Newsletter

2010

After a long, hard Winter, Spring has finally arrived at Bonchurch and it’s putting on a glorious show. The sun’s breaking through the clouds and revealing clear, blue skies, once again. In response, The Winterbourne’s lawns are bursting with brilliant crocus, daffodils and drifts of snowdrops while the rose gardens are promising to bring a kaleidoscope of colour later in the year. And, our winged and four-legged friends are returning home. Welcomed by ‘Percy’, our resident pheasant, and red squirrels which have set up home in The Winterbourne’s ancient trees.

Some things may remain the same but there are also exciting changes to report. The interior of the Winterbourne has had a partial facelift. The main public rooms are redecorated and even more luxurious and comfortable than they were last year. And in the dining room, there are even more tables with views overlooking the gardens and the English Channel beyond.

Bonchurch’s shop and post office closed last Winter with the retirement of the postmistress but the village’s restaurants are as lively as ever, still delivering ambitious menus using some of the best local Island produce. In Ventnor new eateries have opened, enhancing the town’s growing reputation as a centre for fine cuisine.

The Isle of Wight’s Summer and Autumn calendar is packed with exciting events: In June it’s the Round the Island Race, a flotilla of more than three thousands yachts which start in the Solent making Bonchurch mid race. The Winterbourne’s gardens offer an unparalleled view of the action. Once a year, also in June, the gardens of Bonchurch are opened to visitors to help raise funds for the maintenance and repair of the village’s historic churches. The Winterbourne, situated near some of the island’s favourite walking trails, is also an ideal location to participate in May’s popular Walking Festival and in October, the Walking Weekend.

However you choose to spend your time on the Isle of Wight and in Bonchurch, in particular, be assured the experience will exceed your expectations, whether it’s a peaceful break you’re after or an energetic adventure. The Winterbourne is simply the best place to make good things happen and in 2010 we look forward to welcoming you – our returning visitors and our new ones.

The Manager and Staff