March always feels like the turning point – the days start to stretch out as the sun casts its warmer rays, the air feels softer and colours begin to bloom after months of greys and browns. There’s a noticeable shift in energy as spring arrives, you can feel it and see it, and it’s one of our favourite times of year here at The Clifton – as it also means opening our doors for the new season and welcoming new and familiar faces back! The island is peaceful as it begins to rise from its winter weariness – the coastal paths suddenly become a brighter blue and there’s space to slow down and enjoy where you are. March here is perfect for walkers, couples, solo travellers and anyone craving a reset by the sea without the crowds.
As we ease into spring, we’ve made a few updates behind the scenes to make your stay even more comfortable. Our WIFI has recently been upgraded, making it faster and more reliable throughout the hotel premises – whether you’re planning a walking route for the IOW Walking Festival, catching up on emails you wish you didn’t have to, streaming a film with your partner in the evening, or making your friends and family back at home jealous by sharing your island moments on your social media, staying connected is now easier than ever.
As we enter this new season, we’ll also be much more active on both our Facebook and Instagram pages. Here we’ll be sharing little moments from hotel life, more of our seasonal offers, local recommendations, guest photos and updates on what’s happening around Shanklin and the rest of the island. If you’re planning a stay or just love keeping a bit of coast on your social media feed, following us is one of the best ways to stay up to date and feel part of The Clifton story throughout the year.
Behind the scenes here, our brilliant team have been busy getting the hotel refreshed and spring cleaned ready to welcome you all. We’re very much looking forward to this exciting new season on the Isle of Wight.
We also have a couple of deals running this Spring…
To celebrate the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, we’re offering a little bit extra for those looking to stay with us between 8-17th of May – book a stay between those dates and receive a complimentary cream tea upon arrival! It’s our way of saying welcome, and the perfect start to a few days of fresh air, coastal views and spring walks. Enjoy it in our cosy coffee lounge, or out in our award winning garden overlooking the English Channel, before you head out onto the coastal path. To claim this deal, simply give us a call to book your stay, or use the booking form on this website and be sure to use the code CREAMTEA in the offer section.

We’re also running a season offer for early spring stays. Guests staying with us between the 6th of March and 30th of April can enjoy 25 percent off our room rates. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the island in one of its most peaceful and restorative seasons – and our hotel is situated in the perfect place! A stones throw away from top attractions like Shanklin Old Village and Shanklin Esplanade – whether you want to wander around thatched cottages, chines which transport you away into a rainforest, or beating your loved ones at a competitive game of mini golf or bowling, all you need is right on our doorstep. To claim this deal, simply give us a call to book your stay, or use the booking form on this website and be sure to use the code EARLY26 in the offer section.
Here are some Isle of Wight events that you wouldn’t want to miss out on this March..
The Balcony in Ryde are hosting a Black Lemon Spring Party on the 28th March 20:00-01:30am. Tickets are available on www.ticketsource.co.uk/black-lemon-events
The Anchor in Cowes are hosting the Born In a Barn live music event on the 7th March 9pm till late
There’s also an exciting Retro 90s Party hosted by the popular The Lifeboat on Saturday 28th March from 8pm till late with free entry, drinks, live music, food, dress 90s
The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra is hosting Frost & Fire on Saturday 14th of March at Medina Theatre at 7:15pm – you can purchase tickets by calling the box office at 01983 823884 or online at medinatheatre.co.uk
After some live comedy? Ballyrags Comedy Club will be hosting Stephen Carlin at The Royal Esplanade on Ryde seafront, tickets are £13.50 and can be purchased at ballyrags.com
Shanklin Theatre is also a very popular entertainment venue for a variety of shows and events. Here are just a few events being hosted in March we think you all would be keen on!
Sunday 1st 8:00pm – Choose George (a show celebrating George Michael)
Thursday 5th 7:30pm – Matt Forde – Defying Calamity
Friday 6th 7:30pm The West End Tenors
Saturday 7th 7:30pm A Night of a Thousand Freddies 2026
8th-22nd Island Dance, Drama and Music Festival
Wednesday 25th 7:30pm Ukranian National Opera – Madama Butterfly
Click here to visit Shanklin Theatre’s web page to see more shows throughout the year.
Want to try something new, mindful and healing on a body and soul level?
There’s also a new regular spiritual market – Mystic Market which will be hosted at The Riverside Centre, The Quay in Newport on the 7th of March between 10-4pm


