Location: Isle of Wight
Top Things to do in Isle of Wight
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Top 10 Things to do in Isle of Wight, England
The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy some peace, quiet and natural beauty. Except perhaps in the summer, when the Isle of Wight Festival draws visitors from all over the world. In 1970, the Festival was the largest rock-music event ever held. It was called Britain's Woodstock and featured Jimi Hendrix and The Who. (Not so much peace or quiet that week.) The island is also known for its world-famous sailing and lovely resorts, where people have been vacationing since Victorian times.
Restaurants in Isle of Wight
1. Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We have been walking the Isle of Wight Coastal Path in sections with an ambition of completing the complete circuit in time. The coastal paths are generally well signposted (though not always strictly ‘coastal’), and due to the coastal erosion in some areas of the island not there at all! Nether the less we enjoy taking these paths as we see parts of the island and views from the coast that we have not seen before and self-initiated impromptu diversions add to the experience for us. We completed the following sections on our most recent visit: Niton to Ventnor One of our most recent walks around the island Coastal path was between Niton and Ventnor, walking towards the latter as we had parked our car here. We started at Niton (‘Baptist Church’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 6) to there from Ventnor. Our walk started a short distance from here and we soon found ourselves skirting a large field high up on the cliffs giving fantastic views over the area known as the ‘Undercliff’. St Catherine’s lighthouse can also be seen from this vantage point. A bit later the path drops down the side of the cliffs into the pretty village of St Lawrence and from here to Steephill Cove the path literally runs along the edge of the cliffs right next to the sea. Looking back, the walker can see the cliff tops from which they have just descended. Fantastic views can be gained on this part of the walk as you pass Woody Bay, Mount Bay and Orchard Bay and photographers can get some good pictures though don’t get too near the edge! After passing by the Ventnor cricket ground and Steephill Gardens, the very pretty Steephill Cove is reached and here you can get refreshments if required and there are also toilet facilities available. From Steephill Cove, the path follows the coast as you approach Ventnor and some nice shots of this beach resort can be taken and also look out for the large ‘Ventnor’ sign cut into the grass bank. Our walk ended in the ‘La Falaise’ car park in Ventnor but the Coastal Park continues from here onto Bonchurch, Luccombe and Shanklin via the ‘Landslip’ which is also an interesting walk. Although not a particularly long walk (about 4.5 miles), we enjoyed it nethertheless and it was nice passing the time with some fellow walkers along the way. Bembridge to Ryde Another of our walks around the island Coastal path was between Bembridge and Ryde we chose to walk towards the latter town as we would have views across the Solent towards the mainland as we went. We started at Bembridge (‘Bembridge Point’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 8) to there from Lake. The walk starts off skirting the harbour area at Bembridge passing a number of small boatyards along the way and then enters the town of St Helens with its picturesque town sign. Just past the old St. Helens mill there is a lovely walk across the mill dam wall and on the other side we crossed to the beach at Duver with its ruined church and what appears to be old railway carriage bodies being used as beach huts. After leaving Duver beach, the coastal path heads inland to pass around the Nodes Point holiday camp and after passing through some countryside the path re-joins the coast again at the picturesque Seagrove Bay. The coastal path now diverts along an alley way by some public toilets, but if the tide is out it is possible to walk along the shingle beach to Seaview. We stopped here for refreshments before continuing on past Nettlestone Point and Puckpool Point following the sea wall getting some fine views of the Solent forts and also the mainland just across the water. There were regular public toilets along this stretch should you need them. Puckpool Park is worth a passing visit sited in an old Victorian coastal battery and here you will also find refreshments and toilet facilities. The walk continues into Ryde passing Appley beach and its tower and we ended it with a walk along the ½ mile long Ryde Pier to catch the train back to Shanklin. A pleasant and good length walk (about 8 miles) mixing a vibrant harbour scene, an inland walk through fields and tree lined paths and finally along the coast with some picturesque bays and as you approach Ryde, expansive beaches. The walk is mostly flat but with some minor climbs as you pass around Nodes point. Bembridge to Shanklin Another of our walks around the island Coastal path was between Bembridge and Shanklin we chose to walk towards the latter town as we would returning to our accommodation. We started at Bembridge (‘Bembridge Point’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 8) to there from Lake. The walk starts off skirting the beach at Bembridge although we chose to divert from the coastal path and walked along the seashore itself. Regaining the path at Bembridge lifeboat station we were then diverted away from the coast firstly along a tree lined path and then through a housing estate emerging at the Crab & Lobster Inn. Between here and White Cliff Bay, sections of the coastal path have been lost to a landslip and is impassable. We chose to take to the beach and because the tide was going out walked along to White Cliff Bay on the shoreline. Note that this route requires the walker to pass over rocky and slippery terrain and is not recommended for those with mobility issues. We reached White Cliff bay with some sense of relief having kept our eye on the tide and climbed up the very steep tarmac path to regain the coastal path once more. The path now skirts a large caravan park before ascending up to Culver Down with its tall Yarborough monument on top, this is quite a climb although the paths are easy to follow but the views from the Down are very rewarding. There is a small café on the summit and also a public house and we chose the former for a cup of tea and a snack before continuing along the path now taking the long descent from Culver Down into Yaverland where there are public toilets in the car park. From Yaverland we followed the promenade through Sandown and passing its pier and once again diverged from the path which climbs up onto the cliffs, choosing instead to continue along the promenade to Shanklin. Certainly an interesting and good length walk (about 7 miles) especially if like us you take the shoreline in places instead of the formal coastal path. The missing section between Bembridge and White Cliff Bay could be a problem if you are seeking a path with a good surface and the alternative would be to follow the public roads that run parallel with the coast. The walk requires a significant climb from sea level up to Culver Down about 104m so bear this in mind if you are undertaking this route. Alternatively the approach from Yaverland in the opposite direction is shallower but longer.
2. The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,881 reviews
Donkey Sanctuary - providing homes for unwanted and rescued animals. Carrying out educational work with schools and donkey therapy in residential settings.
Reviewed By 888lydiav - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Visited here in April and what a beautiful 50 acres of land with over a hundred donkeys to live in harmony Absolutely recommend to animal lovers and avid walkers as the animals are spread out nicely. Toilets are provided and are clean Cafe provided a wide selection of food and the staff were super friendly All donkeys have name tags and tons of information about their history dotted around the sanctuary.
3. Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Reviewed By BTB96 - Warwickshire, United Kingdom
well worth doing, and a cold drink at the Spyglass Inn in Ventnor as a reward, the walk on to Steephill Cove is delightful.
4. Nunwell House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
5. Hovertravel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 802 reviews
Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry service across the Solent and is the world's longest running and only commercial hovercraft operator in Europe. Our passenger ferry service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes. Easy onward travel connections are available with our Hoverbus to Portsmouth, bus and train connections at Ryde.
Reviewed By julietwheresromeo
Brilliant hover service and only a 10 minute journey to the island . The crossing was a bit choppy but we got there safe and sound , the return journey was smoother due to better weather conditions.
6. Bembridge Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
7. Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Isle of Wight
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,859 reviews
At the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary we look forward to welcoming you to meet our wonderful animals for an immersive and stimulating visit. You will meet some of the most exciting, yet threatened animals on our planet, including Tigers, Lions, Meerkats, Lynx, Reptiles and much more. The Sanctuary rescues many of its inhabitants from poor and inhumane conditions around Europe. There are daily talks from our Animal Carers and also animal encounters to help you have the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with our animal residents. You will discover and learn about the journeys of how the animals came to the Sanctuary and their vital role in championing the cause for their species in the wild overseas. There is a large animal playground to tire the little ones out. Enjoy delicious, fresh and local food and drink from our Wildheart Café overlooking Sandown Bay. Or you can picnic in the company of our Capuchin and Spider monkeys!
Reviewed By KAL1667
My partner and I visited Sandown zoo yesterday for the ‘big cat’ experience ...............there are no words to describe how incredible it was. Kerrie was a brilliant guide, extremely knowledgable and so passionate about the beautiful tigers and lions & they were so responsive to her - it was incredible to see these beautiful animals up close, they all look amazing and are clearly very spoilt which is no more than they deserve. If you get the chance to go to the zoo, I would absolutely recommend it; the whole place is clean and so well looked after, the animals are adored by the staff and I felt so privileged to be able to be that close to these amazing cats. Huge thanks to Kerrie for making it a wonderful day and a massive thanks to Charlotte and all her team for giving their love and lives to the zoo.
8. Shanklin Chine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,782 reviews
Shanklin Chine: Celebrating its Bicentenary year in 2017 Shanklin Chine marks a truly special milestone this year’s as it celebrates its 200th Anniversary as a visitor attraction. The gates to this historic gorge first opened back in 1817, making it the longest established attraction on Isle of Wight, enticing many millions of visitors to wander through and marvel at its natural beauty over a double century of seasonal openings. There are few locations on the Isle of Wight, let alone England, that can boast such a tranquil and picturesque location for visitors to enjoy. The stunning tree lined Chine cuts its way from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade far below and has always been a magnet for renowned artists, photographers and those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of modern age. Shanklin Chine boasts many famous visitors who have stopped to paint, draw and write about the natural beauty it beholds. From author Jane Austen to romanticist landscape painter J.M.W Turner, all have been attracted by the timeless and magical beauty captured in this remarkable gorge, with its waterfall, shear chasm-like sides decked in lush vegetation and towering trees. A brand-new exhibition in 2017 will tell the fascinating story of the Chine’s two-hundred-year history and features sections on the flora and fauna of this officially classified site of important nature conservation. This is accompanied by a limited edition new book written especially for the Bicentenary. Visitors can enjoy the splendour of Shanklin Chine by day...then wonder at its mystical beauty on summer nights during the Chine Lumiere, when hundreds of lights illuminate the narrow paths, streams and waterfalls held within. The Lumiere begins on 26th May, with an increased run of 10pm closings until the last day of September…the longest period of illuminated openings in its history. Then, following a short period of closure for maintenance, the Chine reopens between 21st and 29th October, again featuring the Lumiere evenings, with closing times at 8pm. During evening openings, the attraction offers a day and evening return ticket which allows for two visits within a seven-day period at very little extra cost to just one single visit. Shanklin Chine has a well-stocked gift shop and popular Victorian style tea room, with a newly extended tea garden for 2017. Taking a cream tea at the attraction is definitely one of the highlights to any visit, with a special 200th Birthday high afternoon tea available to pre-book this year (details to be found on the website). There is also a full menu of light lunches and meals prepared to order by the tea room team. The attraction also features a special monument to the crack 40 Royal Marine Commando who trained in the Chine in preparation for the Dieppe landings on D-Day in World War II. Visitors can also learn about the role of Shanklin Chine during this period- in particular the part played by the Marine Commandos' and the famous PLUTO (Pipeline Under The Ocean) which carried petrol to the Allied troops in France. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Shanklin Chine...a wondrous secret discovered and loved by so many people during its historical reign as the Island’s most original of tourist attractions. With entrances at both the Old Village and Esplanade ends, it makes the perfect scenic cut through between Shanklin’s busiest locations that no visitor should miss. PLEASE NOTE THE ATTRACTION IS OPEN SEASONALLY BETWEEN APRIL AND OCTOBER. CHECK WEBSITE FOR OCTOBER CLOSURES FOR MAINTENANCE AND FOR EXTENDED EVENING SUMMER OPENINGS UNTIL 10PM FROM JUNE TO END OF SEPTEMBER.
Reviewed By 827harryb - Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Visited shanklin chine with my wife and daughter it was a lovely walk through the chine, staff were very friendly and approachable, grounds were magnificent throughout, daughter absolutely loved the birds and the fishes and me and my wife enjoyed the walk and the history that was given to you, well done to the amazing work
9. Isle Of Wight Festival
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 78 reviews
Originally founded as a celebration of counterculture in the late 1960s, the award-winning Isle of Wight Festival is famous nowadays for kicking off the UK’s summer of major music events in style. Featuring a cool blend of legendary music icons and hot up and coming support acts, its line up never disappoints – plus the huge range of rides, refreshments, and other diverse entertainment on offer, keep visitors entertained at all hours! Whether you’re camping, glamping, or just popping in for the day, there’s no better way to start your summer.
10. Bembridge Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By trudi535 - Reigate, United Kingdom
So lovely to be back here at last. Familiar friendly faces. They have made a great effort to keep people safe with hand sanitizer and fresh water sinks, soap and hand towels at the top of the main pontoon. Great to feel so "safe" for our first trip out
