Brading

Situated on the main road from Ryde to Sandown, Brading is one of those village often passed through on the way to the beach. If you stop, however, there is plenty to see. Brading once had a thriving harbour but this has now silted up, leaving delightful water meadows along the banks of the River Yar meandering to Bembridge Harbour.

Next to Brading's church is the Old Town Hall, which houses stocks and a whipping post. The village lock up was also in the building. Opposite, in the sixteenth century rectory, is the Isle of Wight Wax Works, which has themed exhibits based on historic scenes and strange tales from the island's past as well as the chamber of horrors.

The Brading Roman Villa once stood on one of the inlets formed by Brading Haven and was probably an important agricultural centre. It survived into the fifth century and the museum covering the remains includes the main rooms of a substantial house, with detailed mosaics, and a collection of finds.

Morton Manor, just south of Brading, is family run and offers a warm welcome. The manor was originally built in 1249 and was enlarged with a Tudor Longhouse , before a substantial remodeling in 1680 and refurbishment in the Georgian period.

Also near Brading is Adgestone Vineyard, which produces more than 40,000 bottles of white and red wine (3 varieties) per year. A new type of red wine is also being developed at Adgestone. There is a small shop, cafe and tasting room.