With chalky white towering stacks stretching out into the English Channel, secluded sandy beaches lapped with clear water and looked over from timeless villages, the Isle of Wight is postcard perfect. As soon as you hop off your Solent ferry crossing from the mainland, you see why. Top places to visit on the Isle of Wight include Osbourne House, The Needles, Shanklin Theatre and Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
Isle of Wight
With chalky white towering stacks stretching out into the English Channel, secluded sandy beaches lapped with clear water and looked over from timeless villages, the Isle of Wight is postcard perfect. As soon as you hop off your Solent ferry crossing from the mainland, you see why. Top places to visit on the Isle of Wight include Osbourne House, The Needles, Shanklin Theatre and Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
7 things to do in the Isle of Wight this summer
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Just ten minutes from mainland England via hovercraft, it’s never been easier or quicker to escape to the Isle of Wight - now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy an action packed weekend on the island with these must-do summer activities.
Lose yourself in England’s hottest garden
Experience the Isle of Wight’s incredible microclimate firsthand at the exotic Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
Location: Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Goodleaf Tree Climbing
Take to the trees with Goodleaf and get a different perspective of the Isle of Wight.
Location: Ryde, Isle of Wight
Trip-trap along the Red Squirrel Trail
This family-friendly cycle and walking path encompasses an exciting trail of artwork, sculpture and trolls under bridges.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
Enjoy a picnic in the woods that’s by the sea and a fort
Fort Victoria Country Park is a walk and picnic spot with visitor attractions, woods, and a beach thrown in.
Location: Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
Visit the Diamond Isle
Enjoy a 10 min trip on the Needles Park Chairlift and go dinosaur hunting.
Location: Isle of Wight
Kayak around The Needles rocks and lighthouse
How would you like to get up close and personal with one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic landmarks?
Location: Freshwater, Isle of Wight
Get lost in Blackgang Chine’s world of imagination
With a surprise round every corner, Britain’s oldest theme park will awaken the imaginations of kids and grown-ups alike.
Location: Blackgang, Isle of Wight
Discover dinosaur footprints on the beach
Everyone who has been to the beach has seen footprints left in the sand, but have you ever seen ones that have been left by a dinosaur?
Location: Brook, Isle of Wight
Holiday in a treehouse
If you are looking for an adventurous escape with no compromise in comfort then it’s time you took to the trees.
Location: Wootton, Isle of Wight
Vintage escapes on the Isle of Wight
Spend the weekend in a traditional 1960's bungalow, vintage caravan or other relic.
Location: Isle of Wight, Hampshire
August events: See the world’s biggest sailing regatta
With up to 40 races a day and more than 1,000 boats pulling into harbour, Cowes Week is the sailing spectacular event not to be missed.
Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight
Embark on a beginners cycle tour on The Red Squirrel Trail
Looking for your first car free, overnight cycle tour on a beginner’s route? The Red Squirrel Trail is the perfect multi day family cycle adventure, and is mostly on car free rail trail.
Location: Isle Of Wight
See an Island from the air
Enjoy the view that most visitors to the Isle of Wight miss every year by seeing it from the skies on a paragliding trip.
Location: Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
Get writing at The Grange
Are you the next Raymond Carver ready to boil down the minutiae of every day life into the shortest of stories?
Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Learn to sail, windsurf or canoe on the Isle of Wight
Your kids can take to the high seas and windsurf, canoe and sail their way around the 65 miles of the island’s spectacular coastline.
Location: Isle of Wight
July events: Enjoy music from around the globe at Rhythmtree Festival
Rhythmtree Festival on the Isle of Wight offers hippy food and happy faces, along with top global music stars for festival-goers of all ages.
Location: Shalfleet, Isle of Wight
Soak up the sun on a royal beach
Osborne House in the Isle of Wight was Queen Victoria's holiday home for many years. Pay a visit to this pretty spot to get a glimpse into her family getaways and even see her private beach!
Location: East Cowes, Isle of Wight
Dinner at the Duver
Looking for a relaxing picnic spot to watch the world go by? Head to the former Victorian golf course at St Helen’s Duver.
Location: St Helens, Isle of Wight
Take an inspiring trip through Shanklin Chine
This leafy gorge on the Isle of Wight is lined with rare plants, wildlife and waterfalls, making for a magical walk day or night.
Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
July events: Discover local art at Open Studios Isle of Wight
It’s a rare opportunity to be invited into an artist’s creative space, but in the Isle of Wight, they’re happy to fling open their doors every July for you to come and take a look.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
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