
Places to visit in East Isle of Wight
If you’re looking for a fun and varied three-day trip, then check out our guide to the must-see places to visit in East Isle of Wight. Kick off your trip from Ryde with a ride on the Isle of Wight’s heritage railway. In Shanklin you can meet donkeys at their famous sanctuary and go gaga for garlic goodies at the Isle’s eponymous farm. The town of Ventnor has plenty of things to do, like munching on mackerel patties at a seafood shack and shopping at independent boutiques for preloved clothes, records, and botanical treats.
Day 1
Ryde
Tuck into breakfast
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
Before you discover the top places to visit in East Isle of Wight, start your adventure with breakfast at No64 Ryde. Enjoy barista-brewed coffee, home-cooked omelettes and freshly baked cakes in a cosy cottage-core atmosphere; it’s popular with locals and visitors alike, so booking a table is recommended.
Ride the steam railway
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour

Enjoy views of the rolling hills and beautiful coastline of East Wight as Victorian holidaymakers did – by steam train! The 10-mile heritage line that makes up the Isle of Wight Steam Railway starts from Havenstreet Station (take a cab or drive there as there are no buses) and features a museum and twice-daily falconry display while you wait. One of the best places to visit in East Isle of Wight.
Meet a real-life Medusa
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour

Step back in time at the historic homestead of Brading Roman Villa, overlooking Sandown Bay. Marvel at the Medusa mosaic (which is said to ward off bad spirits), and explore ancient artefacts such as pottery, games and jewellery. Afterwards, tuck into coffee and cake at the onsite café, with panoramic countryside views.
Enjoy sea views and cocktails
- Accommodation
- Suggested time at location: Overnight
Check into the clifftop Luccombe Hall Hotel overlooking Shanklin Chine, which offers stunning sea-view rooms, afternoon teas and plenty of ways to relax. Why not try a sauna and hot tub dip before heading out for dinner, or sip a classic cocktail while exploring the gardens? It also hosts murder mystery and comedy-themed weekends throughout the year.
Sea food - and eat it!
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
A must-visit for seafood lovers, The Steamer Inn is one of the top foodie places to visit in East Isle of Wight. Only a 19-minute walk from Luccombe Hall Hotel, this nautical-themed pub is located on the Shanklin Esplanade and champions local produce where possible – try its hearty Seafood Chowder, which is chock-full of the catch of the day.
Travel between
Travel between
Travel between
Travel between
Day 2
Shanklin
Sip coffee with a sea view
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour

Start your final day of adventure with a leisurely breakfast at the award-winning Blueberrys Café. This popular local spot is known for its panoramic coastal views and delicious homemade food – and you can buy freshly baked cakes, pastries, and sweet treats for later too.
Explore Shanklin Old Village
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 3 hours
Keep your camera to hand when exploring Shanklin, its old village is one of the prettiest places to visit in East Isle of Wight. Among the quaint thatched cottages and winding streets you’ll find quirky independent gift shops and cafés serving traditional cream teas – such as the 18th-century Laburnum Cottage Tea Room. Afterwards, explore Shanklin Chine, a wild woodland ravine which leads down to the beach.
Go gaga for garlic
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours

Looking for unique places to visit in East Isle of Wight? Garlic fans will be in their element at The Garlic Farm in Merstone. It’s known for its eclectic menu (garlic ice cream or beer, anybody?) and popular annual summer festival, plus you can pick relishes elephant and black bulbs and smoked garlic to experiment with at home, and even garden bulbs to produce your own supply.
Meet rescued donkeys
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
A must-visit for animal lovers, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has been caring for unwanted and abandoned donkeys since 1984. You can walk beside the sanctuary paddocks or take part in feeding, mucking out and cuddling the donkeys. And if you’ve fallen in love with them, you can even adopt a donkey (sorry, you can’t take them home), to help ensure they have the retirement they deserve.
Tuck into a cosy pub supper
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours
End your day with dinner at Pendletons, located in the heart of Shanklin. It serves fresh, locally sourced English and European dishes like vegetarian “scarecrow pie” and beef bourguignon alongside a wide selection of wines and Island-brewed beers.
Travel between
Travel between
Travel between
Travel between
Day 3
Ventnor
Go vintage shopping
- Shopping
- Suggested time at location: 3 hours
Vintage lovers and bargain hunters, rejoice! Ventnor is chock-full of quirky independent and second-hand shops, and is one of the top places to visit in East Isle of Wight. For one-of-a-kind statement jewellery made from beachcombed bits and pieces, check out Artemis and the Mermaid. Music collectors should head to Reggie’s Retro for classic LPs, while Absinthe Vintage is a hotspot for pre-loved dresses and accessories.
Grab lunch at the Crab Shed
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, drop your shopping at the car and take a stroll west one mile along the coast to the Crab Shed. It’s famous for its seafood pasties and mackerel ciabattas, so lunch at this beachside gem is strictly first-come, first-served. Make sure you check its Facebook page beforehand, as it may close in bad weather.
Explore an exotic garden
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours
Looking for unique places to visit in East Isle of Wight? Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach lies Ventnor Botanical Gardens, the sub-tropical haven known as “Britain’s Hottest Garden”. Its sheltered location and mild climate enable its exotic plants to thrive – including sweet-scented magnolias and giant echiums, which are usually spotted in Africa and Asia. Wander the gardens or seek inner peace in one of the popular wellbeing classes.
Fall asleep to the scent of lavender
- Accommodation
- Suggested time at location: Overnight
If you’ve fallen in love with this sub-tropical paradise, there’s no need to leave at the end of the day! Ventnor Botanical Gardens has several self-catering accommodation options. Stay in Signal Point, a lovingly restored Victorian cottage, or opt for a cosy cabin for a romantic stay; all feature spectacular views of the gardens and coast, and special out-of-hours access to enjoy the gardens in solitude.
Dinner at Cantina
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
Work up your appetite on the mile-long stroll back to Ventnor, then dine out in Mediterranean style at Cantina. It’s small and welcoming, and advance booking is essential. The menu showcases European and North African cuisine, including crab empanadas, seabass and sourdough garlic bread, plus cocktails such as chocolate-orange espresso martinis.
Top Tip - Adgestone Vineyard
- Eatery
When you go wine tasting at Adgestone Vineyard, you’ll learn about the wine-making experience from start to end, before raising a glass (or two) in the underground cellar. Keep an eye out for its blue sparkling wine, the only one of its kind in the UK.
Travel between
Travel between
Travel between
Travel between
Travel between
Find more things to do in East Isle of Wight
