Isle Of Wight In December

[Jennykenny]

Was thinking of spending a couple of nights in the Isle of Wight in December, probably taking the car to explore the island. But, I would like to be based in a town where there are likely to be a number of shops and restaurants open.
Is the whole isle going to be pretty dead?
Any recommendations, both as to where and which hotel?
Thanks.

[VHG]

Why not ask on the Isle of Wight forum on Trip Advisor where the travel experts hang out

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g186308-i666-Isle_of_Wight_England.html

[Prudie]

Thousands of people live there so I see no reason why shops and restaurants would be closed, only probably the beach stuff like amusements. The east coast resorts like Sandown and Shanklin may be a bit depressing in December - I'd look at Cowes or Ryde areas.

[Angiehowe]

Newport is the county town & that wil be alive & kicking. Plenty of shops & restaurants. There's a travel lodge hotel in the centre.

[Buenchico]

While Newport is the county town, it's not the largest town on the island. That's Ryde, which should still have some life left in it in December:
http://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/towns/ryde

Sorrento Lodge is open all year
http://www.sorrentolodge.co.uk/
and has outstanding reviews:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g503890-d1149853-Reviews-Sorrento_Lodge-Ryde_Isle_of_Wight_England.html

Further possibilities here:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotels-g503890-Ryde_Isle_of_Wight_England-Hotels.html