In the summer months on the Isle of Wight, you’re never short of things to do! If you’re having trouble deciding, here’s our pick of the top things to do in July.
Enjoy a memorable and nostalgic day out for all the family at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, with their 1940s Experience from 1-2 July 2023. Spend your day wandering 1940s street scenes, sing along and dance to the music of the era and marvel at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Make time for a steam train ride, too. Sit back in one of the Edwardian or Victorian carriages for an hour’s ride through the Isle of Wight countryside.
July marks the start of the Isle of Wight carnival season, so you’re in the right place for a summer street party! It all starts with the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras in Ryde. Next you’ll be able to enjoy a Isle of Wight Pride parade on Saturday 15 June 2023 in Ryde followed by an afternoon and evening of seafront entertainment.
Later you’ve got Newport Carnival, Cowes Carnival and Sandown Carnival to look forward to.
The iconic Northwood House, set in beautiful Northwood Park in the heart of Cowes, has a rich history of hosting lavish parties and events. In the summer months, you can channel your inner lord or lady with a refreshing drink at the manor house’s Lawn Bar.
Open every weekend between July and September, you can expect a chilled Balearic-style vibe and a range of wines, gins, pitcher cocktails and craft beers. Imbibe alfresco or head into the stylish marquee if the weather doesn’t live up to your expectations.
July is a great time to get into beach sports – not just because it’s better weather, but because Appley Beach on the Isle of Wight is host to the Wight Wave Beach Fest. From 28-30 July 2023, the event will host beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach runs, paddle board racing, beach rugby and more to a backdrop of laid-back music on one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.
July is a great month for watching sports on the water. Plan ahead to make sure you get yourself a good vantage point to watch the action from!
The Round the Island Race on 1 July 2023 is one of the largest yacht races of its kind in the world. With 1,400 boats and around 15,000 sailors taking part, it’s a sight to be seen.
From 8-14 July 2023 you’ll be able to see traditional yachts racing in Cowes Classics Week, and enjoy fabulous social events on shore. And finally one of the oldest and most respected regattas in the world – Cowes Week – kicks off on 29 July 2023.
The Isle of Wight is a great place to introduce yourself to the high-octane motorsport of Speedway. Never heard of it? British Speedway explain: “Speedway bike have no brakes, just one gear, a clutch and 500cc engines which run on methanol fuel”. The bikes can accelerate to 60mph – faster than a Formula 1 car!
Of course, it’s the start of the school holidays too, which means there are lots of fun things happening for families later in the month. School holiday activities take place at attractions all over the Isle of Wight like Blackgang Chine’s Summer Fest and Tapnell Farm’s Biggest Kids Party, but you can also enjoy family-friendly events like Ventnor Fringe Festival.
Visiting at a different time of year? Find out what else you can do during your time on the Isle of Wight on our Things to Do web pages.