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Isle of Wight
Things to do
Places to visit on the Isle of Wight …
Osborne House
Queen Victoria’s favorite residence, is a fascinating look into the past. This Italianate villa has been preserved as it was the day that Prince Albert died
Cowes
Cowes is a delightful Victorian town that owes it’s prominence to establishment of The Royal Yacht Squadron in 1815 dedicated to yacht racing. The Maritime museum is well worth a visit. It holds the largest collection of maritime books in the world.
Amazon World Zoo Park
For family adventures, visit Amazon World Zoo Park which has the largest collection of exotic animals in natural rain forest settings.
Blackgang Chine
There’s more family fun at Blackgang Chine with it’s 40 acres of Victorian cliff top gardens which hold surprises around everycorner. Fantasy attractions, Cowboy Town, Dinosaurland, Nurseryland, Pirate Fort, Family Boat Slide, Fairy Castle, and more.
Robin Hill
Robin Hill offers something for everyone, whether it’s the thrill of the islands 3 biggest rides to the challenge of the Squirrel Tower, or the peace of the woodland walks where the islands famous Red Squirrels live. It’s an adventure park like no other.
Needles Rocks and Lighthouse
A unique landmark attraction, offering a breathtaking chairlift ride to view the Island’s famous Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. Included in the Park’s facilities are the popular Sand Shop, where visitors can make their own unique souvenir, a traditional Carousel and new for 2005, Jurassic Golf, a nine hole adventure golf with some 3 and 4 par holes. Visitors are also able to watch regular glassblowing demonstrations in Alum Bay Glass and witness the creation of a wide variety of sweets in the Island’s only Sweet Manufactory, whilst enjoying a talk about the process of traditional sweet making.
Brading Roman Villa
The new £3million Exhibition & Visitor Centre at the unique Brading Roman Villa contains some of the finest mosaic floors in Europe, and is an ideal resource for aid in Roman topics for kids at key stages 2 and 3 – and a great family outing. The west wing is displayed under cover, which includes the Medusa mosaic.
Events
Events on the Isle of Wight …
Round the Island Yacht Race
20th June
The World's largest single yacht race of it's type. In recent years, over 1,500 boats have competed. View them close up as they race round the Needles or as they start in Cowes!
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
9th - 24th MAY 2009
Did you know that every May the Isle of Wight hosts the UK's largest walking festival? Not surprising when you learn that it has over 500 miles of well- maintained and signposted footpaths around 30 miles of Heritage Coastline, while more than half of the Island is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Skandia Cowes Week
1st to 8th August.
The oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the world. Grand fireworks on the 8th August.
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
15th – 16th August
The event has since grown to become one of the largest events on the island each year, second only to Cowes Week. No fewer than 25,000 people attend each year. The festival is a tasty and fun event offering a combination of late 1960s pop festival ambience, country fair and great garlic cuisine.
Cowes Powerboat Festival
28-30 August.
One of Europe's most prestigious power boat festivals, headlined by two rounds of the powerboat P1 World Championship.
Isle of Wight Festival 2010
11th - 13th June
With its past saturated by the greats - from Dylan to The Doors and Hendrix to Leonard Cohen - the Isle Of Wight Festival is one of the most historically rich and, therefore, prestigious festivals on the summer calendar. The Prodogy, Stereophonics, Razorlight and Neil Young
Little Britain Challenge Cup Regatta
10th-13th September
A 250 yacht event with competitive racing, a party atmosphere, whilst raising money for chosen charities.
Isle of Wight Cycling Festival
13th - 21st September
On and off road cycling, taking in miles of heritage coastline for all ages and abilities.
Ryde Carnival
19th Aug - 5th September
A dazzling illuminated journey through the town featuring 2000 participants & 50,000 spectators, this year with a childrens carnival and an illuminated Carnival either side of the main carnival.
Bestival
11th - 13th September
A multi award-winning 3 day boutique fun & quirky music festival. Previous big-name headline acts have included Amy Winehouse, Scissor Sisters & the Beastie Boys, with a further 200-plus acts performing across the site in the various tents & stages
Useful Links
- Dinosaur Isle - 01983 404344
- Isle of Wight Festival - 08444 99 99 55
- IW Tourism - 01983 813800
- Tourist Information - 01983 813818
Ferry links
Ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight are available now from Red Funnel and Wightlink.
- Red Funnel - 0870 444 8898
- Wight Link - 0870 582 7744
Beaches And Water
- Bembridge - Bembridge hosts several quiet beaches of pebble and sand, suitable for swimming except unsafe in harbour - use the beach adjacent to the east.
- Colwell Bay - This small and sandy beach is tucked away on the quiter west coast of the Island with panoramic views of the Solent.
- Compton Bay - Compton Bay is a sandy beach located beside the coast road between Freshwater Bay and Brook.
- Cowes & Gurnard Beaches - Gurnard is a small pleasant resort to the west of Cowes.
- Freshwater Bay - Freshwater Bay is a small sand and shingle bay adjacent to bus route, car park, coastal walks, nature trail, golf course, refreshments and toilet.
- Ryde Beach - Ryde Beach is situated to the north of Ryde Town Centre and is accessible by either foot, car, public transport ...
- Sandown Beach - Sandown is the best place to have fun beside the sea safely.
- Shanklin Beach - Shanklin beach forms part of Sandown Bay which is famous for its Sandy beah and safe bathing areas Beach activities cater ...
- St Helens Beach - St Helens Beach can be accessed by either foot or car.
- Totland Bay - Totland Bay is stuated on the West side of the Island where families enjoy the delightful beach. Under the Seaside award criteria.
- Ventnor Beach - Ventnor is a sun trap bay sheltered by high cliffs on which the terraced town is built.
- Yaverland Beach - Yaverland is easily accessible by car or foot. Ample parking and only 1.5k from Sandown Town Centre.