The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary was among the big winners at the 2026 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards last night (Thursday), as more than 51,000 public votes helped crown the Island’s favourite tourism businesses, attractions and hospitality venues.
Held at Northwood House in Cowes, the annual awards brought together businesses from across the Isle of Wight to celebrate the very best of the Island’s tourism and hospitality industry.
There were also 38 first-time entrants, with 15 newcomers making it into the top 3 in their respective categories.
A total of 57 Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were presented across 19 categories, alongside a special Island Tourism Hero Award.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary proved particularly popular, securing Gold for Best Large Attraction with 1,586 votes – the highest number recorded in any individual category.
It also claimed Gold in the Isle of Woof category, receiving a further 1,441 votes in recognition of its dog-friendly offering.
Other big winners included Briddlesford Farm, which took Gold for Best Island Produce with 820 votes, while The Blacksmiths won Best Roast with 694 votes.
Walk the Wight was named Best Island Event with 680 votes, while The Cow at Tapnell Farm claimed the Best Burger title with 608 votes.
Elsewhere, Luccombe Hall Hotel was crowned Best Hotel, Wight Mouse Inn took Gold for Best Pub and The Rock secured the top prize for Best Restaurant.
Fins Beach Café continued its winning streak, taking Gold in the Best Café/Tearoom category for the 3rd consecutive year since the awards began.
Several businesses also enjoyed success across multiple categories, with The Blacksmiths adding Silver for Best Pub to its Best Roast Gold, while Wight Mouse Inn also secured Bronze for Best B&B/Guesthouse.
The special Island Tourism Hero Award went to Adrian Daish of the Vectis Wombles, affectionately known as ‘Super Womble’.
Adrian was recognised for his dedication to keeping the Isle of Wight clean and welcoming, having devoted his retirement to clearing litter from beaches, countryside and public spaces.
His efforts to protect the Island’s natural beauty for residents and visitors alike earned him the prestigious award.
The awards were judged by Robbie Lane from Isle of Wight Guru, Lewis Grant from Red Funnel, Michael Dangerfield from Isleofwight.com and Nicci Renshaw and Gaz Carr from I.Love.Wight.
Nicci Renshaw, from I.Love.Wight, said:
“After visiting the Island for almost 40 years and making the move permanently in 2025, we were delighted to have been asked to judge the Isle of Wight Awards this year.
“The caliber of finalists was very high, and it was a fantastic experience visiting so many businesses that we love and some that we’ve never been to before and now love!
“It was incredibly exciting to be a part of the Awards process, and to see so many brilliant Island tourism businesses awarded for their efforts on the night.”
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said:
“What a fantastic evening celebrating the businesses and people who put so much energy, creativity and care into making the Isle of Wight such a brilliant destination.
“With more than 51,000 votes cast this year, it’s clear just how much these businesses mean to Islanders and visitors alike. It’s been particularly exciting to see so many new names joining the awards and making it into the top three alongside some of the Island’s much-loved favourites.
“A huge congratulations to all our 2026 winners and finalists, and thank you to everyone who entered, voted and helped us celebrate the very best of the Island.”
The full list of Gold award winners is as follows:
Places to Stay
- Best B&B/Guesthouse – Sentry Mead
- Best Campsite – Waverley Park Holiday Centre
- Best Holiday Cottage/Apartments – Sunny Beach Holiday Apartments
- Best Holiday Park – Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park
- Best Hotel – Luccombe Hall Hotel
- Best Place to Go Glamping – Puckaster Cove Hideaway
Things to Do
- Best Activity Provider – Sally’s Riding School
- Best Island Event – Walk the Wight
- Best Large Attraction – Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
- Best Shop – Medina Bookshop
- Best Small Attraction – Model Village Godshill
- Food and Drink
- Best Burger – The Cow at Tapnell Farm
- Best Café/Tearoom – Fins Beach Café
- Best Fish & Chips – Corrie’s Cabin
- Best Island Produce – Briddlesford Farm
- Best Pub – Wight Mouse Inn
- Best Restaurant – The Rock
- Best Roast – The Blacksmiths
Special Awards
- Isle of Woof Award – Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
- Island Tourism Hero – Adrian Daish, Vectis Wombles
Nominations for the 2027 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards are set to open in January.
