“What do Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Jimi Hendrix have in common?" They all loved the Isle of Wight!
The Isle of Wight is one of the sunniest and most beautiful parts of the island. From tbe moment you arrive on the island you feel relaxed. From golden beaches, Royal Palaces, Theme parks and zoos, there is something to entertain the whole family!
Travel to the Island
The Isle of Wight is easy to access from anywhere in the UK! If you have a car then you are spoilt for choice in crossings. If you are travelling from Lymington, Wightlink offers regular passenger and vehicles sailings to Yarmouth. Lymington Pier train station is right next to the terminal for easy access. Crossing time of 40mins.
Wightlink also offers vehicle sailings from Portsmouth to Fishbourne. Crossing time of 45mins.
There is also a passenger only sailing from Portsmouth Harbour train station to Ryde Pier Head Station. Crossing time of 20mins
Website:https://www.wightlink.co.uk/
If you are travelling from Southampton, Red Funnel offers passenger and vehicle sailings to East Cowes. The crossing time is 1 hour. There is also a Passenger only sailings on the Red Jet to Cowes. Crossing time of 28mins!
Website: https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/
For a more uniqure crossing you can use the hovercraft, operated by Hovertravel. It operates from Southsea to Ryde Esplanade in only 10mins!
Website: https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/
Towns and Villages
The Isle of Wight may be small but every town and village has a unique charm and character.
Ryde
Ryde is the gateway to the island. The town is dominated by the 2nd longest pier in the UK, you can chose to either walk down the pier on the new pedestrian section or take a ride on the ex-underground trains which trundle down the pier and then onto the resorts on the eastern side of the island. Ryde has wide choice of shops on its main road, Union Street! There is independent shops and national shops for everyone. Once you have finished shopping you can enjoy the sandy beach which stretches from the pier all the way to Appley and Puckpool.
Ryde is also home to one of the largest and oldest carnivals outside of Notting Hill. The carnival starts at the top of the town and sweeps down Union Street and onto the esplanade!
Sandown
Sandown is famous for its famous bay and it does not disappoint! With plenty for the whole family to do! There is Dino Island Crazy Golf and Skynets at Sandham Gardens. You can then sit on the seafront or the beach with a ice cream. The pier dominates the seafront and there is plenty to do. With traditional rides, arcade machines, bowling and crazy golf, the pier offers a fun day out. Sandown has a wide variety of gift shops to pick up a memory of your trip. If the weather is a bit wet, the at the Yaverland end of the bay there is Dinosaur Isle which is home to many fossils, many found on the coastline outside the museums doors!
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is located in the former battery. The sanctuary is home to many animals who have been rescued and in need of a new forever home. The sanctuary is now home to a primate dome, with visitors able to walk with the lemurs!
On a nice day it is possible to walk along the revetment to Shanklin. There is several ice cream and cafes along the walk so you can stop and take in the view.
Shanklin
Shanklin is the more traditional neighbor to Sandown. Shanklin seafront has the traditional arcades, crazy golf and chip shops, but also the sea entrance to Shanklin Chine. The chine is the oldest attraction on the island, and is a lovely walk in the narrow gorge, with exotic wildlife, plants and even dinosaurs. At the town end of the chine there is the famous waterfall that looks brilliant in the day and floodlit at night. Throughout the year the chine hosts a wide variety of events from easter to Halloween!
website:https://shanklinchine.co.uk/
Shanklin is split by the cliff with the seafront on the bottom and the town on the top, with a cliff lift between them. Shanklin is famous for its Old Village, with traditional thatched cottage, home to old-fashioned tearooms and gift shops. The Village is home to one of the most famous pubs on the island, The Crab.
Further into the town you have more national shops and the terminus of the island line train service.
Ventnor
Ventnor is one of the steepest towns in the UK but has some of the best views! You arrive at the top of The Cascade and you are greeted with a beautiful view. Take the walk down the path and you can see the famous paddling pool in the shape island. Once on the bottom if you visit the band stand and the harbour you can take in the whole town and appreciate how steep the town really is!
Ventnor is home to one of the UK's best botanical gardens, which is either a short drive or walk from the town centre. Inside you will find exotic plants that can only grow in the unique climate of Ventnor and the Undercliff. There is a Tropical house with giant waterlilies on display. The gardens are grown on the site of a old hospital and rumored to be one of the most haunted places on the island.
A bit further on from the botanical gardens is one of the islands best kept secrets, Steephill Cove. With a café and a beach in a sheltered Cove it is the perfect place to sit and watch the boats in the channel!
Further along the coast is St Catherine's Lighthouse. The landscape in this area is well and truly stunning! The lighthouse is the mostly southernly point of the island and the area is steeped in history. This entire area between the lighthouse and Blackgang used to have a road and grand Victorian houses but due to major landslips, it is now retaken by nature.
West Wight
If you are after a walkers/photographer's paradise then the West Wight is the place for you! With the Military road stretching from Blackgang all the way to Freshwater, the views are speculator. The cliffs here are constantly eroding, giving the opportunity for fossil hunters find some brilliant remains. If you visit Compton Bay at low tide you can discover actual dinosaur footprints! Freshwater is a fantastic place to stop and take in the view, and maybe a ice cream, Here you can find Dimbola Lodge and the Tennyson Down walk. At the top you will find one of the best views of the island, on a clear day you can Ryde and even Portsmouth on the other side of the island! There is also the Tennyson Monument, erected to celebrate Alfred Lord Tennyson who used to walk up the downs when he stayed on the island.
The most westerly point of the island is dominated by The Needles and the Needles old Battery. The Needles are one of the most famous landmarks in the country, with its 3 chalk ridges and the lighthouse at the end! The old battery was built to protect the western entrance to The Solent. There is a look-out tunnel which offers a outstanding close-up view of the The Needles. The area was also used to test the UKs space program.
Alum Bay dominates the area now with its coloured sand cliffs a brilliant sight! At the Needles Landmark Attraction you actually fill a souvenir glass shape with the actual sand of the cliff. Here you can also watch the Isle of Wight Glass get produced. You can spend ages watching these craftsmen making the glass. There is also gift shop, sweet factory, rides, 4D Cinema and a Chairlift that takes you to the beach and the boat ride. The boat takes you out to the lighthouse and tour of the bay.
Website: https://www.theneedles.co.uk/
Between The Needles and Yarmouth you have the Fort Victoria Country Park. Located in a old military battery, there is a variety of attractions from a Museum, Planetarium, Isle of Wight Reptilarium, Cafe and Gift Shop. The park also has many nature trails to explore as well.
Website: https://www.fort-victoria.co.uk/
Yarmouth is located at the mouth of the river Yar, and is home to the Wightlink ferry terminal to Lymington, Pier and Castle. The castle was built by Henry VIII to protect the Solent, Inside you can learn about life in the castle and the role it played throughout history in protecting the town. On the top of the castle you also have a brilliant view of the harbour, pier and the ferry terminal. Not going to lie its fascinating watching the ferries arrive unload and load and leave again!
Website:
Yarmouth pier is the longest wooden pier in England and offers amazing views of the Solent. There is a café at the entrance of the pier. In the summer, the paddle steamer Waverley uses the pier to pick up passengers for tours of the Solent and South Coast.
Cowes and East Cowes
Cowes is one of the most famous sailing places in the world, and in August the Solent is full of Sails all competing in Cowes Week. The town is the location for the Red Funnel Red Jet passenger ferry. The town is full of independent retailers, many selling sailing equipment and clothing! The promenade offers a brilliant area to sit and watch the boats and ferries sailing into the harbour, or you can take a leisurely stroll along the seafront to Gurnard, passing the more northerly point of the island.
Cowes and East Cowes are split by the River Medina. The easiest way to cross in the chain ferry. Taking only a few minutes you are on the other side. Here visitors can visit the brilliant seafront area, offering views of The Solent, Southampton and Cowes. This is also the best place to watch the many cruise ships arriving and leaving Southampton.
East Cowes is home to the Classic Boat Museum with many boats, artefacts, and paintings all on display.
You can also visit Osborne House. The holiday home of Queen Victoria. Here she raised her children and grieved the death of her husband Albert. Sadly in January 1901, Queen Victoria died at Osborne. You can visit most of the rooms in the house, including the queens bedroom and Durbar Room. The grounds are speculator! With amazing plants and statues around the house, and tree lined paths leading to the private beach. On the way to the beach, you pass the Swiss Cottage, the holiday home of the queens children, Here they learnt everyday tasks like gardening and cooking.
Centre of the Island
The centre of the island is dominated by Newport, the county town of the island. Here you can find most national retailers and a wide range of independent shops. In the Guildhall you will find the Museum of Island History. See artefacts ranging from before the island was a island, medieval all the way to the present day. Newport is also home to the Newport Roman Villa. The island is home to 2 Roman Villas with Brading Roman Villa being the largest. You can see a large percentage of the building from the central heating system to some of the most speculator mosaics in the country.
Website: https://bradingromanvilla.org.uk/
Carisbrooke Castle is located near Newport and is a breath-taking sight! With it massive gatehouse and famous donkeys you are guaranteed a great day. A couple of times a day you can watch the donkey's bring water up from the bottom of the well, in a giant wheel.
The village of Arreton is home to several attractions. Arreton Old Village and Barns is home to a Maritime Museum, Craft Stalls, Penny Arcade and much more.
On the main road between Newport and Ryde you will find Monkey Haven. Here you find rescued monkeys who have now been found the island as their safe forever home. You will also find owl's and meerkats.
Website: https://monkeyhaven.org/
Close by is the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Taking in 5 miles of island countryside, the engines use the last piece of track between Ryde and Newport. At the main station Havenstreet you can visit the Train Story Museum, which houses a large variety of rolling stock and even a old ex-underground train! There is also a gift shop and café! You can also visit the Steam Railway by using the island line service to Smallbrook Junction.
In the village of Godshill you will find the Model Village. Here you see Shanklin and Godshill in miniature form! Including Shanklin Chine, Godshill church and even a model of the model village. The village is also home to the Old Smithy, which is home to a large variety of independent retailers and a large café
Close to Godshill is the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Here you can see the amazing work the charity does in rescuing and looking after donkeys who needed rescuing or looking after their owners can't look after them anymore. You can also adopt a donkey, and take part in various events throughout the year!.
Website: https://www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/
Overlooking the Donkey Sanctuary is Appulducombe House! What was once the grandest house on the island is now a shell. Following bombing during the 2nd World War, the house was left a shell. You can explore the ground and the house, but you may not be alone as the house is also rumored to be haunted. It even appeared on Most Haunted!
Public Transport
If you travel to the island on foot you will find the island easy to explore.
Southern Vectis provides frequent and reliable buses between all the main towns/villages and tourist attractions. They also provides several open-top buses. The Needles Breezer offers a tour of the Needles, Alum Bay, Yarmouth and Freshwater.
The Downs Breezer takes you on a tour of the eastern side of the island taking in St Helens, Bembridge, Sandown and Ryde. You get some amazing views from the top of Brading Down!
Website"https://www.islandbuses.info/
If you are on the eastern side of the island you can also catch the train! You can get straight off the Wightlink Fastcat passenger ferry at Ryde Pier straight down to Ryde Esplanade, Ryde St John's, Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown, Lake & Shanklin. Londoners may recognize the trains as ex-district line underground trains!
Things to Do!
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
This is one of the best animal attractions i have ever visited! You can tell the animals are cared for properly from the moment you enter. The enclosures are well maintained and plenty of enrichment for them. When you listen to one of the many keeper talks you can hear the enthusiasm for looking after the animals, even pointing out little individual personality traits of the animal. The sanctuary is a rescue centre for animals that have been neglected and recently rehomed some tigers from a European circus. As well as tigers and lions you will also find the sanctuary home to lemurs, meerkats and monkeys. They have recently opened a walk-through dome that lets you get close to the lemurs! At the gift shop you have the opportunity to adopt one of the animals in the sanctuary.
Amazon World
Amazon World is absolutely brilliant day out. When you enter you are greeted with several large tropical rooms! Filled with large variety of tropical birds and animals! The inside area is also home to sloths and insects. Outside you will find monkeys, red pandas, flamingos and penguins. You exit through a well-stocked gift shop! If the weather is slightly miserable there is a mega indoor play area for the kids to run around In!
Website: http://www.amazonworld.co.uk
Needles Landmark Attraction
When you think of the Isle of Wight, one of places you think of instantly is The Needles! Here you can fill a souvenir glass bottle in various shapes, with colouredsand from the actual Alum Bay cliff!. You can also witness the creation of the amazing Alum Bay glass. You can stand and watch them make the sculptures and even buy one. For the sweet tooth, there is the Isle of Wight Sweet Factory, where you can watch them make the sweets and treat yourself to some. The area also has rides, restaurants and a cafe. Then the highlight, the Chairlift! Dare you brave the Chairlift over the cliff, taking you to the beach at the bottom! In the summer there is the famous Magic in the Skies Firework Display!
Website: https://www.theneedles.co.uk/
Blackgang Chine
Located on the south coast of the island, with one of the most dramatic landscapes you will ever find at a theme park, Blackgang Chine is the oldest theme park in the UK and is great for the whole family. With plenty of attractions for the whole family, from Underwater Kingdom, Rumpus Mansion, Water Force and their brand new ride Extinction! Throughout the year the park has plenty of events from Cowboy vs Dinosaur, Land of Imagination Live and the famous Terror Island Halloween event.
Website: https://blackgangchine.com/
Places to Stay
The Waverly Park- Cowes
If you want convenience and a brilliant view then the Waverley Park is perfect. The caravans are positioned on a hill with a undisrupted view of Cowes harbour and The Solent. The park offers caravans for hire, apartment's and plenty of spaces to pitch a tent or park a campervan. There is also a on-site pub offering food and entertainment, plus a swimming a pool and play area. The park has convenient transport links with the Red Funnel Vehicle terminal nearby and buses to Ryde and Newport.
Website: https://www.waverleypark.co.uk/
Parkdean Resorts- Lower Hyde
Conveniently located in Shanklin, with a short walk to the beach and train station, there is a large variety of accommodation to chose from. From the traditional caravans, chalets, lodges to glamping. There is also a touring area for camping and touring vans. The site has wide range of entertainment every evening from bingo to singers. There is also a swimming pool, restaurant and amusement arcade.
Website: https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/
Yelfs Hotel- Ryde
Conveniently located midway up Union Street, Ryde, you are in the centre of the town! With spacious, clean rooms from single rooms to family rooms you are guaranteed a good stay! There is also a on-site restaurant and bar to relax in after a fun day on the island!
Website: https://www.yelfshotel.com/
Events
When ever you visit the Island, there is some sort of event happening! From local carnivals, jousting, terror mazes, sailing to world famous music festivals ,there is something for everyone.
The Isle of Wight Festival
One of the first things, when you say Isle of Wight to most people is The World Famous Music Festival. It is probably easier to list who hasn't performed at the festival, with musicians like The Who, Coldplay, George Ezra, Kings of Leon and Scouting for Girls all visited the island!
Terror Island
Voted one of the best scare attractions in the country, Terror Island is only for the brave! With several scare mazes like Blind Alley Snatched, Amphibious,The Blood Shed Dead Meat and The Summoning, you certainly wont sleep after visiting. With plenty of scary activities around the park as well, and also the opportunity to ride some of Blackgang's rides in the dark!
Carnivals
Throughout the summer months, the towns and villages on the island come alive with carnivals winding through the streets! Most have 3 events, a children's parade, the main parade and a Illuminated parade.
Ryde is home to the largest outside London and its carnivals circles the top of the town, before descending down Union Street before traveling along the esplanade!
Cowes Week
Cowes Week is the largest sailing regatta in the world, and over 500 boats take part. With over 40 races throughout the week, the Solent is constantly full of sails! Its brilliant to stand and watch the action, and see the car ferries manoeuvre through them, Throughout the week, the seafront is packed of entertainment, food and sometimes the odd Royal visitor.
Island Steam Fair
Celebrating all things steam related, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. From Traction engines, fairground rides, historical vehicles and off course the Steam Engines! There is also live music and you can visit the Haven Falconry centre!
Written by Tom Norman
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