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so much to see and do

Things to do on the Isle of Wight

No matter the time of year, there is so much to see and do on the Isle of Wight. The Island may only be 150 square miles, but there is always something going on.

From exciting attractions and events, to picturesque beaches and activities such as cycling trails, walking and golf – you are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit on the Isle of Wight.

Attractions

From the former royal residence of Osborne House to Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the the UK – attractions are one of the top things to do on the Isle of Wight. A number of places are open all year round and guarantee a great day out. If history is your thing, or you’re after some family fun, there’s something out there for you.

See the Island's attractions
A steam train locomotive on tracks on the Isle of Wight

Osborne House

Take a unique glimpse into the lives of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children at Osborne House.

Explore Osborne
A boy dressed as a cowboy outside a wooden shop at Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight

Blackgang Chine

Let your imagination run wild as you venture on a journey of discovery at Blackgang Chine. The UK’s oldest theme park is a fantastic day out for the whole family.

A wallaby at Tapnell Farm Park, Isle of Wight

Tapnell Farm

Tapnell Farm is the perfect place for all the family. You can enjoy indoor and outdoor fun, learn about animals and take in the views.

Take a look around Tapnell Farm

The Needles

The Isle of Wight and The Needles go hand-in-hand. The famous rocks are a sight to behold, and there’s plenty going on throughout the summer at the Landmark Attraction.

Learn all about The Needles

Beaches

Ask anyone who is local what to do on the Isle of Wight and they’ll more than likely suggest one of the many beautiful beaches the Island has to offer. From your typical seaside beach getaway to the more unique Jurassic beaches, filled with fossils from a time forgotten, the Isle of Wight has it all.

Explore the Island's beaches
Compton Beach, Isle of Wight, on a blue sky day

Compton Bay

One of the Island’s widest sandy stretches, popular with both locals and tourists alike. Dogs are welcome all year round.

See Compton Bay

Ventnor Beach

The perfect stop for anyone planning their UK beach holiday with views both of the beautiful town, and out over the ocean.

Take a look at Ventnor Beach
Sandown Beach, IOW

Sandown Beach

A classic sandy UK beach with a pier fit for a postcard, making it one of the best beaches the Isle of Wight has to offer.

Explore Sandown Beach

Appley Beach

The perfect beach for families with young children. The beach is wheelchair friendly with the Seaview end being dog friendly.

View Appley Beach

Cycling

With its scenic and twisty roads, the Isle of Wight is a hugely popular destination for cyclists. What’s more, it’s one of the many free things you can do on the Island. There are loads of established routes to take that vary in distance and difficulty, so choose a route that’s right for you.

Discover the Cycle Island

Round the Island cycle route

If you’re up for a cycling challenge, this circular route will offer you on and off-road biking showing you all that’s best about the Island.

See the Round the Island route

Yarmouth and Tennyson trail

With a variety of terrain, this 12 mile route will reward you with stunning coastal and Island views.

See the Yarmouth and Tennyson Trail

Freshwater Bay to Cowes cycle route

Cycling mainly on back roads, this track will take you all the way to the most northern part of the Island.

See the Freshwater Bay to Cowes cycle route

Ryde to Brading cycle route

Skirt the Island’s coastline with this 15 mile route taking you through Seaview. There are lots of opportunities for a swim and pit stop en route.

See the Ryde to Brading cycle route

Walking and hiking

Who doesn’t love a good walk? The advantage of walking on an Island is that you’re guaranteed stunning coastal views and scenery wherever you go. With a number of trails ranging from a few miles, all the way up to 16 miles, there are routes and distances that will suit all abilities.

Take an Isle of Wight walk
Walkers walking a countryside path, the Tennyson Trail on the Isle of Wight

Tennyson Trail

This challenging Isle of Wight classic takes you from Carisbrooke to the cliffs of Alum Bay. You’ll pass ancient burial sites and encounter Island landmarks including the Tennyson Monument.

View the Tennyson Trail
A monastery called Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight

Ryde to Quarr Abbey walking route

Ryde Pier to Quarr Abbey is perfect for all the family, consisting of a 2 mile distance. Our FastCat service is located at the pier so you can set off as soon as you arrive on the Island.

View the Ryde to Quarr Abbey walking route

Bembridge Trail walking route

Starting at the heart of the Island near Newport, this trail will take you to the backdrop of Culver Down, also known as Bembridge. Expect to pass by historic houses and Brading – one of the Island’s oldest towns.

View the Bembridge Trail walking route

Worsley Trail walking route

Starting from Mottistone in Brighstone, this route will take you to the picturesque Shanklin Old Village. The trail passes through a variety of terrain including a disused railway line.

View the Worsley Trail walking route

Golf

Looking to perfect your swing? With scenic views of the coast, there are a number of Isle of Wight golf courses that could be perfect for you. From Shanklin to Osborne and Freshwater – there are courses for all abilities.

Discover the Island's golf courses

Shanklin and Sandown Club

Opened in 1900, the course combines a beautiful heathland setting with fantastic views of the surrounding chalk downs. The course has been rated seventh in Hampshire by the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World.

Find out about Shanklin and Sandown Club

Osborne Golf Club

Set on the Osborne House estate, originally just two holes, the course was reserved for Queen Victoria’s household and guests. Highlights of a round include the uninterrupted views over the Solent and across to Portsmouth.

Find out about Osborne Golf Club

Freshwater Bay Golf Club

If you’re after a view then this is the course for you. Set on the chalk downs on land owned by the National Trust, Freshwater Bay offers sweeping views over the English Channel, the Solent and across to the mainland.

Find out about Freshwater Bay Golf Club

Events and festivals

The Isle of Wight offers a variety of events that will appeal to one and all. From famous music festivals to one of the world’s biggest sailing regattas, there’s something for everyone to get stuck in with.

Find out more

Getting there

We’re your link to the Isle of Wight. Whatever you plan to do on the Island, we’ll get you there, with more ferries, on more routes, going more often.

Book your ferry
Victoria of Wight sails into Fishbourne