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Free Days Out On The Isle Of Wight - 2025
A good day out doesn't have to cost anything! Here are 45 free activities on the Isle of Wight.
You might also like to see our guides to days out for teenagers, toddlers and families and rainy days out on the Isle of Wight. Or perhaps you're a fellow bargain hunter - if so, check out our guides to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel, holiday parks, cheap places to stay, free places to park on the Isle of Wight and eating out on a budget.
You might also like to see our guides to days out for teenagers, toddlers and families and rainy days out on the Isle of Wight. Or perhaps you're a fellow bargain hunter - if so, check out our guides to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel, holiday parks, cheap places to stay, free places to park on the Isle of Wight and eating out on a budget.
Mrs Guru enjoying a (free) paddle
1. Take a swim on the most varied coastline in Britain
Let's start with the most obvious free entertainment on the Isle of Wight - miles and miles of beautiful beaches. The Isle of Wight's coast is a compact version of the mainland, with mini versions of many of the UK's most popular beaches.
If Blackpool-style buckets and spades are your thing, Sandown or Shanklin are your best bet. If you fancy cliffs and watersports try Hanover Point (surfing and bodyboarding), Brook Chine (kitesurfing and windsurfing) or Totland/Colwell (standup paddleboarding). For a mini Cornish-style fishing bay, try Steephill Cove.
If Blackpool-style buckets and spades are your thing, Sandown or Shanklin are your best bet. If you fancy cliffs and watersports try Hanover Point (surfing and bodyboarding), Brook Chine (kitesurfing and windsurfing) or Totland/Colwell (standup paddleboarding). For a mini Cornish-style fishing bay, try Steephill Cove.
Shanklin is a busy beach with parasols and an abundance of ice cream
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Compton Bay/Hanover Point is a quieter beach that is popular with surfers and bodyboarders
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For something akin to the wide open beaches of Lincolnshire or Northumberland, try kite flying or ball games at Appley at low tide. If you fancy a bit of rockpooling try Bembridge beach. On a very sunny day you might even convince yourself that Priory Bay (near Seagrove Bay) or Whitecliff Bay resemble a foreign island with their lush sands and tree lined backdrop. See our guide to 'Which is the best Isle of Wight beach for...' or the Beaches Map.
I have a particular fondness for the rustic and rocky beaches of the South Wight. Out of the way beaches like Watershoot Bay and Binnel Bay are often completely empty.
If you just fancy somewhere nice for a swim then there's plenty of choice. Eleven beaches have the highest rating possible from the Environment Agency for clean swimming water in summer, including Shanklin, Colwell, Totland, Ventnor, Yaverland and Compton Bay. I would caution that it is worth using the Safer Seas Service for Turd Alerts, particularly if there has been heavy rain or if you are swimming outside of summer.
I have a particular fondness for the rustic and rocky beaches of the South Wight. Out of the way beaches like Watershoot Bay and Binnel Bay are often completely empty.
If you just fancy somewhere nice for a swim then there's plenty of choice. Eleven beaches have the highest rating possible from the Environment Agency for clean swimming water in summer, including Shanklin, Colwell, Totland, Ventnor, Yaverland and Compton Bay. I would caution that it is worth using the Safer Seas Service for Turd Alerts, particularly if there has been heavy rain or if you are swimming outside of summer.
Freshwater Bay is good for exploring, paddling or sitting on a bench and saying "ahhhhh, this is nice"
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A Solent sunset in Gurnard - yours for free
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Or what about watching the sunset? Oh come on, where's your sense of romance? The sun setting at Compton Bay (or Gurnard is nice), the waves lapping on the shore, a guitar strumming Wonderwall, sharing a glass of tap water with a loved one (this is a free guide remember).
I would recommend falling asleep on the beach with the stars as your canvas but a) it's not all that wise b) it would sound silly.
For more beach-related advice, see our guide to 'which is the best beach for...'
I would recommend falling asleep on the beach with the stars as your canvas but a) it's not all that wise b) it would sound silly.
For more beach-related advice, see our guide to 'which is the best beach for...'
2. Quarr Abbey (East Wight, near Ryde)
Quarr Abbey is a working Benedictine monastery near to the Fishbourne ferry port, which welcomes visitors of all ages.
There's a nice coffee shop that offers cream teas and they sometimes run free tours of the grounds (donations welcome).
There are also some pigs that you can feed with food bought from the Abbey and there's a woodland trail that took us about 30 minutes with an off-road pushchair. You can hire a kids' activity pack if you want to make the outing last a bit longer.
Parking is free as well, which is rarer than spotting a red squirrel nowadays. All in all, it's a great value outing. The current Abbey is early 20th century, but there is a ruin of the original 12th century monastery.
There's a nice coffee shop that offers cream teas and they sometimes run free tours of the grounds (donations welcome).
There are also some pigs that you can feed with food bought from the Abbey and there's a woodland trail that took us about 30 minutes with an off-road pushchair. You can hire a kids' activity pack if you want to make the outing last a bit longer.
Parking is free as well, which is rarer than spotting a red squirrel nowadays. All in all, it's a great value outing. The current Abbey is early 20th century, but there is a ruin of the original 12th century monastery.
The modern day Quarr Abbey
Looking for cheap Isle of Wight self-catering? Try Hoseasons or HolidayCottages.co.uk
3. The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary (South Wight, nearish Ventnor)
Free parking and free entry makes the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary a fantastic value day out. It's obviously a charity so they do appreciate visitors making a donation or adopting a donkey (you have to leave it there though - it turns out their understanding of adoption is different to mine).
They've got about 100 donkeys, as well as a modern café and a shop where you can buy trendy t-shirts and donkey themed souvenirs.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary won Best Large Attraction at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022.
They've got about 100 donkeys, as well as a modern café and a shop where you can buy trendy t-shirts and donkey themed souvenirs.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary won Best Large Attraction at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022.
A resident at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Have you seen our thrilling guide to Isle of Wight Caravan Holiday Parks?
4. Bembridge Lifeboat Station (East Wight) and the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre (North East Wight)
Bembridge Lifeboat Station is a great little trip out. The RNLI class it as one of its 'discover' stations. Not only are they good enough to save people's lives, they also have volunteers giving free tours! There's an impressive walkway/pier, although keep hold of little toddlers as there are some gaps along the edge.
Whilst you are in Bembridge, you might like to try out the country's oldest working telephone box (read about our attempt to use the Bembridge phonebox) or combine it with a walk.
Another option is to visit the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes, where about half of the RNLI's fleet is built and repaired. They offer free tours, although you have to book in advance.
Whilst you are in Bembridge, you might like to try out the country's oldest working telephone box (read about our attempt to use the Bembridge phonebox) or combine it with a walk.
Another option is to visit the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes, where about half of the RNLI's fleet is built and repaired. They offer free tours, although you have to book in advance.
No, it's not a pier. It's the approach to Bembridge Lifeboat Station
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Inside the station, you can see the lifeboat ready to whoosh into the water
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5. National Trust and English Heritage properties (free for members)
**English Heritage Discount Code: Save 20% on annual memberships via this link with exclusive code IWGEHMEXC until 31/12/24**
**National Trust Offer: Free £15 National Trust Gift Card when you join (Ts & Cs apply)**
OK, OK, so this one isn't exactly free - unless you happen to have a National Trust Membership or English Heritage Membership. I thought I would mention it for those who already have a membership and are looking at where they can use it:
- Osborne House (free for English Heritage members) in the North East Wight is Queen Victoria's former holiday home. It includes a big stately home, a beach and large gardens. A visit fills half a day or longer if your mother wanders round the garden pointing out flowers.
Osborne House is one of the Island's biggest historic attractions (along with Carisbrooke Castle)
- Carisbrooke Castle (free for English Heritage members) in the middle of the Isle of Wight is a large Norman castle with great views, a museum and donkeys. It takes half a day. You could combine it with a trip to Newport or Cowes.
Carisbrooke Castle is a proper castle, rather than a pile of old stones
- Yarmouth Castle (free for English Heritage members) in the West Wight is a much smaller castle with sea views. It takes an hour or it might stretch to two if you are the sort of person who reads every single information board. It's pleasant enough, but I would prioritise Osborne and Carisbrooke Castle. You could combine it with a walk around Yarmouth.
Yarmouth Castle is a small castle that is wedged next to a pier
- Needles Old Battery (free for National Trust members) in the West Wight has fabulous views of The Needles plus a quirky lookout tunnel and a nicely located tearoom. It is worth an hour or two. If you don't mind spending a few pounds I would combine it with a ride on the chairlift (about £5), a boat ride to the Needles (about £10). Good walks from the Needles include the coastal parth to Freshwater Bay or Headon Warren (see our West Wight guide).
The Needles Old Battery has a rather cool tunnel with excellent views
- Mottistone Gardens (free for National Trust members) in the West Wight is a favourite of ours. The Manor is not usually open to the public but you can wander around the large gardens. It'll fill a couple of hours on a sunny day, or 10 minutes on a wet day. Fun fact: Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter had their wedding reception here. You might like to combine it with a bodyboarding trip to Compton Bay at low tide.
Mottistone Manor Gardens has fantastic floral displays and a trail for children
- Bembridge Windmill (free for National Trust members) in the East Wight is a creaky old windmill with steep steps and nice views. It's good for an hour but requires you to be fairly agile. Combine it with other fun and games around Bembridge or Ryde.
Bembridge Windmill is a good way to spend an hour
- Newtown Old Town Hall (free for National Trust members) in the North West Wight is random town hall without a town attached. It's worth a few minutes if you are passing. Combine it with a visit to Newtown Creek's walkway and bird hide.
Newtown Old Hall is a small attraction that is worth a visit if you're passing
Several car parks are also free to National Trust members on the Isle of Wight. That's right, free car parks! Whatever next!
6. The Pepperpot/St Catherine's Oratory (South Wight)
‘St Catherine’s Oratory’ (or the Pepperpot) may look like a poor attempt at rocket building but it's actually a former lighthouse. A local Lord decided to tuck into some shipwrecked communion wine, which didn't go down well with the Vatican.
He was told to build the lighthouse as penance in 1313AD. Strangely though, it's not actually all that near the sea. It was eventually replaced by St. Catherine's Lighthouse, which is still operational but isn't currently open to the public.
He was told to build the lighthouse as penance in 1313AD. Strangely though, it's not actually all that near the sea. It was eventually replaced by St. Catherine's Lighthouse, which is still operational but isn't currently open to the public.
The Pepperpot in the South Wight
Spotting the Pepperpot is not all that easy considering that it was built to be seen. When we've visited it we've parked at the viewpoint car park on Blackgang Road (nearest postcode PO38 2HN) and walked about 1/2 a mile up a steep hill.
Read the blog about our trip to The Pepperpot. There's also a longer walking route that includes the Pepperpot at #6 in our walking guide.
Read the blog about our trip to The Pepperpot. There's also a longer walking route that includes the Pepperpot at #6 in our walking guide.
Google map showing the location of St Catherine's Oratory
7. The Garlic Farm
Several food and drink producers are featured in our Isle of Wight Food and Drink Tour. However, The Garlic Farm is probably the most popular foody attraction on the Isle of Wight.
It is free and has a small children's playground, garlic tasting and a woodland walk. There's also a large garlic-themed shop and a popular cafe/restaurant. For a few pounds you can have a 20 minute farm tour in a trailer pulled by a tractor.
Needless to say, these places all have plenty of ways for you to spend your money if you want to. The Garlic Farm won Best Shop/Retail at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
It is free and has a small children's playground, garlic tasting and a woodland walk. There's also a large garlic-themed shop and a popular cafe/restaurant. For a few pounds you can have a 20 minute farm tour in a trailer pulled by a tractor.
Needless to say, these places all have plenty of ways for you to spend your money if you want to. The Garlic Farm won Best Shop/Retail at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
It might be a bit stinky but the Garlic Farm is good value
8. Appuldurcombe House (South Wight)
Appuldurcombe House looks very grand from the outside but a lot of it is a ruin. It's an 18th century building with grounds landscaped by Capability Brown, who was the Charlie Dimmock of his day.
It is owned by English Heritage, but is currently free to visit, regardless of whether you have membership or not.
We've found it to be surprisingly good fun for our children as they are able to play hide and seek in the ruins. It's also got a romantic feel to it as some of the rooms are intact and very grand whilst others are abandoned.
You won't spend a whole day here but I would combine it with the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, which is three minutes down the road (mentioned earlier).
The house has a scandalous history that made my ears prick up.
The owner's wife had an affair, which led to an 18th century court case. The public lapped up the juicy details, especially the bit where it was revealed that the wife had been, er, friendly with 27 other gentlemen.
However, the courts decided that the husband had actually quite enjoyed his wife having an affair and so didn't deserve a lot of compensation. Oooer missus!
It is owned by English Heritage, but is currently free to visit, regardless of whether you have membership or not.
We've found it to be surprisingly good fun for our children as they are able to play hide and seek in the ruins. It's also got a romantic feel to it as some of the rooms are intact and very grand whilst others are abandoned.
You won't spend a whole day here but I would combine it with the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, which is three minutes down the road (mentioned earlier).
The house has a scandalous history that made my ears prick up.
The owner's wife had an affair, which led to an 18th century court case. The public lapped up the juicy details, especially the bit where it was revealed that the wife had been, er, friendly with 27 other gentlemen.
However, the courts decided that the husband had actually quite enjoyed his wife having an affair and so didn't deserve a lot of compensation. Oooer missus!
Free entry for anyone who can spell Appuldurcombe correctly
9. Carisbrooke Priory (near Newport)
This former nunnery is now a Christian House of Prayer and Healing that is open to the public for cream teas and general wandering around (contact them to check times as it's largely run by volunteers). It's a fascinating old building with an attractive garden, courtyard and chapel and has lots of signs of its former life. It's also very near Carisbrooke Castle, so you may want to combine the two visits.
Carisbrooke Priory has a chapel, gardens and courtyard
Have you seen out guide to 10 of the best places for large groups to stay?
10. Search for a red squirrel or White-Tailed Eagle
Spotting a red squirrel is an exciting event on the Isle of Wight that should be greeted with a high five or a whoop. I consider it to be up there with seeing a decent rainbow or a cloud with a particularly rude shape.
The grey squirrels have mostly killed them off on the mainland due to a combination of squirrelpox (no, I didn't make that up) and because they eat food before the reds get a chance. The greys are the equivalent of someone who pushes to the front of the buffet and then clears the lot.
Luckily, the greys haven't made it to the Isle of Wight as they can't figure out Wightlink's self service machines.
The best estimate from the Wight Squirrel Project is that there are 3500 red squirrels living in the Island's woodland. It's possible that they just counted the same one repeatedly but let's hope not.
If you are on holiday with a pushchair and just want a simple day out with a chance of seeing a red squirrel then I would go for one of these four locations, which all have free parking and no entry fee:
The downside with these red squirrel locations is that they are rather popular. There's a high chance of the shy squirrels being scared off by a yapping dog or a man from the Forestry Commission with a chainsaw.
If you are channelling a wildlife documentary and want to track down red squirrels by sniffing droppings then go for one of these quieter locations:
The grey squirrels have mostly killed them off on the mainland due to a combination of squirrelpox (no, I didn't make that up) and because they eat food before the reds get a chance. The greys are the equivalent of someone who pushes to the front of the buffet and then clears the lot.
Luckily, the greys haven't made it to the Isle of Wight as they can't figure out Wightlink's self service machines.
The best estimate from the Wight Squirrel Project is that there are 3500 red squirrels living in the Island's woodland. It's possible that they just counted the same one repeatedly but let's hope not.
If you are on holiday with a pushchair and just want a simple day out with a chance of seeing a red squirrel then I would go for one of these four locations, which all have free parking and no entry fee:
- Firestone Copse near Wootton, where you can wander around the trails.
- Parkhurst Forest near Newport. Read the blog about our visit to the red squirrel hide at Parkhurst Forest. You can find the squirrel viewing hide around here.
- Quarr Abbey in Fishbourne, which is mentioned earlier in this guide as a pleasant place for walking and feeding pigs.
- The Garlic Farm in Newchurch, where you can combine it with a farm tour and a stinky burp.
The downside with these red squirrel locations is that they are rather popular. There's a high chance of the shy squirrels being scared off by a yapping dog or a man from the Forestry Commission with a chainsaw.
If you are channelling a wildlife documentary and want to track down red squirrels by sniffing droppings then go for one of these quieter locations:
- Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve near to Sandown. This one also has a hide you can visit and is near to a family-friendly cycle track.
- Borthwood Copse near Sandown.
- Bouldnor Forest near Yarmouth. This was also the location where a grey squirrel was apparently spotted in 2002 and 2003 (according to the Wight Squirrel Project). They only live for nine years, so it looks as though the Isle of Wight's red squirrels survived unscathed.
This red squirrel, called Clive, enjoys nibbling nuts and long walks in the woods
Red squirrels aren't the only rare creatures that live on the Isle of Wight. There are also rare eagles and butterflies that cause great excitement for my older relatives. I'll be honest, the former appeals to me more than the latter.
If you're very lucky (Ed: eagle-eyed, surely?), then you might see a white-tailed eagle around Culver Cliff in the East Wight. These whopping birds were driven out of the south coast and the last recorded sighting was in 1780 - just four years after the USA's first Independence Day. Fast forward 239 years and a wildlife project saw six white-tailed eagles being released into the wild.
The rare butterfly is called the Glanville Fritillary, which can be seen in parts of the West Wight.
If you're very lucky (Ed: eagle-eyed, surely?), then you might see a white-tailed eagle around Culver Cliff in the East Wight. These whopping birds were driven out of the south coast and the last recorded sighting was in 1780 - just four years after the USA's first Independence Day. Fast forward 239 years and a wildlife project saw six white-tailed eagles being released into the wild.
The rare butterfly is called the Glanville Fritillary, which can be seen in parts of the West Wight.
11. Visit an historic church
It is a scientifically proven fact that history only becomes interesting once you are old enough to have children, by which stage your children make a fuss when you want to visit anything historical.
This leads to an intergenerational squabble on family holidays that can only be solved by following the system of each family member choosing the activities for one day.
Anyway, there are many historic churches on the Isle of Wight that are worth a visit, including:
This leads to an intergenerational squabble on family holidays that can only be solved by following the system of each family member choosing the activities for one day.
Anyway, there are many historic churches on the Isle of Wight that are worth a visit, including:
- St Boniface's 'Old Church' in Bonchurch lives up to its name as it is mentioned in The Domesday Book.
- All Saint's Church in Freshwater is known to date from the 11th century or earlier, whilst the town's St. Agnes Church is the only thatched church on the Island.
- St. Lawrence Old Church on Seven Sisters Road is a cute little church with a door so low that you have to duck. It's at least 800 years old and includes work by pre-Raphaelite artists.
- All Saints Church in Newchurch has impressive flowers in the churchyard in early Spring. My mother is always rabbiting on about these.
- St. Peter's Church in Shorwell features a 15th century painting of St Christopher.
- St Mildred's in Whippingham has all kinds of Victorian royal connections thanks to its proximity to Osborne House.
- All Saint's in Godshill is exceedingly quaint and is featured on postcards and boxes of fudges in all gift shops.
Thatch'll do nicely! St Agnes Church in Freshwater
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St Mildred's Church in Whippingham is a free alternative to Osborne House
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Have you seen our guide to the cheapest Isle of Wight accommodation?
12. The Needles New Battery (West Wight)
There are two National Trust attractions at the Needles - one is free, whereas the other isn't.
The exhibition at the Needles New Battery is the free bit. It tells the bizarre story of the time that the Isle of Wight took on the USA and the USSR in the space race. For 15 years, up to 240 people worked in underground bunkers at the Needles headland on the Black Knight. Apparently, locals had no idea what was going on, although they must have thought it a bit strange when so many people kept visiting The Needles every day.
The Old Battery is a Victorian fort and is the bit you have to pay for. It is free for National Trust members.
The exhibition at the Needles New Battery is the free bit. It tells the bizarre story of the time that the Isle of Wight took on the USA and the USSR in the space race. For 15 years, up to 240 people worked in underground bunkers at the Needles headland on the Black Knight. Apparently, locals had no idea what was going on, although they must have thought it a bit strange when so many people kept visiting The Needles every day.
The Old Battery is a Victorian fort and is the bit you have to pay for. It is free for National Trust members.
The view from the Needles New Battery is one of my favourites
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This part of the New Battery has a Blofeld's lair quality about it
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13. Go for a walk!
We've already suggested a few weeks in this guide, but it's worth saying that there are 500 miles of public rights of way on the Isle of Wight, including some stunning sections of coastal path.
The choice is a bit overwhelming, so we've picked out:
The choice is a bit overwhelming, so we've picked out:
- the 10 best circular walks of 3-9 miles including Freshwater to The Needles, Ventnor to Shanklin and Ventnor to St Lawrence.
- a selection of themed walks, such as pub-to-pub walks and local history walks
- Treasure Trails and treasure hunts, although these aren't free so shouldn't really be in this guide. Sorry.
The coastal path route from Freshwater Bay to Compton Bay is one of my favourites...
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...as is the walk from Freshwater Bay to the Needles
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A few suggestions for Short Walks
For families, aiming small is the key. We've chosen 10 short walks of a mile that are ideal for children. These tend to be short esplanade and coastal walks, such as:
- Gurnard to Cowes (mostly flat pavements between the village with a playground and the yachty town).
- Bonchurch to Ventnor (flat walkway with crashing waves and a scale model of the solar system - mentioned later in this guide)
- Colwell to Totland (mostly flat walk between the two beaches including a dramatic section that was repaired after a landslide)
- Ventnor to Steephill Cove (more ups and downs than an Eastenders Christmas special. Far reaching views)
- Yaverland to Shanklin (mostly flat walkway alongside the busy beach resorts of Sandown and Shanklin with a good playground in Sandown)
- Freshwater Bay to the Tennyson Monument (steep climb and treacherous cliffs but the 360 degree views at the top are fantastic)
- The Needles Pleasure Park to The Needles New Battery (outstanding views and a good workout but expensive parking and very breezy up the top)
The Colwell to Totland walk includes a walk over the top of the 2012 landslide
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The walk from Gurnard to Cowes is an easy one with a pushchair or scooters
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Free walking routes are also offered by Wightlink, Red Funnel, Visit Isle of Wight, National Trust and there are walks organised by the Isle of Wight Ramblers. Or you can buy a book of course.
There is even an Isle of Wight Walking Festival - see our guide to major events on the Isle of Wight for more information.
There is even an Isle of Wight Walking Festival - see our guide to major events on the Isle of Wight for more information.
A couple of other short walks worth a mention
On the topic of interesting walks - there are a couple of short walks we enjoy that are more perilous:
(We previously included the Devil's Chimney between Shanklin and Ventnor in this section, but it was made inaccessible by a landslide in 2023).
- The Cripple Path and Niton's tunnel walk involves climbing up a steep footpath before emerging underneath the high cliffs of the South Wight. This walk certainly isn't suitable for children as there are regular steep drops without railings. You can find directions in the Niton Smugglers' Trail (marked as #13 on the map).
- The coastal path near to the Blackgang Viewpoint car park is quite dramatic. There is a severe drop and it can be quite windy up there so avoid visiting with small children, flip-flop wearers, wobbly grandparents or excitable dogs. We don't really do a circular walk for this one, it's just a case of wandering until you've had enough.
- Rocken End Beach in the South Wight is an adventurous walk that is better in summer than winter. You park at the Old Blackgang Road car park and then clamber down the footpaths to the beach. It has a reputation as being a beach for those who like to let it all hang out, if you know when I mean. Read the blog.
(We previously included the Devil's Chimney between Shanklin and Ventnor in this section, but it was made inaccessible by a landslide in 2023).
The Cripple Walk in Niton would fail a dynamic health and safety assessment
If you've brought bicycles with you to the Isle of Wight then we've got a separate guide about the best routes. The Isle of Wight has a good choice, whether you are sort who wears lycra and takes it very seriously or just parents who are trying to find a bike track without any cars.
14. Look for dinosaurs
A few years ago there was a live BBC series that involved digging up the Isle of Wight to look for dinosaur bones. There was an entertaining review of it on the BBC website (since removed) that included quotes from the presenters such as 'Wobbly wobbly wobbly goes the screen, wah, wah, wah'.
Anyway, I digress. Many of the world's finest dinosaur exhibits came from the Isle of Wight and now live in museums. According to this guide from Red Funnel you might just stumble across a priceless fossil at Bembridge, Blackgang Chine (possibly fibreglass), Brighstone Bay, Brook Bay, Culver Cliff, Gurnard Bay, Hamstead, Rocken End, Shepherds Chine, Thorness Bay, Whitecliff Bay, Yarmouth, Yaverland and just outside Poundland in Newport High Street. One of the most significant dinosaur discoveries in recent years was made in Shanklin, which isn't even on the list.
Of course, it helps if you know what you are looking for. You can either read Red Funnel's guide or pay a few pounds for a fossil hunting tour. They cost about £20 for a family of four. More details can be found in our guide to dinosaur-themed days out.
For the curious, there are some fantastically titled books out there with names like 'Baryonyx and Other Dinosaurs of the Isle of Wight' and 'The Ornithischian Dinosaur Hypsilophodon from the Wealden of the Isle of Wight'. There's also an 'official' dinosaur safari guide you can buy.
Anyway, I digress. Many of the world's finest dinosaur exhibits came from the Isle of Wight and now live in museums. According to this guide from Red Funnel you might just stumble across a priceless fossil at Bembridge, Blackgang Chine (possibly fibreglass), Brighstone Bay, Brook Bay, Culver Cliff, Gurnard Bay, Hamstead, Rocken End, Shepherds Chine, Thorness Bay, Whitecliff Bay, Yarmouth, Yaverland and just outside Poundland in Newport High Street. One of the most significant dinosaur discoveries in recent years was made in Shanklin, which isn't even on the list.
Of course, it helps if you know what you are looking for. You can either read Red Funnel's guide or pay a few pounds for a fossil hunting tour. They cost about £20 for a family of four. More details can be found in our guide to dinosaur-themed days out.
For the curious, there are some fantastically titled books out there with names like 'Baryonyx and Other Dinosaurs of the Isle of Wight' and 'The Ornithischian Dinosaur Hypsilophodon from the Wealden of the Isle of Wight'. There's also an 'official' dinosaur safari guide you can buy.
Fossil hunting tours are popular - but you can do a free version if you know what to look for
15. Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum (East Wight)
If the phrase 'Bristol K5G 721 (EDL 657)' makes your heart beat a little faster then you will enjoy the free Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum. It's got a place to buy a cup of tea and there's also a shop. It is run by an enthusiastic group of volunteers and is only open certain days, so check their website. You can find the bus museum in Ryde.
They hold some events during the year where you can ride on vintage buses.
Read our blog about a rainy day trip to the bus museum.
They hold some events during the year where you can ride on vintage buses.
Read our blog about a rainy day trip to the bus museum.
Definitely a bus of some sort, though that's all I can tell you
16. Free events (Cowes Week, Carnivals, Regattas, Fireworks etc)
It's worth having a bit of a snoop for free Isle of Wight events. There are usually one or two things each weekend during the summer months. See our guide to festivals and carnivals on the Isle of Wight to get you started, or this daily events guide.
For example:
For example:
- If you are on the Isle of Wight in early August, Cowes Week is worth a visit, even if you don't sail. The town is crammed full of people and there are usually corporate stalls along the esplanade selling cheap copies of the Daily Telegraph and investments in the Middle East. If you want to blend in, wear red trousers and deck shoes and turn your collar up.
- Isle of Wighters love a good carnival - some of them have been going since Queen Victoria was living on the Island, though history doesn't record whether or not she sat on the back of a tractor-drawn-trailer surrounded by lightbulbs. Some of the parades are illuminated, some are 'children's carnivals' and some are just your bog-standard selection of people wearing silly costumes.
There are carnivals in Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, Yarmouth and St Helen's.
I've not been to all of them, but the biggest carnival on the Isle of Wight is usually Ryde - and it also claims to be the UK's oldest. Sandown Carnival is also pretty big. If you're a carnival expert (a carnivore?) and want to correct me, please contact us. Read our full Isle of Wight carnival guide. It took me ages to put it together so I'd really appreciate it... - Hullaballo is a free festival in Sandown that has featured things like the vegetable Olympics and theatre.
- During the summer, The Needles holds a weekly fireworks display that is free to attend. You pay £6 to park (see our free parking guide for alternatives) and then you just pay for anything to want to do whilst you are there. Take note that you may have to put up with your children searching for your wallet as you walk past the funfair rides and chairlift. Read the blog about our visit to the Needles fireworks.
- Riverfest is another free festival, but this one is in Newport and is all about sustainability on the river.
- Summertime regattas are held in various Isle of Wight seaside towns and villages, including Seaview, Shanklin and Sandown. They're all a bit different but expect things like tug of war on the beach, fireworks, yacht racing and live music.
- There are lots of community events, such as the Chillerton and Gatcombe Scarecrow Festival, which we enjoy greatly.
Isle of Wight residents love a carnival...or seven. This one is Ventnor
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Look out for free events like the Gatcombe and Chillerton Scarecrow Festival
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17. QUAY ARTS CENTRE (Central) and art galleries
For those who like things on the artsy fartsy side of life, the Quay Arts centre regularly offer free exhibitions to thoughtfully stare at. Please avoid making unhelpful remarks such as "I could have done that". There's also a smaller art gallery and community café in Ryde called Monkton Arts.
Another option is to do a tour of art gallery shops. You can avoid buying things by saying this line as you exit: "What time do you close? I might come back later". Arty shops include Seaview Art Gallery, Anne Toms' Yarmouth Gallery and Kendalls Fine Art in Cowes. I would say that the best choice is in Cowes.
Another option is to do a tour of art gallery shops. You can avoid buying things by saying this line as you exit: "What time do you close? I might come back later". Arty shops include Seaview Art Gallery, Anne Toms' Yarmouth Gallery and Kendalls Fine Art in Cowes. I would say that the best choice is in Cowes.
18. The Willow Maze at Golden Hill Country Park
In 2021, a charity called Gift To Nature unveiled a willow maze/sculpture at Golden Hill Country Park in the West Wight near Freshwater. It's not the sort of maze that will have you walking round in circles for hours but it's a nice feature and is an unusual sight. There's a car park at PO40 9SJ.
The main feature of the country park is a six-sided fort that was built to keep away the French. It is now private apartments that are mostly holiday cottages, including The Sergeants Quarters (sleeps 7) and The Officer's Mess (sleeps 10).
French visitors are now very welcome.
The main feature of the country park is a six-sided fort that was built to keep away the French. It is now private apartments that are mostly holiday cottages, including The Sergeants Quarters (sleeps 7) and The Officer's Mess (sleeps 10).
French visitors are now very welcome.
The willow sculpture at Golden Hill Country Park
19. Stargazing
This one is more of a night out than a day out. The Isle of Wight is pretty decent for stargazing in places, thanks to its lack of light pollution in some areas. The West Coast is generally your best bet as there are fewer towns polluting the sky. After a few minutes Googling, I've concluded that the best sites are Atherfield, Compton, Newchurch, The Needles and St Catherine's Down. You're welcome.
Visit Isle of Wight has produced a rather wonderful stargazing map. It tells you what you'll see depending on the time of year.
Visit Isle of Wight has produced a rather wonderful stargazing map. It tells you what you'll see depending on the time of year.
Above: One of many good stargazing spots - this Google map shows Atherfield, which is suggested by The Guardian.
20. Ventnor and East Cowes paddling pools
Perhaps not a whole day out but Ventnor's paddling pool is good fun in the summer for toddlers.
It has a map of the Isle of Wight you can walk all over, which leads to conversations such as "Oooh look, I'm treading on our house" and "What are you doing in Portsmouth, it's much prettier over here?"
There's a nice café nearby and a water feature for parents to admire.
There's also a paddling pool on the Esplanade at East Cowes.
See our guide to days out for toddlers on the Isle of Wight for more of this kind of thing.
Ventnor is quite out-of-the-way, so I would combine a visit to its paddling pool with some other free things on this guide. The Donkey Sanctuary and Appuldurcombe House are both on that side of the Island. There's also a small playground with great views in Ventnor called Seabreeze, which can be found up on the hill near to Ventnor Winter Gardens (more on that in the playground section further down this page). As mentioned earlier, there are excellent coastal walks from Ventnor including the route towards Steephill Cove.
It has a map of the Isle of Wight you can walk all over, which leads to conversations such as "Oooh look, I'm treading on our house" and "What are you doing in Portsmouth, it's much prettier over here?"
There's a nice café nearby and a water feature for parents to admire.
There's also a paddling pool on the Esplanade at East Cowes.
See our guide to days out for toddlers on the Isle of Wight for more of this kind of thing.
Ventnor is quite out-of-the-way, so I would combine a visit to its paddling pool with some other free things on this guide. The Donkey Sanctuary and Appuldurcombe House are both on that side of the Island. There's also a small playground with great views in Ventnor called Seabreeze, which can be found up on the hill near to Ventnor Winter Gardens (more on that in the playground section further down this page). As mentioned earlier, there are excellent coastal walks from Ventnor including the route towards Steephill Cove.
My brother treading on Ryde
21. Glass blowing
Glass blowing seems to be a popular pastime on the Isle of Wight with options including Isle of Wight Studio Glass, where you can watch it being done for free (they're based at Arreton Barns). Glory Art Glass in Sandown also does free demonstrations sometimes.
The Needles Pleasure Park also has glass blowing but it costs £2, so shouldn't really be mentioned on a free days out guide. When we visited, they were giving out free tickets but I can't promise you that you'll be offered such mind-blowing generosity. You have to pay £6 to park at The Needles - or you can try your luck with our guide to free parking).
The Needles Pleasure Park also has glass blowing but it costs £2, so shouldn't really be mentioned on a free days out guide. When we visited, they were giving out free tickets but I can't promise you that you'll be offered such mind-blowing generosity. You have to pay £6 to park at The Needles - or you can try your luck with our guide to free parking).
22. Outdoor playgrounds
Our main guides to playgrounds can be found in our activities to do with toddlers on the Isle of Wight and our guide to the 6 best playgrounds on the Isle of Wight.
Here are some highlights to save you clicking back and forth:
Granny Guru's favourite outdoor playground is in Sandham Grounds in Sandown (PO36 8AS - near Dinosaur Isle) and it might even satisfy some teenagers as well. It's got a fair few facilities including a skate park (see our guide to activities for teenagers) and some non-free stuff such as a modern minigolf course and some bouncy nets. It's also got a pond with ducks and swans (assuming they turn up).
Here are some highlights to save you clicking back and forth:
Granny Guru's favourite outdoor playground is in Sandham Grounds in Sandown (PO36 8AS - near Dinosaur Isle) and it might even satisfy some teenagers as well. It's got a fair few facilities including a skate park (see our guide to activities for teenagers) and some non-free stuff such as a modern minigolf course and some bouncy nets. It's also got a pond with ducks and swans (assuming they turn up).
Sandham Gardens playground is one of the biggest and best on the Isle of Wight...
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...although it's usually much busier than in this photo
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If you fancy a sea view whilst you watch the little ones fighting over a see-saw then you might like Appley (PO33 1ND), which has a playground on the beach and another on the esplanade. Nearby Puckpool Park has plenty of play equipment and the leftovers of a military base in the grounds.
Puckpool Park playground is near to the beach in Ryde...
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...although the Appley seafront playground is closer
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There's a good sea view from Gurnard's sea themed playground (PO31 8LE) and from East Cowes' large but occasionally smelly playground (PO32 6AE). Ventnor's Seabreeze playground has perhaps the best sea view of any playground on the Island (PO38 1EH).
Gurnard playground is one of our favourites because of its seaside location
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Ventnor's Seabreeze playground probably has the best view-from-a-swing on the Isle of Wight
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Seaclose Park in Newport (also the venue for the Isle of Wight Festival) has a modern playground that is generally quite busy. Plus you have to pay to park, which is a little irksome.
There are some pubs with decent playgrounds, such as the Fighting Cocks near Arreton (PO30 3AR) which has a bouncy pillow, playground and an inflatable go kart track.
Other good ones are the playgrounds at the Eight Bells in Carisbrooke (PO30 1NR) and the Chequers at Rookley (PO38 3NZ). Those are obviously not a free option unless you plan to sneak in without eating or drinking anything...
See the toddlers' guide for more playground related advice or our guide to pubs with playgrounds.
There are some pubs with decent playgrounds, such as the Fighting Cocks near Arreton (PO30 3AR) which has a bouncy pillow, playground and an inflatable go kart track.
Other good ones are the playgrounds at the Eight Bells in Carisbrooke (PO30 1NR) and the Chequers at Rookley (PO38 3NZ). Those are obviously not a free option unless you plan to sneak in without eating or drinking anything...
See the toddlers' guide for more playground related advice or our guide to pubs with playgrounds.
23. SIR MAX AITKEN MUSEUM (NORTH WIGHT), COWES MARITIME MUSEUM (NORTH WIGHT), VENTNOR HERITAGE CENTRE (SOUTH WIGHT), BRIGHSTONE MUSEUM (WEST WIGHT)
The Isle of Wight has a selection of free museums that you might like to stick your nose in while passing:
- Cowes Maritime Museum is within Cowes Library and includes a dinghy belonging to Uffa Fox. It's quite a small thing with limited opening hours.
- The Sir Max Aitken Museum is a free museum in the centre of Cowes (in the High Street, PO31 7AJ). It was the home of Sir Max Aitken who was (according to the website) "a newspaper magnate, a fighter pilot in WWII, a Conservative MP, a racing yachtsman, a powerboat pioneer and the London Boat Show founder". Highlights include marine paintings, Giles cartoons and a cradle made for the infant King of Rome, son of Napoleon Bonaparte. I think my mum's got one of those in her attic. We had a wander round here recently whilst some nice volunteers polished candlesticks in preparation for a wedding at the museum.
- Brighstone is a very nice village in my view, and it is much less visited than biscuit-box favourites Godshill or Winkle Street in Calbourne. It has a pretty old church, several thatched cottages, a couple of places to eat and two busy little shops. Remarkably, it also has a museum that volunteers have managed to sustain, presumably on a shoestring budget. Brighstone Museum is a thatched cottage with artefacts about village life. Former residents of Brighstone include fossil pioneer Rev William Fox, Samuel Wilberforce (son of William Wilberforce) and my mate Lee.
- Ventnor Heritage Museum includes models of the town's former railway lines and displays about its popularity as a Victorian resort.
These small museums tend to be run by volunteers and only open during peak times of year.
Come to the Max Aitken Museum to see the King of Rome's cot
Save yourself some money! Read our guide to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel
24. Outdoor gyms
The chance to show off your sweaty weightlifting body used to be reserved for those willing to pay £40 a month for gym membership. Not any more! Outdoor gyms are appearing all over, and the Isle of Wight is no exception. Locations that we know of include Ventnor Park (PO38 1LB), Northwood Recreation Ground, Steyne Park Recreation Ground in Bembridge (PO35 5SL), Freshwater's Stroud Recreation Ground (PO40 9AX) and Bouldnor playing fields near Yarmouth (also known as Yarmouth Park).
Freshwater's outdoor gym
25. Ventnor Park, the Diplodocus Labyrinth (South WIght) and Rylstone Gardens (South East Wight)
Thanks to Karen for getting in touch and recommending Ventnor Park, which I must admit had slipped my mind.
It's got a bandstand that was apparently rescued from the old Ventnor Pier, although it looks like they borrowed it from In The Night Garden.
The bandstand has regular performances and the park also has an outdoor gym (see above) as well as a putting green and cafe. It won a Park of the Year Award in 2016, which isn't to be sneezed at (unless all the flowers give you hayfever).
Not far from Ventnor Park is the Diplodocus Labyrinth, which can be found painted onto grass near the La Falaise car park (PO38 1JY). It was created by the Ventnor Enhancement Fund and is a bit like a maze, but with fewer decisions to make, making it ideal for indecisive visitors.
It's got a bandstand that was apparently rescued from the old Ventnor Pier, although it looks like they borrowed it from In The Night Garden.
The bandstand has regular performances and the park also has an outdoor gym (see above) as well as a putting green and cafe. It won a Park of the Year Award in 2016, which isn't to be sneezed at (unless all the flowers give you hayfever).
Not far from Ventnor Park is the Diplodocus Labyrinth, which can be found painted onto grass near the La Falaise car park (PO38 1JY). It was created by the Ventnor Enhancement Fund and is a bit like a maze, but with fewer decisions to make, making it ideal for indecisive visitors.
Ventnor Park...or is it the Night Garden?
Meanwhile, Rylstone Gardens is a pretty little clifftop park in Shanklin with a hotel in the grounds. There's a bandstand that hosts Sunday afternoon performances by well-dressed tooters and parpers (by which I mean brass bands and the like), as well as plenty of pleasant flowers and trees to fall asleep under. The park links up with the clifftop park so you can walk down to the beach.
If you are willing to stretch to a few pounds there is a café and crazy golf course. It's quite a basic one, but still a good lark - read our blog. The golf course starred in a David Essex and Ringo Starr film in the 1970s.
We usually park for free on Luccombe Road but there is also some free parking on Popham Road. Rylstone Gardens' postcode is PO37 6RG.
If you are willing to stretch to a few pounds there is a café and crazy golf course. It's quite a basic one, but still a good lark - read our blog. The golf course starred in a David Essex and Ringo Starr film in the 1970s.
We usually park for free on Luccombe Road but there is also some free parking on Popham Road. Rylstone Gardens' postcode is PO37 6RG.
Rylstone Gardens is a pleasant park with occasional concerts...
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...and the nearby coastal path is a lovely walk
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26. The Longstone, Mottistone (West Wight)
The Longstone is two great big lumps of sandstone that sit in a field in the West Wight (nearest postcode PO30 4EA). The National Trust look after it (I'm not exactly sure how much 'looking after' a stone needs, but still...). There is more about its history in our guide to 25 historic days out.
If you can't be bothered with reading all that, the short version is that it marks a 6000 year old burial ground and it's about four metres tall. Not quite Stonehenge, but still an interesting rock if you're passing.
If you can't be bothered with reading all that, the short version is that it marks a 6000 year old burial ground and it's about four metres tall. Not quite Stonehenge, but still an interesting rock if you're passing.
The Longstone in Mottistone
Above: The Google maps location of the Longstone, which is not far from Strawberry Lane.
Read about my soggy visit to the Longstone (or don't, it's really up to you).
Read about my soggy visit to the Longstone (or don't, it's really up to you).
27. Ghost walks
My former employers once tried to make me go on a ghost walk as a 'team social'. I made my excuses and went to watch football at the pub, which may give you a hint as to my enthusiasm for such things.
However, I do appreciate that lots of people enjoy Ghost Walks, even if you just want a quirky approach to local history. You can look up this Isle of Wight Ghost Map if you want to do a free tour, or you can sign up for a paid tour with the Isle of Wight Ghost Experience.
I'm still looking for a guide to the Olde Ventnor Unicorn Trail or the Olde Shanklin Leprachaun Trail.
We've written a separate guide to themed trails.
However, I do appreciate that lots of people enjoy Ghost Walks, even if you just want a quirky approach to local history. You can look up this Isle of Wight Ghost Map if you want to do a free tour, or you can sign up for a paid tour with the Isle of Wight Ghost Experience.
I'm still looking for a guide to the Olde Ventnor Unicorn Trail or the Olde Shanklin Leprachaun Trail.
We've written a separate guide to themed trails.
28. Kite flying
Some beaches are excellent spots for kite flying, although do try to avoid landing your kite on any sunbathers if you can. It can be particularly good fun on a sunny winter's day when the beaches are quieter.
You'll obviously need to check tide times, but Yaverland Beach (near Sandown) is a good spot for kite flying at low tide. Appley Beach at Ryde is another wide open beach with space to run around screaming.
We had an hilarious attempt at kite flying at Compton Bay (near Brook and Brighstone) that ended when the kite crashed into the cliff and snapped in half (see our beaches guide for locations).
According to the National Trust, Culver Down near Bembridge is the best place for kite flying. They do offer the wise advice to 'Keep away from cliff edges or cars' (I'd be more worried about the former, as I do tend to walk backwards when kite flying). One guide I found also recommended Chillerton Down, which is more central. It does have a massive great mast though... Tennyson Down near The Needles is another option (again, try to avoid running off the cliff whilst enthusiastically launching your kite).
You'll obviously need to check tide times, but Yaverland Beach (near Sandown) is a good spot for kite flying at low tide. Appley Beach at Ryde is another wide open beach with space to run around screaming.
We had an hilarious attempt at kite flying at Compton Bay (near Brook and Brighstone) that ended when the kite crashed into the cliff and snapped in half (see our beaches guide for locations).
According to the National Trust, Culver Down near Bembridge is the best place for kite flying. They do offer the wise advice to 'Keep away from cliff edges or cars' (I'd be more worried about the former, as I do tend to walk backwards when kite flying). One guide I found also recommended Chillerton Down, which is more central. It does have a massive great mast though... Tennyson Down near The Needles is another option (again, try to avoid running off the cliff whilst enthusiastically launching your kite).
Yaverland is good for kite flying
29. The Car Park Viewpoint Tour
There's no point asking most children to 'admire the view' - I used to just grunt and refuse to look up from my Gameboy. However, if you are a little more mature then you might like to consider stopping off and admiring the (free) view from some of the best car park viewpoints on the Isle of Wight.
We've got a separate guide with 15 of the best Isle of Wight car park viewpoints, but some of my favourites are:
This is also a good time to mention the Wighty 90 Driving Route. It's a 90km driving route that links up many of the best views on the Isle of Wight. Yes, I know that petrol isn't free but I'm aiming this one at electric car owners who could charge up on a sunny day...
We've got a separate guide with 15 of the best Isle of Wight car park viewpoints, but some of my favourites are:
- Hanover Point car park (crumbling car park looking towards Freshwater, pictured below)
- Princes Esplanade in Gurnard (yachts and beach huts on the Solent)
- Brading Down (inland high point looking towards Shanklin)
- Culver Down (on the east side of the Isle of Wight)
This is also a good time to mention the Wighty 90 Driving Route. It's a 90km driving route that links up many of the best views on the Isle of Wight. Yes, I know that petrol isn't free but I'm aiming this one at electric car owners who could charge up on a sunny day...
The view from the Hanover Point car park
30. Play I-Spy Isle of Wight or Isle Spy
Everyone knows that attempting I-Spy in a car without a book or some other list makes a short journey feel like an everlasting journey.
One free option is Isle Spy, which is Isle of Wight Guru's free car journey game.
Alternatively, you could buy the original I-Spy Isle of Wight game. OK, OK, I know that isn't technically a free activity but it's not bad for a week long activity or you could get it from a library. There are also similar books for travelling on a ferry or being at the seaside, but the Isle of Wight one is the most fun. Warning: don't suggest this game to teenagers.
One free option is Isle Spy, which is Isle of Wight Guru's free car journey game.
Alternatively, you could buy the original I-Spy Isle of Wight game. OK, OK, I know that isn't technically a free activity but it's not bad for a week long activity or you could get it from a library. There are also similar books for travelling on a ferry or being at the seaside, but the Isle of Wight one is the most fun. Warning: don't suggest this game to teenagers.
31. Visit the UK's Oldest Phonebox (East Wight)
Would you believe a payphone costs 60p nowadays? And by the time I finish this sentence it will probably be 70p.
Back in the days when phoneboxes were more than just places to store books, the UK was full of K1 phoneboxes. Bembridge has one of the last remaining ones and apparently the UK's oldest working phonebox (read the blog about our visit to the phonebox).
Back in the days when phoneboxes were more than just places to store books, the UK was full of K1 phoneboxes. Bembridge has one of the last remaining ones and apparently the UK's oldest working phonebox (read the blog about our visit to the phonebox).
Bembridge's is home to the oldest working phonebox in the UK...apparently
32. Geocaching
Thanks to Victoria for getting in touch and recommending Geocaching as a free thing to do on the Isle of Wight (or anywhere for that matter) if you have a smartphone. Geocaching is a bit like a treasure hunt, although the treasure isn’t quite as exciting as a big wooden chest full of gold – it tends to be things like plastic Kinder Surprise toys.
I’m sure there are different ways to do Geocaching, but the way I did it is :
Read about our first Isle of Wight geocaching adventure.
I’m sure there are different ways to do Geocaching, but the way I did it is :
- Download a free android app called Geocaching (iPhone fanboys can get the same thing on the App Store). There is an option to pay a monthly subscription for more features and locations but the free version was enough for me.
- Turn on your phone’s GPS and it will tell you roughly where people have hidden little boxes all over the Isle of Wight. They are generally somewhere public and often tie in with local history or landmarks.
- Find the box and then write your name in the logbook. Some boxes have little toys and trinkets that you can swap for something of your own.
Read about our first Isle of Wight geocaching adventure.
33. The Spicebus
Fans of critically condemned 1990s pop-based cinema will undoubtedly get a thrill from seeing the original Spicebus that appeared in Spiceworld: The Movie.
It was available as holiday accommodation at Island Harbour, but the Airbnb listing has disappeared.
You can still admire it from a distance if you really wanna(be).
It was available as holiday accommodation at Island Harbour, but the Airbnb listing has disappeared.
You can still admire it from a distance if you really wanna(be).
Anorak Spice
34. Isle of Wight Pearl
Isle of Wight Pearl attracts big crowds of people and seems to have more coaches visiting than Wembley Stadium. You can hear a talk about pearls, buy a necklace or some other pearly thing and then have a cream tea.
It is on the very attractive Military Road and it is free.
It is on the very attractive Military Road and it is free.
35. Puckpool Park
If you'd like to admire Britain's victorious military past while sat on a children's roundabout then consider Puckpool Park (PO34 5AR) near Ryde.
Features include the remains of Puckpool military battery with nice views towards Portsmouth as well as tennis courts, mini golf and somewhere to get something to eat.
As mentioned earlier, it is also home to a pretty decent medium-sized playground for toddlers (and probably junior school aged children and a couple of dads who should know better),
Features include the remains of Puckpool military battery with nice views towards Portsmouth as well as tennis courts, mini golf and somewhere to get something to eat.
As mentioned earlier, it is also home to a pretty decent medium-sized playground for toddlers (and probably junior school aged children and a couple of dads who should know better),
View from Puckpool Park towards the playground
36. Old Smithy Gardens
It's only a 15-minute attraction, but if you're in Godshill then you might like to have a wander through the Old Smithy Gardens. They are very well kept and are full of chintzy things to amuse little ones and pretty flowers to amuse older ones.
Please exit through the giftshop.
Please exit through the giftshop.
The Old Smithy Garden in Godshill
37. Birdwatching
If you're visiting the Isle of Wight with toddlers or teenagers then I'd say your chances of a successful birdwatching outing are slight at best. However, if you are grown-ups who have been allowed out on your own then there are several good birdwatching spots on the Isle of Wight.
The National Trust has hides at Newtown Estuary, which is a suitably isolated and sleepy part of the Isle of Wight. The charity also recommends St Helen's Duver, Tennyson Down (West Wight), Headon Warren (near The Needles), Mottistone Common (West Wight) and Borthwood Copse (near Sandown).
A useful Red Funnel birdwatching guide recommends marshes between Bembridge and Brading (there's a RSPB site at Brading Marsh), the West Yar Estuary (Yarmouth), The Medina Estuary and The Needles if you fancy seeing some 'raptor species'. I thought that was a type of dinosaur, but I'm not a bird expert.
Personally, I'd start with Newtown Estuary (postcode PO30 4PA), but I'm ready to be corrected by a twitcher. You might like to watch my aerial footage of Newtown Creek. As I write this, it has had a staggering 101 views.
As mentioned earlier (see #10), there are also White-Tailed Eagles that live near Culver Down.
The National Trust has hides at Newtown Estuary, which is a suitably isolated and sleepy part of the Isle of Wight. The charity also recommends St Helen's Duver, Tennyson Down (West Wight), Headon Warren (near The Needles), Mottistone Common (West Wight) and Borthwood Copse (near Sandown).
A useful Red Funnel birdwatching guide recommends marshes between Bembridge and Brading (there's a RSPB site at Brading Marsh), the West Yar Estuary (Yarmouth), The Medina Estuary and The Needles if you fancy seeing some 'raptor species'. I thought that was a type of dinosaur, but I'm not a bird expert.
Personally, I'd start with Newtown Estuary (postcode PO30 4PA), but I'm ready to be corrected by a twitcher. You might like to watch my aerial footage of Newtown Creek. As I write this, it has had a staggering 101 views.
As mentioned earlier (see #10), there are also White-Tailed Eagles that live near Culver Down.
Newtown Creek has walkways and a bird hide. You'd be a twit twoo miss it.
38. Go the Library
Thanks to Karen for getting in touch and suggesting a visit to one of the Isle of Wight's 10-ish libraries as a free thing to do.
I'm not suggesting you spend your summer holiday reading about concrete in the non-fiction section but you might like to drop in on one of the library's regular events and exhibitions - particularly if it's raining.
For example, when I checked there were 'Rhyme Time' and story time groups for young children at several libraries as well as Lego, Duplo and Minecraft clubs. Ryde Library was offering an art exhibition and a couple of libraries were offering adult colouring clubs. As mentioned earlier, Cowes Library has a small maritime museum.
I would recommend calling ahead as some clubs don't meet during school holidays.
I'm not suggesting you spend your summer holiday reading about concrete in the non-fiction section but you might like to drop in on one of the library's regular events and exhibitions - particularly if it's raining.
For example, when I checked there were 'Rhyme Time' and story time groups for young children at several libraries as well as Lego, Duplo and Minecraft clubs. Ryde Library was offering an art exhibition and a couple of libraries were offering adult colouring clubs. As mentioned earlier, Cowes Library has a small maritime museum.
I would recommend calling ahead as some clubs don't meet during school holidays.
39. The Isle of Wight TV and movie locations tour
Roll up, roll up for the Isle of Wight Guru movie locations tour. It involves driving around the Isle of Wight and saying "was that beach in that film with what's-his-name?"
We've compiled a list of 15 films and TV programmes starring the Isle of Wight, so you can tour around. It's a bit like those tours you get in Los Angeles, just a lot cheaper, and shorter, and less impressive.
We've compiled a list of 15 films and TV programmes starring the Isle of Wight, so you can tour around. It's a bit like those tours you get in Los Angeles, just a lot cheaper, and shorter, and less impressive.
Sandhard Beach was one of the locations for The Beast Must Die (I'll let you off if you missed it)
40. Stokey's Solar System Walk
I've already mentioned a few walks in this guide, but this quirky one appeals to the schoolboy in me. The Ventnor Enhancement Fund has created a scale model of the solar system along the seawall between Bonchurch and Ventnor, along with information boards about each planet. The model of the Sun is in Bonchurch and you'll reach Neptune after about 1000 paces.
41. Tesco Clubcard Days Out
I've included Tesco Clubcard Days Out as a 'free day out' as there are various tricks to accumulate Clubcard points, although I admit they usually involve a lot of effort.
At the time of writing, the Isle of Wight attractions that offer free entry through Tesco include:
At the time of writing, the Isle of Wight attractions that offer free entry through Tesco include:
42. Busy Bee Garden Centre
Yes, it's a shop but Busy Bee's Garden Centre in Ryde is worth a quick visit at Christmas if you've got children or if you aren't an old misery. Last time we went they had harmonising penguins, Father Christmas flying in an aeroplane, an enormous Christmas tree and - shockingly - a nativity scene.
We found this handsome harmonising penguins at Busy Bee's Garden Centre
43. Jurassic Jim's Fossil Shop
I was in two minds as to whether I should include a shop as a 'free day out' but Jurassic Jim's in Shanklin consistently gets rave reviews, and there's nothing to stop you just going inside for a nosey. Many of the fossils and stones were dug up by the owner and some are sold for as little as £1, which I would call pocket-money prices. Well, my pocket money was 10p a week, so I'd have had to save up for more than two months, but that doesn't take inflation into account (and my tough upbringing).
Jurassic Jim's was a finalist in the Best Shop/Retail category at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022.
Jurassic Jim's was a finalist in the Best Shop/Retail category at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022.
44. Isle of Wight Parkrun
I don't usually include events in this guide, as it's annoying if you've just missed the highlight of the year.
However, Medina Isle of Wight Parkrun has been going for several years now on a Saturday morning. Check the website before you turn up as it occasionally relocates.
The location of the Isle of Wight Parkrun is Seaclose Park. I wouldn't say it's the most scenic spot on the Isle of Wight, but it's a nice green space alongside a river and is also where they hold the Isle of Wight Festival. Last time I checked it was getting about 200 finishers per week.
However, Medina Isle of Wight Parkrun has been going for several years now on a Saturday morning. Check the website before you turn up as it occasionally relocates.
The location of the Isle of Wight Parkrun is Seaclose Park. I wouldn't say it's the most scenic spot on the Isle of Wight, but it's a nice green space alongside a river and is also where they hold the Isle of Wight Festival. Last time I checked it was getting about 200 finishers per week.
45. And finally...Go to court!
Now...this isn't a great day out for the kids but when I was a student I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in on the occasional Crown Court case to get a sense of how our justice system works. It's worth reading up on visiting and checking with the local court to make sure you don't break any rules and end up in Parkhurst. Newport is the location for the Island's legal cases.
The-Isle-of-Wight-Guru-Don't-Blame-Us-Disclaimer™ All the information on this website is correct, as far as we know, but please do check opening times and details with attractions directly if you are planning a long journey - and please contact us if you find anything inaccurate.
