The vote is open again, with Red Funnel handing the search for the Isle of Wight’s very best back to the people who know it best.
From the places Islanders proudly take visiting friends, to the businesses that quietly raise the bar year after year, the 2026 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards are once again putting local tourism in the spotlight.
Vote for your favourite
With public voting now open, Island residents and visitors are being invited to help recognise the independent businesses that define the Isle of Wight’s visitor experience through the personal touches that make everyday experiences memorable.
This year’s awards feature 19 awards up for grabs across four main categories,spanning Food and Drink, Places to Stay and Things to Do, reflecting the full breadth of what the Island offers.
From much‑loved cafes and pubs to family‑run attractions, events and accommodation providers, the awards are designed to celebrate the places people return to time and time again, recommend to friends and rely on every day.
Public voting runs from Tuesday 12th May to Tuesday 1st September. Once voting closes, an independent judging panel will review the highest‑rated entries in each category and award Gold, Silver and Bronze winners.
40 first-time entrants join the running
Interest in the 2026 awards has once again been strong, with 155 Island businesses putting themselves forward across 195 entries. Among them are 40 first‑time entrants, joining long‑established names to reflect the strength, resilience and evolving character of the Island’s tourism sector.
New businesses taking part for the first time include:
The Osborne Hotel Puckaster Cove Hideaway Moor Farm Cottages Rio’s IOW Bangin Burgers The link kiosk Lagom Coffee The Blue Door Cafe FLOW The Happy Chef The Cellar Bar Steve’s Bar Wight Mouse Inn Barbosa Da Vinci Restaurant Shanklin smash co The Rock Stoats Farm cafe The Crown Inn Shorwell The Travellers Joy Isle of Wight The Three Bishops IW Homes & Interiors Show SBW Raptors Sallys Riding School Isle of Wight Garlic Festival East Cowes Carnival Association Karen Robb Sewing Collective Everything chocolate Fran’s Belgium creations East Cowes Vintage Emporium Holm The Point Bembridge Butterfly world Department Happy Hound Artisan Bakery Rex’s Range Forelands Pop-Up Campsite Duver Cafe King Harry’s Bar Chale Show Isle of Wight Studio Glass
Isle of Woof and Island Tourism Hero
The much‑loved Isle of Woof Award also returns, celebrating businesses that make the Island a genuinely welcoming destination for dog owners – from thoughtful facilities to a warm welcome for four‑legged visitors.
Alongside this, nominations are now open for the Island Tourism Hero Award 2026, recognising individuals or groups who go above and beyond for local tourism and deliver outstanding visitor experiences, often quietly and behind the scenes.
What the awards mean to the Island
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said,
“There are many things that make the Isle of Wight special, from its sandy beaches and famously sunny climate to the rolling countryside, to that wonderful feeling of being just far enough from the mainland.
“But what really sets the Island apart are the people behind the businesses, events and experiences visitors enjoy and remember long after they’ve gone home.
“The Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards are about recognising the exceptional skills and hospitality provided by Island businesses, and giving local people the chance to back the companies they genuinely value. We’re proud to support and celebrate the independent enterprises that help the Island thrive.”
What happens next
Winners will be announced at a dedicated awards event on the Isle of Wight in November 2026.
How to get involved
Nominate an Island Tourism Hero
2026 Award Categories
Food and Drink
Best Burger · Best Cafe / Tearoom · Best Fish & Chips · Best Local Produce · Best Pub · Best Restaurant · Best Roast
Things to Do
Best Activity Provider · Best Island Event · Best Large Attraction · Best Small Attraction · Best Shop
Places to Stay
Best B&B / Guesthouse · Best Campsite · Best Holiday Cottage / Apartment · Best Hotel Experience · Best Holiday Park · Best Place to Go Glamping
Special Awards
Isle of Woof Award 2026 · Island Tourism Hero Award 2026
News shared by Sophie, on behalf of Red Funnel. Ed
