Pack up the family and embark on your voyage of discovery on the Isle of Wight. It's just a short hop and a skip across the Solent and you’ll be amazed at what’s waiting on the other side.
High downs and soaring cliffs, long sandy beaches fringed by farms and forestland, fishing villages and bustling resorts, it’s no wonder that this almost fairy-tale like island was the inspiration of Lewis Carroll to write his magical story Alice in Wonderland.
Throughout history, Blackgang Chine had a reputation for shipwrecks, gangs and smugglers, and this swashbuckling imagery provides the inspiration for the Chine’s own theme park. You might be surprised to find lions and tigers on the island, yet you can see them and lots of other animals looking quite at home in the Monkey Haven. And for gardeners, no Isle of Wight short break is complete without a trip to Ventnor Botanic Gardens, where plants thrive in the wonderful island micro-climate.
The sheltered south-east towns of Sandown and Shanklin are among the most popular places to visit on the Isle of Wight while further north, Cowes and Newport are popular for days out and bustling with activity. If you're looking for things to do in Ryde, there are three award-winning beaches with attractions and refreshments nearby.
Many of the Isle of Wight's tourist attractions are open all year round so find something to do today with activities listings each showing a map and opening times for your convenience. Or why not browse our events guide to find out what's happening this week.
Accommodation on the Isle of Wight is just as unique as the island itself; whether you spend a night in a Yurt or book a B&B by the sea, the Isle of Wight offers plenty of choice.
For ideas and inspiration on where to stay, what's on and things to do on the Isle of Wight visit the official website, visitIsleofwight.co.uk.
For more information about the Isle of Wight, including itinerary ideas for days out, attractions and events, view the list below for information on things to do and towns and villages within the county. Use the 'map view' button to find something near you.
Number of results: 52
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Adventure Park / Playground
Ventnor
Overlooking the South coast of the Isle of Wight, Blackgang Chine offers an experience like no other. Filled with an eclectic mix of attractions, magical theme worlds and exciting rides, you'll find adventures around every corner!
Family Fun & Activities
ALUM BAY
Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, there's breathtaking scenery and a spectacular chairlift past amazing coloured sand cliffs.
Beach
Seaview
Springvale Beach stretches from Puckpool to Seaview on the north coast of the Isle of Wight and is made up of a mixture of shingle and sand.
Beach
Seaview
Seagrove Bay sits between Seaview beach and Priory Bay on the north east coast and boasts some of the largest and most imposing seaside properties on the Isle of Wight. When the tide is out Seagrove Bay has a large expanse of golden sands, making…
Beach
Sandown
Sandown lies at the heart of 'The Bay' and is renowned for its beautiful beach and safe bathing.
Towns & Villages
Cowes
What makes Cowes such a Mecca for yachtsmen and what is there to do in this seaport town?
Towns & Villages
Ryde
The largest town on the Isle of Wight, Ryde has fine Georgian and Victorian buildings, lively pubs and restaurants, a seafront promenade, a marina and great nightlife and entertainment.
Steam Railway
Ryde
Inspiring, Surprising and Award-Winning … Equally appealing to adults and families, your visit to The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will charm, engage and captivate, leaving you with some lasting memories of a special day out.
Towns & Villages
FRESHWATER
Freshwater is a large village in West Wight and is a popular destination for visitors with the spectacular Freshwater Bay area lying to the South of the main village.
The bay is easily recognised by its chalk cliffs and the imposing “Stag” and…
Farm
YARMOUTH
Set in acres of beautiful countryside, surrounded by amazing views of the Isle of Wight, Tapnell Farm Park is one of the Island’s biggest all-weather, fun-filled family attractions.
There’s so much to see and do, with just as much inside as…
Beach
Freshwater
Colwell Bay is one of many picturesque beaches in West Wight, offer spectacular views back across the Solent to mainland England.
Towns & Villages
Shanklin
Information about the Isle of Wight holiday resort of Shanklin including the town centre, things to do and a map.
Towns & Villages
Brading
An ancient little Isle of Wight town with a long and colourful history that offers some of the greatest heritage, landscape and wildlife on the island.
Castle / Fort
Newport
Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!
Beach
Ryde
The beaches at Ryde lie on the north east coast of the Isle of Wight and offer miles and miles of sandy shores.
Museum
Sandown
In a spectacular pterosaur shaped building on Sandown’s blue flag beach walk back through fossilised time and meet life sized replica dinosaurs
Beach
SHANKLIN
Shanklin Beach is a one of the Isle of Wight’s best known stretches of golden sands, which backs onto a traditional English seafront promenade.
Historic Site
NEWPORT
On the edge of Newport town centre, the remains of this Roman farmhouse are well worth discovering. The villa has one of the finest bath suites in southern England and there are hands on activities for all of the family.
Towns & Villages
Ventnor
A Victorian town with a Mediterranean feel & many attractions, Ventnor is one of the sunniest spots on the Isle of Wight with its sheltered southerly aspect