Carisbrooke Castle

Situated on a high ridge and steeped in history, this Norman castle is a fascinating historical attraction with an extraordinary past and home to the famous Carisbrooke Donkeys. A small museum of social and local history is housed in the Great Hall.

AMENITIES: Tea Rooms open April- October. Shop, picnic area. Dogs on lead welcome. Disabled access to lower grounds.

OPENING HOURS: 1 Apr-30 Sept 10am- 5pm. 1 Oct-20 Mar, 10am-4pm. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan 2008.

TRAVEL PLAN: Southern Vectis No 7 from Yarmouth stops at Carisbrooke High Street, or Southern Vectis No 9 from Ryde to Newport, then No 7 to Carisbrooke. The castle is a quarter mile walk.

Tel: 01983 522107  www.english-heritage.org.uk

Brickfields Horse Country

Fun all weather family day out. Riding lessons, hacks, shire horses and working blacksmith. Country museum, unique carriage collection, tractor rides and farm animals.

AMENITIES: Picnic area, café, bar. There’s plenty of access for disabled visitors.

OPENING HOURS: Open daily 10am-5pm (closed 25 & 26 Dec).

TRAVEL PLAN: 103 Village Link (to entrance), bus 4 to Newnham Road.

Tel: 01983 566801 www.brickfields.net

Osborne House

Tour the sumptuous Royal Apartments of Queen Victoria's favourite residence, as well as the Queen's private rooms.

AMENITIES: Gift shop, 1 restaurant and 2 cafés (limited opening in the winter) and children's play area.

OPENING HOURS: April-Sept 30 10am-6pm (house closes 5pm). 1-30 Oct 10am-4pm daily. Nov-Mar 20 10am-4pm. Wed-Sun (prebooked guided tours only. Last tour 2.30pm, house & grounds close 4pm. Xmas tour season Nov 10-Jan 6). Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. On 20-21 July, 27-28 July & 6 Aug, house closes 3pm (grounds 4pm) for special events.

TRAVEL PLAN: Travel by Southern Vectis bus 4 from Ryde direct to Osborne House gates.

Tel: 01983 200022 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Steam Railway

Take a trip back in time on this beautiful 10-mile train ride. Vintage locomotives pulling restored Victorian carriages, run from Wootton to Smallbrook Junction. There’s a shop, museum and café at Havenstreet, plus adventure playground, woodland walk and picnic area. Events throughout the summer.

AMENITIES: Café, shop, disabled access.

OPENING HOURS: Open daily late May-mid Sept.

TRAVEL PLAN: By train, take the Island Line to Smallbrook Junction and change platform for Steam Railway. Bus routes – Southern Vectis 33 calls at Havenstreet Station.

Tel: 01983 884333  www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk 

Dinosaur Isle

In a spectacular pterosaur shaped building watching over Sandown's Blue Flag beach, is a fantastic dinosaur museum. Walk back through time to the period of the dinosaurs, where on a recreated landscape enhanced by sights, smells and sounds you will meet life sized dinosaurs. Suitable for all ages.

AMENITIES: On-site car park. Wheelchairs available, shop.

OPENING HOURS: Open all year. (Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Call for opening times Jan-8 Feb 2008). Apr-Sep 10am- 6pm, Oct 10pm-5pm, Nov-Mar 10am- 4pm. Last admission 1 hour before close.

TRAVEL PLAN: Take the Island Line train from Ryde to Sandown Station, and enjoy a 20 minute walk down to the seafront and museum.
 

Tel: 01983 404344 www.dinosaurisle.com

Blackgang Chine

Regularly voted top attraction by Wightlink holidaymakers, Blackgang is a fantasy world, looking out to sea and over the dramatic south-west of the Island from the edge of a cliff. Ideal for children of all ages, there's a full sized cowboy town, nurseryland, fairy castle and roller coaster, a land full of dinosaurs, a 100 metre water ride, Pirate Play Fort – new for 2007 and much much more.

AMENITIES: Picnic area, café, bar, range of shops and 3 restaurants.

OPENING HOURS: 26 Mar-28 Oct. Open until 8pm during summer school holidays.

TRAVEL PLAN: Take bus 7 to Newport and change to bus 6 which takes you to Blackgang.

Tel: 01983 730330  www.blackgangchine.com

The Needles Park

A unique attraction with chairlift ride to view The Needles and the world famous coloured cliffs. Craftsmen at work in the glass studio and sweet manufactory. Height and age restrictions apply. Brand New for 2007 – Tea Cup Ride.

AMENITIES: New outdoor eating area.

OPENING HOURS: Apr-Oct: 10am-5pm (late opening every Thursday in Aug for Magic in the Skies fireworks evening, weather permitting).

TRAVEL PLAN: Bus Route 7 from Yarmouth Bus Station or take the open top circular summer route 42.

Tel: 0870 458 0022 www.theneedles.co.uk

Calbourne Water Mill

A 17th century working water mill (milling every day at 3pm, except Saturday) plus war museum, rural museums, fire station and ancient woodland walk. Also an 18-hole putting green, straw bale building and family petanque. Punting, pedaloes and canoes on the mill pond.

AMENITIES: Licensed/internet cafe, pottery demonstrations and gift shop.

OPENING HOURS: 23 Mar-31 Oct 10am-5pm.

TRAVEL PLAN: Water Mill is a two minute walk from Calbourne Sun Inn, served by Southern Vectis bus 7 from Yarmouth.

Tel: 01983 531227

Isle of Wight Zoo

Home to ITV's 'Tiger Island'. The UK's largest collection of tigers amongst other big cats, primates and creepy crawlies. Unique educational presentations make this a star attraction, and new for 007 – the Ranthambore Tiger exhibit and Kopse Lion exhibit. Under 5s free. Large car/coach park. See website for special events.

AMENITIES: Shop and café, disabled access and wheelchairs available.

OPENING HOURS: Mar & Oct 10pm-4pm. Apr-Sep: 10am-6pm (last admission 5pm).

TRAVEL PLAN: Take the Island Line train to Sandown Station. The Zoo is a short distance from the town centre along the seafront towards the white cliff end of the bay. Open top bus - Southern Vectis.

Tel: 01983 405562  www.isleofwightzoo.com 

Brading Roman Villa

A beautiful £3million Exhibition and Visitor Centre now covers the remains of this wonderfully preserved 3rd century Roman Villa. There are stunning mosaics on site, fascinating artefacts, a Roman garden and interactive displays. Café, shop and education room.Guided tours available on request.

AMENITIES: Wheelchairs available on request. DDA Compliant.

OPENING HOURS: Mar-Oct 9.30am-5pm. Nov-Feb 9.30-4pm. (Last admission one hour before closing).

TRAVEL PLAN: By train, take the Island Line to Brading Station. By bus, take no. 3 service from Ryde to Yarbridge Crossroads.

Tel: 01983 406223  www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk