THINGS TO DO GUIDE

THINGS TO DO

ACTIVITIES

FRESHWATER BAY COASTEERING

Freshwater Bay PO40 9RA fbciow.com Guided adventures along one of the Island’s most beautiful and secluded stretches of coastline. Coasteering treats the natural features of the coast as a giant aquatic playground via sea swimming, caving, rock climbing, cliff jumping and belly flopping! Aged eight or over? Able to doggy paddle? You’re ready to coasteer! Book via the website.

GOODLEAF TREE CLIMBING

Garden Walk, Ryde PO33 1ND goodleaf.co.uk Climb up to 15 metres into the branches of a beautiful, majestic oak tree using rope and harness. Friendly, experienced instructors. Join a small group or book a private climb. Ages eight and over. Close to Appley Beach’s golden sands. Pay and display car park nearby.

ISLE OF WIGHT DISTILLERY

Pondwell Hill, Ryde PO33 1PX isleofwightdistillery.com The Island’s first and only distillery, producing Mermaid Gin, Mermaid Pink Gin, Mermaid Salt Vodka, and HMS Victory Navy Strength Gin and Rum, using local, foraged ingredients. Sample and shop their spirit range, view the stills in action, and enjoy food and drink in The Mermaid Bar with views over the picturesque countryside.

ISURF &

Various iowsurf.com iSurf is the Island’s only fully mobile surf school; they offer anything from private tuition to their group sessions for anyone aged eight years upwards. They also offer paddleboarding (SUP) and SUP Yoga in different locations around the Island to suit weather conditions. Visit website to book.

NEEDLES PLEASURE CRUISES

On the beach at Alum Bay, Totland PO39 0JD needlespleasurecruises.co.uk Boat trips to view the Needles rocks and lighthouse. Choose from a slow 20-minute cruise boat, with stunning scenery and commentary, or a 15-minute fast RIB ride, a little further to the south side of the lighthouse, for unique views of Scratchell’s Bay. Boats leave from the beach at Alum Bay. No booking required.

Quarr Rd, Ryde PO33 4ES quarrabbey.org Working Benedictine monastery with visitor centre, shop with local produce, art gallery and opportunity to visit Grade I Listed monastery church. Tea shop in the beautiful grounds, with visiting garden birds, and plants and vegetables grown in the garden for sale. Buy food from the tea shop to feed the pigs and piglets.

TACKT-ISLE ADVENTURES

Duver Rd, St Helens PO33 1YB tackt-isle.co.uk Tackt-Isle Adventures is the place to go for an action-packed adventure on the Isle of Wight. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to outdoor adventures and fancy giving something a go, Tackt-Isle have all the kit, skills and experience to help you make the Island your playground. They offer watersports such as sailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and windsurfing, as well as a range of land-based activities.

THE GARLIC FARM

Mersley Lane, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0NR thegarlicfarm.co.uk The UK’s home of all things garlic, with an award-winning restaurant serving garlic-inspired dishes and a shop full of the farm’s garlic and garlicky products with a huge range of local artisan products. Farm walks to see wildflower meadows, Highland cattle, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, peacocks and red squirrels. Parking and entrance free.

ARTS & CRAFTS

ARRETON BARNS

Main Rd, Newport PO30 3AA arretonbarns.co.uk Nestled in the centre of the island’s beautiful countryside, Arreton Barns hosts a vast array of arts and crafts studios, showcasing some of the Island’s best artisans and craftspeople. The Dairyman’s Daughter pub serves home-cooked meals, fine wines and real ales. Well-stocked farm shop, mediaeval fishpond and 12th century church. Sea St, Newport PO30 5BD quayarts.org The Quay Arts Centre is situated in a converted 19th-Century brewery warehouse complex at the head of the River Medina in the centre of Newport. The Centre’s two gallery spaces and café walls show a varied, engaging, regularly changing programme of visual arts. The work, sourced from artists on the Island, mainland and internationally, is of the highest quality and always worth a visit.

VENTNOR EXCHANGE

Church St, Ventnor PO38 1SW ventnorexchange.co.uk Combining a venue, cocktail and craft beer bar, record shop and offices, Ventnor Exchange is a bold attempt to create a new type of space on the High Street. There is nothing on the Island quite like it! A daytime hub with records and coffee to meet with friends, and by night an intimate venue to catch award-winning theatre, comedy and concerts, or explore more than 70 craft beers on offer.

FAMILY FUN

BLACKGANG CHINE

Nr. Ventnor, PO38 2HN blackgangchine.com Lose yourself in the Land of Imagination at the UK’s oldest amusement park. Discover BRAND-NEW epic rides, Evolution and Shipwrecked; round up dinosaurs in Restricted Area 5; hold up outlaws in Cowboy Town; climb aboard galleons at Pirate Cove; cast spells from Fairyland’s castle or dive into the Underwater Kingdom. Where will your imagination take you?

islandbuses.info/days-out-bus The Needles Breezer, an open-top bus ride boasting breath-taking views on a cliff-hugging climb from Alum Bay to the Needles Battery. Circular Downs Breezer enjoys views across the Island, the English Channel and the Solent, and open-top Downs Breezer links Ryde Esplanade with Ryde town, Wootton, Robin Hill, Sandown seafront, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Dinosaur Isle and Bembridge.

ISLE OF WIGHT AQUA PARK AT TAPNELL FARM

Newport Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0YJ tapnellfarm.com/play The Island’s only outdoor Aqua Park! Over 20 obstacles to tackle, with plenty of giant free-fall slides and fun (but challenging) elements to explore. Great fun for confident swimmers aged seven and over. One hour session includes safety briefing. Wetsuits and buoyancy aids provided. Showers, toilets, and refreshments. Online bookings only.

ISLE OF WIGHT FOOTBALL GOLF

Newport Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0YJ tapnellfarm.com/play The Island’s only Football Golf course! Great inclusive activity, suitable for all ages as long as you can kick a ball! Choose either a 9-hole short course, 9-hole long course or why not combine the two and enjoy 18 holes? Free parking and refreshments. Book online via the website.

ISLE OF WIGHT SPEEDWAY

Ashey Road, Ryde PO33 4BH warriorsspeedway.com Smallbrook Stadium, due south of Ryde, is home to the “Warriors and Wizards” speedway teams who race on Tuesdays or Thursdays, late July to early September, at this purpose-built stadium with 440-seater covered grandstand. Premier Lounge Bar, Warriors Retreat food outlet, Track Shop and Sweet Stall. Good disabled access. 55 Manners View, Newport PO30 5FA jrzone.co.uk The Island’s largest indoor soft play and laser arena. Tumble through the netted and cushioned playframe and zoom down the multi-lane Astro Slide. Book a Lazer Storm Party with family and friends. On the outskirts of Newport, with ample free parking, free Wi-Fi and café, JR Zone is a disability friendly facility.

ROBIN HILL

Downend Rd, Downend, Newport PO30 2NU robin-hill.com Discover 88 acres of rolling parkland, natural woodland and countryside gardens for exploration, adventure and entertainment. Uncover curated ponds, bridges, water features, a huge botanic collection, falconry displays and the friendly roaming peacocks. Adventure across treetop walkways, bouncy adventure nets, epic rides and the exhilarating quarter mile downhill toboggan ride!

SHANKLIN SEAFRONT

Esplanade, Shanklin PO37 6BG shanklinseafront.co.uk Family fun with modern seaside attractions and eateries, including Toppings Ice Cream Parlour and Bayside fish and chips. Amusement arcade, 18-hole indoor crazy golf, and two outdoor 18hole adventure golfs – Pirate’s Cove Adventure or Jurassic Bay. Pirate’s Cove Fun Park has rides, go karts and games for younger children.

SUMMER BUSES

islandbuses.info/days-out-bus The Island Coaster links Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin with the West Wight via Ventnor, Blackgang and Alum Bay, with spectacular coastal views from the upper deck. The Summer Links route follows the Middle Road for visits to Tapnell Farm, Chessell Pottery or Calbourne Water Mill. The Shanklin Shuttle connects the town with the seafront.

THE NEEDLES LANDMARK ATTRACTION

Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay PO39 0JD theneedles.co.uk Think of the Isle of Wight, and the iconic image of the world-famous chairlift taking you to see the Needles rocks and coloured sands springs to mind. The Island’s most famous landmark attraction has so much more to enjoy than stunning views and is a destination not to be missed.

WIGHT KARTING

Westridge, Brading Rd, Ryde PO33 1QS wightkarting.co.uk Fun and excitement for 8 to 88 year-olds! Feel like a real racing driver in their 270cc karts (for 12+ years with 160cc for ages 8-11) on Wight Karting’s 520m track near Ryde. Bookable for families or groups in advance online. Junior Track Days during school holidays for 8 to 13 year-olds, deals for evenings and groups online. Licensed snack bar.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

BEMBRIDGE WINDMILL

High St, Bembridge PO35 5SQ nationaltrust.org.uk/bembridge-windmill This picturesque, 300-year-old windmill – the last remaining on the Island – inspired JMW Turner to paint it in 1795. Explore its four floors to learn how the windmill would have worked. The windmill is open on selected days through the spring, summer and autumn; check website for times. Morton Old Road, Brading PO36 0PH bradingromanvilla.org.uk Brading Roman Villa is one of the finest Roman sites in the UK. The Museum offers a unique insight into Roman life with beautifully preserved mosaic floors and an extensive collection of artefacts. There is a café, shop, and plenty of outside space with free parking and fantastic views over Sandown Bay.

CARISBROOKE CASTLE

Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ carisbrookecastle/ Visit this ancient motte and bailey castle above Carisbrooke village, with panoramic views from the high walls. Find Charles I’s bowling green and the window from which he tried to escape. Enjoy Princess Beatrice’s Garden and meet the donkeys who work the 16th century treadmill raising water from the 161ft well.

DINOSAUR ISLE

Culver Parade, Sandown PO36 8QA dinosaurisle.com Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown is home to the Island’s world-famous dinosaurs, displaying real fossils and reconstructions. Watch the staff conserving the bones and ask them about their work and how to find fossils. The education room has drawing and play activities; the shop is well-stocked for all your dinosaur needs.

FORT VICTORIA MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOPS

Fort Victoria Country Park, Yarmouth PO41 0RR fortvictoria.co.uk New for 2022 is the HMS Gladiator exhibition, telling the story of the tragic accident off Fort Victoria in the Solent in 1908, with the loss of 27 lives. The museum building has traditional seaside gifts, a sweet shop, steampunk cabin, mythical gifts, pirate’s toy cabin and a vintage penny arcade of amusements.

ISLE OF WIGHT BUS AND COACH MUSEUM

Park Road, Ryde PO33 2BE iwbusmuseum.org.uk Working bus museum in Park Road, Ryde, this completely indoor and ideal wet weather attraction is free to visit, has a large free car park and a new archive display area. Disabled access and dog-friendly. Open Easter to end of October; Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs 10am to 4pm plus event weekends.

IW STEAM RAILWAY

Havenstreet Main Rd, Havenstreet, Ryde PO33 4DS iwsteamrailway.co.uk Beautifully preserved award-winning railway, with majestic steam engines, comfortably restored period carriages and charming rural stations. Friendly, knowledgeable staff in traditional Southern Railway uniforms add to the charm, taking you back to the era of steam travel. Train rides, train history, café and gift shop. Themed events throughout the year.

LONGSHOREMANS MUSEUM

Ventnor Esplanade, Ventnor PO38 1JT @longshoremansmuseum Free admission to see the seafaring history of Ventnor and its surrounding areas at this unique museum and gift shop on Ventnor Esplanade. Old postcards, unframed antique engravings, and old photos for sale along with local fossils, seashells, minerals, gemstones, handmade jewellery and nautical gifts. Dolls house furniture and accessories. Open daily.

NEWPORT ROMAN VILLA

Cypress Rd, Newport PO30 1HA iow.gov.uk/Visitors/Where-to-go/NewportRoman-Villa/Intro An all-weather attraction, Newport Roman Villa has well-preserved remains including baths, mosaics and underfloor heating along with a Roman garden and museum display. Go back in time in the Interactive Activity Room to make a mosaic, repair a pot or weave a blanket. Free guide notes and a photo hunt for families. Newtown, Newport PO30 4PA nationaltrust.org.uk/newtown-nationalnaturereserve-and-old-town-hall Visit the former Council Chamber and Mayor’s Robing Room and discover the area’s political past – this town was a bustling community with two MPs. Saved by Ferguson’s Gang, and donated to the National Trust; learn more about this philanthropic gang downstairs. Open selected days through the summer; check website for details.

OSBORNE HOUSE

York Ave, East Cowes PO32 6JX english-heritage.org.uk/visit/placesosborne/ The former palatial holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert opens a unique window on the couple’s private family life. Enjoy sumptuous state rooms, beautiful garden terraces and acres of ground and gardens, including Victoria’s private beach. There’s lots of entertainment for visitors of all ages.

SHANKLIN CHINE

3 Chine Ave, Shanklin PO37 6BW shanklinchine.co.uk Carved by Mother Nature’s own hands over thousands of years, the lush tree-lined gorge, Shanklin Chine, cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade, far below. A museum tells its story, and the pretty café overlooks the Chine. Illuminated with stunning multi-coloured lighting on summer evenings.

SHIPWRECK AND MARITIME MUSEUM

Arreton Barns, Main Rd, Newport PO30 3AA shipwreckcentre.co.uk Discover relics of shipwrecks and treasures from the deep, including pieces of eight and Spanish gold, at this exciting, well-stocked museum at Arreton Craft Village. Items salvaged from war-time ships and submarines, antique diving equipment, and a display of Isle of Wight prehistory. DVD room and children’s activities.

SIR MAX AITKEN MUSEUM

High St, Cowes PO31 7AJ sirmaxaitkenmuseum.org Visitors arriving in Cowes should not leave without making a visit to the Sir Max Aitken Museum in the famous pink building, The Prospect on Cowes High Street. This magnificent 18th Century Ratsey and Lapthorn sail maker’s loft was acquired and restored by Sir Max Aitken in 1947. Today, with its traditional splendour, the building boasts Sir Max’s personal collection of historic and nautical artefacts.

THE NEEDLES OLD BATTERY

West High Down, Alum Bay PO39 0JH nationaltrust.org.uk/the-needles-old-batteryand-new-battery This cliff-top fort is dramatically brought to life with exhibitions and displays detailing its use from Victorian times through both world wars. Original guns on the parade ground, dramatic views of the sea and the Needles Lighthouse, plus tearoom. Parking at Needles Landmark Attraction, then walk or bus. See website for opening times.

WIGHT MILITARY AND HERITAGE MUSEUM

Northwood Camp, 490 Newport Rd, Cowes PO31 8QU wmahm.org.uk The museum has a range of interesting objects to entertain the family: a 1940s street scene, military vehicles, civilian memorabilia, weapons – some for handling – uniforms and much more plus an Islander aircraft. For an extra charge, an air rifle range is available on certain days. Churchill’s tearooms open daily. Quay St, Yarmouth PO41 0PB english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ yarmouthcastle/ Once one of Henry VIII’s most sophisticated coastal fortresses, Yarmouth Castle provides one of the best picnic spots on the island, with breath-taking views across the Solent. Discover atmospheric recreations of the castle in the 16th century and an exhibition of the historic shipwrecks in the treacherous sea overlooked by the castle.

PARKS & GARDENS

FORT VICTORIA COUNTRY PARK

Yarmouth PO41 0RR fortvictoria.co.uk Free to enter country park and historic fort, with woodland nature trails, rock-pooling and crabbing on the beach, fossils to be found on the seashore, café, exhibitions and various attractions. Dog friendly – Bronze award winners of the Red Funnel “Best Place for Dogs 2021”.

MODEL VILLAGE GODSHILL

High St, Godshill, Ventnor PO38 3HH modelvillagegodshill.co.uk This unique vintage attraction takes you back to the halcyon days of Island life. An RHS Partner Garden showcasing a large collection of conifers. Faithful recreations of local buildings, painstakingly crafted with little Islanders adding a touch of humour. Airfield, working railway and mind-bending model of the model of the model!

MOTTISTONE GARDENS

Mottistone, Newport PO30 4ED nationaltrust.org.uk/Mottistone-gardensand-estate Set in a sheltered valley with sea views, these magical gardens are full of surprises, with shrub-filled banks, hidden pathways and herbaceous borders, bursting with bright reds, purples and oranges, surrounding an ancient manor house. Small kitchen garden stocked with seasonal fruit and veg and attractive tea garden. See website for opening times.

Culver Parade, Sandown, PO36 8AT sandhamgardens.com On the northern side of Sandown, Sandham Gardens is the ideal place to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family. A great day out for all ages including Skynets – “The Big Bounce”, Sandham Karts and Dino Islands – “A Golf Adventure”, with a backdrop of stunning sea views.

VENTNOR BOTANIC GARDEN

Undercliff Drive, Ventnor PO38 1UL botanic.co.uk Enjoy 6,000 species of rare and exotic plants throughout 22 acres of tropical open-air gardens. VBG’s Plantation Room Café serves food and drink throughout the day, and PUYA boutique shop offers garden gifts, children’s toys and VBG’s very own beer. 2022 marks the garden’s 50th anniversary.

SHOPPING

DORESHILL FARM EMPORIUM

Briddlesford Rd, Wootton Bridge, Ryde PO33 4RX doreshillfarmemporium.co.uk In rustic barns, Doreshill Farm Emporium has a wide range of antiques, collectables, jewellery, vinyls, furniture (antique, retro, painted and up-cycled), china, tools, curios, militaria and gardenalia from 25+ dealers. They are dogfriendly with free parking and a warm welcome. Open Thursdays to Sundays 10:30am – 4:30pm.

OASIS

Carpenters Rd, Brading, Sandown PO36 0QA oasis-iow.com Looking for something unique and exciting? Oasis is a very large shopping emporium, all on one level, with many rooms and passages, displaying their exciting collection of home gifts and furniture from around the world. Designed by Oasis, and at “direct import prices”. Coffee shop and large free car park.

MY FUNKY BAGS &

20 High St, Yarmouth PO41 0PL & 3 Shooter Hill, Cowes PO31 7BE myfunkybags.com My Funky Bags have been a huge success with their unique bags and baskets made from recycled water bottles and packing straps. Fabulous colours and designs, they are brilliant for boating, beaching, camping and travelling as they fold up! New range: My Funky Towels made from recycled cottons!

THOMAS COCHRAN JEWELLERY

Arreton Barns, Main Rd, Newport PO30 3AA thomaspcochran.com Bespoke creations of sterling silver and gold jewellery, inspired by the ocean – made to be worn anywhere, and taken from moulds of real shells, then cast in solid sterling silver. Handmade and finished in their workshop at Arreton Barns, sustainability is important to this family-run business, who use recycled silver.

THE LITTLE NOOK

12 Town Lane, Newport PO30 1JU thelittlenook.co.uk Artisan food and crafts from across the Isle of Wight, gathered and sold from this cute shop in the heart of Newport. A full range of Isle of Wight artisan products from cheese to chocolate, sold separately or take advantage of their bespoke hamper service and create a unique gift.

THE OLD SMITHY

High St, Godshill, Ventnor PO38 3HZ theoldsmithy.com Stroll through The Old Smithy’s beautiful gardens and browse their shops, choosing from a wide range of gifts; from cards to collectables, books, pictures, candles, pens, pottery, glassware and jewellery. Top clothing lines such as Masai, Seasalt and Soya Concept. Coffee shop with delicious home-made pastries, cakes and light meals.

YARMOUTH BARBERS AND CONNOISSEURS

The Square, Yarmouth PO41 0NR theyarmouthbarbersandconnoisseurs.com An oasis of luxury in the centre of Yarmouth, with the atmosphere of a gentleman’s club. Sample delicious wines and spirits whilst waiting for your traditional Master Barbers experience. Gentleman’s finery: Ettinger and Dalaco for leather goods, Lock and Co hat makers, Emmett’s country-style shirts, stylish cufflinks, luxury handkerchiefs, braces and Cuban cigars.

ZOOS & ANIMALS

AMAZON WORLD ZOO PARK

Watery Lane, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0LX amazonworld.co.uk The Island’s largest collection of exotic animals, including cats, meerkats, anteaters, tapirs, parrots and free flying birds. Riverbank with fish and crocodiles; nocturnal area with armadillo, loris, kinkajou, sloth and owl monkeys. Learn about the effect of deforestation on our planet. Jurassic playground, Monkey Madness soft play area and Adventurers Café.

BRIDDLESFORD FARM

Briddlesford Rd, Wootton Bridge, Ryde PO33 4RY briddlesford.co.uk Briddlesford Farm is home to a herd of beautiful, pedigree Guernsey cows, a farm shop, Bluebells café, heritage centre and a dairy, where the golden milk and cream is bottled and made into five cheeses, butter and clotted cream. Book a Welly Wednesday Farm Tour in the school holidays on 01983 882 885 or via the website.

ISLE OF WIGHT DONKEY SANCTUARY

Lower Winstone Farm, Ventnor PO38 3AA iowdonkeysanctuary.org With over 100 donkeys and a number of Shetland ponies, the Donkey Sanctuary invites you to get up close and personal with the donkeys and discover their welfare and rescue work. Donkey information trail, wildlife area, Donkey Grooming and half day Donkey Experiences. Gift shop, café, free parking – entry by donation.

ISLE OF WIGHT REPTILARIUM

Fort Victoria Country Park, Yarmouth PO41 0RR reptilarium.org The Island’s smallest licensed zoo, the Reptilarium at Fort Victoria is an indoor allweather attraction full of reptiles, amphibians and insects. The 33 exhibits include a nocturnal room where it’s night-time during the day to view nocturnal creatures, and a turtle temple indoor pond, housing rescued terrapins in the terrapin sanctuary.

MONKEY HAVEN

Five Acres Farm, Staplers Rd, Newport PO30 2NB monkeyhaven.org Swing on by to the award-winning primate rescue centre making animals and people happy! Meet rescued gibbons, monkeys, meerkats, owls and reptiles. Meet the latest arrivals: Great Grey Owls and endangered Diana Monkeys. Fun for everyone, including wonderful keeper talks, free app, children’s trail, tearoom, gift shop. Free return within a week.

NEWTOWN NATURE RESERVE

Town Lane, Newtown, PO30 4PA nationaltrust.org.uk/newtown-national-naturereserve-and-old-town-hall Newtown National Nature Reserve – wildlife and nature. Quiet paths wind through woods and meadows, and down by the natural harbour. The creeks and waterways are filled with the sounds of native and visiting birds, making Newtown one the best sites on the Island for birdwatching.

TAPNELL FARM PARK

Newport Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0YJ tapnellfarm.com/play Award-winning, all-weather family attraction with so much to see and do, indoors and outdoors! Two large straw adventure barns, go-karts, jumping pillows, sledge slides and soft play fun. Plus, meet the wallabies, meerkats and other animals in the paddocks and barn. Daily animal activities. Open two sessions daily. Online bookings only.

THE WILDHEART ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Yaverland Rd, Yaverland, Sandown PO36 8QB wildheartanimalsanctuary.org On the shores of Sandown Bay, The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a safe space for animals rescued from suffering to flourish in their forever home by the sea. From lions, tigers and servals to lemurs, monkeys and farm animals. Daily encounters and talks get you closer to each and every animal.

WEST WIGHT ALPACAS

Main Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0SZ westwightalpacas.co.uk Alpaca and Llama walking centre and park farm, with rare breed Wensleydale sheep, pigs, miniature donkeys, pony Frankie, plus friendly goats and poultry and ducks which you can feed. In Wellow, rural West Wight, on number 7 bus route. Café for really good coffee, cakes and famous freshly wood-fired Llama Tree sourdough pizzas.