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15 Things To Do In Ventnor And South Wight (2025 Guide)
Some of the residents of Ventnor would probably prefer that it was annexed off and declared the Independent Republic of Ventnor, free from the shackles of the Isle of Wight’s other towns.
I exaggerate slightly, but the pretty seaside town does feel a long way from Cowes and Newport once you’ve wiggled your way downs its ridiculously steep roads. I love Ventnor and there are quite a few nice things to do in Ventnor and the South Wight for those who fancy a visit.
If you're looking for places to stay in Ventnor and the South Wight then there's a big choice of self-catering holiday homes on Hoseasons (50+ cottages) or HolidayCottages.co.uk (choice of 60 cottages).
The main caravan park in the area is Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park. If you prefer hotels then The Royal and The Hambrough get very good reviews, as do several others.
Anyway, here are 15 things to do in Ventnor and the South Wight:
I exaggerate slightly, but the pretty seaside town does feel a long way from Cowes and Newport once you’ve wiggled your way downs its ridiculously steep roads. I love Ventnor and there are quite a few nice things to do in Ventnor and the South Wight for those who fancy a visit.
If you're looking for places to stay in Ventnor and the South Wight then there's a big choice of self-catering holiday homes on Hoseasons (50+ cottages) or HolidayCottages.co.uk (choice of 60 cottages).
The main caravan park in the area is Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park. If you prefer hotels then The Royal and The Hambrough get very good reviews, as do several others.
Anyway, here are 15 things to do in Ventnor and the South Wight:
Ventnor by night, photographed whilst eating chips at The Spyglass
1. Beaches
Ventnor's beach is usually quite shingly towards the Esplanade and a bit sandier towards the sea. It's a lovely coastline with chintzy little beach huts that were once bathing huts on wheels as well as lots of excellent chip-eating spots.
Steephill Cove is less accessible than Ventnor (the clue’s in the name) but it is a favourite of many. It feels a bit like a small Cornish fishing cove with half a dozen pretty little houses. Low tide is preferable as there’s very little beach otherwise. You can park on the road for free, or pay to park at Ventnor Botanic Gardens. More adventurous sorts should walk along the coastal path for about a mile from La Falaise car park.
See our parking guide for other ideas of free and cheap parking in Ventnor.
Steephill Cove is less accessible than Ventnor (the clue’s in the name) but it is a favourite of many. It feels a bit like a small Cornish fishing cove with half a dozen pretty little houses. Low tide is preferable as there’s very little beach otherwise. You can park on the road for free, or pay to park at Ventnor Botanic Gardens. More adventurous sorts should walk along the coastal path for about a mile from La Falaise car park.
See our parking guide for other ideas of free and cheap parking in Ventnor.
Steephill Cove is a pretty little beach with a cafe - but you have to walk a long way to get to it
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Ventnor beach is easy to reach and it has facilities nearby
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If you fancy somewhere really secluded, try Binnel Bay, Watershoot Bay, Blackgang Beach, Orchard Bay or Woody Bay. We once tried to have a picnic at Binnel Bay, despite there being no sand or soft surfaces to sit on. I’d describe it as a bumpy experience.
See our clickable beaches map.
See our clickable beaches map.
Watershoot Bay is one of several isolated rocky beaches in the South Wight
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Blackgang beach requires a lot of perseverance to reach - but it's not exactly crowded
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2. Blackgang Chine
The UK's oddest - sorry, oldest - theme park remains a family favourite.
Everyone who went on a school trip to the Isle of Wight will reminisce about Blackgang Chine's Crooked House, the maze, the dinosaurs (which now move), the cowboys and the giant smuggler. Read our Blackgang Chine history for a full dose of nostalgia.
It's also in an unbeatable location, hanging on the edge of a rather precarious coastline. You can read about one of our many visits to Blackgang Chine in the blog or read our guide to making the most of your visit.
It costs about £15 - £25. We've got some money saving tips to get the most out of it.
Everyone who went on a school trip to the Isle of Wight will reminisce about Blackgang Chine's Crooked House, the maze, the dinosaurs (which now move), the cowboys and the giant smuggler. Read our Blackgang Chine history for a full dose of nostalgia.
It's also in an unbeatable location, hanging on the edge of a rather precarious coastline. You can read about one of our many visits to Blackgang Chine in the blog or read our guide to making the most of your visit.
It costs about £15 - £25. We've got some money saving tips to get the most out of it.
Walk through the smuggler's legs into Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine's maze has hardly changed in decades
3. Ventnor Paddling Pool and playgrounds
Little splashers will love this map of the Island, complete with authentically cold water to recreate the icy Solent.
It is well located on the Esplanade, alongside some toilets and a nice café. There's a big pay and display car park nearby, which is handy for toddlers who are inclined to have an embarrassing meltdown and need swiftly returning to the car (by which I mean all toddlers). See our directory of cheap and free parking spaces for some alternatives.
There’s also a playground high up by Ventnor Winter Gardens.
It is well located on the Esplanade, alongside some toilets and a nice café. There's a big pay and display car park nearby, which is handy for toddlers who are inclined to have an embarrassing meltdown and need swiftly returning to the car (by which I mean all toddlers). See our directory of cheap and free parking spaces for some alternatives.
There’s also a playground high up by Ventnor Winter Gardens.
My brother and mother walking across the Island
4. Historic Churches
Don't even think about taking children on a tour of historic churches. They won't enjoy it, and as a result neither will you.
My parents frequently dragged us around ancient churches as a youngster. Nowadays I can see the appeal - well preserved buildings that are nearly a thousand years old and they are free to get in.
Part of Old St Boniface Church dates back to the 11th century. Charles I was brought to the church from his holiday home/prison at Carisbrooke Castle for a funeral.
St. Lawrence Old Church on Seven Sisters Road is quaintness multiplied by quaintness, with a door designed for very short people and seating for a tiny gathering.
My parents frequently dragged us around ancient churches as a youngster. Nowadays I can see the appeal - well preserved buildings that are nearly a thousand years old and they are free to get in.
Part of Old St Boniface Church dates back to the 11th century. Charles I was brought to the church from his holiday home/prison at Carisbrooke Castle for a funeral.
St. Lawrence Old Church on Seven Sisters Road is quaintness multiplied by quaintness, with a door designed for very short people and seating for a tiny gathering.
St Lawrence Old Church in the South Wight
5. Eat local ice cream
I don't usually include food and drink recommendations in these guides. However, I'm not alone in being a big fan of Crave ice cream at the Ventnorian in the town centre. The ice cream is made on the premises and the big range of flavours change frequently. On my last visit I spent about 15 minutes trying to decide which flavour to have.
I'm sure there are other good ice cream options in Ventnor, but it's been going for years and gets outstanding reviews.
Food fans may enjoy our Isle of Wight Food and Drink Tour, which includes lots of seafood places, a garlic festival, and some vague claims that the doughnut came from the Isle of Wight.
I'm sure there are other good ice cream options in Ventnor, but it's been going for years and gets outstanding reviews.
Food fans may enjoy our Isle of Wight Food and Drink Tour, which includes lots of seafood places, a garlic festival, and some vague claims that the doughnut came from the Isle of Wight.
Plenty of choice at Crave Ice Cream in Ventnor
6. Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Just outside Ventnor is the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, which is free to visit and also isn’t too heavy on the ‘sponsor a donkey’ sales pitch.
It won 'Best Large Attraction' at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022.
Read the blog about one of our visits to the Donkey Sanctuary.
It won 'Best Large Attraction' at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022.
Read the blog about one of our visits to the Donkey Sanctuary.
A handsome donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
7. Ventnor Park and the Diplodocus Labyrinth
Ventnor Park is free and is one of the nicer parks on the Isle of Wight, with a little putting green and an outdoor gym that is perfect for the town’s beefcake residents who want to pump iron and chew gum.
It won Park of the Year at the South and South East England in Bloom Awards in 2016. I hear it's the Oscars of the parks world...
Just a little way along from Ventnor Park near La Falaise Car Park (the one by The Spyglass Inn) you'll find a Diplodocus Labyrinth that has been painted onto the hillside. It's a bit like a maze, but without junctions and is ideal for younger visitors to run up and down before giving up and asking to be carried for the last bit.
Read about our visit to Ventnor Park or download the Ventnor Park brochure for more information.
It won Park of the Year at the South and South East England in Bloom Awards in 2016. I hear it's the Oscars of the parks world...
Just a little way along from Ventnor Park near La Falaise Car Park (the one by The Spyglass Inn) you'll find a Diplodocus Labyrinth that has been painted onto the hillside. It's a bit like a maze, but without junctions and is ideal for younger visitors to run up and down before giving up and asking to be carried for the last bit.
Read about our visit to Ventnor Park or download the Ventnor Park brochure for more information.
The bandstand at Ventnor, or a prop from In The Night Garden?
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I know trees aren't unique to Ventnor Park...but they are nice trees
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8. Ventnor Botanic Garden
Lots of tourism guides proudly trot out that Ventnor has a ‘unique microclimate’ without really explaining what that means. Essentially, it seems to be a bit sunnier than elsewhere (because it is about seven miles nearer to the equator than Newport presumably) and it isn’t too windy because it is backed by high cliffs. Perhaps I’m missing the point.
The result is that a) it was once an ideal site for patients recovering from tuberculosis and b) you can grow pretty Mediterranean flowers in the Botanic Gardens.
It used to be free, but it now charges an entrance fee after those pesky bankers ruined the economy and the Isle of Wight council were forced to gently shove it out of County Hall and left it to fend for itself in the big wide world. It’s not hugely expensive though and will appeal to gardeners.
Reviews average 3.5/5 at the time of typing. The Guardian wrote a long feature about the Battle of the Botanic Garden that may intrigue you.
The result is that a) it was once an ideal site for patients recovering from tuberculosis and b) you can grow pretty Mediterranean flowers in the Botanic Gardens.
It used to be free, but it now charges an entrance fee after those pesky bankers ruined the economy and the Isle of Wight council were forced to gently shove it out of County Hall and left it to fend for itself in the big wide world. It’s not hugely expensive though and will appeal to gardeners.
Reviews average 3.5/5 at the time of typing. The Guardian wrote a long feature about the Battle of the Botanic Garden that may intrigue you.
9. The Pepperpot and the Blackgang Viewpoint Car Park
The Pepperpot is a wonderfully random place to visit for an hour. It fits in nicely with the South Wight's slightly other-worldly feeling. Although it looks like the world's worst attempt at rocket building, it is in fact the remains of a centuries' old lighthouse.
One of its main pitfalls seems to be that it isn't very near the sea - but hey, I'm no expert on lighthouse positioning. Its proper name is St Catherine's Oratory.
One of its main pitfalls seems to be that it isn't very near the sea - but hey, I'm no expert on lighthouse positioning. Its proper name is St Catherine's Oratory.
5,4,3,2,1...oh wait, it's not a rocket, it's a lighthouse
Google map showing the location of St Catherine's Oratory/The Pepperpot
When we visit the Pepperpot we park at the viewpoint car park on Blackgang Road (nearest postcode PO38 2HN) and walk from there. It's about 1/2 a mile up a steep hill.
You can read about one of our visits to the Pepperpot in this utterly thrilling blog post.
Alternatively, if you head towards the cliff from the Blackgang viewpoint car park then you get terrific views looking towards Freshwater and the Needles. There’s a nice clifftop walk from here that overlooks the Blackgang Chine park (it looks a fair bit smaller from above). There is usually a van selling food and drinks. I wouldn't recommend this route with young children as there are no railings by the cliff edge.
The Blackgang Viewpoint car park features on the Wighty 90 Driving Route that aims to show off the Isle of Wight's best scenery without requiring you to get off your lazy bottom.
You can read about one of our visits to the Pepperpot in this utterly thrilling blog post.
Alternatively, if you head towards the cliff from the Blackgang viewpoint car park then you get terrific views looking towards Freshwater and the Needles. There’s a nice clifftop walk from here that overlooks the Blackgang Chine park (it looks a fair bit smaller from above). There is usually a van selling food and drinks. I wouldn't recommend this route with young children as there are no railings by the cliff edge.
The Blackgang Viewpoint car park features on the Wighty 90 Driving Route that aims to show off the Isle of Wight's best scenery without requiring you to get off your lazy bottom.
Looking down towards Blackgang Chine, though not in a condescending way
10. Isle of Wight Pottery
Snoozy Niton is home to the Isle of Wight Pottery, which holds pottery making taster sessions.
You can either have a group session or take the children to a school holiday session.
Fans of the Generation Game might like to do impressions of Bruce Forsyth whilst relatives make a pig's ear of a vase on a potters' wheel (Ed: er, nice recent reference).
Combine a visit to Niton with a wander to St Catherine's Lighthouse and the nearby beach of Castlehaven.
You can either have a group session or take the children to a school holiday session.
Fans of the Generation Game might like to do impressions of Bruce Forsyth whilst relatives make a pig's ear of a vase on a potters' wheel (Ed: er, nice recent reference).
Combine a visit to Niton with a wander to St Catherine's Lighthouse and the nearby beach of Castlehaven.
This mug didn't come from Isle of Wight Pottery but it still makes me chuckle every time I open the cupboard
11. Bonchurch to Ventnor's Solar System Walk or the Steephill Cove Walk
Those who have experienced life in a wheelchair, or with a relative in a wheelchair, will know that the world suddenly feels very inaccessible. A simple step is enough to scupper a day out.
Eventually you get to know the accessible places to go and start to really appreciate the chance to do something normal. We've had many walks along the seawall from Bonchurch to Ventnor. There's a steep slope at the Bonchurch end, but it's not impossible and you can get a car down to the bottom bit for dropping off.
You can read more about the route in this blog post.
Thanks to a local group called The Ventnor Enhancement Fund there is also a nice scale model of the planets along the route called Stokey's Solar System Walk. It's a fairly recent addition, otherwise my mother would have taken the opportunity to turn it into an educational outing during my childhood.
Eventually you get to know the accessible places to go and start to really appreciate the chance to do something normal. We've had many walks along the seawall from Bonchurch to Ventnor. There's a steep slope at the Bonchurch end, but it's not impossible and you can get a car down to the bottom bit for dropping off.
You can read more about the route in this blog post.
Thanks to a local group called The Ventnor Enhancement Fund there is also a nice scale model of the planets along the route called Stokey's Solar System Walk. It's a fairly recent addition, otherwise my mother would have taken the opportunity to turn it into an educational outing during my childhood.
The seawall from Bonchurch to Ventnor
Another very popular walk in the Ventnor area is the one that goes along the coastal path from Ventnor to Steephill Cove.
It is much hillier than the Ventnor to Bonchurch walk but has some excellent views. We park at La Falaise car park, which makes it about one mile in each direction. In summer, you can pick up an ice cream at Steephill Cove and then walk back.
Along the route there is the Diplodocus Labyrinth (also mentioned elsewhere in this guide) and some stepping stones, which usually result in a small child getting wet feet. There's also a Treasure Trail along this route (see #15 in this guide).
Read the blog for more details on this walk.
It is much hillier than the Ventnor to Bonchurch walk but has some excellent views. We park at La Falaise car park, which makes it about one mile in each direction. In summer, you can pick up an ice cream at Steephill Cove and then walk back.
Along the route there is the Diplodocus Labyrinth (also mentioned elsewhere in this guide) and some stepping stones, which usually result in a small child getting wet feet. There's also a Treasure Trail along this route (see #15 in this guide).
Read the blog for more details on this walk.
Good views are to be had on the Ventnor to Steephill Cove coastal walk
12. St Catherine's Lighthouse
St. Catherine's Lighthouse is a little gem that is worth walking around on a sunny day. Unfortunately, you can no longer have a tour inside. It was previously a very nice little activity that was staffed by kindly volunteers who took you up steep steps to the very top.
On the plus side, you can stay in one of the lighthouse keepers' cottages which are called
Gurnard (sleeps 5), Penda (sleeps 5) and Landward (sleeps 4).
If you have time, wander along to Watershoot Bay, just along the coast from the lighthouse.
Read more about the history of the lighthouse on our guide to historic Isle of Wight attractions.
On the plus side, you can stay in one of the lighthouse keepers' cottages which are called
Gurnard (sleeps 5), Penda (sleeps 5) and Landward (sleeps 4).
If you have time, wander along to Watershoot Bay, just along the coast from the lighthouse.
Read more about the history of the lighthouse on our guide to historic Isle of Wight attractions.
St Catherine's Lighthouse was a belated replacement for the Pepperpot
13. Ventnor Heritage Centre and Time Travel Ventnor
Ventnor's Heritage Centre has got a museum and a local history society, both of which are kept going by volunteers. At the time of writing, admission to the museum is free - which seems good value to me.
It is in a shop in the High Street (PO38 1PE) and has a collection of photos, records and so on.
It doesn't open all day every day, so check their website or call ahead (01983 855407).
You can burn off the chips and ice cream whilst discovering Ventnor's history on the heritage trail. There are nine boards around the area and a challenge to beat the clock, which might persuade the children to join in.
It is in a shop in the High Street (PO38 1PE) and has a collection of photos, records and so on.
It doesn't open all day every day, so check their website or call ahead (01983 855407).
You can burn off the chips and ice cream whilst discovering Ventnor's history on the heritage trail. There are nine boards around the area and a challenge to beat the clock, which might persuade the children to join in.
Time Travel Ventnor is one way to explore the town
14. Appuldurcombe House
Appuldurcombe House is the shell of a very grand looking 18th century property that can be found towards the south coast of the Island. It is free to visit, regardless of whether you have English Heritage membership. It is near to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary so you might want to do a double-header.
The present house dates back to 1702, but the site itself was a priory in 1100. Wikipedia claims that it is 'one of the most haunted places on the Island' but then again, my Wikipedia page says that I'm the 'most handsome man in England'.
We found Appuldurcombe House to be more child-friendly than expected. The ruins are excellent for exploring and hide-and-seek whilst the grounds have plenty of space for running around.
The present house dates back to 1702, but the site itself was a priory in 1100. Wikipedia claims that it is 'one of the most haunted places on the Island' but then again, my Wikipedia page says that I'm the 'most handsome man in England'.
We found Appuldurcombe House to be more child-friendly than expected. The ruins are excellent for exploring and hide-and-seek whilst the grounds have plenty of space for running around.
Appuldurcombe House is free to visit
The ruined part of the house is good fun for exploring
15. South Wight Treasure Trails
Treasure Trails are a good way to explore a town in slightly more detail that you'd get from the upper deck of an open top bus.
You pay about £10 for a sheet of clues to share and then spend a couple of hours following a circular route either looking for treasure or solving a crime. The ones we've done have been well organised, with the option of texting for help if you find yourself staring at the same clue for hours. Once you complete it you can enter a prize draw.
At the time of writing there are South Wight routes covering Ventnor and Godshill. We did both and preferred the Ventnor ones as they had better views and less chance of getting run over by a double decker bus.
We've written reviews of most of the Treasure Trails on the Isle of Wight.
You pay about £10 for a sheet of clues to share and then spend a couple of hours following a circular route either looking for treasure or solving a crime. The ones we've done have been well organised, with the option of texting for help if you find yourself staring at the same clue for hours. Once you complete it you can enter a prize draw.
At the time of writing there are South Wight routes covering Ventnor and Godshill. We did both and preferred the Ventnor ones as they had better views and less chance of getting run over by a double decker bus.
We've written reviews of most of the Treasure Trails on the Isle of Wight.
16. Godshill's Model Village
This one isn't really in the South Wight, but it's in the general direction of Ventnor so you might like to combine it as part of a day out.
The Model Village in Godshill is exquisitely well kept, despite the endless risk of children sitting on a chimney pot or slipping a figurine into their anorak pocket.
It costs about £7 and takes an hour or two, depending on whether you spend ages obsessing over every detail (my mother) or just have a wander round and a giggle at the streaker on the football pitch (me).
The rest of Godshill is what my GCSE geography textbook called a 'honeypot site', meaning its olde churche and olde tearooms attract large numbers of people...despite there being an olde inadequate pavement.
The Model Village in Godshill is exquisitely well kept, despite the endless risk of children sitting on a chimney pot or slipping a figurine into their anorak pocket.
It costs about £7 and takes an hour or two, depending on whether you spend ages obsessing over every detail (my mother) or just have a wander round and a giggle at the streaker on the football pitch (me).
The rest of Godshill is what my GCSE geography textbook called a 'honeypot site', meaning its olde churche and olde tearooms attract large numbers of people...despite there being an olde inadequate pavement.
Ye Olde Thatched Cottages at Ye Olde Modele Village
17. Longer Walks from Ventnor
I've mentioned a few short walks in this guide, but there are a couple of circular walks worth a mention for keen ramblers.
- The Ventnor to Lawrence circular walk is about five miles. It includes some terrific bits of the coastal path to the west of Ventnor, including Steephill Cove and some lesser known beaches. You can find links to maps and suggested routes at #7 in our guide to Isle of Wight circular walks.
- The Ventnor, Luccombe and Shanklin walk is 8.5 miles and includes the coastal path to the east of Ventnor. It starts with the Bonchurch walk mentioned earlier, but also includes some hilly bits. You can find directions and routes at #3 of our guide to the best circular walks on the Isle of Wight.
18. Stargazing on St Boniface Down
A little while ago I did one of those quizzes where you had to put your hands on your head for answer A and your hands on your bottom for answer B.
It was all themed around astronomy on the Isle of Wight and included the answer that St Boniface Down was the best place on the Island to see the stars.
I queried whether this was a fact or just an opinion and am in no way bitter that I got the answer wrong and had to sit out the rest of the quiz.
Anyway, I'm sure it is a good location for a bit of astronomy.
It was all themed around astronomy on the Isle of Wight and included the answer that St Boniface Down was the best place on the Island to see the stars.
I queried whether this was a fact or just an opinion and am in no way bitter that I got the answer wrong and had to sit out the rest of the quiz.
Anyway, I'm sure it is a good location for a bit of astronomy.
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