Description
Chessell Café is an award-winning, family-run food destination situated in the picturesque rural landscape of the West Wight on the Isle of Wight. Recognized as a fantastic stop for families, cyclists, and walkers, this charming venue is set within the converted buildings of the historic Chessell Pottery Barns. Though the site operated as a working pottery painting studio for over twenty years, the pottery business closed in 2023 due to rising costs, paving the way for its complete revitalization as a dedicated, high-quality café and artisan retail space.
General entry to the café building, the beautiful sheltered courtyard gardens, and the on-site gift shop is completely free for all visitors. Families can enjoy a budget-friendly morning or afternoon out, paying only for the food, drinks, or artisan gifts they choose to purchase. Free on-site parking is provided right outside the venue, making overall travel costs very low for visiting families.
If you are looking for one of the best things to do with kids in the Isle of Wight for a relaxed lunch, Chessell Café provides a cozy, versatile space packed with character. It serves as a perfect destination for weekend family brunches, school holiday treats, or a warm refuge after a walk along the nearby coastline.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Core Activities and Features
- Award-Winning Cream Teas: Renowned across the island, Chessell specializes in traditional cream teas featuring freshly baked scones, local strawberry jam, and thick clotted cream sourced directly from local pedigree dairy herds.
- Scenic Courtyard & Indoor Barns: The layout seamlessly blends historic pottery barn architecture with airy, modern design, boasting three indoor wood-burning stoves for cozy winter visits and a sheltered garden for al fresco dining.
- Cyclist and Hiker Hub: Ideally positioned just off the famous Tennyson Trail, the venue is purpose-equipped for outdoor explorers, featuring dedicated bike racks, boot scrapers, and on-site bicycle repair tools and pumps.
- Seasonal Events: While daily walk-in pottery painting has ended, Chessell occasionally hosts pop-up seasonal workshops, holiday festivities, and live music events on select dates throughout the school holidays.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Ultimate Island Cream Tea: Indulge in Chessell's legendary, award-winning cream teas. Their premium cream is sourced from the RSPCA and freedom food-approved pedigree dairy herd at the nearby Calbourne Classics, paired with local jam and loose-leaf teas.
- The Sheltered Courtyard Garden: A gorgeous, tranquil sun trap perfect for families during warmer months. Parents can relax with a specialty latte while children enjoy a slice of homemade chocolate cake in a safe, peaceful open-air environment.
- Cozy Log-Burner Barns: If you are visiting during chilly autumn or winter months, the indoor space transforms into a warm sanctuary. With three active wood burners scattered across the seating areas, it's a wonderfully inviting indoor refuge after a blustery walk.
- Local Produce Shopping: The on-site shop space celebrates regional artisans. Visitors can browse a handpicked selection of local Isle of Wight produce, unique gifts, and historical English studio pottery pieces representing the barn's deep creative heritage.
- The Tennyson Trail Pit Stop: Take advantage of the venue’s superb trail amenities. Whether you are hiking the downs or cycling across West Wight, the team provides public-use bike pumps and specific maintenance tools so you can tune your gear while you eat.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Chessell's central location in West Wight makes it the ultimate jumping-off point for a full family day out. It is situated less than 2 miles away from the high-energy family attractions at Tapnell Farm Park and the outdoor floating Isle of Wight Aqua Park. For a completely free natural alternative, the spectacular, dinosaur-fossil-strewn sands of Brook Beach and Compton Bay are just a 5-minute drive down the road.
13.71 miles
