-row seats to this remarkable spectacle. As one of the most historic hotels on the Isle of Wight, The Royal has long been a place to witness, and be part of, island history.
A truly unforgettable moment for Ventnor and a wonderful way to mark the start of the summer festivities.
We are experiencing an unprecedented demand for bookings at the current time.
When booking rooms online, please be advised that if our Dinner, Bed and Breakfast or Ferry Inclusive Packages are not available, our restaurant is fully booked for your chosen dates.
