Are you looking for the best things to do on the Isle of Wight?
With just a four-mile ferry journey, you feel like you’re going on holiday abroad when you visit the Isle of Wight.
With 65 miles of Heritage coast, more sunshine hours than Devon and Cornwall, and the whole island an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s not surprising that the Isle of Wight is the UK’s third most popular holiday destination.
There are many beautiful towns and resorts on the Isle of Wight. Visitors of all ages and interests will enjoy the regattas during Cowes Week, Osborne House, theme parks, and more than 500 miles of cycle trails and walking routes.
The beautiful Isle of Wight is a safe bet for an unforgettable holiday!
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1. Osborne House
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s palatial family home is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Isle of Wight. Queen Victoria wrote: ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’.
Set amid acres of woodland walks, lovingly restored walled gardens and terraces, Osborne houses a wealth of Queen Victoria´s personal possessions, furniture, and fine art collection.
Enjoy the stunning cliff views above her private beach with a bathing machine. Children will love the Swiss Chalet at Osborne House where the royal children play. There’s a children’s play area with picnic space, trails and activity sheets.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JT
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: £18.10, £20 (with donation)
2. Blackgang Chine
Let your imagination run riot in magical theme lands and on the thrilling rides at the UK’s oldest amusement park, Blackgang Chine.
Meet Cedric the Dragon, interact with the dinosaurs, or shoot out in the Wild West Town saloon and end up in jail.
Traditional attractions such as the Crooked House and the Hall of Mirrors are always popular as is the realistic Pirate Ship playground.
Whether it’s close encounters with a 60ft whale in the Underwater Kingdom or casting a spell from your castle in Fairyland, riding the roller coaster or whizzing down the water slide, Blackgang Chine has delighted and entertained families for generations as one of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Daily, Peak; Friday to Sunday, Off-Peak
- Address: Blackgang Chine, Nr Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 2HN
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: starts at £27.50, Peak; £15, Off-Peak
3. Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle has been a central place of power and defence on the Isle of Wight for over 1,000 years. Charles I was held prisoner here during the Civil War before his execution, and there is a collection of historical artefacts from that time.
Dress up as a soldier in armour and learn to fire a cannon from the castle keep. Take in the stunning views as you walk through history around the battlements, or watch the famous donkeys working the 16th-century treadwheel.
Carisbrooke Castle is now home to the stunning new Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden. Situated close to the island’s 50-mile Chalk Ridge Extreme off-road mountain bike route for those with the energy, you can nap in Charles 1’s bedroom in the museum.
There’s plenty to do, learn and enjoy at Carisbrooke Castle.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1XY
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: £11.30, £12.50 (with donation)
4. Wight Karting
The Isle of Wight’s only all-weather outdoor floodlit track, Wight Karting offers 520 metres of safety, fun, excitement and safety for all ages from 8+ riding the 4-stroke petrol karts.
Electric kinder karts are available for younger children.
Instruction is included and no experience is necessary. Friendly, helpful staff, great fun and a thrilling day out for everyone, Wight Karting is one of the most popular things to do on the island.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM, Daily, Summer and Mid-season; 10 AM to 6 PM, Weekends, Mid-season
- Address: Wight Karting Westridge, Brading Road, Ryde PO33 1QS
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: starts at £39
5. Newport Roman Villa
Offering amazing value and fantastic insights into the Isle of Wight’s Roman history, the well-preserved Newport Roman Villa gives a glimpse into Roman life.
The attraction includes the fantastic bathhouse with underfloor heating, and the garden with the herbs used for medicines, bathing and cooking.
You can dress as a Roman in the activity room, enjoy a pretend Roman meal or try weaving, arch construction and mosaic making.
Newport Villa is an enjoyable rainy-day activity for all ages.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, April to September; Monday to Saturday, July to August
- Address: Cypress Road, NEWPORT, Isle of Wight, PO30 1HA
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: £4.50
6. Pirates Cove
The Isle of Wight’s exciting new 18-hole golf and adventure fun park is set among caves, palm trees, waterfalls and fountains.
There’s a fully-rigged pirate ship, a rollercoaster, Go-Karts, water Zorbs, trampolines, and bouncy castles making Pirates Cove a paradise for children. For parents, there are beautiful views out to sea and across Shanklin Beach.
A fun-filled day out for the family.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: Pirate’s Cove, 10 AM to 5 PM, Weekends; Summer Arcade, 9 AM to 10 PM, Daily
- Address: Shanklin Esplanade, Isle of Wight, PO37 6BG
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: £7.50
7. Haven Falconry
The Haven Falconry team is dedicated, experienced falconers passionate about birds of prey who aim to ensure visitors have fun while learning.
There is a superb collection of owls, hawks, falcons, eagles and vultures. The team specialises in their care and welfare while demonstrating the art of falconry and the pleasure the birds offer in a close-up, hands-on experience.
There is also a specialised pet’s corner for younger visitors, an Insect Hotel, Ferret Skywalk, a gift shop and a picnic area.
Haven Falconry is set within the Isle of Wight Steam Railway grounds and is well worth a visit.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: Depends on schedule
- Address: IW Steam Railway, Station Rd, Havenstreet, Ryde PO33 4DS
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: starts at £45
8. Isle of Wight Aqua Park
The Isle of Wight’s first outdoor floating Aqua Park is located at Tapnell Farm, Yarmouth.
It features a floating inflatable obstacle course joined together to form a series of challenges which are great fun for adults and children aged 8+.
There are giant, freefall water slides-the tallest Mount Rainier at 3.8m high. Each session lasts 1 hour and includes safety instructions from a fully qualified Lifeguard team, a wetsuit and buoyancy aid.
The Cow restaurant has a reputation for the best burgers on the island.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily, Summer; 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Daily, Winter
- Address: Tapnell Farm, Newport Road, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight PO41 0YJ
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: starts at £13.95
9. West Wight Alpacas
West Wight Alpacas has become a leading attraction on the Isle of Wight as well as one of the top Suri Alpaca and Llama stud farms in the country.
This is an open farm park where you can go trekking with the alpacas and llamas, feed them and see all sorts of other farm animals. There is a bistro/café on site.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: Main Road, Wellow, Isle of Wight PO41 0SZ
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: £10.50
10. The Needles Old Battery and New Battery
One of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic landmarks. The three beautiful white chalk stacks leading to the Lighthouse come to mind for most of us when we think about the Isle of Wight. And there’s so much more to do here too.
The Needles Battery is a spectacularly sited cliff-top fort with breathtaking views of The Needles.
History is brought to life in exhibitions and displays, with memorabilia from World War II.
There’s a close-up view of the Needles from an underground tunnel and a tearoom in the old look-out tower with dramatic views out to sea.
With children’s soldier trails and miles of clifftop walks from the Headland across to Freshwater Bay, the Needles are a must-visit.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM, Daily
- Address: Alum Bay New Road, Alum Bay, PO39 0JD
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: Varies on activity
11. Robin Hill Country Park
With 88 acres of beautiful open parkland, woodland trails and water gardens, Robin Hill Country Park is one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions.
There are great adventures on the treetop canopy walkways, adventure nets and a downhill toboggan ride. There are daily falconry displays and an amphitheatre amid the trees. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Good To Know:
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4:30/5 PM, Daily
- Address: Robin Hill, Downend PO30 2NU
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: starts at £15