Godshill, Isle of Wight

Godshill is one of the prettiest villages on the Isle of Wight and it is justifiably very popular with tourists and coach parties alike. You will find it if you follow the main A3020 which runs between Newport and Shanklin.

As you can see from the following picture, the main High Street is very narrow in parts. Furthermore, there are some sections of the road where there is no footpath at all, so take great care when walking!

Godshill High Street

All Saints Church, dating from the 15th century, overlooks the whole village and is a landmark from miles around. It is one of the most visited churches in England apparently attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Interestingly, according to legend, local inhabitants tried to build the church lower down, where The Griffin Hotel now stands, but overnight the stones were mysteriously moved to the top of the hill.

Apparently this happened three times! The locals deduced that the hill-top must be God's chosen site, so they built the church there and the village became known as Godshill.

The Loaves and Fishes restaurant on the bend of The High Street

Then go left into Church Hollow, a narrow little road leading up to the church. You will see immediately in front of you The Bat's Wing, a 16th century, thatched building, now also adorned with wisteria!

The Bat's Wing - 16th century tearoom

When visiting Godshill, the best place to park is 'The Old Smithy' car park opposite The Griffin Hotel. (It's open until 5:00 pm each day and is free of charge.) From here you will have direct access to The Old Smithy, formerly the site of a local blacksmith, which now features a landscaped garden, gift shops, and tea room.

The Old Smithy

Leading off the High Street are several interesting tea rooms such as The Hollies

The Hollies Tea Garden

which also sells the wonderful Minghella Ice-cream, made locally by the family of the late, great, film director, Anthony Minghella. You will also find The Cider Barn where locally made cider and pickles may be sampled and purchased, a toy museum, Wight Gold jewelry, Chocolate Heaven (self-explanatory!) and a fabulous Teddy Bear shop.

Close by the Teddy Shop you will find the 17th century Squire's Cottage, home to the Isle of Wight Natural History Centre. The centre houses displays of shells, minerals, butterflies, mammals and fish. (Look out for the koi pond as you go in!)

Those in search of liquid refreshment will enjoy The Taverner's , a lovely old pub with a spacious, well-designed interior. We found the staff very friendly and the food reasonably priced and of good quality. (If you have young children you may find the larger Griffin Hotel more suitable.)

The Taverners

Finally, before leaving Godshill, a visit to The Model Village is a must. Children and adults alike will just love this 1:10 scale model of Godshill (and Old Shanklin) complete with working railway and sound effects. It's open daily from March through to November.

Return from Godshill to Towns and villages main page

BACK to Isle of Wight holidays HOME page