Arreton Barns – The Island’s largest centre for Arts and Crafts
Enjoy watching local skilled artisans at work in their studios open 7 days a week, browse local shops and take in the numerous displays of times gone by. Visit our ‘local’ The Dairyman’s Daughter and enjoy the locally sourced food as well as exploring the historic church of St George with its medieval fish pond and our Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum.
Free entry all year round* with free ample parking
A little bit about Arreton
The ancient village of Arreton, settled over 1000 years ago, is set in the traditional and geographical heart of the Island, and offers the visitor a glimpse into the past. Arreton Barns comprises many of the buildings, features and artefacts of a traditional English village from many years ago. Arreton was the main staging and horse changing post between Newport and Sandown. The village church features a Saxon wall and Burma Star window. The on-site pub, The Dairyman’s Daughter, is named after Elizabeth Wallbridge, a local girl who died in 1801 and was made famous in the contemporary book ‘Annals of the Poor’, who is now buried in the graveyard.
In keeping with our history, Barns is traffic free, safe for children and families alike. The Barns showcases local craftsmen, locally produced crafts, wholesome local farm food and agricultural artefacts, along with the Island’s very own Shipwreck Centre. More artists and craftsmen are being attracted to Arreton Barns all the time, from wood turners to leather craft and art glass, so you can enjoy watching artisans at work as well as purchasing a unique souvenir of the Isle of Wight.
A stroll round Arreton Barns encompasses the 12th Century Church of St George, with its famous Burma Star window. Pause for a moments contemplation beside the historic Carp pond, mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and the graves of our forbearers.
The village Corn Exchange displays selected souvenirs, while The Dairyman’s Daughter free house serves food all day, and into the evening.