Isle of Wight has a wide choice of great of days out to keep all the family entertained. The Needles are an iconic attraction and probably The Island’s most well known landmark. Visitors can ride the chairlift and enjoy a range of attractions including 4D cinema, sweet factory and traditional amusements, shops and places to eat.
If you are looking to discover the history of the Isle of Wight there are numerous places to visit. Carisbrooke Castle is a popular attraction, famous for the imprisonment of Charles I and has some fantastic views, stunning gardens and various exhibits detailing the castle’s history.
Military history buffs can enjoy a tour of various locations including Fort Victoria just outside Yarmouth which dates back to the mid 18th century, Yarmouth Castle – a Tudor castle whose location is a great spot to watch the yachts in the Solent below and the Needles Old Battery a spectacular cliff top defence with a range of exhibits.
The landscape of the Isle of Wight is great for walkers – The Island hosts a 2 week walking festival. Walkers can explore the cliff top paths, coastal walks and rolling countryside. For those looking to go uphill, the Yarborough Monument and Tennyson Monument await discovery. Being an island has meant this is one of the locations in Britain where red squirrels have been able to flourish, whilst the cliffs are home to some rare butterfly populations.
Isle of Wight has a number of important houses, stately homes and glorious gardens open to the public. Undoubtedly the most famous is Osborne House, the holiday residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert which led many famous Victorians to grace The Island. Nunwell House & Gardens is a Jacobean house with seaviews. Appuldurcombe House was once a magnificent 18th century house which has seen better times – though the gardens remain worth a visit. Elsewhere visitors will find impressive gardens at Mottistone Manor, year round colour at Morton Manor and the 22 acres of Ventor Botanic Gardens with a collection of rare specimens from around the world and over 700 varieties of rose.
Everybody do the dinosaur! The Isle of Wight was once part of a larger continent and fossil hunting is a popular pastime on The Island. Comb the yellow, grey and brown rocks and beaches at the likes of Yaverland Beach, Brook, Brighstone and Compton Bay to discover fossils and dinosaur bones. Hanover Point is home to giant stone cast dinosaur prints.
Isle of Wight’s famous names include actor Jeremy Irons, athlete Kelly Sotherton, comedian and broadcaster Phil Jupitus and actress Shelia Hancock.
Isle of Wight has a large range of annual events including IOW Walking Festival, The Garlic Festival the world famous Cowes Week and IOW Festival – a huge music event.
The climate benefits the Isle of Wight growers and the island is well known for its tomatoes, asparagus and garlic. Seafood – including crab are local favourites, whilst tourists can enjoy delicious cream teas.
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