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7 things to do in the Isle of Wight this summer

1

Step into a storybook at Shanklin Old Village

Shanklin Old Village

Shanklin Old Village in the Isle of Wight

Shanklin Old Village is a jumble of thatched roof tearooms and inns; the vivid baby pink walls of the Old Thatch Teashop alone make the Old Village one of England’s prettiest locations.

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2

Dangle above the Needles in a chairlift

The Needles Chairlift

People on chairlift with Needles in the background

Take a round trip on this chairlift ride for a bird’s eye view of the distinctive three stacks (and lighthouse) that make up the Needles - the Isle of Wight’s most iconic feature.

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3

Admire the multi-coloured cliffs of Alum Bay

Alum Bay

View of cliffs at Alum Bay in the Isle of Wight

Make a stop at the bottom of the chairlift and check out the multi-coloured sand cliffs of Alum Bay. Locals estimate there are 21 different shades to see, ranging from golden yellows to vivid reds.

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4

Sleep in a botanical garden and spot wild lizards

Ventnor Botanic Gardens

Arid Garden at Ventnor Botanic Garden

Wake up to the sound of bird song and the heady scent of exotic flowers at Ventnor Botanical Gardens. Keep a beady eye out too for wall lizards; these green-backed creatures originate from Italy, but now call the garden home due to its balmy microclimate.

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5

Go gaga for garlic-flavoured vodka and beer

The Garlic Farm

Exterior of The Garlic Farm in IOW

The Garlic Farm has been experimenting with garlic for over 40 years, leading to a range of bizarre yet tasty products. Sample everything from black garlic mayonnaise to garlic-infused vodka. Why not stay over in one of the farm’s yurts or converted cottages and indulge in a garlic-themed breakfast.

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6

Kayak to hidden caves in Freshwater Bay

Freshwater Bay

Freshwater Bay from above, Isle of Wight

It’s said that smugglers used the caves of Freshwater Bay to hide their illegal wares. Discover these secret hideaways on a guided kayaking trip and see a secret slice of the island that many miss.

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7

Chill out in a vintage caravan

Retro Staycations

Round off your day of adventure with a stay in a vintage caravan. Fitted with all the furnishings and trimmings that you would expect from a glamping experience but with an added retro twist.

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30 Aug 2023(last updated)

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Places to visit in Leicestershire

  • 1

    Shanklin Old Village

  • 2

    The Needles Chairlift

  • 3

    Alum Bay

  • 4

    Ventnor Botanic Gardens

  • 5

    The Garlic Farm

  • 6

    Freshwater Bay

  • 7

    Retro Staycations

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