Hop on one of Red Funnel's ferries and in no time at all you'll find yourself on The Isle of Wight. Boasting a varied coastline suitable for sports or relaxing, the phrase spoilt for choice seems custom made for this destination!

The Isle of Wight is a unique and surprising year round destination. With a stunning landscape just waiting to be explored, there's so much to see and do!

Book crossings and find out more at the offical Red Funnel website hereBook crossings and find out more at the offical Red Funnel website here




History and heritage

Take a trip through time on the Isle of Wight. See the fossils at Dinosaur Isle and Dinosaur Farm and imagine a time when dinosaurs roamed the Island. At 12th century Carisbrooke Castle you can see what life was like on the Island throughout the ages and watch medieval jousting in the summer. Or if you prefer something a bit more recent, experience the splendour of Queen Victoria's holiday residence Osborne House and its magnificent gardens. The Island also had strong literary connections with Charles Dickens, Lord Tennyson and Karl Marx, all residents or frequent visitors.

Couple enjoying a walk along the coastline of the Isle of Wight in South East EnglandCountryside

With the varied and often dramatic landscape of the Isle of Wight it's no surprise that over half the Island is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Lush, rolling hills give way to rugged chalk cliffs; muddy creeks and estuaries evolve into rich green pastures and woodland. This diversity offers a range of habitats for an incredible array of flora and fauna.

Coastline

From invigorating winter walks to sunbathing on a gently sloping sandy beach, the Island has a diverse coastline with something to offer throughout the year. The south is home to safe and sandy blue flag beaches, or head west for waves and wind and enjoy the excitement of one of the many watersports on offer. Plant lifeThe Island enjoys more sunshine hours than most of the UK and has a mild and temperate climate, making it perfect for cultivating an exceptional range of exotic and vibrant plant life. Take a walk through the wine growing vineyards of Ryde, Adgestone and Brading or visit one of the many cottage gardens, country parks, or formal gardens.

Arts and crafts

Witness the skilled art of traditional glass blowing at the Glory Art Glass shop in Sandown and browse their extensive range of hand-made glassware. Head to Quay Arts in Newport for the latest in their ever changing series of exhibitions, or take a more hands-on approach at Fired Arts in Ryde and decorate your own plates, pots and ornaments.

Couple enjoying the view of the Needles coastline on the Isle of Wight in South East EnglandLandmarks

At the most westerly point on the Island you’ll find The Needles Old Battery and The Needles Park. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Old Battery, a spectacularly located cliff top fort, offers an insight into the Island's military history and affords fantastic views of The Needles, three chalk monoliths stretching out into the Solent. See Alum Bay's world famous coloured sand cliffs at The Needles Park, and if you have a head for heights take a trip on the chairlift for fantastic views out to sea.