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Things to do on the Isle of Wight - All Our Guides In One Place
This page includes pretty much every guide we've written about things to do on the Isle of Wight. It's something of a central hub to help you find the right guide for you.
This page covers it all - activities by age group, town-by-town guides, rainy day advice, themed guides such as gardens and animal attractions, outstanding walking and cycling routes and the lesser-known quirky attractions.
This page covers it all - activities by age group, town-by-town guides, rainy day advice, themed guides such as gardens and animal attractions, outstanding walking and cycling routes and the lesser-known quirky attractions.
Days Out By Age Group
These guides to Isle of Wight activities by age group include days out for toddlers, primary school children, teenagers, adults and stag dos.
Children And FamiliesIsle of Wight days out for children and families (primary school and junior school)
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AdultsWalks, history, gardens and other days out for adults on the Isle of Wight
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ToddlersIsle of Wight days out for toddlers including soft play and playgrounds
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TeenagersSulk-free Isle of Wight days out for teenagers
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Stag DoIsle of Wight Stag Do Activities for LADS who want more than a boozy night out
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Isle of Wight Town And Village Guides
These guides give you a roundup of days out in each Isle of Wight town and the surrounding villages. Our guides cover all four corners including the East Wight (Bembridge, St Helens, Seaview as well as guides to Sandown and Shanklin and Ryde), the South Wight (Ventnor and surrounding villages), the West Wight (Yarmouth, Brighstone, Colwell, Totland, Freshwater), the North Wight (Cowes and East Cowes) as well as Newport and Carisbrooke in the middle.
Bembridge, St Helens and SeaviewThings to do in the East Wight's coastal villages
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Cowes10 days out in Cowes on the Isle of Wight
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Carisbrooke And NewportActivities and things to do in the Island's capital and in the nearby village of Carisbrooke
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RydeThings to do in Ryde including Appley Beach and Ryde Pier
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Shanklin and SandownMinigolf, ice creams and other things to do in Shanklin and Sandown
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Yarmouth And West WightThings to do in Yarmouth and the West Wight
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Ventnor And South WightThings to do in Ventnor and the South Wight
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Isle of Wight Days Out By Interest
These guides cover attractions on the Isle of Wight themed by interests, including animal attractions, dinosaur attractions and golf courses.
Zoos And Animal AttractionsWildheart Animal Sanctuary and other animal attractions
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Dinosaur AttractionsFossil hunting and other dinosaur themed things to do on the Isle of Wight
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Golf CoursesFour great golf courses on the Isle of Wight
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Historic AttractionsPrehistoric, wartime and other historic sites on the Isle of Wight
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Food And Drink TourGarlic farm and other stops on an Isle of Wight foodies tour
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Parks And GardensWhere to admire Isle of Wight parks and gardens, including Mottistone Manor Gardens and Ventnor Botanics
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PlaygroundsOur favourite Isle of Wight playgrounds in Ryde, Shanklin, Sandown and the West Wight
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Isle of Wight Festival and Carnivals
This section brings together the Isle of Wight's festivals and carnivals, including the Isle of Wight Festival, Cowes Week and carnivals.
Isle of Wight Festival GuideLineups, tickets and other tips in our Isle of Wight Festival guide
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CarnivalsDates, parade routes and tips for Isle of Wight carnivals including Ryde and Sandown
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Major Annual Festivals And EventsCowes Week and other major annual festivals on the Isle of Wight, including regattas, concerts and shows
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Isle of Wight Walking And Cycling
This section pulls together our favourite walks and cycling routes. Some are our own walks but the majority are well-established trails that we've tried and tested.
Isle of Wight Coastal PathWhere to stay if you're planning a walk around the Isle of Wight coastal path
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Best Walks (3-9 Miles, Circular)Our selection of the 10 best Isle of Wight circular walks covering The Needles, Shanklin, Cowes and Ventnor
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Short Walks (1 Mile)Short walks of one mile on the Isle of Wight, covering Carisbrooke, Shanklin and Ventnor
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Cycling HolidaysAdvice on Isle of Wight cycling holidays for mountain bikes and road cycling
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Traffic Free Cycle TracksOur five favourite off road cycle tracks without cars on the Isle of Wight
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The Red Squirrel TrailThe family-friendly Red Squirrel Trail on the Isle of Wight
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The Tennyson TrailOur favourite mountain bike route - The Tennyson Trail on the Isle of Wight
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Treasure TrailsIsle of Wight treasure hunts to trick your children into walking
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Themed WalksIsle of Wight trails for fans of history, music and culture
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Guides To Popular Isle of Wight Attractions
Some of the headline attractions on the Isle of Wight deserve their own guides. Here's our advice on how to make the most of days out at Blackgang Chine, The Needles, Osborne and other attractions. We've also included some money saving guide if we know of any tricks.
The Needles And Alum BayOur advice for visiting The Needles and Alum Bay on the Isle of Wight
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Blackgang Chine Theme ParkAdvice for first time visitors to Blackgang Chine
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Robin Hill Country ParkAdvice for your first visit to Robin Hill Country Park
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Osborne House and GardensTop tips for visiting Osborne House and Gardens
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Isle of Wight Rainy Days And Winter Days Out
Here are our guides to rainy days out and indoor attractions. We've also included our guides to visiting in winter and at Christmas as there's a fair amount of crossover.
Rainy Day ActivitiesDozens of indoor days out and wet weather activities
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Winter Days OutThings to do from November to February on the Isle of Wight
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Christmas ActivitiesActivities and days out for a Christmas and New Year visit to the Isle of Wight
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Rainy Day ItineraryOur itinerary for a wet weather week on the Isle of Wight
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Isle of Wight Driving Routes And Games
These guides cover driving on the Isle of Wight, including what we think is the Isle of Wight's perfect driving route, as well as suggesting places to stop for a car picnic with a view.
Wighty 90 Driving RouteOur perfect Isle of Wight car journey with the best scenery and views
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Car Park ViewpointsIsle of Wight car parks with great views at Compton Bay, Gurnard and Culver Down
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Car Journey GamesGames to play on an Isle of Wight car journey, including Isle Spy
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Isle of Wight Attraction Discounts And Budget Days Out
These guides dig into saving money on your Isle of Wight holiday, including dozens of free days out. We also cover how to get into the ticketed attractions for the cheapest price possible, including Osborne, Carisbrooke Castle, Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill.
Free Days OutMore than 40 free days out on the Isle of Wight including Appuldurcombe House and Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
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Attraction DiscountsHow to save money on Isle of Wight attractions and days out
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Budget ItineraryOur advice for a cheap week of activities on the Isle of Wight
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Isle of Wight Hidden Gems and Quirky Days Out
This final section is insider guides to the weird and wonderful days out on the Isle of Wight. We've included things that very few visitors get round to visiting, plus quirky tours of the Isle of Wight's benches and film sets.
Quirky Days OutUnusual things to do on the Isle of Wight including rocket testing and alpaca walking
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Hidden GemsLesser-visited and hidden gems on the Isle of Wight
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Unique AttractionsDays out and adventures that you can only do on the Isle of Wight
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Eight WondersThe 8 wonders of the Isle of Wight, including Needles you cannot thread
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TV & Movie Locations TourFilming locations including Osborne, Sandown Seafront and Alum Bay
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Things You Can't Do!Motorway driving, mountain climbing, skiing and other activities you can't do during an Isle of Wight holiday
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Benches With A ViewGreat places to park your bottom on an Isle of Wight walk in Freshwater Bay, The Needles, Ventnor and Cowes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do On The Isle of Wight
What are the essential things to do for first time visitors To The Isle of Wight?
I would say that the two most famous attractions on the Isle of Wight are probably The Needles (and Alum Bay's multicoloured sands) and Osborne, where Queen Victoria spent a lot of time gazing out to sea. You could also make a good case for Blackgang Chine, as the UK's oldest theme park.
I like all of those places, but I would dig a little deeper and look at things that appeal to you rather than just ticking off a list. Take a look through our guides above for families with young children, families with teenagers, couples on a romantic break, dinosaur fans, history fans, gardeners and beach lovers.
For what it's worth, my favourite part of the Isle of Wight is the West Wight and my favourite beach is Compton Bay.
You might like to read our guide to 10 reasons to visit the Isle of Wight, which focuses on the big hitters.
I like all of those places, but I would dig a little deeper and look at things that appeal to you rather than just ticking off a list. Take a look through our guides above for families with young children, families with teenagers, couples on a romantic break, dinosaur fans, history fans, gardeners and beach lovers.
For what it's worth, my favourite part of the Isle of Wight is the West Wight and my favourite beach is Compton Bay.
You might like to read our guide to 10 reasons to visit the Isle of Wight, which focuses on the big hitters.
The multicoloured cliffs of Alum Bay are world famous
What are some of the best free things to do on the Isle of Wight?
From the 40+ things to do in our free days out guide, my favourites include Appuldurcombe House, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary and Bembridge Lifeboat Station.
If you've got National Trust or English Heritage membership then you'll have lots more things to choose from including two castles, a beautifully-kept garden and a windmill.
If you've got National Trust or English Heritage membership then you'll have lots more things to choose from including two castles, a beautifully-kept garden and a windmill.
What are the best attractions for children?
There is loads to do for primary school aged children but the three paid attractions that fill several hours are probably Blackgang Chine, Robin Hill and Tapnell Farm Park. The Needles Landmark Attraction could make a case for being included but it works differently as it's free to get in and then you pay for individual activities.
However, I wouldn't necessarily try and cram all four of those into a week's visit. Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine both offer free or cheap returns within a week, so you can often get two visits for your money.
There are also loads of things that are a bit more niche that will probably be the highlight of the week for the right child. For example, adventurous children will enjoy the high ropes and climbing walls at the Adrenaline Zone or inflatable fun at the Isle of Wight Aqua Park. There are a handful of great places to see animals and there are enough minigolf courses to do a PGA-style tour. Other children might be desperate to visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway or go horse riding on the beach.
You certainly don't need to do a paid attraction every day as there lots of free things to do, such as good playgrounds, coastal walks and rockpooling.
However, I wouldn't necessarily try and cram all four of those into a week's visit. Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine both offer free or cheap returns within a week, so you can often get two visits for your money.
There are also loads of things that are a bit more niche that will probably be the highlight of the week for the right child. For example, adventurous children will enjoy the high ropes and climbing walls at the Adrenaline Zone or inflatable fun at the Isle of Wight Aqua Park. There are a handful of great places to see animals and there are enough minigolf courses to do a PGA-style tour. Other children might be desperate to visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway or go horse riding on the beach.
You certainly don't need to do a paid attraction every day as there lots of free things to do, such as good playgrounds, coastal walks and rockpooling.
Tapnell Farm Park is a favourite with our children
Which towns are best for a day out on the Isle of Wight?
The East Wight is the more traditionally touristy side of the Island and has a slightly higher concentration of attractions and guest houses. That's where you'll find Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde, which all have seafront amusement arcades, lots of places selling ice creams and a high concentration of plastic buckets for sale.
However, there are exceptions such as The Needles/Alum Bay and Tapnell Farm Park, which are both in the West Wight. The South Wight has Blackgang Chine theme park and Ventnor, which is a traditional Victorian coastal town with plenty of places to buy an ice cream. Cowes in the North West is the busiest part of the Island during Cowes Week in August whilst Newport in the middle hosts the Isle of Wight Festival.
It's also worth saying that some of the most spectacular scenery and best walks can be found around the West Wight, such as Tennyson Down and Headon Warren overlooking The Needles. I have a fondness for the lesser-visited beaches and dramatic hills of the South Wight.
See our town-by-town guides above for more ideas.
However, there are exceptions such as The Needles/Alum Bay and Tapnell Farm Park, which are both in the West Wight. The South Wight has Blackgang Chine theme park and Ventnor, which is a traditional Victorian coastal town with plenty of places to buy an ice cream. Cowes in the North West is the busiest part of the Island during Cowes Week in August whilst Newport in the middle hosts the Isle of Wight Festival.
It's also worth saying that some of the most spectacular scenery and best walks can be found around the West Wight, such as Tennyson Down and Headon Warren overlooking The Needles. I have a fondness for the lesser-visited beaches and dramatic hills of the South Wight.
See our town-by-town guides above for more ideas.
What should I do with my dog on a day out on the Isle of Wight?
Plenty of attractions allow dogs including (but not limited to) the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary and Godshill Model Village. Check out our dog friendly guide for more details, and check the official websites in case we've got the wrong end of the bone.
We made a list of about 30 dog friendly pubs and restaurants on the Isle of Wight before realising that it probably would have been quicker to come up with a list of those that don't allow dogs. Again, I would recommend checking first though in case things have changed.
See our main guide to dog friendly days out.
We made a list of about 30 dog friendly pubs and restaurants on the Isle of Wight before realising that it probably would have been quicker to come up with a list of those that don't allow dogs. Again, I would recommend checking first though in case things have changed.
See our main guide to dog friendly days out.
