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Things to do on the Isle of Wight

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Discover the best things to do on the Isle of Wight using our guide

Looking for things to do in Isle of Wight? Look no further! Our guide covers the top Isle of Wight attractions and activities, sure to impress a family of all ages at any time of the year!

Isle of Wight Attractions

Boasting captivating high downs and breath-taking cliffs, as well as a collection of sandy beaches, you will find lots of things to do in Isle of Wight!

Those visiting with children will be spoilt for choice by the attractions that await them. Dinosaur Isle in Sandown is sure to be a hit, whilst the Blackhgang Chine offers a further night into the isle’s interesting past.

The island is well-known for its historical monuments, including Queen Victoria’s palatial holiday home, Osborne House, close to Cowes. There is also the magnificent Carisbrooke Castle, near Newport to enjoy, which was used as a political prison during the Civil War.

Popular attractions on the Isle of Wight for animal lovers include the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary near Ventnor. You also have Newport’s Monkey Haven, a primate rescue centre housing owls, reptiles, meerkats and many species of monkey.

Other things to do in Isle of Wight include; discovering The Needles in Alum Bay, soaking up the scenery on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway from Ryde and experiencing the last remaining hovercraft ferry in the world!

Isle of Wight Activities

If you are seeking something more adventurous, Isle of Wight has a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy!

Along the coastline, you will find opportunities for paragliding and sailing, whilst more inland there are opportunities for tree climbing and golfing! Alternately, you can explore the glorious landscapes on two wheels and follow the Chalk Ridge Extreme or the Red Squirrel trail for something more leisurely!

Other Isle of Wight activities includes; paddleboarding from one of the many beaches, catching glimpses of one of Europe’s major migration flyways or visiting Goodleaf Tree Climbing for an experience like no other!

Continue reading to discover the best things to do in Isle of Wight… 


Photos by Martin Robson; Martyn Wright

  • Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    The Railway Station, Main Rd
    Havenstreet
    Ryde
    PO33 4DS

    01983882204

    The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a heritage railway that takes visitors on a scenic ride between Havenstreet and Wootton. As well as a fantastic experience on their locomotives, the attractions houses an intriguing museum, live music venue and child-friendly activities.

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  • Monkey Haven, Feature

    Monkey Haven

    Five Acres Farm
    Staplers Rd
    Newport
    PO30 2NB

    01983 530885

    Based just outside Newport, this award-winning attraction is a primate rescue centre and sanctuary that also houses birds and reptiles as well as a family of meerkats.

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  • Osborne House
    Image Credits: Loz Pycock - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Osborne House

    York Ave
    East Cowes
    Isle of Wight
    PO32 6JX

    03703331181

    Queen Victoria’s holiday home, Osborne house is a palatial structure with commanding views over the Solent, modelled in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo.

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  • Quarr Abbey, Isle of Wight

    Quarr Abbey

    Quarr Rd
    Ryde
    Isle of Wight
    PO33 4ES

    01983 882420

    This working Benedictine monastery lies just outside of Ryde in tranquil setting, surrounded by gardens and offering a pleasing tearoom.

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  • Robin Hill, Feature

    Robin Hill

    Downend Rd
    Downend
    Newport
    PO30 2NU

    01983 527352

    A fantastic family-friendly theme park located inside 88 acres of spectacular countryside with a wide range of attractions from thrilling rides to treetop canopy walks, as well as the Robin Hill Falconry.

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  • Ryde Beach

    Ryde Beach

    Ryde

    Dog Friendly

    Parking Available

    An expanse of sand that has helped Ryde become one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular resorts for many years.

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  • Sandown Beach, feature

    Sandown Beach

    Sandown

    Dog Friendly

    Parking Available

    The sloping sands at Sandown offer a perfect spot to lay back and soak up the rays, with the golden beach stretching right across the face of this popular resort.

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  • Shanklin Beach

    Shanklin Beach

    Shanklin

    Dog Friendly

    Parking Available

    A safe and sandy beach on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight, Shanklin Beach is an excellent place for families seeking a day at the seaside.  

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  • Shanklin Chine, Isle of Wight

    Shanklin Chine

    3 Chine Ave
    Shanklin
    Isle of Wight
    PO37 6BW

    01983 866432

    This fascinating tree-lined gorge lies in an enchanting woodland; walk through the picturesque attraction, admiring the natural beauty and end up in the charming Shanklin Old Town.

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  • Shanklin Theatre, Feature

    Shanklin Theatre

    Prospect Rd
    Shanklin
    Isle of Wight
    PO37 6AJ

    01983 868000

    Set in a beautiful Victorian building and playing host to an array of exciting theatrical performances, this historical venue has been at the forefront of culture and entertainment in the Isle of Wight since the early 1900s.

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