Why the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm is a real treat

If you’re after a day out that’s a little bit different but a whole lot of fun, head to the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm. There is more to this place than you expect, with a diverse range of attractions, tours and a fantastic café and shop that make a real treat for food lovers.

A harmonious blend of the past and present

The garlic farm is located in Mersley Lane in Newchurch and is the biggest specialist garlic grower in the UK. However, there have been people on the site of the farm for more than 8000 years and a range of archaeological attractions can be seen in the Heritage Centre, including the likes of pottery and flint tools.

During your farm visit you can see the fields where the garlic as well as other crops are grown. The farm also offers fun guided tours during the holidays via a tractor trailer. In addition, you can plan your visit to coincide with one of the exciting events which happen throughout the year at the farm, such as seasonal Halloween or Easter events, rock ‘n roll and country and western nights, as well as art displays.

The Taste Experience

The garlic farm produces a wide range of products such as chutneys, butters, garlic Bloody Marys, sauces and garlic olives to name a few. The Taste Experience offers the chance to try all of the garlic farm’s offerings and then you can purchase the ones you like from the farm’s shop. You can pick up some bulbs and plants too if you’re keen to grow your own garlic. The farm provides cooking demonstrations during the holidays as well as raw garlic tastings in order to learn about the wide array of garlic and how to utilise each variety in your own dishes.

Fantastic flora and fauna

The farm is home to red squirrels which provide delightful entertainment for visitors who can watch the squirrels eagerly exploring the hazelnut feeders while they themselves enjoy a tasty meal. In addition you can view the magnificent highland cattle as well as the pretty peacocks. There are also fabulous flowers that have sprung up within the farm, including bee orchids and marsh orchids.

Get stuck into delicious garlic grub

If you’re feeling peckish during your visit then make a pit stop at the Garlic Farm Café which has a log fire to keep things toasty during winter, while during summer the outdoor patio is an excellent spot for dining with superb views. There are a range of dishes to choose from, from light snacks to main meals, as well as a variety of hot and cold beverages.

The Garlic Festival

No garlic pilgrimage would be complete without attending the Garlic Festival, a two-day long summer festival attracting thousands of visitors which offers an abundance of entertainments for children and adults. Attractions range from live music and a fun fair to falconry displays, climbing walls and art and craft stalls, not to mention a wide range of fabulous food as well as cooking demonstrations.

Other amazing attractions to visit

In addition to the garlic farm, the Isle of Wight has a host of attractions that will appeal to a range of tastes. For a jaw-dropping museum visit try the Dinosaur Isle. There are some great animal attractions such as the Isle of Wight Zoo, the Amazon World Zoo Park and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Alternatively gain insight into the lives of the ancient Romans who lived in Britain via the Brading Roman Villa or wind your way to Bembridge Windmill, the last surviving windmill on the island.

A sumptuous treat for the senses

With so much to see, do and taste at the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm it is ideal for an unforgettable trip that will entertain young and old visitors. Plus it is an excellent starting point for exploring other areas of the Isle of Wight and since it is open year-round it’s a great location to visit no matter what time of the year you travel to the island.