Ryde Beach and Marina

Things to do on the Isle of Wight in July

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.

Go back to the 1940s

A plane at the 1940s Experience, Isle of Wight Steam Railway

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.

Catch Carnival Fever

Ryde Mardi Gras on the Isle of Wight - thanks to New Carnival Company

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.

Enjoy drinks on the lawn

Fairy lights and tables outside at the Lawn Bar at Northwood House, Isle of Wight

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.

Live the beach sports lifestyle

Men playing beach sports on Ryde Beach, Isle of Wight

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.

Watch events on the water

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.

Experience the thrill of Speedway

Speedway Rider Steph Whitlock riding a motorcycle around a track

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!

Have fun with the family

Bar at Ventnor Fringe Festival at night

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.

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