Visit Isle of Wight Groups Guide

Group & travel trade guide

The essential guide for groups | tour operators | travel agents coach operators | destination management companies

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visitisleofwight.co.uk

Working with Visit Isle of Wight Visit Isle of Wight is the Destination Management Organisation for the Island. If you are in the travel trade or a group organiser and need support with planning your trip, then please get in touch.

Visit Isle of Wight can help you with:  Itineraries  Free toolkits, photographs, videos and other assets  Contacts so that you can build on-Island relationships  Advice on travel, accommodation, attractions and things to do  Press Office support  Familiarisation trips  Staging events on the Isle of Wight  Information on film locations.

Visit Isle of Wight works with:  VisitBritain  VisitEngland  Tourism South East  British Destinations  UKInbound  The Coach Tourism Association  Cross-Solent ferry operators  On-Island travel organisations  Isle of Wight Council  Representatives from over 1,000 of the Island’s tourism businesses.

Familiarisation visits If you’re in the travel trade or trade press, then join a familiarisation visit to see what’s on offer for groups and fully independent travellers. Please contact Visit Isle of Wight to register your interest.

Contact Travel Trade & Exhibitions Manager, Visit Isle of Wight, The Guildhall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1TY Telephone (44)1983 521555 extn 39 ©© For information about group visits go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/groups ©© For free resources, including toolkits and images, go to visitwightpro.com

COACH TOURISM

ASSOCIATION

Group & travel trade guide

Welcome This is an Island rich in history, where dinosaurs used to roam, and where Queen Victoria had her holiday home. There are festivals and events all year round, including the iconic Isle of Wight Festival and world-famous Cowes Week.

You’ll discover dramatic Downs, sweeping beaches, award-winning attractions, sophisticated coastal resorts and charming villages.

There’s so much to see and it’s all within easy reach.

Contents 4 The Island for everyone

6 Getting to the Isle of Wight 8 Crossing the Solent 10 Map of the Island 12 Group itineraries 14 Events for all seasons 16 Attractions 18 Attractions directory

22 Special interest tours & activities

42 Educational trips

34 Accommodation for groups

44 Filming & photography

35 Accommodation directory 38 Cycling 39 Walking 40 Tours 41 Eating & drinking

43 Weddings & celebrations 45 Meetings & conferences 46 Beaches & countryside 48 Towns & villages 50 Coach parking & facilities 51 Bus travel

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Compton Bay Shanklin Old Village

Freshwa

Osborne

Local produce

Plentiful pubs

Isle of Wight Steam Railway Dramatic scenery

Watersports

Group & travel trade guide

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Cycling in Sandown

The Island for everyone

ater Bay Borthwood Copse

The Isle of Wight has it all, from family friendly attractions to some of the best beaches in Britain. Plus so much more...  A true English Island experience where the holiday starts as you cross the Solent.

Car-free cycle routes Carisbrooke Castle

 Page 8

 A packed calendar of unique events including world-famous festivals.  Page 14

 A great selection of family attractions and historic landmarks – many welcome group visits.  Page 16

 A huge range of special interest activities in beautiful locations.

Coastal walks St Catherine’s Oratory and the Island’s dark skies

 Page 22

 Great value accommodation for groups, couples and families.  Page 34

 Welcoming pubs and restaurants with locally sourced food and drink.  Page 41

 A stunning coastline and diverse countryside.  Page 46

 Pretty coastal towns and chocolate-box villages.  Page 48

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Getting to the Isle of Wight

Birmingham

The Isle of Wight is located just off the south coast of England. Good transport links and frequent ferry crossings make this the ideal destination for visitors looking for a holiday or short break within the British Isles.

SOUTHAMPTON

POR

BY ROAD to Portsmouth or Southampton From London From Manchester From Birmingham

1 hour 4.5 hours 3 hours

BY RAIL to Portsmouth or Southampton From London From Manchester From Birmingham

1.5 hours 5 hours 2.5 hours

CROSSING THE SOLENT

VEHICLE FERRY Red Funnel Southampton – East Cowes Wightlink Portsmouth – Fishbourne Wightlink Lymington – Yarmouth

 Ferries 1 hour 45 mins 40 mins

PASSENGER FERRY Hovertravel hovercraft Southsea – Ryde 10 mins Red Funnel Red Jet Southampton – West Cowes 25 mins Wightlink Catamaran Portsmouth Harbour – Ryde 22 mins

There are three cross-Solent operators – see overleaf for details.

©hovertravel.co.uk © ©redfunnel.co.uk © ©wightlink.co.uk ©

Group & travel trade guide

LONDON

RTSMOUTH

 Trains

 Coaches

 Flights

There are excellent rail connections to all the major ferry ports, providing fast access to the Isle of Wight from across the UK. You can buy tickets that include your ferry crossing.

The bus stations at Portsmouth and Southampton are a short distance from the passenger ferry terminals.

‘All in one’ tickets are available, which include coach travel to the port, ferry travel and buses on the Island.

You can reach the Isle of Wight via flights into London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Bournemouth and Southampton airports.

©© nationalrail.co.uk ©© southwesternrailway.com

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Crossing the Solent There are up to 200 Isle of Wight ferry crossings a day from Portsmouth, Southsea, Southampton and Lymington. Or you could charter your own boat – lots of people do!

Hovertravel Hovertravel offers a unique way to cross the Solent, with the fastest crossing time of just ten minutes on the world’s only year-round commercial passenger hovercraft service. Operating over 60 crossings a day between Southsea and Ryde, Hovertravel connects foot passengers with easy onward connections to train, bus, coach and car hire options. Groups can see how the hovercraft works and experience its extreme manoeuvrability on exclusive charters. You can also take a hovercraft flight to Lee-on-Solent and visit the Hovercraft Museum.

Portsmouth Office: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3AD Main Office: Quay Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1HB ©© hovertravel.com info@hovertravel.com | 01983 717700

Group & travel trade guide

Red Funnel Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry, carrying passengers between Southampton and East/West Cowes on-board their vehicle and hi-speed ferries. Passengers on their vehicle ferries can enjoy free Wi-Fi, hot and cold food, a fully licensed bar, the premium ‘Signature Lounge’ and pet-friendly lounge, plus award-winning customer service from their friendly team.

Main office: Town Quay Road, Southampton S014 2AL ©© redfunnel.co.uk post@redfunnel.co.uk 02380 019192

Wightlink Wightlink is your link to the Isle of Wight. Day and night-time crossings mean that they’re ready to cross when you are. Choose from two convenient ferry routes with your vehicle: • Portsmouth to Fishbourne and • Lymington to Yarmouth.

Both offer easy routes from the mainland to the Isle of Wight, with excellent on board facilities where passengers and drivers can relax in the lounges whilst enjoying light refreshments or taking in the view from the outside decks. Alternatively, catch one of the FastCats..

Main office: Gunwharf Road, Portsmouth PO1 2LA ©© wightlink.co.uk/viow bookings@wightlink.co.uk 0333 999 7333

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Britain’s holiday Island

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Newtown Old Town Hall (NT)

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Other route

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Osborne House (EH)

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Railway

Brading Roman Villa

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Quarr Abbey

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Brighstone Village Museum (NT)

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Shipwreck Centre

8

Calbourne Water Mill

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St. Catherine’s Lighthouse

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Carisbrooke Castle (EH)

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Ventnor Botanic Gardens

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Cowes Maritime Museum

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Yarmouth Castle (EH)

21

Dimbola Museum & Galleries

2

Dinosaur Isle

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Moortown

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Spot height in metres

Ferguson Family Museum

Harbour / Marina

Fort Victoria Country Park, Planetarium, Model Railway, Reptilarium and Café

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Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet

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Airport / Airfield

Isle of Wight Observatory

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Viewpoint

Mottistone Manor Garden (NT)

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Mottistone Manor

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Family beach

Museum of Island History

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Quarr Abbey

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Footpath/trail

Needles Old Battery (NT)

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Ventnor Haven

3

Cycle track

Newport Roman Villa

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Nature reserve

Bowco

Thorncross

Bembridge Windmill (NT)

Wooded area

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Yafford

Appuldurcombe House (EH)

Car park adjacent to AONB area

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Tennyson Memorial

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Thorley Street

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Calbourne Classics, Three Gates Farm

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Dairy Deli

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Farmer Jack's

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The Food Hamper

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The Garlic Farm

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Group & travel trade guide

Southsea

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Map kindly supplied by the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership: wightaonb.org.uk

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The Island’s stunning and diverse coast and countryside landscape is our top attraction, and the Isle of Wight AONB Partnership play a leading role in nurturing and protecting this important asset for generations to come.

At just 23 miles across by 13 miles from north to south, the Isle of Wight is a compact and safe environment. Different landscapes can be found within just a few miles of each other, and you’re never more than 9 miles from the sea wherever you are.

The Partnership has representatives from many local, regional and national organisations and individuals, including the Destination Management Organisation, with a direct interest in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Group itineraries There’s so much to see – so where do you start?

These itineraries will help you to explore some of the major attractions and hidden gems...

1.

AY 1D

AY 1D 7.

Royal rendezvous Morning:  Visit Osborne, Queen Victoria’s palatial holiday home.  Walk or get the shuttle bus down to the private beach and see the Queen’s bathing machine.

Afternoon:  Go to St Mildred’s Church in Whippingham, which was the Royal family’s church.  See Queen Victoria’s pew.  Cross over the River Medina on the unique Floating Bridge to Cowes. Look around this sailing hot spot and pop into the Sir Max Aitken Museum to see nautical artifacts.  Walk to the Royal Yacht Squadron, which used to be Cowes Castle and one of Henry VIII’s sea defences.

1. St Mildred’s Church, Whippingham 2. The Needles 3. Brading Roman Villa

4. Isle of Wight Steam Railway 5. Shanklin Old Village 6. Godshill Model Village 7. The Drawing Room, Osborne

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England in a nutshell Morning:  Explore the ‘chocolate box’ village of Godshill.  Go to Godshill Model Village, which is a 1/10th scale model of the village itself.  Drop a penny in the wishing well at the Old Smithy… and make a wish.

Afternoon:  Wander around the beautiful Ventnor Botanic Garden.  Walk down to Steephill Cove. It’s an idyllic secluded spot.

‘Absolutely stuffed with exotic plants and all seemingly thriving in the unique Undercliff climate. It is a gem of a destination.’

TripAdvisor review of Ventnor Botanic Garden

Group & travel trade guide

AY 1D HEROES

Explore The Churchill Trail

all me a fanciful idiot, but whenever I visit the Island by way of the LymingtonYarmouth ferry, I look at the silhouette of the glorious Isle of Wight opening up before me and I think, “It’s a book! It’s like an open book!”

“Take it and com e to the Isle W here, far of Wi from the and tow noise of sm ght: n, oke I watch the twilight falling bro All aroun wn d a carele ss-ordere Close to d garden the ridge , of a noble do Tennyson wn.”

“She thinks of nothing but the Isle of Wight, and she calls it the Island, as if there were not another island in the world.”

tennyson to minghella An inspirational trail around the Island

WIN A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER AT KEATS COTTAGE, SHANKLIN

Christmas Eve - afternoon t followed by a 3 course dinn of wine.

Win a 3 night stay for two in this delightful boutique B&B in the heart of Shanklin Old Village this Christmas (24th, 25th & 26th December 2017).

Beautiful beaches and walks are close by and with meals and accommodation taken care of, all you’ll need to do is relax and enjoy a magical Christmas on the Isle of Wight.

Boxing Day – hearty break dinner with complimentary

Dickens on Winterbourne, Bonchurch

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I’m not the first writer to be inspired by this jewel of an island. From Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Anthony Minghella, writers have breathed the air here, walked the cliffs and gazed at the glittering sea – and then dashed home to put pen to paper.

The wilds of west Wight

The contemporary author Isabel Ashdown describes a “gentle energy in the air” here that makes her want to write, and I know exactly what she means.

Dickens felt it; Keats felt it. As a lucky visitor to this special place, I hope you feel it too.

Lynne Truss

CHURCHILL TRAIL Isle of Wight

ck on I was ba mes wish you?”

“I someti n; don’t at Sandow the shore rroll Lewis Ca

Cross Solent ferry travel included Find out more and enter the competition at visitisleofwight.co.uk/keatschristmas

“My favourite view in the world is of the Tennyson Down, as seen from the Military Road at sunset. Sheer beauty.”

Lynne Truss

“Some locations possess a special quality, a gentle energy in the air that makes me want to write; the Isle of Wight is one of those places.”

Isabel Ashdown

“It’s a great day for the Isle of Wight.”

“It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.”

‘..the tinny whirr of the candyfloss machine, the thump of the rubber fridge-lid, the rustle of sweets on weighing scales, the chip of coins being thrown into the open till.”

Queen Victoria

Philip Norman – Babycham Night

Anthony Minghella – accepting his Best Director Oscar

Morning:  Go and see The Needles rocks – world-famous chalk stacks at the western tip of the Island.

Follow the trails

 Shop for hand-blown glass and confectionery at The Needles Landmark Attraction.

Pick up a leaflet and follow one of the many trails around the Island.

 Take the chairlift to Alum Bay and see the cliffs with their multi-coloured sands.

Travel around the Island without a car and you’ll discover so much more. We have miles of footpaths, cycle and bridleways, an excellent bus network and our own unique train line.

To find out more about travel, accommodation, things to do and places to eat and drink go to

visitisleofwight.co.uk

VIOW Churchill trail 2019 cover.indd 1

17/06/2019 10:05

 Walk along the pier with an ice-cream.

The Literary Festival takes place in October and is mainly based at Northwood House, a Grade II* Georgian manor house set in 20 acres of parkland in the heart of Cowes.

isleofwightliteraryfestival.com

The Churchill Trail: See places that were important to Sir Winston Churchill, a lifelong visitor to the Island.

CAR FERRY Wightlink Portsmouth – Fishbourne Wightlink Lymington – Yarmouth Red Funnel Southampton – East Cowes

45 minutes 40 minutes 1 hour

PASSENGER FERRY Red Funnel Red Jet Southampton – West Cowes Wightlink Catamaran Portsmouth Harbour – Ryde Hovertravel Southsea – Ryde

25 minutes 22 minutes 10 minutes

rom 1853 until his death in 1892,

Farringford was the main home of the renowned Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

In this secluded spot on the Isle of Wight the new Poet Laureate produced some of his most famous works: Maud was composed in the attic, Enoch Arden in the summer house and Idylls of the King in the library. Farringford also attracted many of Tennyson’s eminent friends, becoming a locus of literary and artistic activity.

Since 2012 this dramatic Gothic house has been meticulously restored and decorated in a late 19thcentury style that reflects the Tennysons’ tastes and interests. The grounds have also been returned to their authentic Tennyson-era appearance, complete with enchanting walled garden.

Farringford is now open to the public as an historic home. Holidaymakers also have the opportunity to enjoy a stay in our self-catering accommodation, situated in the house and grounds.

Explore Victoria’s Island: Walk in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, who built a family home here.

This brochure was funded by the Isle of Wight Business Improvement District.

Northwood House

The writers Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Charles Kingsley, William Allingham, Coventry Patmore and Henry Longfellow were among many accomplished visitors.

Please visit farringford.co.uk to book a trip and learn more about Tennyson, his circle and the enduring appeal of his magnificent poetry.

3 S AY D

Day 1 Olde worlde charm Morning:  Start in Shanklin Old Village, with its thatched cottages, quaint shops and traditional tea rooms.  Walk down Shanklin Chine, a stunning tree lined gorge with paths passing waterfalls and rare ferns and grasses. Exit at the beach.

Afternoon:  Enjoy ice-cream or fish and chips in the traditional sea-side cafés on Shanklin Esplanade and play ‘crazy-golf’ on the ‘prom’.  Stroll along the coastal path towards Sandown.

4.

Day 2 Time travel Morning:  Visit Cowes, famous for sailing and yacht racing. You can find out more about maritime heritage at The Sir Max Aitken Museum and Classic Boat Museum.  Book a boat trip with commentary around Cowes Harbour.

Afternoon:  Head to Havenstreet and then it’s all aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. You’ll encounter majestic steam engines, quiet rural stations, and traditionally uniformed staff.  Visit the Train Story Discovery Centre and see historic train carriages up close.

COMPETITION CLOSES 31ST OC

“There was a You Whose shoe-string s She purchased som And some small spo And frequently wal

Edward Lear

To read more q our Literary please

visitisleofwi

Past speakers include Max Hastings, Mary Berry, Victoria Hislop, Simon Callow, Alan Johnson, Kate Mosse, Michael Morpurgo, Celia Imrie, Peter and Dan Snow. There is also a vibrant youth programme.

Literary Heroes: Discover where authors including Alfred, Lord Tennyson, found inspiration.

5.

Discover more about histor keatscottage.co.uk

Continuing the rich literary tradition of the Island, the Isle of Wight Literary Festival was founded in 2012. Offering a diverse and thought-provoking programme, events feature poets, politicians, historians, biographers, journalists, fiction writers, actors and scientists.

By Sea

Afternoon:  Visit the pretty harbour town of Yarmouth.

Christmas Day - leisurely br Bucks Fizz. 4 course Christm of Prosecco & a glass of Por

Prize includes: Three nights accommodation in the stylish Keats Cottage B&B, named after respected poet John Keats who stayed and wrote here in the 19th century.

Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

“It is the prettiest place I ever saw in my life.”

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3.

Day 3 Roman holiday Morning:  Visit Ryde, known as ‘The Town on the Beach.’ It has a massive stretch of golden sand and one of the longest piers in the country.  Look out for the hovercrafts coming and going in a blaze of red, white and blue.

Afternoon:  Visit Brading Roman Villa, one of the finest Roman sites in the country with beautifully preserved mosaic floors.  Look out for the Medusa mosaic, which was believed to ward off evil and protect the home.

Tennyson

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Events for all seasons

1.

There’s always something happening on the Isle of Wight, whether you’re into food, music, literature, art, theatre, sports or sailing. There are exciting events and festivals all year round, taking place in spectacular settings...

February Spirit of the Orient at Robin Hill – the ancient woodland is transformed into a magical illuminated forest, with mind-boggling light tricks, acrobatics and circus displays.

March/April Mother’s Day – special events take place at attractions across the Island, including the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Monkey Haven.

Easter Weekend – go egg hunting at places including the Osborne estate (English Heritage) and Mottistone Gardens (National Trust).

May Annual Isle of Wight Real Ale Festival – fans of craft beer head for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for the annual ale fest.

Isle of Wight Randonnee – hundreds of cyclists tackle the Round the Island route in this popular challenge.

Wolverton Folk & Blues Fair – listen to music in the beautiful grounds of Wolverton Manor, near Shorwell.

Hullabaloo – enjoy a family celebration that mashes up everything from science to circus skills, by the sea in Sandown.

Isle of Wight Walking Festival – a packed programme of walking tours and activities for all ages and abilities.

Steam Gala - see steam engines of all shapes and sizes at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, with the restored locomotives as the stars of the show.

Victorian Grand Fete at Osborne – bring a picnic, try traditional entertainments, and meet ‘Queen Victoria’!

Isle of Wight Jazz Festival – hear great live music around Newport.

Round the Island Race – one of the largest participant sporting events in the world. Thousands of yachts sail around the Island from Cowes in this annual spectacle.

July 1940s Experience at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway – step back in time with vintage train travel, music, dancing and fashions.

Rhythmtree – a diverse, family friendly festival specialising in world music.

British Classic Week – an annual regatta with beautiful boats competing in races around Cowes.

Evening entertainments start at Robin Hill, Blackgang Chine and The Needles Landmark Attraction.

August

June

Carnival season on the Island! Look out for the amazing parades and illuminated carnivals.

Isle of Wight Festival – get ready to party, as the biggest names in rock and pop head for the Island.

The Great Wonderfest – a family festival with camping and top pop acts.

Isle of Wight Festival of Running – stretch your legs in the wonderful West Wight countryside. There are runs for all abilities.

The Chale Show – a classic agricultural show with family entertainment on a clifftop overlooking the sea.

Isle of Wight Mardi Gras – an explosion of sequins and colour in Ryde, hosted by the New Carnival Company.

Ventnor Fringe – music, theatre, poetry and art exhibitions take over the seaside resort of Ventnor.

Royal Isle of Wight County Show – a fun rural day out at the County Showground near Cowes, with farm animals, tractors and displays.

Group & travel trade guide

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Cowes Week – the biggest competitive sailing event in the world attracting thousands of visitors for the races, entertainment, food and fireworks. The races include SailGP, with the world’s fastest sailing boats.

September

King’s Cup - a major celebrity filled sailing event, hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in support of their charitable causes.

International Classic Car Show – vintage vehicles from all over the country line up along Newport Quay and in Ryde.

Jack up the Summer – dig out your ra-ra skirts and vogue along to musical legends from the 1980s and 1990s.

Bembridge Harbour Food Festival – look around, nibble samples, and buy locally made gourmet treats.

The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival – a fun-filled weekend with a focus on garlic produce from the nearby Garlic Farm including garlic beer and ice cream.

The Island Steam Show – a chance to see vintage steam engines up close at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Isle of Wight International Scooter Rally – over the August Bank Holiday, thousands of Mods on scooters descend on the Island for their annual rally.

Isle of Wight Proms – open-air classical music, from opera to musical theatre, in the grounds of Northwood House in Cowes.

1. Isle of Wight Festival 2. Spirit of the Orient at Robin Hill 3. Round the Island Yacht Race 4. Isle of Wight Literary Festival 5. Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 5. Evening entertainment at The Needles Landmark Attraction

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Arreton Sweetcorn Fayre – a sweetcorn themed event with live music, children’s entertainment, cooking demos, and a beer festival.

Isle of Wight Day – celebrate all that’s magical about the Isle of Wight.

Heritage Open Day – discover the history of the Isle of Wight at various locations throughout the Island.

October Classic Beer, Buses and Walks weekend – jump on one of the vintage buses taking thirsty passengers to and from the Island’s top pubs.

Harp on Wight – harp music comes to the seaside town of Ryde with live performances and lessons.

Isle of Wight Literary Festival – wellknown authors and writers inspire readers with talks and interviews, at historic Northwood House in Cowes.

Festival of the Dead at Robin Hill – a flamboyant event inspired by South America.

6.

Halloween – events take place throughout the Island, with ghost walks and scary shenanigans at the Island’s attractions including Spooky Castle at Carisbrooke Castle; Frights & Sprites and Terror Island fright nights at Blackgang Chine; and Newport’s annual Spooks & Sparks evening.

November/December Osborne - the house is decorated for Christmas in traditional style, and there’s a Victorian Christmas weekend with sideshows and a cast of costumed Victorian characters.

Meet Santa – there are Santa Specials at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

You can also meet the big man at The Needles Landmark Attraction.

POLAR at Robin Hill – immerse yourself in a woodland world of winter magic with special surprises.

Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival – over 200 themed Christmas trees around the pretty village.

Christmas fairs and winter carnivals – look out for events in all the larger towns.

Christmas at Quarr Abbey – visit the Benedictine monastery near Binstead and feast on mince pies at the café.

Christmas Carol Service at St Mildred’s Church in Whippingham – this festive favourite is held at Queen Victoria’s Church.

16 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Attractions The Isle of Wight has many award-winning attractions that welcome groups.

‘So charming, you keep expecting to see fairies’

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TripAdvisor comment about Shanklin Chine

Group & travel trade guide 1. Shanklin Chine 2. Osborne 3. Brading Roman Villa 4. Blackgang Chine 5. Needles Landmark Attraction

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W

hen people are asked what they know about the Isle of Wight, ‘The Needles’ isn’t far from their lips. This is a great starting point for your Island adventure. You can view the iconic chalk stacks from above, then get the chairlift down to Alum Bay, which is famous for its multicoloured sands. There are 21 officially recognised colours!

Amusement parks

Discounts

Many attractions offer discounts, depending on how many people you’re bringing.

Groups of 10+  Brading Roman Villa  Dimbola Museum & Galleries  Dinosaur Isle

All ages will love The Needles Landmark Attraction, where you can watch sweets being made, go on fairground rides and experience an immersive 4D cinema. Blackgang Chine is the oldest amusement park in the country, with favourites like Cowboy Town, and life sized animatronic dinosaurs. At Robin Hill there are thrilling rides, birds of prey displays, and a ‘Jungle Heights’ tree top adventure.

 Ventnor Botanic Garden

Animal attractions

Groups of 11+

Go wild at one of the animal attractions including Monkey Haven, where you can meet rescued primates and birds of prey, plus the Isle of Wight Zoo, Amazon World and Tapnell Farm Park.

 English Heritage’s Osborne, Carisbrooke Castle and Yarmouth Castle

Historic days out Visit world famous sites including Queen Victoria’s seaside palace at Osborne and Carisbrooke Castle which imprisoned King Charles I. Explore Dimbola Museum and Galleries for pioneering Victorian photography, and travel back in time on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Go further back in history at Brading Roman Villa. There’s also Dinosaur Isle, Europe’s only purpose built dinosaur museum.

 Island Planetarium, Fort Victoria  Isle of Wight Steam Railway  Isle of Wight Zoo  Monkey Haven

Groups of 15+  Shanklin Chine  The National Trust’s Mottistone Garden and Needles Old Battery

Groups of 20+  Amazon World  Blackgang Chine

Tour tips  Book in advance – you may have to pay in advance too.  Ask if the organiser and coach driver will get in free.  Ask if they can offer you a guided tour.  Check that you can park nearby – this isn’t a problem for the larger attractions.  Ask how accessible the attraction is, if any of your group are elderly or have special needs.

 Godshill Model Village  Robin Hill  Tapnell Farm Park

Groups of 25+  The Needles Landmark Attraction

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18 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Attractions directory Attraction

Location

Website

Activity Island Limited

Various / PO36 0LX

activityisland.com

Adgestone Vineyard

Sandown PO36 0ES

adgestonevineyard.co.uk

Adventure Activities at Whitecliff Bay

Bembridge PO35 5PL

adventureactivitiesisleofwight.co.uk

Adventure Activities Isle of Wight

Totland Bay PO39 0HE

adventureactivitiesisleofwight.co.uk

Allnatt Outdoors East Dene

Bonchurch PO38 1RQ

allnatt.co.uk

Amazon World Zoo Park & Soft Play

Newchurch PO36 0LX

amazonworld.co.uk

Apollo Theatre

Newport PO30 1JT

apollo-theatre.org.uk

Appuldurcombe House

Wroxall PO38 3EW

english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/appuldurcombehouse

Arreton Barns

Arreton PO30 3AA

arretonbarns.co.uk

Bembridge Harbour Authority

St Helens PO33 1YB

bembridgeharbour.co.uk

Bembridge Heritage Centre

Bembridge PO35 5SF

bembridgeheritage.org.uk

Bembridge Lifeboat Station

Bembridge PO35 5TD

bembridgelifeboat.org.uk

Bembridge Powerboat Training & Charter

St Helens PO33 1YB

powerboat-training.com

Bembridge Windmill

Bembridge PO35 5SQ

nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight

Blackgang Chine

Chale PO38 2HN

blackgangchine.com

Bonchurch Pottery

Ventnor PO38 1NR

bonchurchpottery.co.uk

Brading Roman Villa

Brading PO36 0PH

bradingromanvilla.org.uk

Brading Station Heritage Brading PO36 0DY Exhibition and Visitor Centre

brading.gov.uk/town-council/town-council-assets/ brading-station/

Briddlesford Lodge Farm

Wootton Bridge PO33 4RY

briddlesford.co.uk

Browns Family Golf

Sandown PO36 8QA

brownsfamilygolf.com

Butterfly World Isle of Wight Wootton Bridge PO33 4RW

butterflyworldiow.com

Calbourne Water Mill

Calbourne PO30 4JN

calbournewatermill.co.uk

Carisbrooke Castle

Newport PO30 1XY

english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carisbrooke-castle

Carisbrooke Castle Museum

Newport PO30 1XY

carisbrookecastlemuseum.org.uk

Cineworld Isle of Wight

Newport PO30 2TA

cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/newport-isle-of-wight

Coral Star Cruises

Yarmouth PO41 0NT

coralstar.co.uk

Cowes Cycling

Cowes PO31 7PQ

cowescycling.co.uk

Cowes Golf Club

Cowes PO31 8HN

cowesgolfclub.co.uk

Cowes Harbour Commission

West Cowes PO31 7AS

cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

Cowes Maritime Museum

West Cowes PO31 7SG

iwight.com/museums

Cowes Yacht Haven Ltd

West Cowes PO31 7BD

cowesyachthaven.com

Chessell Pottery CafĂŠ

Yarmouth PO41 0UE

chessellpotterycafe.co.uk

Classic Boat Museum

Cowes PO32 6EZ

classicboatmuseum.com

Group & travel trade guide

Attraction

Location

Website

Dimbola Museum and Galleries

Freshwater Bay PO40 9QE

dimbola.co.uk

Dinosaur Expeditions, Conservation & Palaeoart Centre

Brighstone PO30 4PG

dinosaurexpeditions.co.uk

Dinosaur Isle

Sandown PO36 8QA

dinosaurisle.com

Donkey Sanctuary

Wroxhall PO38 3AA

iowdonkeysanctuary.org

East Cowes Heritage Centre

East Cowes PO32 6EP

isleofwightsociety.org.uk/heritage.aspx

Farringford

Freshwater Bay PO40 9PE

farringford.co.uk

Ferguson Family Museum

Freshwater PO40 9TL

ferguson-museum.co.uk

First Contact Boat Charter

Yarmouth PO41 0NT

boat-charters.uk.com

Fitness at Gurnard

Gurnard, Cowes PO31 8QE

fitnessatgurnard.co.uk

Fort Victoria Country Park

Yarmouth PO41 0RR

fortvictoria.co.uk

Fort Victoria Model Railway

Yarmouth PO41 0RR

fortvictoriamodelrailway.co.uk

Freshwater Bay Golf Club

Freshwater PO40 9TZ

freshwaterbaygolfclub.co.uk

Glory Art Glass

Sandown PO36 8HX

gloryartglass.net

Godshill Model Village

Godshill PO38 3HH

modelvillagegodshill.co.uk

Goodleaf Tree Climbing

Ryde PO33 1ND

goodleaf.co.uk

Haven Falconry Bird of Prey Centre

Havenstreet PO33 4DS

haven-falconry.co.uk

Hill Farm Riding Stables

Freshwater PO40 9TQ

hillfarmstables.com

Holliers Park & House of Chilli

Sandown PO36 0LT

houseofchilli.com

Hover Experience

Ryde PO33 2HB

hovertravel.co.uk/fares-services/hover-experience

Island Planetarium

Yarmouth PO41 0RR

islandastronomy.co.uk

Island Riding Centre

Newport PO30 2NB

islandriding.com

Island Speedway

Ryde PO33 4BH

warriors-speedway.com

Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum

Ryde PO33 2BE

iwbusmuseum.org.uk

Isle of Wight Distillery

Ryde PO33 1PX

isleofwightdistillery.com

Isle of Wight Ghost Experience

Various

iwghostexperience.co.uk

Isle of Wight Guided Tours

Various

isleofwightguidedtours.co.uk

Isle of Wight Pearl

Brighstone PO30 4DD

iowpearl.co.uk

Isle of Wight Reptilarium

Yarmouth PO41 0RR

reptilarium.org

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Havenstreet PO33 4DS

iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Isle of Wight Studio Glass

Arreton PO30 3AA

isleofwightstudioglass.co.uk

Isle of Wight Zoo

Sandown PO36 8QB

isleofwightzoo.com

iSURF

Compton PO30 4HB

iowsurf.com

JR Zone

Newport PO30 5FA

jrzone.co.uk

Kingswood

Bembridge PO35 5PH

kingswood.co.uk/activity-centres/isle-of-wight

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20 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Attractions directory Attraction

Location

Website

Light at Night Photography

Islandwide PO33 2ED

timwells.photography

Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum

Brading PO36 0DJ

lilliputmuseum.co.uk

Medina Leisure Centre

Newport PO30 2DX

1leisure.co.uk

Monkey Haven

Newport PO38 3JG

monkeyhaven.org

Moor Active (Segway)

Godshill PO38 3JG

mooractive.co.uk

Mottistone Gardens

Mottistone PO30 4ED

nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight

Museum of Island History

Newport PO30 1TY

iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/ MuseumofIslandHistory/Museum-of-Island-History

Needles Pleasure Cruises

Totland Bay PO39 0JD

needlespleasurecruises.co.uk

Newport Golf Club

Newport PO30 3BA

newportgolfclub.co.uk

Newport Minster

Newport PO30 1SL

newportminster.org

Newport Roman Villa

Newport PO30 1HA

iwight.com/museums

Newtown Old Town Hall

Newtown PO30 4PA

nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight

Oasis The Shop

Brading PO36 0QA

oasis-iow.co.uk

Ocean Blue Sea Charters

Bonchurch PO38 1RL

oceanbluequay.co.uk

Osborne

East Cowes PO32 6JX

english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne

Peter Pan's Playground

Ryde PO33 2DZ

visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/ryde-beach-p969861

Pot Black Bar

Shanklin PO37 7AF

visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/pot-blackbar-p1693951

Quarr Abbey

Ryde PO33 4ES

quarrabbey.org

Quay Arts

Newport PO30 5BD

quayarts.org

Robin Hill

Newport PO30 2NU

robin-hill.com

Rosemary Vineyard

Ryde PO33 4BE

rosemaryvineyard.co.uk

Routefifty7 Bike Hire

Shanklin PO37 7LL

routefifty7.com

Ryde Golf Club

Ryde PO33 3NF

rydegolfclub.org

Ryde Heritage Centre

Ryde PO33 2LQ

historicrydesociety.com

Ryde Superbowl

Ryde PO33 2EL

rydesuperbowl.com

Rylstone Tea Gardens and Crazy Golf

Shanklin PO37 6RG

facebook.com/rylstoneteagardens

Sally's Riding School

Bembridge PO35 5TR

sallysridingschool.com

Sandham Gardens

Sandown PO36 8AT

Sandhamgardens.com

Sandown Pier

Sandown PO36 8JT

sandownpier.co.uk

Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club

Lake PO36 9PR

ssgolfclub.com

Shanklin Chine

Shanklin PO37 6BW

shanklinchine.co.uk

Shanklin Seafront

Shanklin PO37 6BG

shanklinseafront.co.uk

Shanklin Theatre

Shanklin PO37 6AJ

shanklintheatre.com

Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum

Arreton PO30 3AA

shipwreckcentre.com

Group & travel trade guide

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Attraction

Location

Website

Sir Max Aitken Museum

Cowes PO31 7AJ

sirmaxaitkenmuseum.org

Solent & Wightline Cruises

Cowes PO31 7BX

solentcruises.co.uk

St Catherine's Lighthouse

Niton PO38 2NF

trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouses-and-lightvessels/ st-catherines-lighthouse

St Catherine's Oratory The Pepperpot

Niton PO38 2JB

english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-catherinesoratory

Tackt-Isle Adventures

St Helens PO33 1YB

tackt-isle.co.uk

Tapnell Farm Park

Yarmouth PO41 0YJ

tapnellfarmpark.com

The Garlic Farm

Newchurch PO36 0NR

thegarlicfarm.co.uk

The Heights Leisure Centre

Sandown PO36 9ET

1leisure.co.uk

The Needles Landmark Attraction

Alum Bay PO39 0JD

theneedles.co.uk

The Needles Old Battery & New Battery

Alum Bay PO39 0JH

nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight

The Wight Military & Heritage Museum

Cowes PO31 8QU

wmahm.org.uk

Trinity Theatre

West Cowes PO31 7QR

caods.org.uk

Two Elements - Mountain Bike & Standup Paddle Board Hire

Cowes PO31 7QN

twoelements.co.uk

UKSA

West Cowes PO31 7PQ

uksa.org/leisure-courses

Ventnor Botanic Garden

St Laurence PO38 1UL

botanic.co.uk

Ventnor Golf Club

Ventnor PO38 1BP

ventnorgolfclub.co.uk

Waterside Pool

Ryde PO33 1JA

watersidepool.co.uk

West Bay

Yarmouth PO41 0RJ

thewestbaycottages.co.uk/discover/wellness-club-and-spa

West Wight Alpacas

Yarmouth PO41 0SZ

westwightalpacas.co.uk

West Wight Sports and Community Centre

Freshwater PO40 9XH

westwight.org.uk

Westridge Golf Centre

Ryde PO33 1QS

westridgegolfcentre.co.uk

Whistle and Hound (Workshops)

Freshwater PO40 9AS

whistleandhound.co.uk

Wight Cycle Hire

Yarmouth PO41 0QT

wightcyclehire.co.uk

Wight Karting

Ryde PO33 1QS

wightkarting.co.uk

Yarmouth Castle

Yarmouth PO41 0PB

english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/yarmouthcastle

ŠŠ For a full list of attractions please go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/attractions

22 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Special interest tours & activities The Island is the perfect place to follow your passion. From star gazing to salsa, or real ales to royalty, we’ve got it covered, whether you’re looking for one-off workshops or a specialist break for your group or clients.

1. Dark skies at St Catherine’s Oratory 2. Standup Paddle boarding with Tackt-Isle 3. Newtown National Nature Reserve

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Group & travel trade guide

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Action & adventure

Astronomy

Challenge your group to tackle activities ranging from axe throwing to aqua zorbing. Try something new like bushcraft, coasteering, Bubble Blitz or mountain boarding.

You will be safely supervised by Adventure Activities or Tackt-Isle Adventures. Or try LYC’s Operation IOW and experience an overnight stay in an army barracks with pyrotechnics, high ropes, and canoes – you’ll be flown in by helicopter!

Travel through the universe at the Island Planetarium, visiting the moon and then heading deep into outer space. You can also discover all about the astronomer Robert Hooke who was born in nearby Freshwater.

©© adventureactivitiesuk.com/isle-of-wight ©© tackt-isle.co.uk

Suitably inspired, go stargazing with the Vectis Astronomical Society - their observatory in Newchurch is open to visitors every Thursday evening. ©© fortvictoria.co.uk/planetarium.html ©© wightastronomy.org

©© lycevents.co.uk/events/operation-iow

Animal experiences Be a Keeper for the Day at Monkey Haven, where you can feed the rescued marmosets, or meet the cheeky meerkats at Amazon World. You could also take a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the rescued big cats at the Isle of Wight Zoo. Or how about helping out at the The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary? You could groom the rescued animals and take them on a walk. Or go trekking with adorable Suri alpacas and Argentine woolly llamas at West Wight Alpacas.

Alternatively, book a tour with the The Isle of Wight Deer Farm to see Red Deer and Fallow Deer. ©© monkeyhaven.org/visit/keeper-for-the-day ©© amazonworld.co.uk/animals.htm ©© isleofwightzoo.com/animal-experiences ©© iowdonkeysanctuary.org ©© westwightalpacas.co.uk ©© isleofwightdeerfarm.co.uk/tours

Archery Shoot over to one of the Island’s Warner Leisure Hotels to practice archery in an all weather range. Adventure Activities also offer expert tuition to help you aim with precision and learn this Olympic sport. There are challenges and games designed for groups.

Birdwatching Owned by the RSPB, the nature reserve at Brading Marshes has miles of quiet footpaths with viewing points along the way. There are two trails – one will take around two hours, the other is three hours. Guided walks are often available. Keep your eyes peeled, as you could see birds of prey, woodpeckers, and the Island’s famous red squirrels.

Newtown National Nature Reserve is also great for exploring, with its harbour, wildflower meadows, woodlands and nature trails. It’s owned by the National Trust and has a visitor centre and two hides including one with a solarpowered telescope for you to spy on the rare birds.

Go on a Needles Pleasure Cruises trip or a charter boat with Bob Gawn’s Wight Sapphire and take a thrilling tour around the iconic Needles, with views of the multicoloured sands at Alum Bay. Travel in a traditional wooden boat on the Coral Star.

Cruises go from lovely Yarmouth to The Needles rocks, plus you’ll get commentary and a licensed bar.

Or stay at The Garlic Farm, and enjoy being introduced by Natural Links to a range of birds including peacocks. ©© rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/ brading-marshes ©© nationaltrust.org.uk/newtown-national-naturereserve-and-old-town-hall ©© gawnfishing.co.uk/about ©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/coral-star-p1466921 ©© natural-links.co.uk

©© warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/bembridge-coast-hotel

©© needlespleasurecruises.co.uk

©© adventureactivitiesuk.com/our-adventures/archery

©© thegarlicfarm.co.uk/visit/calendar

24 visitisleofwight.co.uk

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Bowling & skittles

Cooking

You’ll be bowled over by Warner Leisure Hotels – they offer bowls breaks from September to April where you can play on championship-standard indoor rinks at Bembridge Coast Hotel.

The Island is a gourmet’s paradise, so it’s a great place to improve your culinary skills. The Four Seasons Cookery Academy in Cowes is run by Michele Newton who is an experienced restaurateur and caterer – her areas of expertise include fussy eaters, special diets and diabetes.

Over at sunny Sandown, the Trouville Hotel can arrange short mat bowls indoors for your group – or they’ll help you to sort out outdoor competitions with local teams.

Ryde Superbowl has 22 lanes of computerised tenpin bowling. Alternatively, how about skittles? IOW Tours host skittles tournaments at Shanklin’s Ocean View Hotel (which also has an indoor pool). ©© warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/discover/things-to-do/ bowls ©© trouvillehotel.co.uk/group-breaks/isle-of-wightbowling-holidays ©© rydesuperbowl.com ©© iowtours.com/eventtags/skittles

Buses Groups are welcome at the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum. Located in an art deco depot in Ryde, you can see around 20 historic vehicles and then sit on a bus to have a cuppa. Entrance is free! They also run the Classic Buses, Beer and Walking Weekend in October when vintage vehicles come from all over the country to take people around the Island to pubs serving real ales. ©© iwbusmuseum.org.uk/visiting-us ©© iwbeerandbuses.co.uk

Blue Skies Bakehouse will teach you how to make your own sourdough bread. It’s just a short distance from the ferry in Yarmouth (max four people per course). ©© cookeryacademy.co.uk ©© blueskiesbakehouse.com

Crafts Quay Arts is the Island’s leading arts venue, and a fun place for getting crafty and creative. It’s based in a converted warehouse, with a café, shop and outdoor terrace overlooking the River Medina. Participants can try their hand at pottery or printmaking, with other options throughout the year including dance, sculpture, jewellery making and life drawing.

Specialist classes are also held at the Whistle and Hound in Freshwater, where you can make everything from bath bombs to festival flower crowns.

The Garlic Farm runs pompom making and watercolour painting workshops.

Candle making workshops are offered by ChilliWinter covering a range of candle making techniques.

Or stay in a ‘boutique retreat village’ with Tiny Homes Holidays and learn a new skill, like willow weaving or Christmas wreath making.

Classic cars

©© quayarts.org

The Island hosts a number of classic car rallies throughout the year – but the biggest is the Isle of Wight International Classic Car Show event in September. Go and see the vintage cars – some of them are custom built, and many are rare. If you want to show your classic car, you’ll need to register in advance.

©© thegarlicfarm.co.uk/visit/calendar

©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/international-classiccar-show-newport-quay-p1235541

1. Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum 2. Isle of Wight International Classic Car Show at Newport Quay 3. ChilliWinter workshop 4. Cycling around the Island

©© whistleandhound.co.uk ©© chilliwinter.co.uk/workshops ©© tinyhomesholidays.com

Group & travel trade guide

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Cycling

Drinks

The Isle of Wight has been dubbed ‘Bicycle Island’ as it’s one of the top places in the world for cycling, according to Lonely Planet. There are flat cycle paths and rural roads, as well as extreme challenges over the chalky Downs.

Holidaying can be thirsty work, so visit the Isle of Wight Distillery in Pondwell where they make Mermaid Gin. Kick back with a G&T on the terrace and admire the views over the valley.

You can cycle all the way around the Island, which is a 65 mile route through beautiful countryside, with sweeping sea views. Go in your group, or take part in the Randonnee in May, a round-the-island cycling event, with over 3000 cyclists participating.

Meanwhile in Sandown, beer fans will love Boojum & Snark, a micro-brewery with a mini museum, café and shop.

©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/cycling

Dancing Shake a leg in Sandown – the Trouville Hotel has the Island’s largest ballroom, with a fabulous maple sprung dance floor. It’s perfect for all styles, including rock ‘n’ roll, ballroon, latin and salsa.

You could also book a ballroom dancing break in Bembridge with Warner Leisure Hotels. Sequins are compulsory! ©© trouvillehotel.co.uk/group-breaks/dance-breaks-andholidays/ ©© warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/bembridge-coasthotel

Or stroll around the traditional vines at Rosemary Vineyard, and see how wines, juices, liqueurs and cider are made. Obviously make time for tastings!

At Adgestone Vineyard you can enjoy a Grape to Glass audio tour which guides you around the 10 acre site. The tour is followed by a wine tasting session where you can discover the tricks of the trade. ©© isleofwightdistillery.com ©© facebook.com/pg/boojumandsnarkIOW ©© rosemaryvineyard.co.uk/visitingthevineyard ©© adgestonevineyard.co.uk/index.php/tours

English tuition Learn English at an accredited English school, on the beautiful Island. The Isle of Wight is one of the oldest and most popular destinations for EF students aged 10-14.

Every summer, host families open up their homes to welcome the young students, while lessons take place at the Isle of Wight College. ©© iwcollege.ac.uk/information/study-information/ international-courses-information/english-summerschool

Over 100 classic buses travel around the Island for one weekend every year taking passengers on tours of over 100 pubs serving real ale Classic Buses, Beer and Walking Weekend

26 visitisleofwight.co.uk

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2.

Fencing

Fossil hunting

En garde! Book fun fencing sessions with Warner Leisure Hotels.

The Isle of Wight is also known as ‘Dinosaur Island’ as it’s one of the best places in Europe to find fossils. Entire skeletons have been stumbled upon by holidaymakers, but you’ll maximise your chances of success on a guided tour. There are plenty to choose from including Dinosaur Isle, Dinosaur Expeditions and Island Gems.

©© warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/bembridge-coasthotel

Fishing

©© dinosaurisle.com

What a place to fish! Surrounded by sea, we’ve got everything for anglers of all abilities. Sea anglers could catch flounders, bass, dogfish, and even sharks.

Freshwater angling is available in many private reservoirs and lakes where the fish include trout, carp and perch.

If you don’t land anything, then head for one of our fabulous seafood restaurants for dinner!

©© island-gems.co.uk/fossil_man.html

©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/fishing

Food Tickle your tastebuds at The Garlic Farm where there are talks, tours and tasters of bulb-based products. The shop has curiosities including garlic beer and garlic fudge.

You can also see where garlic is grown on a farm walk or tractor tour. Workshops for groups include cooking demos, foraging and garlic growing.

You can get up close to farm animals at Briddlesford Lodge Farm, where Island milk and cheese is made.

Meet the award winning Guernsey herd and see various artefacts used in milking. They specialise in educational visits and the owners are qualified under the Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme.

Another great place for groups is Three Gates Farm, where milk from their cows is used to produce Calbourne Classics’ yummy ice cream, cakes, yoghurts and clotted cream. Packages on offer include Mini Farmers and The Story of Milk tour. ©© thegarlicfarm.co.uk ©© briddlesford.co.uk ©© calbourneclassics.co.uk/farm-visits.php

©© dinosaurexpeditions.co.uk/fossil-trips

Gardens There’s so much to see at the Osborne estate, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made their home.

As well as the formal Italianate planting, there are rare palms, a walled garden and parkland with many trees planted by Albert.

Head Gardener Tours are available. Duration: 2 1/2 hours.

Price: £10 per person (includes a free guidebook).

Another ‘must see’ is Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Basking in its own microclimate, you can see subtropical and exotic plants thriving outside, including many rare species. They say that every day of the year, something is in bloom. Look out for the spectacular ‘forest’ of Giant Echiums in the summer.

Garden Curator Tours are available on the first Friday of the month.

Price: £12 per person (advanced booking is essential).

At Mottistone, the National Trust gardens are full of surprises, with hidden pathways, Mediterranean planting and colourful herbaceous borders. They surround an Elizabethan manor house.

Head Gardener Tours explore the garden highlights and history.

Duration: 2 1/2 hours. Price: normal admission price per person (NT members free) plus £25 per group.

Pre book on 01983 741302 or email mottistonegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk ©© english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/ ©© botanic.co.uk/about/groups-coaches/ ©© nationaltrust.org.uk/mottistone-gardens-and-estate

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Golf

History & heritage

Swing by one of the eight golf clubs on the Island, for great golf and spectacular views. Courses range from 58 to 70 par and cater for all abilities up to County Championship standard. Many courses welcome visitors and provide hire facilities.

There’s so much history to explore, from the Bronze age to the present day, with lots to interest fans of Queen Victoria.

Freshwater Golf Club – a seaside links style course, suitable for all levels with dramatic views over the coast so you can ‘see the sea from every tee’.

5,725 yards | Par 69 Cowes Golf Club – this nine hole course has views over the Solent, with alternate tees for the second nine.

5,953 yards | Par 70 Ryde Golf Club – a nine hole course with some alternate tees for the second nine, plus lovely sea views.

5,772 yards | Par 70 Ventnor Golf Course – founded in 1892, this has twelve holes (six holes played twice for a full round), and sits high up on the Downs looking out across the Channel.

5,700 yards | Par 70 Newport – a golf club up on the Downs, minutes from the Island’s ‘capital town’.

5,579 yards | Par 68 Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club – a County Championship Course on beautiful, hilly heathland. There are some strong slopes and gradients, with gorse, tree and shrub lined fairways.

6,044 yards | Par 70 Osborne Golf Club – in the grounds of Osborne House, with views out over the Solent. This nine-hole course has some alternate tees for the second nine.

6,381 yards | Par 70 Westridge Golf Centre – the Island’s only ‘pay as you play’ course (nine holes) with a floodlit driving range.

2,012 yards | Par 31 ©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/golf

27

Discover Osborne Tour (daily 1 April to 31 October) Enjoy an exclusive guided tour providing an intimate view of Queen Victoria’s beloved home with lots of insider anecdotes along the way. Marvel at the richness of the State Apartments including the Durbar Room with its lavish Indian décor.

Duration: 90 minutes. • Min-max pax: 11 – 20.

Price: normal admission price plus £7.50 per person.

Or for an ‘out of hours’ guided tour – normal admission price per person + £300 per group.

Osborne Guided Tour (1 November to 31 March, Mon - Fri) Take an exclusive guided tour of Queen Victoria’s palace when the property is closed to the public.

Price: normal admission price per person + £700 per group.

Advance booking is required for both tours. Call to confirm prices and book: 01983 200022 (select option 6) or email osborne.house@english-heritage.org.uk Newport is also rewarding to explore with a guide. This is the County Town, which dates back to the 13th Century and has an intact medieval street layout. Discover the secret lanes, the hidden quayside and the town’s royal history. At St Thomas’ Newport Minster, you can book a group tour and hear stories about princesses and pirates, and view the beautiful stained-glass windows commissioned by Queen Victoria.

Welcome tours are available at Bembridge Windmill, built in the 1700s (open every day from March to October.

Guided tours available at nearby Bembridge Fort (every Tuesday from April until the end of October) Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Price: £5 per adult (NT members free).

Advance booking is essential. Call 01983 741020 or email isleofwight@nationaltrust.org.uk ©© english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/ ©© For Newport tours, email claire.kennard@iow.gov.uk ©© nationaltrust.org.uk/bembridge-windmill

1. The Garlic Farm 2. A fossil hunt with Dinosaur Expeditions 3. Freshwater Golf Club 4. Bembridge Windmill

28 visitisleofwight.co.uk

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Horse riding

Literature

The Island is a wonderful place for horse riding, with miles and miles of bridleways, country lanes and sandy beaches. The Island Riding Centre offers stabling and accommodation – it’s where the Queen’s Household Cavalry stayed during a recent visit.

From Alfred, Lord Tennyson who made his home in Freshwater, to Lewis Carroll, who was inspired by the golden sands of Sandown, the scenery and tranquillity of the Isle of Wight has long been a source of creativity for some of the world’s literary giants. Karl Marx, Jane Austen, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, J B Priestley and Edward Lear are just some of the literary greats associated with the Island.

©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/horseriding

Hovercraft The Hovercraft was invented here by Sir Christopher Cockerell. Hovertravel provide the only commercial service in the world, operating from Southsea to Ryde.

Groups can go behind the scenes to see how the hovercraft works and travel on a specially chartered service. You’ll meet the pilot and experience manoeuvres such as the ‘doughnut’. You could also take a flight to the Hovercraft Museum at Lee-on-Solent. ©© hovertravel.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Literary Heroes Trail can be downloaded from visitisleofwight.co.uk. It takes you on a journey across the Island, discovering locations where celebrated writers went on holiday, spent their childhood days and found inspiration.

Isle of Wight Guided Tours’ portfolio includes a Tennyson tour and they can tailor a tour to your group’s interest.

Time your break to coincide with the Isle of Wight Literary Festival in October and check out the talks and workshops by world-famous authors such as Alexander McCall Smith. ©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/literary-heroes-trail

Karting

©© isleofwightguidedtours.co.uk

Be a racing driver for the day with Wight Karting. You’ll be given all the gear, and shown how to drive your karts around the all-weather outdoor floodlit track, which provides a safe and fun environment. Participants will need to be aged 3+ for electric karts, and aged 8+ for the petrol karts.

©© farringford.co.uk

©© wightkarting.co.uk/wild-wight-1day

©© isleofwightliteraryfestival.com

Music Book in for a musical minibreak with HF Holidays. Try singing, which is great for relaxing, or learn how to play the harmonica. You’ll get expert tuition during your stay, in a friendly and relaxed environment. The base for your break will be Freshwater Bay House – it’s in a dramatic setting on top of a cliff, with views out to sea. ©© hfholidays.co.uk/destinations/united-kingdom/isleof-wight

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1. Hovercraft 2. Farringford, home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson 3. Inspirational Freshwater Bay 4. Dimbola Museum & Galleries 5. Wight Karting

Group & travel trade guide

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4.

Paintballing

Photography

Play games such as ‘paint football’ and ‘capture the flag’ as part of a thrilling and entertaining paintballing session with a group of mates, family or work colleagues.

Explore the locality through a lens, practising techniques and gaining professional advice along the way. HF Holidays offer ‘Through The Lens’ breaks at their centre in beautiful Freshwater.

Paintball Tank Battles offer mini tank paintball sessions. ©© splatteronpaintball.co.uk ©© islandpaintballing.co.uk ©© facebook.com/Paintball-Tank-Battles-111108210256647

Painting Get creative on a ‘Rambles with a sketchbook’ break, and capture the Island’s landscapes out in the field. Guided by an art leader, the ramble covers up to four miles each day, stopping to sketch local scenes.

Alternatively, learn oil painting techniques on a ‘Wet on wet painting holiday’ – both are on offer at HF Holidays in Freshwater. ©© hfholidays.co.uk/destinations/united-kingdom/isleof-wight

It’s just around the corner from Dimbola Museum & Galleries, which was the home of the pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron.

Dimbola puts on courses and hosts exhibitions by leading photographers.

Other organisations that offer photography for groups include Elm Studio and Capture Perfect. Plus Light at Night Photography will give you another perspective on the Island’s beauty with ‘Moon Rising’, and ‘Night Sky and Nature’ workshops. ©© hfholidays.co.uk/destinations/united-kingdom/isleof-wight ©© dimbola.co.uk ©© elmstudio.com ©© captureperfect.co.uk ©© timwells.photography

Running The Isle of Wight Festival of Running is organised by The West Wight Sports and Community Centre. They also organise other sporting events such as the ‘Chilly Hilly’, a Cross Solent Swim, and the West Wight Triathlon.

The Isle of Wight Marathon was established in 1957 – one of the first to be held in the UK. It passes through beautiful scenery and incorporates some tough hills. ©© isleofwightfestivalofrunning.co.uk ©© rydeharriers.co.uk/isle-of-wight-marathon-race

“One of my favourites is the exhibition at Dimbola of Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron’s work: distinctive, otherworldly and visionary.”

Julie Peasgood, travel expert and TV presenter, in an article for Group Leisure & Travel Magazine

30 visitisleofwight.co.uk

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Sailing

Sailing experiences and charters

With its rich naval history, steady winds and excellent sailing conditions, the Island is one of the premier sailing destinations in the world, with lots to offer for all abilities. Events include Cowes Week and the Round the Island Race.

Charter your own boat and then enjoy sailing with expert tuition, if you need it.

Sailing schools The charity UKSA, based in Cowes, provides a fun and safe outdoor environment for young people to learn to sail, windsurf, kayak and anything in between. If you want to get started on the water, improve your existing skills, or gain RYA qualifications, including Yachtmaster, you’re in the right place.

In Cowes there’s also Cowes Race School, Global Yacht Racing and Flying Fish.

Salty Sailing offers a complete range of courses from beginner through to Yachtmaster – or they’ll skipper the boat for you, if you prefer. Both organisations are based in Cowes, the centre of the sailing universe.

Tackt-Isle Adventures is an outdoor activity centre based at the picturesque St Helens Duver. Try sailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and windsurfing. ©© uksa.org ©© cowesraceschool.com ©© globalyachtracing.com ©© flyingfishonline.com ©© saltysailing.co.uk ©© tackt-isle.co.uk

'The Isle of Wight is such a special place with a host of absolutely magical harbours and havens for every type of sailor’ Sailingtoday.co.uk 1. UKSA 2. Oceanique 3. Sailing past Ventnor in the Round the Island Race

With the Contessa 32 Experience, you have the pleasure of sailing a world-renowned classic yacht.

Or try Island Charters, one of the UK’s leading yacht charter companies, for cruiser and racer yachts.

Sunsail offers bareboat yacht charters (where they won’t provide a skipper or crew) or skippered charter holidays (where you’ll go out with their team). Whatever your abilities, you can enjoy the windswept waters of the Solent. For corporate groups, they have a unique Insights Discovery programme, incorporating psychometric profiling with water and land-based activities.

First Contact Boat Charters provide variety of yachts for charter ranging from easy cruisers to 60ft racing yachts.

Yachts can be chartered by the day, weekend or week, bare boat or with skipper and crew. Motorboats and RIBs are also available.

Solent & Wightline Cruises have an extensive fleet of vessels which can hold from 75 to 500 passengers. All vessels are available for private charter.

Crystal Spray offers exclusive charters aboard a Cheetah catamaran. Alternatively, take to the water on a RIB or chartered boat with Griffin Marine and Rebel Marine.

Travel around the Island or explore the sea forts with their experienced skippers.

Venture Sailing offers relaxed and fun hands-on day sails from Cowes on 40ft and 50ft yachts.

LYC Events is based at Lymington Yacht Haven, just across the Solent from Yarmouth – you can learn the ropes at their Sea School or have private tuition on your own boat.

Oceanique is also in Lymington and can offer bespoke events for small groups (10 max).

Escape Yachting provides a relaxing sailing experience with the opportunity to see around the Island and the south coast while learning how to sail. One of their packages is a gin and wine tasting sailing experience!

You can go choose to go on an adrenaline fuelled sail or a relaxing cruise with Promocean – you can charter a yacht and then travel along the beautiful south coast, stopping off for lunch on the way.

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©© contessa32experience.com

©© Yarmouth Sailing Club: yarmouthsailingclub.org.uk

©© islandcharters.co.uk

©© Yaverland Sailing Club: ysbc.co.uk

©© sunsail.co.uk/corporate ©© boat-charters.uk.com

Marinas, havens & harbours

©© solentcruises.co.uk

©© Bembridge Harbour: bembridgeharbour.co.uk

©© Crystal Spray: isleofwightcharters.co.uk ©© griffmarineservices.co.uk

©© Cowes Harbour Commission: cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

©© rebelmarine.co.uk

©© Cowes Yacht Haven: cowesyachthaven.com

©© venturesailing.co.uk

©© East Cowes Marina: deanreddyhoff.co.uk/east-cowesmarina

©© lycevents.co.uk ©© escapeyachting.com ©© oceaniqueboatcharter.co.uk ©© promocean.co.uk

©© Island Harbour: island-harbour.co.uk ©© Newport Harbour: iow.gov.uk/Visitors/Where-to-go/ Harbours1/Newport-Harbour/Newport-Harbour1 ©© Newtown River: visitmyharbour.com/harbours/solent/ newtown/

Sailing clubs

©© Newtown River: nationaltrust.org.uk/newtownnational-nature-reserve-and-old-town-hall

You may have to be a member, but some of the sailing clubs do offer training and sailing experiences for groups.

©© Ryde Harbour: iow.gov.uk/Residents/Leisure-andSport/Harbours/RydeHarbour/Ryde-Harbour1

Cowes Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the world. The home of the RYS is the iconic Cowes Castle, which was built in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s chain of coastal defences. The cannons in front of the Castle signal the start of races on the Solent. This private yacht club is not open to the public.

©© Shepards Marina: cowesharbourshepardsmarina.co.uk ©© Ventnor Haven: iow.gov.uk/council/OtherServices/ Ventnor-Haven/Ventnor-Haven ©© Yarmouth Harbour: yarmouth-harbour.co.uk

©© Royal Yacht Squadron: rys.org.uk ©© The Royal Ocean Racing Club: rorc.org ©© The Royal London YC (RLYC): rlyc.org.uk ©© Island Sailing Club: islandsc.org.uk ©© Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club (CCYC): ccyc.org.uk ©© Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC): royalthames.com ©© East Cowes Sailing Club (ECSC): eastcowessc.co.uk Other Island clubs ©© Bembridge Sailing Club: bembridgesailingclub.org ©© Brading Haven Yacht Club: bhyc.org.uk ©© Gurnard Sailing Club: gurnardsc.org.uk ©© Royal Victoria Yacht Club: rvyc.org.uk ©© Shanklin Sailing Club shanklinsailingclub.com

Cruise lines ahoy!

The Island welcomes visits from small to medium sized cruise ships. Boutique cruise destination Cowes is ideally located and an economical port-of-call for Northern European itineraries and cruise operators looking to cater to the current demand for experiential, personalised travel. ©© cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/cruise

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Segway

Steam trains

Zoom around the Island on a Segway – these self-balancing two wheelers are such fun for groups.

Ride off-road around a working farm and you will soon be gliding through the countryside, led by an experienced instructor.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is popular with all age groups. Beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages take visitors on a leisurely 10 mile journey through the Island’s unspoilt countryside. There are events throughout the year, such as the Santa Specials.

For something special, charter your own steam train (from £1,000).

©© mooractive.co.uk

Shooting – air rifle & clay pigeon Take aim and go air rifle shooting with Warner Leisure Hotels at an all-weather shooting range.

There are lots of fantastic options for clay pigeon shooting. Bowcombe View Shooting Ground is set in 11 acres with rural views.

Shepherds Chine Shooting Ground caters for all standards and offers coaching and equipment. They also host corporate team building events, club shoots, stag and hen experiences, and they can hire out the ground for private shoots.

Tucked away at the edge of Tapnell Farm is a clay pigeon shooting and rifle range, operated by Top Targets.

Discounts are available for large groups. ©© warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/bembridge-coasthotel ©© shootingisleofwight.co.uk ©© islandclaybreaks.co.uk ©© tapnellfarm.com/top-targets ©© redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle-of-wight-guide/activities/claypigeon-shooting

5.

Group discounts are available for pre-booked parties (free entry and refreshments for coach driver/courier). ©© iwsteamrailway.co.uk/group-visits.aspx

Tractors Go and see the Ferguson Family Museum, a privatelyowned tractor collection which is only open for prebooked groups. You’ll discover the story of Harry Ferguson, the man behind the machines. The museum is located alongside a working organic farm in Freshwater. ©© ferguson-museum.co.uk

Tree climbing Take a trip up a tree with Goodleaf Tree Climbing.

They offer fun and confidence-boosting sessions with small groups of climbers. The qualified and experienced instructors will teach you the ropes, enabling your group to reach the canopy of a stunning mature oak tree. ©© goodleaf.co.uk

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3.

Walking

Writing

With over 500 miles of footpaths, the Isle of Wight is one of the most popular walking destinations in Britain.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival offers a vast range of walks catering for all interests, ranging from rock to rockpools. Every year, thousands of walkers cross the Isle of Wight for the iconic Walk the Wight, which raises money for Mountbatten, the Island’s hospice.

Many authors have found inspiration here, including the Poet Laureate, Alfred, Lord Tennyson. You can encourage your group to get creative on a residential writing weekend at The Grange by the Sea in Shanklin. Courses are led by published authors and include comedy writing and how to be a ‘dream author’. ©© skyros.com/holiday-locations/isle-of-wight

©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/walking ©© isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Watersports The Island is the ultimate destination for watersports – it’s sheltered and calm on one side, while the waves are spectacular on the other, so you can take your pick. There are lots of opportunities for groups to try sports including surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding. Explore the glorious coastline and maybe experience something new, like stand-up paddleboard yoga. You can even paddleboard around the world famous Needles rocks. ©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/watersports

Wellness Relax… you’re on the Isle of Wight. Surrounded by beauty and tranquility, this is the perfect destination for promoting wellness, wellbeing and mindfulness. Many organisations will help you find ‘pure Island happiness’.

You could stay at Quarr Abbey, which is a working Benedictine monastery, for spiritual relaxation. Or head for The Grange by the Sea in Shanklin for a wellness break focusing on mindfulness and self-transformation. ©© skyros.com/holiday-locations/isle-of-wight/ ©© quarrabbey.org ©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/wellness-breaks 1. Isle of Wight Steam Railway 2. Goodleaf Tree Climbing 3. Paddleboarding around The Needles 4. Ventnor Bay 5. Walking on Compton beach

4.

‘It’s the sunniest part of the country and Ventnor on the south coast is one of the best places in the UK to see the Milky Way’ Richard Madden, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and travel writer

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Accommodation

3.

1.

Day trips are fun, but to really make the most of the Island, you need to stay a night or two. You can pick accommodation ranging from budget holiday parks to grand hotels…

Hotels

Holiday cottages

Budget: There are Premier Inns in Newport and Lake, plus a new hotel is being built at Sandown seafront.

Travelodges are located in Newport and Ryde.

Whether you need somewhere that’s perfect for children, accepts pets, or really must have its own hot tub, there are plenty of options for groups.

Boutique: Choose a seaside town, like Shanklin or Sandown, and split your group between a number of small B&Bs and hotels. That way, you can all enjoy boutique accommodation, and meet up for excursions and meals.

Large holiday cottages include:

Larger: Some of our larger hotels specialise in groups.

Stay in luxury at the Royal Hotel in Ventnor, and enjoy afternoon tea on the Geranium Terrace. Another deluxe option is Bembridge Coast Hotel, which has a spa and offers activities such as archery.

©© The Hermitage: bluechipholidays.co.uk

Holiday parks

©© Northcourt: northcourthouse.co.uk

Stay in a spectacular location that could offer you spa facilities (at West Bay) to luxury tree houses (at Woodside Bay) to hot tubs (at The Bay Colwell). Larger holiday resort providers include Park Dean Resorts, Aria Resorts and Away Resorts. Outside peak times, it’s often it’s often possible to book several lodgings to accommodate big groups.

©© Bembridge Manor: mulberrycottages.com ©© East Afton Farmhouse: eastaftonfarmhouse.com ©© Fernhill Farm: bluechipholidays.co.uk ©© House on the Beach: bluechipholidays.co.uk ©© Island Riding Centre: islandriding.com ©© Kingston Manor: bluechipholidays.co.uk ©© Marine Villa: mulberrycottages.com ©© Rentamanor: rentamanor.com ©© Tapnell Manor: tapnellmanor.com

Resorts include: ©© West Bay Coastal Retreat & Spa: westbayclub.co.uk ©© Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat: darwinescapes.co.uk/ parks/woodside-bay-lodge-retreat ©© The Bay Colwell: ariaresorts.co.uk/the-bay-colwell 1. Royal Hotel, Ventnor 2. The Bay Colwell 3. Ocean View Hotel, Sandown 4. Woodside Bay

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Group & travel trade guide

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Group accommodation directory Serviced accommodation

Street

Town

Postcode

Capacity Rooms / Units

Abingdon Guest Lodge

19-20 West Street

Ryde

PO33 2QQ

18

Albion Hotel

Freshwater Bay

Freshwater

PO40 9RA

41

Allnatt Stop & Stay East Dene

Bonchurch Village Road

Ventnor

PO38 1RQ

180 beds

Auckland Hotel

10 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AN

25

Bay Broadway Park Hotel

Melville Street

Sandown

PO36 9DJ

104

Bayshore Hotel

12-16 Pier Street

Sandown

PO36 8JX

77

Bedford Lodge

4 Chine Avenue

Shanklin

PO37 6AQ

13

Belmont Hotel

8 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AN

12

Bembridge Coast Hotel

Fishermans Walk

Bembridge

PO35 5TB

258

Best Western New Holmwood Hotel

Queens Road, Egypt Point

Cowes

PO31 8BW

26

Bourne Hall Hotel

11 Luccombe Road

Shanklin

PO37 6RR

30

Brunswick

5 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AN

33

Calverts Hotel

27 Quay Street

Newport

PO30 5BA

31

Carlton Hotel

9 Park Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AY

10

Chad Hill Hotel

7 Hill Street

Sandown

PO36 9DD

13

Channel View (Sandown)

4-8 Royal Street

Sandown

PO36 8LP

48

Channel View Hotel (Shanklin)

24 Hope Road

Shanklin

PO37 6EH

41

Cliff Hall

16 Crescent Road

Shanklin

PO37 6DJ

20

Curraghmore Hotel

22 Hope Road

Shanklin

PO37 6EA

20 (65 children + 7 adults)

Daishs Hotel

81 High Street

Shanklin

PO37 6NP

72

Dorset House

31 Dover Street

Ryde

PO33 2BW

23

Eastmount Hotel

10 Eastmount Road

Shanklin

PO37 6DN

23

Eversley Hotel

Park Avenue

Ventnor

PO38 1LB

37

Fernbank

6 Highfield Road

Shanklin

PO37 6PP

17

Freshwater Bay House

Freshwater Bay

Freshwater

PO40 9QZ

48

Hambledon

11 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AW

11

Harbour View Hotel St Augustine Villa

Esplanade

Ventnor

PO38 1TA

11

Harrow Lodge Hotel

31 Palmerston Road

Shanklin

PO37 6BD

20

Haven Hall

5 Howard Road

Shanklin

PO37 6HD

14

Hillside

151 Mitchell Avenue

Ventnor

PO38 1DR

12

Holliers Hotel

3 - 5 Church Road

Shanklin

PO37 6NU

38

Hotel Maria St. Moritz

3 - 11 Culver Parade

Sandown

PO36 8AS

66

Lakeside Park Hotel

High Street

Wootton Bridge

PO33 4LJ

44

Lorron Hotel

90 Sandown Road

Lake

PO36 9JX

15 rooms (64 children + 8 staff)

36 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Group accommodation directory Serviced accommodation

Street

Town

Postcode

Capacity Rooms / Units

Luccombe Hall Hotel

8 Luccombe Road

Shanklin

PO37 6RL

30

Luccombe Manor

11 Popham Road

Shanklin

PO37 6RG

22

Malton House Hotel

8 Park Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AY

12

Marina Bay Hotel

17 Culver Parade

Sandown

PO36 8AT

36

Marlborough Hotel

16 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AN

20

Mayfair Hotel

29 Hope Road

Shanklin

PO37 6ED

46

Melville Hall Hotel (Eden Spa)

Melville Street

Sandown

PO36 9DH

30

Newport Quay Hotel

41 Quay Street

Newport

PO30 5BA

12

North House

30-32 Sun Hill

Cowes

PO31 7HY

14

Northbank Hotel

Circular Road

Seaview

PO34 5ET

18

Norton Grange Coastal Resort

Halletts Shute

Freshwater

PO41 0SD

404

Ocean View Hotel

1-5 Park Road

Shanklin

PO37 6BB

100

Old Park Hotel

Old Park Road

Ventnor

PO38 1XR

34

One Holyrood

1-4 Holyrood Street

Newport

PO30 5AU

12

Palm Court Hotel

5 Culver Road

Shanklin

PO37 6ER

18

Premier Inn (Sandown)

Merrie Gardens

Sandown

PO36 9PT

80

Queensmead

12 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AN

32

Roseberry Hotel

3 Alexandra Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AF

13

Royal Esplanade Hotel

16 Esplanade

Ryde

PO33 2ED

70

Royal Pier Hotel

10 Pier Street

Sandown

PO36 8JP

65

Ryde Castle Hotel

Esplanade

Ryde

PO33 1JA

18

Sandown Hotel

Culver Parade

Sandown

PO36 8AS

31

Sandringham Hotel

Esplanade

Sandown

PO36 8AH

92

Sands Hotel

19-21 Culver Parade

Sandown

PO36 8AT

33

Shanklin Beach Hotel

35-38 Esplanade

Shanklin

PO37 6BJ

85

Solent Forts (No Man's Fort)

Solent Forts Port Office, Gunwharf Quays

Portsmouth

PO1 3FH

22

Somerton Lodge Hotel

43 Victoria Avenue

Shanklin

PO37 6LT

18

The Aqua

17 Esplanade

Shanklin

PO37 6BN

22

The Bay, Colwell

Fort Warden Road

Freshwater

PO39 0DA

53

The Braemar

1 Grange Road

Shanklin

PO37 6NN

11

The Burlington Hotel

5-9 Avenue Road

Sandown

PO36 8BN

70

The Clifton

1 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AN

14

The George Hotel

Quay Street

Yarmouth

PO41 0PE

17

The Grange

9 Eastcliff Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AA

15

The Havelock

2 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AN

22

The Leconfield

85 Leeson Road

Ventnor

PO38 1PU

11

The Nightingale Hotel

3 Queens Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AN

22

Group & travel trade guide

Serviced accommodation

Street

Town

Postcode

37

Capacity Rooms / Units

The Royal Hotel

Belgrave Road

Ventnor

PO38 1JJ

51

The Seaview Hotel

High Street

Seaview

PO34 5EX

24

The Shanklin Hotel

Clarendon Road

Shanklin

PO37 6DP

102

The Westfield Hotel

17 Broadway

Sandown

PO36 9BY

12

The Wheatsheaf Hotel

St Thomas Square

Newport

PO30 1SG

14

The Wight

11 Avenue Road

Sandown

PO36 8BN

41

The Youth Hostel

Hurst Hill

Totland Bay

PO39 0HD

12 bedrooms/ 48 beds

Travelodge (Newport)

Lugley Street

Newport

PO30 5HD

64

Travelodge (Ryde)

Lind Hill

Ryde

PO33 2LD

62

Trouville Hotel

Esplanade

Sandown

PO36 8LB

88

UKSA

260 Arctic Road

Cowes

PO31 7PJ

140 beds

Ventnor Towers Hotel

54 Madeira Road

Ventnor

PO38 1QT

32

Victoria Lodge Hotel

5 Alexandra Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AF

15

Villa Mentone Hotel

11 Park Road

Shanklin

PO37 6AY

30

Villa Rothsay

29 Baring Road

Cowes

PO31 8DF

12

Wight Bay Hotel

2 Royal Street

Sandown

PO36 8LP

14

Yelfs Hotel

54 Union Street

Ryde

PO33 2LG

40

YMCA Winchester House

Sandown Road

Shanklin

PO37 6HT

120 beds

Holiday & caravan parks

Street

Town

Postcode

Capacity

Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park

Appuldurcombe Road

Ventnor

PO38 3EP

42 units

Landguard Caravan Park – Landguard Holidays

Landguard Manor Road

Shanklin

PO37 7JP

138 units

Lower Hyde Holiday Park

Lower Hyde Road

Shanklin

PO37 6RH

350 units

St Helens

PO33 1YA

155 units

Nodes Point Holiday Park St Helens Coastal Resort

Field Lane

St Helens

PO33 1UX

77 units

The Bay Colwell

Fort Warden Road

Freshwater

PO39 0DA

53 units

The Lakes Rookley

Main Road

Rookley

PO38 3LU

90 beds

The Orchards Holiday Caravan Park

Newbridge

Yarmouth

PO41 0TS

75 units

The West Bay Cottages

Halletts Shute

Norton

PO41 0RJ

408 beds

Thorness Bay Holiday Park

Thorness

Cowes

PO31 8NE

210 units

Waverley Park Holiday Centre

51 Old Road

East Cowes

PO32 6AW

130 units

Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park

Hillway Road

Bembridge

PO35 5PL

382 beds

Woodside Coastal Retreat

Lower Woodside Road

Wootton Bridge

PO33 4JT

617 beds

©© For a full list of self-catering accommodation please go to visitisleofwight.co.uk

38 visitisleofwight.co.uk

‘One of the world’s best cycling routes’ Lonely Planet

Cycling

1.

This is ‘Bicycle Island’ and there are loads of scenic routes for all abilities, including these amazing rides...

Round the Island

Go slow

The Round the Island cycle route provides sea views and challenging hills for the most keen cyclists. The full route is 65 miles but it can easily be split into shorter stretches over a few days.

Red Squirrel Trail This traffic-free route runs over 32 miles of tracks, gravel paths and seaside esplanades. You’ll cycle along disused railway lines, through wooded areas and along the seafront at Shanklin and Sandown.

slowwighttravelguide.co.uk provides routes and itineraries for groups of cyclists looking to combine sightseeing with exploring quieter spots and unique arts, crafts and local produce.

Bring your bike

In Search of Jimi This inland loop of 7 miles takes you in search of the Jimi Hendrix statue in Freshwater before you cycle down the River Yar. The rockstar gave one of his last performances at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. ©© For more routes go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/cycling

Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel can all accommodate bikes but groups should check in advance.

Bike hire

Cycling accommodation

©© Two Elements, Cowes twoelements.co.uk

Cowes Cycling offers bike friendly accommodation and caters for groups of all sizes and abilities. Cycle guides are available to ride out with your group.  cowescycling.co.uk

©© Route Fifty7, Shanklin routefifty7.com

GREEN STAR

GOLD 2019/20 VISIT ISLE OF WIGHT

©© Wight Cycle Hire, Yarmouth wightcyclehire.co.uk

Green Star accommodation providers go above and beyond to enable visitors to enjoy a car-free trip to the Isle of Wight. Many members have lockable bike storage and can provide maps, tools and bike cleaning facilities.

©© TAV Cycles tavcycles.co.uk ©© Isle Cycle, Sandown islecycle.co.uk

©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/travel/sustainable-travel/green-star

Electric dreams Cycling on the Island doesn’t have to be strenuous if you go electric. Electric bikes are ideal for keeping mixed ability groups together. Seaview Hotel offers packages including e-bike hire. ©© seaviewhotel.co.uk/cycle-wight.aspx

©© Sandown Bicycle and Beach Hire, Sandown sandownbikeandbeach.co.uk ©© Tackt-Isle Adventures, St Helens tackt-isle.co.uk/hire/bikes 2.

1. Military Road, West Wight 2. The Garlic Farm

Group & travel trade guide

39

The Island has over 500 miles of footpaths, bridleways and trails

Walking

1.

The Isle of Wight is a stunning place to enjoy the outdoors, whatever your fitness levels. There are miles of safe trails, from gentle to challenging…

Gentle meandering With 360° views, an inland walk around Carisbrooke will take you to some of the Island’s highest points and through some of the prettiest fields and woodlands.

Look out for: The Island’s red squirrels and birds of prey.

Tough challenge The Freshwater Bay to The Needles circular route is the perfect hike for ramblers looking for a challenge.

Look out for: The Needles chalk stack - one of the most photogenic and iconic landmarks on the Island.

The famous jagged rocks mark the Island’s most western tip.

1. Walking Tennyson Down 2. Walking near Freshwater

Round the Island Walk all the way round the Island’s coastal path. It’s a panoramic 65 mile route with stop offs along the way.

Look out for: Quarr Abbey, a working Benedictine Monastery built in 1912, with its own pig farm and tea room.

Walking festival The popular Isle of Wight Walking Festival tempts walkers to a large range of guided walks, from gentle historic trails to challenging scenic hikes. The festival is the ideal opportunity to explore the many footpaths and coastal views.

Look out for: Walk the Wight – a highlight of the festival. Thousands of people cross the Island, many in fancy dress, to raise money for the Island’s hospice.

Small group holidays Holiday operators can take care of all the details for your small group.

Providers includes HF Holidays in Freshwater - their accommodation includes a boot room, and a drying room, in case you get wet on your travels.

You could also leave everything to Wight Wanders who offer walking tours.

They will plan routes and accommodation depending on your party’s ages and abilities. Your guests’ luggage will be transported to the next stop on the itinerary. You can lead your own group – or they’ll guide you. ©© hfholidays.co.uk/destinations/united-kingdom/isle-of-wight ©© wight-walks.co.uk

2.

Find out more ©© visitisleofwight.co.uk/thingsto-do/walking ©© isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Holiday providers include: ©© Celtic Trails celtictrailswalkingholidays. co.uk/walking-holidays/isleof-wight-coastal-path ©© Contours Walking Holidays contours.co.uk ©© Macs Adventure macsadventure.com/ holiday-247/isle-of-wightcoastal-path ©© Sherpa Expeditions sherpaexpeditions.com/ Destinations/UnitedKingdom/

40 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Package providers

Tours

1.

Book a tour and then sit back, enjoy the ride, and let someone else take care of the details. Explore the dramatic landscape, go in search of ghosts, or find out about the Island’s rich history. Here are a few favourites…

2.

 See The Needles

3.

 Up the Downs

Book seats on the open top Needles Breezer for one of the most spectacular bus rides in England.

The Downs Breezer follows a circular route through countryside and across the Downs with amazing views.

STOP & SEE  Needles rocks & Battery  Multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay  Fort Victoria Country Park

STOP & SEE  Birds of prey and red squirrels  Robin Hill  IW Zoo  Dinosaur Isle

Hop on, hop off. Runs: March to November.

Hop on, hop off. Runs: May to September.

©© For more Southern Vectis services go to islandbuses.info

 Ghosts and relics

 Roman holiday

Go on a ‘themed’ tour with Island Explorer. They’ll transport you in air conditioned mini coaches – or you can hire one of their tour guides to join you in your vehicle. Tours include:

Isle of Wight Guided Tours will plan a tour just for your group. Popular tours include:

 Round the Island  Island Ghost Tour  Wight History & Relics Tour Tours run throughout the summer.

©© islandexplorer.co.uk

 Roman Wight  Round the Island  Victorian Wight  Tennyson Tour  Shipwrecks, Smuggling, Priests and Penance ©© isleofwightguidedtours.co.uk

These are just some of the operators who include the Isle of Wight in their packages or itineraries. Contact Visit Isle of Wight if you would like to be included in our list.

UK based: Alfa Travel Anderson Travel Angela Travel Caledonian Travel Daish’s Holidays David Urquhart Travel Greenline Coach holidays Harry Shaw Hemmings Coach Travel HF Holidays Isle of Wight Tours Johnsons Coaches Just Go National Holidays Owen’s Travelmaster Parry’s International Rabbies Robinsons Holidays Saddle Skedaddle Shearing Holidays

International: House of Britain Titan Travel TUI Rundreisen UK Breakaways Wikinger-reisen

Cruise ship shore excursions: Intercruises Excursions Ltd European Cruise Service UK EC Travel

1. The Needles 2. View from the Needles Breezer 3. Brading Downs

Group & travel trade guide

41

1. A fish dish served up at The Seaview Hotel 2. Tomatoes growing for The Tomato Stall 3. Isle of Wight Blue made by the Isle of Wight Cheese Company Look out for the Wight Marque – it’s a sign that the food is lovely and local

Eating & drinking

1.

This is a foodie paradise. There are award-winning restaurants, seaside cafés and gastro pubs, plus the local produce is world famous with virtually zero food miles!

Restaurants

Cafés

Look out for restaurants serving local produce. Seafood is a speciality and many places have earned prestigious awards for their cuisine.

Relax at the coast and enjoy wonderful freshly made food as you watch the boats sail by, or spend lunch in an arts café in the centre of town.

Pubs and Inns

Afternoon tea

Whether you are in search of real ales or fine wines; looking for hearty traditional pub grub or more contemporary cuisine, there will be a venue to suit your taste - from olde worlde pubs with beams and roaring log fires to inns in superb coastal locations providing a breath of sea air.

Sit down, relax and enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea at one of the Isle of Wight’s superb foodie destinations. ©© Find great places to sample local food and drink at visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/food-and-drink

Tuck into tasty local produce Asparagus – the succulent spears are a local delicacy. The season is short but sweet, and usually starts around Easter. Picked in the morning, you could be eating it for lunch.

Craft beer, wine & spirits – enjoy real ale brewed with Island hops, or go and see the grapes growing at a vineyard before sampling a glass or two of Island wine. You could also pay a visit to the Isle of Wight Distillery, near Ryde, which makes small batch Mermaid Gin. Dairy produce – the cows here produce the creamiest milk and you can buy local dairy produce in many farm shops. Local cheeses include Isle of Wight Blue and Gallybagger.

2.

3.

Garlic – go to The Garlic Farm in Newchurch for garlic goodies and see where garlic is grown.

Ice cream – when it comes to the traditional flavours, Minghella Ice Cream has got it licked. Meanwhile Crave in Ventnor offers a wild selection that could include Bakewell Tart.

Seafood – look out for fresh lobster, crab and fish. Delicacies include crab on chips, and crab pasties. Head for Captain Stan’s Bembridge Fish Store or Ventnor Haven Fishery for fish straight off the boat.

Tomatoes – tasty tomatoes are available all year round, in all shapes, sizes and colours…. green, orange, yellow, pink, striped and even black.

42 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Educational trips

1. Keeper talk at Monkey Haven 2. Allnatt Stop and Stay, East Dene 3. Mrs Pilkington at Osborne

1.

The Island is a smart choice for your school party or youth group with lots of resources to support you.

2.

T

he Isle of Wight has a long history of attracting scholars and innovators, including Charles Dickens, Karl Marx and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Explore dinosaur fossils, Roman remains, a royal palace, and a castle. There are also sites of special scientific interest, including downs, forests, beaches and landslips.

There are several organisations that can help you plan an inspirational trip...  Education Destination will help you organise your visit and can provide free resources, created by teachers.

 UKSA offer courses in yachting, rafting, kayaking... and much more.

They also provide high quality accommodation for groups.  Isle of Wight Experience has been arranging school visits for over 24 years on the Island.  Red Funnel offer ferry packages for educational groups.  Wightlink provides easy and frequent ferry services for groups.  Hovertravel flies school parties in from Southsea to Ryde in just 10 minutes.

 Activity Island Limited organises all-inclusive residential visits.

3

 Staying here Take your pick from group-friendly accommodation providers, including hostels, hotels, campuses, campsites and caravan parks.

Options include:  Allnatt Stop and Stay East Dene, Ventnor allnatt.co.uk/ accommodation/east-dene  UKSA, Cowes uksa.org  Corf Scout Campsite, Shalfleet corfcamp.org

Lesson time: the Victorians

 PGL Little Canada Wootton Bridge pgl.co.uk

Learn all about the Victorians at Queen Victoria’s seaside palace at Osborne. There are hands-on exhibitions, plus your students can experience life below stairs under the watchful eye of Mrs Pilkington, the costumed ‘housekeeper’.

 YMCA Winchester House Shanklin ymca-fg.org/venue/isle-ofwight

Inspirational attractions:  Blackgang Chine  Brading Roman Villa  Carisbrooke Castle  Dinosaur Isle  IW Steam Railway  The Needles Landmark Attraction  Osborne  Robin Hill  UKSA ©© For all listings go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/education

 Kingswood, Bembridge kingswood.co.uk/activitycentres/isle-of-wight

 YHA Totland, Yarmouth yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-isle-ofwight-totland  YHA Brighstone (school summer holiday only) yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-isle-ofwight-brighstone

Group & travel trade guide

43

Weddings & celebrations Congratulations, you’ve found the perfect location for your wedding or celebration!

1.

2.

1. Host an event at Osborne 2. Celebrate at the seaside 3. Isle of Wight Pearl 4. East Afton Farmhouse

W

ith a sunny climate, and stunning scenery, the Island makes a beautiful backdrop for your special occasion. There are amazing venues for stag and hen do’s, weddings, family birthdays, anniversaries and glamorous office parties. Locations range from seaside hotels to stately homes. A few unique options include…

Have your reception in a butterfly meadow, on top of a cliff at Isle of Wight Pearl. Enjoy spectacular views over the coast.

3.

Say ‘I do’ inside Queen Victoria’s palace at Osborne.

Then dine and dance under the stars in a marquee on the Queen’s private beach.

Host your big bash at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

You can even charter your own steam locomotive.

Get married in a luxury barn attached to East Afton Farmhouse in Freshwater. The venue includes a hot tub and plush cinema room, and overlooks the site of 1970’s iconic Isle of Wight Festival.

4.

©© For more information about venues with wedding licenses go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/weddingsand-celebrations

44 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Filming & photography

1.

The Isle of Wight makes a wonderful film set. Here are 5 reasons to choose the Island for your next film or photography project…

1. The Isle of Wight offers a range of amazing backdrops. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘England in miniature’ because you can see all kinds of landscapes in one small, beautiful Island. You can discover everything from secret coves and sandy beaches to rolling fields, woodlands and thatched cottages, plus there’s a castle and a palace.

Recent projects

2. It’s easy to get around. All these beautiful and varied scenes lie within an accessible distance, as the Island is a compact 13 miles by 23 miles.

 Victoria, the hit ITV series starring Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes, by Mammoth Screen

3. The Isle of Wight has its own microclimate, and usually has more hours of sunshine than the rest of the country, so the wet weather equipment can stay at home!

4. You can find a wide range of trusted professionals on the Island, including camera operators, models and stills photographers, plus there are several recording studios.

5. You’ll be supported. If you need any help, just get in touch with Visit Isle of Wight!

 Victoria and Abdul, Working Title’s film starring Dame Judi Dench

 Queen’s Islands on ARTE, the European culture TV channel  Documentaries for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5  Scenes from the latest Bond movie No Time to Die and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.

©© Go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/filming-on-the-isle-of-wight

Location, location, location...

Historic streets and buildings

Natural landscapes

Pretty villages

Here to help Visit Isle of Wight can offer you:  Advice on locations  Information on filming licences  Support obtaining landowner permissions  Contacts with local photographers and film crews  Contacts with the ferry operators and transport companies.

Group & travel trade guide

45

Meetings & conferences

2.

You can work hard, then play hard on the Isle of Wight – everything is set up for your business needs, so that you can have a productive and enjoyable time…

Inspiring venues Hosting your business event on the Island gives you the chance to get away from the norm and find inspiration. There are a variety of venues, in new and traditional settings, including modern hotels, historic houses, colleges, schools, community halls and sporting clubs. There are options for all kinds of events, including small conferences, one off meetings, product launches, training courses and corporate fun days.

Social activities 3.

The Island is a great backdrop for all kinds of business events, from meetings to corporate fun days

Why not combine your meeting with teambuilding activities? Give your team and clients the opportunity to experience the thrill of yacht sailing, high-speed RIB tours, clay-pigeon shooting, treeclimbing, and karting. Or enjoy relaxing options such as afternoon tea and a guided tour of a royal palace, a steam train ride, falconry, paddleboarding or a cycle ride along the riverside.

Easily accessible It’s easy to get here by ferry or private boat charter from Southampton, Portsmouth, Southsea or Lymington.

You could even host a meeting on one of the ferry’s on-board lounges, or have a quick brainstorming session on a high-speed catamaran or hovercraft.

There’s also the option of arriving by helicopter, as some venues have their own landing pads. ©© For further information email info@visitwight.org

4.

1. Filming at Osborne 2. The Sugar Store, Cowes 3. Brainstorming on a beach 4. Go on a team bonding boat trip around The Needles

46 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Beaches You’re never more than nine miles from a beautiful beach – and they’ve all got something unique to offer. Here are a few favourites…

Appley and Ryde

Sandown Bay

You’ll discover vast acres of golden sand in a peaceful setting at Appley, just minutes from the more bustling beach at Ryde. Facilities include toilets and cafés.  Best for: Sandcastles, families, paddling and picnicking.

‘Beach of the Year’ in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2019 for its ‘miles of golden sand, pier and eclectic seafront – and just a short walk to peace, fossil-rich cliffs and stunning coastal wildlife’.  Best for: Traditional entertainments and fossil hunting at Yaverland.

Colwell Bay A picturesque spot in West Wight, with a sandy beach and spectacular views across the Solent to the mainland. Look out for the sea forts.  Best for: Swimming in the calm water. The sand and shingle gently slope down, making it suitable for families.

Compton Bay Glorious and unspoilt golden beaches, hidden below dramatic chalky cliffs.  Best for: Dinosaurs – search for fossils, see their footcasts by the cliffs, and look for their footprints at low tide. Also great for surfing and paragliding.

Steephill Cove

1.

2.

An enchanted spot, that can’t be accessed by cars, with a golden cove and little cafés.  Best for: Escaping the 21st century.

Ventnor A beach that looks red one day, and gold the next… with pubs and cafés overlooking the sea. Look out for occasional resident Grumpy the Seal.  Best for: Fish and chips by the sea and coastal walks.

3.

©© For more information on the Island’s beautiful beaches go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-todo/attractions/beaches

Freshwater This rocky, rugged spot offers amazing views of chalk stacks.  Best for: Surfing, watersports and skimming pebbles along the water.

1. Compton 2. Appley 3. Sandown 4. Freshwater Bay

4.

Group & travel trade guide

47

Half the Island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

2.

Resources England’s Coast is an exciting tourism initiative offering you a wealth of holiday experiences.

Countryside

Tour operators and travel agents can access resources such as: 1.

The Island’s interior is diverse, with fields, Downs and forests, all bursting with wildlife.

Downs

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Lush Downs stretch across the southern part of the Island, from east to west. The highest point is St Boniface Down in the south east, at 241 metres.

In 2019 the Island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , one of only seven in the UK. This recognises the sustainable relationships between the residents and local environment.

Forests, woods & copses The Island has ancient woodland and forest areas. Borthwood Copse and Parkhurst Forest were once royal hunting grounds and are home to large numbers of red squirrels.

AONB The Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) contains some of Britain’s finest landscapes. The AONB covers five distinct sections, including two Heritage Coasts.

Look out for: Bluebells - there are prolific displays across the Island every May, on the Downs and in the woodlands. ©© To find out about the Isle of Wight UNESCO Biosphere Reserve go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/ biosphere-reserve

1. St Boniface Down 2. Looking towards Ventnor

 Stunning images and video footage of England’s dramatic coastline.  Contacts for hundreds of coastal tourism businesses on the trade itinerary builder.  Support with educational visits.  New coastal itineraries. ©© englandscoast.com/en/tradeportal/register England’s Coast Ambassador is a free online training programme written for all staff who engage with visitors on the coast. It takes less than an hour to complete and covers international welcome and product knowledge. ©© englandscoastambassador.co.uk

48 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Towns & villages

1.

Each town and village on the Island has its own character and charm – here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular places…

Bembridge

Cowes and East Cowes

Countryfile Magazine’s ‘Village of Year 2019’. The harbour is ringed by picturesque houseboats plus there’s a busy village community with upmarket independent shops, cafés and restaurants.

These historic towns are split by the Medina Estuary – and you can get between the two on the chain ferry or ‘floating bridge’. Cowes is famous for sailing, while East Cowes is celebrated for its maritime history (it’s where the hovercraft was invented). Both towns are the gateway to the Medina Valley, a beautiful and historic region of the Island.

 Local knowledge: The population

is around 4,000 – it’s said to be the largest village in England.

Brading

6.

 Local knowledge: Look out for

One of the oldest towns on the Island, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s best known for its Roman villa.

the 1912 hammerhead crane at the mouth of the River Medina.

 Local knowledge: You can see

Roman board games, jewellery and farming tools at Brading Roman Villa.

5.

1. Quay Arts, Newport 2. Godshill 3. Shanklin Old Village 4. Ryde 5. Cowes 6. Bembridge Lifeboat Station

Group & travel trade guide

2.

Godshill – geared up for groups The village of Godshill has thatched cottages, gift shops, pubs, tea rooms, and the popular Godshill Model Village. It’s also got a large free car park.  Local knowledge: It’s easy to explore the countryside from here –

follow the path to the right of The Griffin, opposite the entrance to the car park. Turn left into the woodlands.

49

‘The free coach park in the village of Godshill is the perfect start for one of several walks that go to Appuldurcombe House, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary and Godshill Model Village.’

Jackie Hough, organiser of group walks on the Island

4.

3.

Newport

Sandown

Ventnor

The historic county town, known locally as the ‘capital’ of the Isle of Wight. It has a good range of shops, restaurants, a cinema and pubs along the River Medina where you can sometimes see rare birds such as black swans.

A traditional seaside resort with a long stretch of beach, a Victorian pier, and large hotels – it’s ideal for families with young children.

Situated on the south coast, this charming Victorian spa resort has a sheltered beach. Access to the beach is down the winding Cascade Road, with its waterfall gardens.

 Local knowledge: Look out for

Quay Arts, the Island’s centre for contemporary arts – it’s based in former warehouses on the town quay.

Ryde The self-styled ‘town on the beach’, with golden sands, boutique shops, cafes and bars.  Local knowledge: Find out

about the town’s royal history in the Heritage Centre, in the Royal Victoria Arcade.

 Local knowledge: Play crazy

golf on the pier or at the dinosaur themed course at Sandham Gardens.

Shanklin This town is famed for its beautiful beaches, sub-tropical gardens, Shanklin Chine, thatched tea rooms in the Old Town, and traditional entertainments.  Local knowledge: Visit beautiful

Rylstone Gardens where you can relax in a deckchair and listen to music at the bandstand in the summer.

 Local knowledge: Walk along

the coastal path from Ventnor to Bonchurch, looking out for seals and dolphins along the way. You might be lucky, as they’re sometimes spotted here.

Yarmouth An ancient port town that acts as one of the gateways to the Island.

The town sits at the mouth of the River Yar and has some great little shops and cafes.  Local knowledge: Seek out

Yarmouth Castle, a Tudor fortress near the ferry terminal. It’s a great spot for picnics with uninterrupted views over the harbour and Solent.

50 visitisleofwight.co.uk

Coach parking & facilities 1

2

3

Cowes

14 Yarmouth

East Cowes

6 Ryde

5 Newport

Sandown 7 11 Shanklin 9 8 4 10 Godshill Ventnor

13

12

Coach parks Cowes

1. The Parade PO31 7QJ 2. Ward Avenue PO31 8AY. Coach parking is also available at Northwood House PO31 8AZ by special arrangement. Call the office on 01983 293642.

East Cowes

3. Osborne PO32 6JT: Ample parking for visits to the House and Gardens (booking essential to obtain discounted group fares).

Godshill

4. Old Smithy & Gardens PO38 3JE: Ample parking for visits to the Old Smithy tea rooms and shop (booking essential).

Newport 5. Coppins Bridge PO30 2AQ: 9 spaces Set down point: outside Morrisons on South Street (a dedicated 30 minute coach bay).

Ryde

6. Quay Road PO33 2HH: 12 spaces

Sandown

7. Fort Street, Sandown PO36 8BA: 18 spaces

Shanklin

8. Spa Site, The Esplanade PO37 6BG: 5 spaces 9. Atherley Road, PO37 7AU: 8 spaces 10. Vernon Meadow, Chine Avenue PO37 6AA: 6 spaces 11. Winchester House, Sandown Road PO37 6HU

Ventnor

12. Dudley Road PO38 1EJ: 6 spaces (managed by Ventnor Town Council) 13. Ventnor Botanic Garden, Undercliff Drive PO38 1UL: Ample parking for visits to the Garden (booking essential to obtain discounted group fares).

Yarmouth

14. River Road, Yarmouth PO41 0RA: 1 space

Attraction coach parking Many attractions have coach parking, including Amazon World, Blackgang Chine, Robin Hill, Carisbrooke Castle, Dinosaur Isle, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Isle of Wight Pearl, Osborne, Monkey Haven, The Needles Landmark Attraction, Isle of Wight Zoo, Tapnell Farm, Ventnor Botanic Garden and Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum.

Council operated coach parking  All days 8am-6pm: £3 per visit  Overnight parking (6pm-8am the following day or any part thereof): £10 per visit £ Charges apply all hours, seven days a week – including bank holidays. ©© iow.gov.uk/Visitors/Parking-andTravel Tourist Permits: available from paybyphone.co.uk or call (01983) 331331. Coach/oversize vehicles (use code 71001): Overnight £10.50 | 4 days £46.80 | 7 days £81.90 ©© iow.gov.uk/Visitors/Parking-andTravel/Parking-Permits/Touristpermits1

Service and recovery If your vehicle encounters a fault, Seaview Services can provide relief coaches and drivers. ©© seaview-services.co.uk/servicerecovery.php

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Bus travel Southern Vectis is the Island’s main bus operator and has been getting visitors and residents from A to B since 1929.

D

iscover, explore and see more of the Isle of Wight by bus – and save money with 10% off all Southern Vectis Group Rover tickets. A Group Rover offers either 24 or 48 hours unlimited travel for up to five people on all Southern Vectis buses. This includes the green network buses stopping at all major towns and villages and night buses into the early hours. There are four seasonal routes on the Breezer buses, two of which are open-top, taking you to the Isle of Wight’s best beauty spots, landmarks and attractions.

Southern Vectis bus routes

Operating an extensive bus network across the Island, Southern Vectis’ buses offer a regular and reliable service. ©© Fare information and timetables: islandbuses.info hello@southernvectis.com | 0330 0539 182

Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, The Guildhall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1TY Tel: +44 (0) 1983 521555 visitisleofwight.co.uk