On this page we will bring you news on what is happening around us and what one can do in our neighbourhood.  Initially, have a look at our events list on the menu bar on the left.

October 2011

Autumn is taking over at Mottistone. The heather on the Downs has turned from vibrant purple to russet brown, leaves are changing colour and thinning out on the trees and the Yew trees are covered in berries, attracting our annual visit from flocks of redwings.We are finding the days are generally still warm enough to go out without our coats on.

Plenty of attractions are still open on the Island, however, many start to close at the end of October, including the gardens at Mottistone Manor, just across the road from us. If you want to see them in their autumnal glory you have just a few weeks left; it is open Sunday through Thursday until 27 October, then it closes until next March. 

Osborne House, the island home of Queen Victoria, starts limited opening times at the end of October, although English Heritage opens the house for ‘A Victorian Christmas’ event over the weekend of 19th-20th November. The house is dressed as it would have been in Victorian times, it also includes side-shows, singing chimney sweeps and of course Father Christmas. Last year our guests went to the two Victorian Christmas weekends and had a very enjoyable time. Why not try it out for yourselves. There are guided tours of the house throughout the winter and they are also running gardening workshops. You can see the programme of events on www.english-heritage.org.uk/iow.

Carisbrooke Castle, also an English Heritage property, is open throughout the winter at weekends. They are having a Spooky Castle tour on Saturday22nd Oct and Sunday 23rd. This is billed as “family fun for Halloween”.

If you prefer the quiet beauty of walking almost deserted beaches, Downs and country lanes or cycling parts of the island…..this is the time to do it. And there is always the warm welcome you receive when you come to stay with us at Mottistone Manor Farmhouse. 

We hope to see you this autumn.

May 2011

May is turning out to be a warm and sunny month.  This has encouraged many walkers and cyclists to visit us.  The Isle of Wight Walking Festival comes to an end on Sunday with the ‘Walk the Wight’ event of 27 miles in support of the local Hospice.  Richard is participating in this with a friend, so bear with us whilst we run around with the logistics support.

There is another walking event, the Autumn Walking Weekend, taking place 21st-24th October.  Why not come and give it a go.

If organised walks are not for you, we can give you plenty of routes and distances to choose from throughout the year, whilst staying here.  It is wonderful here for walkers; you can go out of the door and be spoilt for choice with so many directions to take.  If you want to walk sections of the coast or just ‘do’ West Wight, there are buses just running past the house but if this proves too difficult we could possibly come to an arrangement to pick you up and drop you off in the West Wight area.  In addition we are now offering packed lunches for walkers.

The Glanville Fritillary butterfly was spotted by one of our guests last week, on the cliff tops.  I have also seen Holly Blues in the garden and many other varieties.  The Nightjars have started ‘chirring’ up on the downs behind us, which means they will be giving spectacular aerial displays in the evening.  This year's National Trust Nightjar Walk is on 12 July; it is a wonderful evening in good weather.

The Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival takes place on the 3rd-5th June, (Old Gaffer as in boat!).  This is a very popular and colourful event each June and well worth visiting.  We still have rooms to spare if you would like to visit this event. The theme this year is ‘Nations of the World’, there will be entertainment and Rob de Bank will present two bands on the Friday evening and three tribute bands will be playing on Saturday.  More information for these events can be found on www.yarmouroldgaffersfestival.co.uk .  I only hope I get time to visit it myself.

Hope to see you in June.

March 2011 Spring has arrived at last at Mottistone Manor Farmhouse with warm sunshine everyday, after a rather prolonged wet and snowy winter.  The daffodils, hyacinths, primroses and tulips have all opened their petals during the last week.  The woods up to the Longstone are full of the sprouting foliage of bluebells, giving the promise of a wonderful display after another month or so.  Our spectacular magnolia tree is starting to bloom, with the massive flower buds standing upright like candles all over the tree.  Another few days and they will be open for the next month.  We are already cutting the grass.

The bluebells will be out again in a few weeks.  This was Brillo and Echo enjoying them 2 years ago.