Places to visit in West Wight

Step back in time at the opulent Osbourne house, a palatial holiday home that was beloved by Queen Victoria. Explore its sumptuous state rooms, Italian-style gardens, and the Swiss Cottage where the royal children once played. There’s even a small private sandy beach, where the princes and princesses learned how to swim. Advance booking is recommended, especially in summer. One of the best things to do in West Isle of Wight.

Hop on the Floating Bridge ferry across to Cowes Harbour, for lunch at The Red Duster: think smoked haddock pasties and crab-crusted cod fillets. With a menu loaded to the gills with fish and shellfish, it’s located a few steps away from the harbour front.

Work off your lunch with a leisurely seafront stroll westwards from Egypt Point to Gurnard Beach; this hill-free trail takes around 15 minutes. When you spot the row of beach huts, kick off your shoes on the shingle beach and go for a paddle. Fun fact: when large ships are passing, the waves get much bigger! If it’s a sunny day, stay until dusk – the sunsets are spectacular here.

Where to go in West Wight for dinner? Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to East Cowes for a waterfront dinner at The Lifeboat, which offers tapas, seafood and freshly grilled meats. It’s popular with visitors and locals alike, so try to get a table outside “on deck” and enjoy the evening air and Solent view. deck” and enjoy the evening air and Solent view.

Slumber in luxury at the Grade II-listed Foresters Hall in Cowes. It features 14 rooms, period fireplaces, a rooftop terrace and even an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the old town. Rooms are divided into three sections; The Garden Suites, the Lodge and Main House, all of which have their own individual charms.

No visit to the Isle of Wight is complete without a visit to The Needles in the far south-west of the island. Ride the iconic chairlift from the clifftop down to Alum Bay’s multi-coloured sands for some Insta-worthy views. You can also watch artisan glass-blowers demonstrate their talents at the Alum Bay Glass workshop, and experience the magic of The Needles and Alum Bay cliffs on a boat tour – all epic places to visit in West Isle of Wight.

Jump on the number 12 bus eastwards to Freshwater Bay for a light bite at The Piano Café, which was once the home of Queen Victoria’s piano tuner. It uses locally sourced produce where possible, and even serves its own four-bean blend of coffee. Sit outside if it’s sunny, and enjoy views of the countryside winding up towards Tennyson Monument.

Looking for wild places to visit in West Wight? The grounds of Mottistone Gardens and Estate are filled with a riot of colour, spectacle and fragrance year-round. From herbaceous borders to swirling grasses and an olive grove and organic kitchen garden, there’s something for all plant lovers to admire.

Set in a converted Swiss barn, The Cow (serves locally sourced burgers, steaks and salads. As part of the popular Tapnell Farm attraction, it requires a booking if you want to sit indoors, while outdoor seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy a leisurely dinner while basking in the glow of sunset from the mezzanine level.

Good news; you won’t have to travel far for today’s final stop. Bed down for the night at Tom’s Eco-Glamping, also at Tapnell Farm, and choose from safari-style tents, wood cabins, Hobbit-like Modulogs, pods and even geodesic domes. They’re all equipped with wood burners, bed linen and towels, WiFi, and en suite showers and toilets. One of the most unique places to visit in West Wight.

Looking for unique places to visit in West Wight? Set high on a hill in the centre of the Isle of Wight, the historic fortress of Carisbrooke Castle has served as a prison for Charles I, a royal residence, and an artillery stronghold during the Tudor period and Civil War. Today, you can enjoy panoramic views from the Norman Keep, walk the moat, experience tranquillity in the chapel and even meet the famous Carisbrooke donkeys at this mighty landmark.

Perfect for a pick-me up after the morning’s castle adventure, the café bar at Quay Arts in Newport features a menu packed with organic, local and sustainably produced home-made food – which is reasonably priced, too. Enjoy the artistic surroundings, with paintings by local artists decorating the walls around you.

Rent a bike from Wight Cycle Hire to explore Yarmouth and the surrounding area. Featuring the UK’s longest wooden pier (move over, Southend) and a fort built during Victoria’s reign to repel French forces, this is one of the top places to visit in West Wight. If you want to venture further out, cycle the Wellow Loop, which takes you past several country pubs and an alpaca farm!

Browse The Imaginarium artistic collective for unique creations, made by the island’s artisans. From sea glass ornaments and jewellery to prints and pottery, you can pick up a souvenir to display at home, or a gift for someone special. Looking for creative things to do in West Wight? You can pre-book one of the regular workshops, or even host a private “making” party if you’re visiting in a group.

One of the tastiest places to visit in West Wight, Salty’s Pizzeria serves hand-made Napoli-style sourdough pizzas, fresh pastas and artisan cocktails, against a colourful backdrop of vintage Italian posters. It hosts live music in its bar on Fridays and Saturdays, while the upstairs restaurant is the spot for romantic dinners à deux. Check the blackboard for the spritz and negroni of the week!