Isle of Wight
Why we love the Isle of Wight
Reach the Isle of Wight by ferry or even the famous hovercraft – the journey itself adds to the adventure. Get your bearings on a high-speed boat ride around its coast, then take in the island’s sights – and smells – in its exotic parks. Feel the rhythm of its world-renowned festivals, or stroll along one of its sandy beaches with the sound of the waves for company. With its landscape awash with natural beauty, historic sites and top-notch events, the Isle of Wight has all the ingredients for a memorable trip.
The Needles Landmark Attraction
Full of vibrancy and family fun, the Needles Landmark Attraction at Alum Bay is the place to be for any activity lover. Soar above the cliffs on the iconic chairlift overlooking the island’s chalk stalks and take a ride on the traditional Victorian carousel. Watch sweet makers craft sugary treats, try your hand at Jurassic golf and learn the art of glass blowing.
Goodleaf Tree Climbing
Reach for the treetops on a unique climbing, swinging and branch walking adventure that takes you high up into the canopy of Appley Park. Learn the tricks of tree climbing from avid tree lovers during a two-hour climbing session.
Tapnell Farm Park
It’s all about family fun at this farm park, with a kid-friendly go-kart racetrack, sledge slides and animals galore. Alongside farmyard fun, look out for events on site, including film nights, live comedy and themed weeks. Tickets to visit Tapnell Farm Park must be booked in advance.
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Soar down to Alum Bay on its chairlift, taking in spectacular views over the Needles Rocks and the English Channel.
Embrace a colourful festival scene, from music legends lighting up the stages at the Isle of Wight Festival to sailing superstars making waves at Cowes Week regatta.
Discover Osborne House, the family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and see why they fell in love with the island.
Sample the freshest seafood at the island’s mouth-watering fish restaurants, including traditional haddock and chips at Murrays.
Fun fact
Fun fact
One of the island’s most unusual events is the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival, a staple of the summer calendar here since 1983. Garlic-flavoured fudge, ice cream and biscuits are some of the more pungent treats on offer.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- The Isle of Wight is dubbed the ‘Dinosaur Capital of Britain’ and the island’s prehistoric past can be unearthed on fossil hunts with experienced guides from Wight Coast Fossils, Dinosaur Expeditions or Island Gems.
- Britain’s oldest theme park is the family-friendly Blackgang Chine, having opened in 1843 – with its ‘lands of imagination’ on themes like pirates, dinosaurs and cowboys all designed to pique curiosity.
- Embark on a high-ropes adventure in Appley Park with Goodleaf Tree Climbing, as ascending the park’s 15m-high oak tree offers a unique view of the island.
- Visitors can pick their own pearls at Isle of Wight Pearl to craft into jewellery, alongside design workshops, talks and masterclasses.
- St Catherine’s Oratory – nicknamed ‘the Pepperpot’ – is the last medieval lighthouse standing in England. The site is part of the Tennyson Heritage Coast, which links the island’s clifftop monuments.
Things to do on the Isle of Wight
Featured things to do
Sail the waters
Admire the island’s dramatic chalk cliff face with Needles Pleasure Cruises. For a leisurely sail, climb aboard the Ramblin' Rose boat, while high-speed ribs are available for thrill seekers.
Waves of fun with Needles Pleasure Cruises
Wet, wet, wet
It’s regatta season, and the arrival of historic Cowes Week is a highlight of the world sailing calendar. Whether you’re at home on the water or would rather stay on dry land, there are loads of races to cheer and après-sail fun to be had on the island.
Get involved with Cowes Week
Need for speed
Hit the track at Wight Karting as you race around Ryde’s all-weather floodlit go-karting experience. Suitable for a range of ages and with all necessary gear supplied, get behind the wheel and feel the adrenaline rush like a real racing driver.
Rev up for Wight Karting
Jurassic spark
Experience the thrill of a fossil hunt at Compton Bay, where you might spot fossilised wood, ammonites or even dinosaur remains. The expert guides at Wight Coast Fossils will give you the know-how to find these hidden treasures.
Walk with dinosaurs with Wight Coast FossilsPlaces to stay on the Isle of Wight
Cowes, Ryde and Newport
From a world-renowned sailing regatta to seafront attractions, these three towns make up the Isle of Wight’s most populated areas. Stay here for easy access to other parts of the island – how about a cosy woodside lodge or yurt for a stay with a difference?
South Wight
Packed with charm, the south of the island has picturesque cottages, hotels and camping to offer. As a more remote location on the Isle of Wight, this is an ideal place for any serenity seeker.
West Wight
Explore nature on your doorstep on the island’s west side. Stay in campsites along the coastal path, a safari tent at Tapnell Farm or spend a night in a holiday park.
Explore nearby
Getting to the Isle of Wight
Despite being an island, it’s easy to reach the Isle of Wight. Journeys from London take around two hours; South Western Railway run trains from London Waterloo to ports serving the Isle. There are more than 150 ferry crossings daily from Portsmouth, Southampton, and Lymington, offering a scenic start to your adventure. You can bring your car over for added convenience, or travel as a foot passenger if you prefer to walk around the island or explore by public transport. For a unique and speedy experience, hop on the world’s only commercial hovercraft, which takes you across the Solent in just 10 minutes.
If you’re travelling by coach, use the ‘all in one’ ticket for coach travel to the port, ferry travel and a connecting coach on the island. The area is served by London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports, while regional and shorter connection flights are available from Bournemouth and Southampton.
Getting around
By bus
The Southern Vectis bus network makes exploring the Isle of Wight effortless and enjoyable. With frequent services connecting key towns, attractions, and scenic spots, it’s perfect for discovering the island at your own pace.
By train
The Island Line connects the towns of Ryde, Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. The line also connects to bus services in Ryde and Shanklin. For a journey back in time, opt to travel on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
By bike
Hop on two wheels and explore miles of cycle paths and trails. You can hire bikes from a number of locations across the Island.
On foot
The Island is a haven for walking. Follow walking trails, join guided tours or simply amble from sight to sight.
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