Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious break where someone else tussles with the turkey, or a rural retreat that’s big enough to share with family and friends the Isle of Wight has some great Christmas offers just waiting to be snapped up.

Miles and miles of long, sandy beaches combine with salty sea air to make the Isle of Wight the perfect choice for a seaside jaunt this Christmas.

After the indulgence of Christmas Day, you can let off steam at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Mince Pie Specials (26th-28th December). Sit back in one of their comfortable, vintage carriages as you travel through some of the Island’s unspoilt winter landscape www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk. Alternatively, give the new sweater an airing as you stroll along the esplanade at Ryde, Sandown or Shanklin, and maybe even take part in the traditional Ventnor Boxing Day dip in the sea – or simply keep warm and watch the fun!

Albert Cottage, East Cowes

Once the home of Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Beatrice, this charming boutique hotel is offering 2-night Christmas Break packages from £249 per person (based on 2 sharing), with 3 nights from £349, including breakfast and a traditional festive menu throughout in the delightful a la carte Consort Restaurant. Christmas Breaks are currently available from Christmas Eve until 27 December. Visit www.albertcottagehotel.com for full details, or call 01983 299309.

Walk to nearby Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s holiday home by the sea, which will be decked out with Victorian festive decorations for visitors to enjoy and is open for pre-booked, one-hour tours from 27-30 December. Tel. 01983 200022 to book, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for admission prices.

Dolphins, Bonchurch

This beautiful period family house in Bonchurch, near Ventnor, is ideal for a stylish family get-together this Christmas. With amazing sea views out towards France and gardens that slope towards the sea, you can hear the waves crashing on the beach from your bed.

Dolphins sleeps 8-9 people (4 bedrooms) and has a spacious sitting and dining room with antique furniture and a huge dining table facing the sea making it ideal for Christmas celebrations. Available until 27 December, a week’s stay at Dolphins costs £1450. For more details, telephone 01983 857097. Pictures of the property are available here:

At least once during your stay, spoil yourself and have dinner at the sophisticated Pond Café and a drink at the charismatic Bonchurch Inn, both within walking distance of Dolphins.

Dairy Barn, Ventnor

Currently available over Christmas (23-29 December) Dairy Barn offers luxurious, self-catering accommodation in a quiet rural setting with miles and miles of country walks on leaving the front door. This beautiful converted barn is on a working farm set in a peaceful valley surrounded by downland on which the farm’s Highland cattle graze. The accommodation comprises 3 large ensuite bedrooms (sleeps 6), a well equipped kitchen with an Aga, a separate dining room and a spacious lounge with a wood-burning stove, plus Sky TV, DVD and CD player.

A week’s stay at Dairy Barn costs £1,150 – please note, no children under 12 or pets.

Royal Marine House, Ventnor

Royal Marine House is situated in an elevated position overlooking Ventnor with stunning sea views of the English Channel. The house comprises 3 architect-designed apartments which have been fitted out to a high standard. The apartments are conveniently located for all town centre amenities and Ventnor’s Blue Flag beach.

The ground floor and 1st floor apartments have double and twin bedrooms and the studio apartment has a double bedroom, plus a roof balcony.

Currently available from 19 December to 2 January, a 2-night break at Royal Marine House costs from £150 and from £410 for a week. Please note there is a no-smoking and no pets policy at this property. For more information, visit www.royalmarinehouse.co.uk, or telephone 01962 878722

For more details on the Isle of Wight and where to stay eat and drink over Christmas, visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk or telephone 01983 813813.