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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

  • Small Hope Beach Feature

    Small Hope Beach

    Parking Available

    Separated from the larger and more popular Shanklin Beach, Small Hope is a quieter spot ideal for families looking to escape the crowds.

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  • Tapnell Farm Park, Feature

    Tapnell Farm Park

    Tapnell Farm House
    Newport Rd
    Yarmouth
    PO41 0YJ

    01983 758722

    Tapnell Farm Park is the place to go when you’re after a family-friendly attraction with plenty to do. Indoor and outdoor activities, charming farm animals and an array of eateries await.

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  • The Needles Battery

    A Victorian defence structure built onto the clifftop above the Needle Stacks geological formations.

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  • The Needles Chairlift
    Image Credits: Mizzyjo - CC BY-SA 3.0

    The Needles Landmark Attraction

    Alum Bay New Road
    Alum Bay
    Isle of Wight
    PO39 0JD

    01983 752 401

    The three distinctive stacks of chalk known as The Needles are seen as one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic landmarks. The Needles Landmark Attraction offers visitors of all ages plenty of things to do near and within view of the formation.

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  • Ventnor Botanic Garden
    Image Credits: Garry Knight - CC BY 2.0

    Ventnor Botanic Garden

    Undercliff Dr
    Ventnor
    Isle of Wight
    PO38 1UL

    01983855397

    Ventnor Botanic Garden rests on the southern edge of the Isle of Wight. Here, you can enjoy walking through the garden’s impressive greenery, where sub-tropical plants, eateries and picnic areas await.

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