Visit Isle of Wight is the Destination Marketing Organisation and VisitEngland accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership 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 our island
Information on film locations
Visit Isle of Wight works with:
VisitBritain
VisitEngland
Tourism South East
British Destinations
National Coastal Tourism Academy
UKInbound
The Coach Tourism Association
Cross-Solent ferry operators
On-Island travel organisations
Isle of Wight Council
Tourism Alliance
Representatives from over 1,000 of our 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
Nick Weightman, Exhibitions, Trade and Sustainability
Executive , Visit Isle of Wight Ltd.
nick@visitwight.org
T: +44 (0)1983 240087 M: 07894 332959
¬ For information about group visits go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/groups
¬ For free resources, including toolkits and images, go to visitwightpro.com
Our island is 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 to name but a few.
You’ll discover dramatic Downs, sweeping beaches, awardwinning attractions, sophisticated coastal resorts and charming villages. There’s so much to see and it’s all within easy reach.
Hidden coves
Shanklin Old Village
Plentiful pubs
Dramatic scenery Osborne
Freshwater Watersports
Local produce
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
The island for everyone
Our island has it all, from family friendly attractions to some of the best beaches in Britain. Plus so much more...
Step on board to a true English island experience where the holiday starts as you cross the Solent.
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A packed calendar of unique events including world-famous festivals.
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A great selection of family attractions and historic landmarks – many welcome group visits.
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A huge range of special interest activities in beautiful locations.
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Welcoming pubs and restaurants with locally sourced food and drink.
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Great value accommodation for groups, couples and families.
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A stunning coastline and diverse countryside.
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Pretty coastal towns and charming villages .
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Car-free cycle routes
Coastal walks
Carisbrooke Castle
St Catherine’s Oratory and our island’s dark skies
Getting to the isle of wight
Ferries
LONDON
PORTSMOUTH
Trains
There are excellent rail connections to all the major ferry ports, providing fast access to our island from across the UK. You can buy tickets that include your ferry crossing.
¬ nationalrail.co.uk
¬ southwesternrailway.com
Coaches
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 our island.
Flights
You can reach our island via flights into London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Bournemouth and Southampton airports.
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 20 return 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-the-Solent and visit the Hovercraft Museum.
Main Office: Quay Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1HB
¬ hovertravel.co.uk
info@hovertravel.com
0345 222 0461
Red Funnel
Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry, carrying passengers between Southampton and East/West Cowes on-board their vehicle and high-speed Red Jet foot passenger 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.
Wightlink
Wightlink is your link to our island. 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
• Lymington to Yarmouth.
Both offer easy routes from the mainland to our island, 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, use the high-speed passenger service and catch the FastCat.
Map kindly supplied by Isle of Wight National Landscape: isleofwight-nl.org.uk
Our island’s stunning and diverse coast and countryside landscape is our top attraction, and the Isle of Wight NL 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, our island 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 Visit Isle of Wight, with a direct interest in the National Landscapes.
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.
‘Everything is well preserved and just as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert would have lived their private lives. The grounds are also amazing.’
TripAdvisor review of Osborne
1DAY
The wilds of West Wight
Morning:
Go and see The Needles rocks – the worldfamous chalk stacks at the western tip of our island
Shop for hand-blown glass and confectionery at The Needles Landmark Attraction
Take the chairlift to Alum Bay and see the cliffs with their multi-coloured sands
Afternoon:
Visit the pretty harbour town of Yarmouth
Walk along the pier with an ice-cream
Royal rendezvous
Morning:
1DAY
England in a nutshell
Morning:
Explore the ‘chocolate box’ village of Godshill
Go to Model Village Godshill, 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
1DAY
A day of adventure
Morning:
1DAY
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
Start your day in Freshwater Bay, where you can try your hand at paddleboarding and explore our island from the water.
Stop for a coffee at one of the many cafes in Yarmouth and stroll along the River Yar
Afternoon:
Head over to Tapnell Farm and try your hand at archery, axe throwing, or a game of football golf
Finish your day at The Cow Restaurant and Bar and relax after your fun-packed day
Seasonal opening times apply for some destinations. Always check destination website before travelling. *Not suitable for coaches
1DAY
Animal encounters
Morning:
Starting at West Wight Alpacas and Llamas, book a relaxing stroll through the 23-acre farmland with a fluffy friend before a bite to eat at the onsite café
Afternoon:
Head south to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctury and meet their herd of over 100 donkeys and ponies!
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
Exploring East Wight
Morning:
Start at Hovertravel with a behind the scenes tour of the world’s longest running commercial hovercraft service and exclusive hire
Head to Ryde Castle Hotel for a bite to eat in the historic seafront hotel
Afternoon:
Visit Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and see their rescued big cats, bears and other animals
Walk down to Sandown Pier and try your luck in their arcade before enjoying an ice cream on the golden beach
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
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 hovercraft 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
Day 1
Morning: Ryde where you can walk
Take a morning walk down the mile long sandy beaches of Ryde and Appley
Make a stop at the Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum
Afternoon: Lake where it’s dry
Visit the Wight Aviation Museum and explore one of our island’s non-commercial airports.
Finish the day at Bayside Fish and Chips on Shanklin Seafront and a quick round of crazy golf at Caddyshack
Day 2
The Wonders of our island
Morning: Cowes you can’t milk
Explore Cowes, with its boutique shops, independent cafés and historic Royal Yacht Squadron
Afternoon: Newport you can’t bottle
Visit Newport Roman Villa, a 3rd century Romano-British farmhouse near the centre of town
Stroll over to the Quay Arts centre and soak up their current exhibitions
Day 3
Morning: The Needles no one can thread
Start by visiting the Old Battery at the top of the cliff and see the iconic chalk stacks.
Drop into The Needles Landmark Attraction and watch the live sweet-making and glassblowing.
Afternoon: Freshwater no one can drink
Explore Farringford, historical home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Pop into Dimbola Museum & Galleries and see the Jimi Hendrix monument.
West Wight Alpacas and Llamas
Events for all seasons
There’s always something happening on our island, 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...
January/February
Additional activities and entertainment at local attractions available during February half-term.
March/April
Mother’s Day – special events take place at attractions across our 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
Isle of Wight Randonnee –thousands of cyclists tackle the Round the Island route in this popular challenge.
Cowes Fringe Festival – explore famous Cowes locations with music, theatre, poetry and art.
Festival of Transport – see engines and vehicles of all shapes and sizes at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Wolverton Folk & Blues Fair – listen to music in the beautiful grounds of Wolverton Manor, near Shorwell.
Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival – a packed programme of walking tours and activities for all ages and abilities.
Additional activities and entertainment at local attractions available during May half-term.
June
Steam Spring 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.
Isle of Wight Festival – get ready to party, as the biggest names in rock and pop head for our island.
Isle of Wight Festival of Running – stretch your legs in the wonderful West Wight countryside. There are runs for all abilities.
Cowes Classics Regatta – racing traditional yachts and enjoying fabulous social events ashore.
Wildheart Animal Sanctury host their annual Focus on Conservation and Science (FOCUS) festival, a weekend event aimed at marking science and nature accessible for families.
Round the Island Race – one of the largest participant sporting events in the world. Thousands of yachts sail around our island from Cowes in this annual spectacle. The date changes depending on conditions.
July
British Classic Week – an annual regatta with beautiful boats competing in races around Cowes.
Royal Isle of Wight County Show – a fun rural day out at the County Showground near Cowes, with farm animals, tractors and displays.
Ventnor Fringe – music, theatre, poetry and art exhibitions take over the seaside resort of Ventnor.
Isle of Wight Mardi Gras – an explosion of sequins and colour in Ryde, hosted by the New Carnival Company.
1940s Experience at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway – step back in time with vintage train travel, music, dancing and fashions.
Sunrise Breakfast and Twilight Safari’s run on selected days in summer holidays at Wildheart Animal Sanctury. With limited capacity, it’s a great opportunity to meet the animals in a different light.
Additional daytime and evening entertainment available at The Needles Landmark Attraction, Wildheart Animal Sanctury, Tapnell Farm Park and other local attractions available during the school holidays.
August
Carnival season on our island! Look out for the amazing parades and illuminated carnivals at Newport, Shanklin, Sandown, Ryde, Ventnor & St Helens. Check visitisleofwight.co.uk for dates.
The Chale Show – a classic agricultural show with family entertainment on a clifftop overlooking the sea.
Cowes Week – the biggest competitive sailing event in the world celebrates its 200th year in 2026. Attracting thousands of visitors for the races, entertainment, food and fireworks.
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 Fair – 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 scooter enthusiasts descend on our island for their annual rally.
Isle of Wight Proms – open-air classical music, from opera to musical theatre and comedy, in the grounds of Northwood House in Cowes.
September
Isle of Wight Jazz Festival – enjoy great live music around Newport. Isle of Wight Classic Motorshow – vintage vehicles from all over the country line up in Ryde.
Heritage Open Day – discover the history of our island at various locations throughout our island.
Embrace your inner inventor at the Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival Dress in your finest steampunk attire or come just as you and enjoy music, entertainers, fancy dress fun and all sorts of other jiggery pokery throughout Ryde.
October
Pumpkin Festival at Tapnell Farm –featuring activities and fresh grown pick your own pumpkins.
Harp on Wight – harp music comes to the seaside town of Ryde with live performances and lessons.
Isle of Wight Literary Festival –well-known authors and writers inspire readers with talks and interviews, at historic Northwood House in Cowes.
Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival – a packed programme of walking tours and activities for all ages and abilities.
Halloween – events take place throughout our island, with ghost walks and scary shenanigans at our island’s attractions including Spooky Castle at Carisbrooke Castle; and the Festival of the Dead at Blackgang Chine.
November/ December
Osborne - the house is decorated for Christmas in traditional style.
Meet Santa – there are Santa Specials at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. You can also meet the big man at Tapnell Farm Christmas Experience.
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.
¬ For a full list of events go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on
Attractions
Our island has many award-winning attractions that welcome groups.
‘So charming, you keep expecting to see fairies’
TripAdvisor comment about Shanklin Chine
When people are asked what they know about our island, ‘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
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 their new Adrenaline Zone!
Animal attractions
Go wild at one of the animal attractions including Monkey Haven, where you can meet rescued primates and birds of prey, plus the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Amazon World and Tapnell Farm Park
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 photographer Julia Maragret Cameron, 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.
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 additional needs.
1. Shanklin Chine
2. Osborne
3. Brading Roman Villa
4. Needles Landmark Attraction
5. Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Discounts
Many attractions offer discounts, depending on how many people you’re bringing.
Groups of 10+
Brading Roman Villa
Dimbola Museum & Galleries
Dinosaur Isle
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Monkey Haven
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Groups of 11+
English Heritage’s Osborne, Carisbrooke Castle and Yarmouth Castle
Groups of 15+
Shanklin Chine
The National Trust’s Mottistone Garden and Needles Old and New Batteries
Our 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. Tree climbing with Goodleaf
Newtown National Nature Reserve
Action & adventure
Challenge your group to tackle activities ranging from axe-throwing and archery to an outdoor aqua park. Try something on the water like paddleboarding, or leave the ground with tree climbing!
Book with Tapnell Farm, UKSA and Goodleaf Tree Climbing and your group will be safely guided and supervised by their trained instructors.
¬ tapnellfarm.com/play
¬ uksa.org
¬ goodleaf.co.uk
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 Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. 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.
¬ monkeyhaven.org/product/keeper-for-the-day
¬ amazonworld.co.uk/animals.htm
¬ wildheartanimalsanctuary.org
¬ iowdonkeysanctuary.org
¬ westwightalpacas.co.uk
Archery
Shoot over to one of our island’s Warner Leisure Hotels or visit Tapnell Farm to practice archery in their allweather ranges. They both offer expert tuition to help you aim with precision or learn this Olympic sport, and there are even challenges and games designed for groups.
Suitably inspired, go stargazing with the Vectis Astronomical Society - their observatory in Newchurch is open to visitors every Thursday evening.
¬ wightastronomy.org
Birdwatching
The RSPB 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 our 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 solar-powered telescope for you to spy on the rare birds.
Or stay at The Garlic Farm, and watch the wildlife in the surrounding woods.
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.
Over at sunny Sandown, the Trouville Hotel and Ocean View 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, why not head over to Sandown Pier and play tenpin bowling located by the Ancient Aztec Temple at the heart of the pier.
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!
¬ iwbusmuseum.org.uk
Car shows
Our island has some of the best driving roads in the country and hosts a number of car rallies and shows throughout the year, from classic cars to modified and even single make. There is even a closed-road sprint event! If you want to enter your car, you’ll need to register in advance with the hosts.
¬ IW Classic Motor Show – iwmotorshow.co.uk
¬ Modified car show – iowtakeover.co.uk
¬ IW sprint event – isleofwightspeedtrials.co.uk
¬ visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on
Climbing
Scale new heights and challenge yourself to new challenges with the excitement of rock and wall climbing. Sandown Rocks features two outdoor walls, The Adrenaline Zone at Robin Hill with an indoor wall at West Wight Sports and Community Centre, so no matter your skill level, there’s something for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. Both sites offer expert instructors with a focus on safety, they’re the perfect place to learn, climb, and explore.
¬ sandownrocks.co.uk
¬ robin-hill.com
¬ westwight.org.uk
Culture
Quay Arts is our 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.
Creative Island are hosting a 6-week, island-wide celebration of local arts and culture in autumn 2026. Local partners will combine expertise to showcase creativity and culture across every corner of our island.
Department in Ryde is a multi-purpose arts, theatre and exhibitions venue showcasing the best of local talent and creativity. Featuring workshops, shows and a café/ bar, it’s a prime display of local culture as well as being home to the National Poo Museum!
Ventnor Exchange creates live events and runs arts venues that are open to everyone as well as curating the annual Ventnor Fringe Festival. The café/bar is open daily with a record store featuring new and reissued music.
Or stay in a boutique retreat village with Tiny Homes Holidays and learn a new skill, like willow weaving or Christmas wreath making.
¬ quayarts.org
¬ department-ryde.org
¬ ventnorexchange.co.uk
¬ tinyhomesholidays.com
1. 2.
Cycling
Our island has been dubbed ‘Bicycle Island’ and is 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.
You can cycle all the way around our island, 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.
Shake a leg in Sandown – the Trouville Hotel has our 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!
Holidaying can be thirsty work, so visit the Isle of Wight Distillery in Pondwell where they make Mermaid Gin, Spiced Rum and Rock Salt Vodka. Kick back with a G&T on the terrace and admire the views over the valley.
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.
Wight Knuckle Brewery is an independent craft brewery based in Nunwell, Brading, known for bold, locally brewed beers inspired by our island. Join a Saturday brewery tour to discover our brewing process, meet the team, and enjoy fresh beer straight from the source. A must-visit for craft beer lovers.
Goddards Brewery offers brewery tours, delicious locally sourced food, and stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. With 30+ years of brewing heritage and vibrant entertainment options, they offer a unique, memorable experience—now proudly part of the Powder Monkey Brewing Group. Open daily. All are welcome.
Wight Whisky is the first Isle of Wight whisky and only uses barley farmed on our island. The distilling process begins at New Farm within our island’s countryside, and they use local Wight Crystal water during the blending and bottling process, so when you enjoy their whisky, you’re really savouring the essence of our island.
Isle of Wight Gin, don’t just make spirits - they bottle up our island. From the botanicals they grow to the names they choose - everything they do is inspired by the land, stories, and people of this beautiful island we call home. Based in the village of Godshill, they handcraft gin, rum and vodka that reflect our island’s character, creativity, and natural rhythm.
¬ isleofwightdistillery.com
¬ adgestonevineyard.co.uk
¬ wightknucklebrewery.com
¬ goddardsbrewery.com
¬ wightwhisky.com
¬ isleofwightgin.com
E-bikes & scooters
What better way to explore our island’s breathtaking scenery, hidden gems, and quaint towns than on a Voi e-scooter. You’ll find them in Cowes, East Cowes, Newport, Ryde and Seaview.
¬ voi.com/city/isle-of-wight
English tuition
Learn English at an accredited English school, on the beautiful Island. Our island 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.
The Lost Crypt is the only UK escape room set in a genuine church crypt and is a truly unique experience. Based on the local history of Naval Surgeon James Lind, can you find the clues, solve the puzzles, and beat the clock? All proceeds go to Aspire and directly support this social enterprise charity.
Random-Rooms offers immersive, interactive escape rooms for groups of up to 6, but with five unique challenges and the ability to run up to three simultaneously, they can host up to 18 players at once. Work together, solve puzzles and beat the clock in a fun, thrilling environment that keeps everyone engaged.
¬ thelostcrypt.co.uk
¬ random-rooms.co.uk
Fishing
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!
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.
¬ thegarlicfarm.co.uk
¬ briddlesford.co.uk
Fossil hunting
Our island 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, Island Gems and Jurassic Jim
¬ dinosaurisle.com
¬ dinosaurexpeditions.co.uk/fossil-trips
¬ islandgems.co.uk
¬ jurassicjim.com
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.
Another ‘must see’ is Ventnor Botanic Garden. 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. Please call 01983 855397.
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.
Contact direct to book on 01983 741302 or email mottistonegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk
Gatcombe Park & Gardens is a Grade II Georgian estate, returned to original 18th-century glory. The ten-year restoration programme will restore historic parkland, secret gardens, and ancient woodlands. Garden tours are available to learn the estate’s vital Isle of Wight heritage and witness the remarkable journey from dereliction to breathtaking beauty.
The walled gardens at Farringford House have been meticulously restored after they were destroyed to build 18 self-catering holiday cottages in the 1970’s. The only information regarding the original layout has come an aerial photograph taken in 1941, and the team has worked tirelessly to bring the gardens back to life featuring prized poppies, fruit and vegetables.
Get your gardening gloves at the ready to explore our island’s garden centres. With a range of garden centres across our island you can find something for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s tucking into an afternoon tea at Dalverton Garden Centre or getting a group together to go to the Christmas World at Busy Bee Garden Centre.
¬ www.busybeegardencentre.co.uk
¬ www.facebook.com/iowgardening
¬ www.honnorandjeffrey.com
¬ medinagardencentre.co.uk
Golf
Swing by one of the eight golf clubs on our 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.
Cowes Golf Club – this nine-hole course has views over the Solent, with alternate tees for the second nine.
5,953 yards | Par 70
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
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Newport Golf Club – a golf club up on the Downs, minutes from our island’s ‘capital town’.
5,579 yards | Par 68
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
Ryde Golf Club – a nine-hole course with some alternate tees for the second nine, plus lovely sea views.
5,772 yards | Par 70
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
Ventnor Golf Club – 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
Westridge Golf Centre – our island’s only ‘pay as you play’ course (nine holes) with a floodlit driving range.
There’s so much history to explore, from the Bronze Age to the present day, with lots to interest fans of Queen Victoria.
Discover Osborne Tour
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 rooms including the Durbar Room with its lavish Indian décor.
Explore Carisbrooke Castle
Discover the historic castle at the centre of our island with a guided tour, and see where King Charles I was once held prisoner, meet the famous donkeys in the well house and take in some of the best views around.
Contact directly to book – advance booking is required for both tours:
Email osborne.bookings@english-heritage.org.uk
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Email carisbrooke.castle@english-heritage.org.uk
Welcome tours are available at Bembridge Windmill, built in the 1700s (open every day from April to October).
Guided tours of the Grade 1 listed Farringford House, the former home Alfred Lord Tennyson, run from April –September. Groups must book in advance.
Our 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.
Fairfields Riding School welcomes riders of all ages and abilities – from complete beginners to advanced equestrians. The lessons are safe, supportive, and focused on building confidence and skills. They offer a range of fun, progressive activities, including:
• Group Lessons and Hacks
• Back in the Saddle Adult Riding Club
• 2-Hour Holiday or Adventure Hacks
Holiday Group Pony Days
• Birthday Parties
Please contact 07501094087 or email sallyrand1973@icloud.com to book.
Hovertravel provide the world’s longest running commercial hovercraft service, operating between Southsea and 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-the-Solent.
¬ hovertravel.co.uk
Karting
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. Sandham Karts offer electric karts for everyone ages 4+.
¬ wightkarting.co.uk/groups
¬ sandhamgardens.com
Literature
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 our island 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 our island.
The Isle of Wight Literary Heroes Trail can be downloaded from visitisleofwight.co.uk. It takes you on a journey across our 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.
Book a break that encompasses one of the many music events that happen across our island every year.
Whether it’s the famous Isle of Wight Festival or the popular Isle of Wight Jazz Festival – there’s something to cater for every take.
¬ Isle of wight Festival: isleofwightfestival.com
¬ Wolverton Folk and Blues Fair: www.facebook.com/WolvertonFolkandBlues
¬ Ventnor Fringe: vfringe.co.uk
¬ Jack up Events: jackupevents.co.uk
¬ Isle of Wight Proms: www.wightproms.co.uk
¬ Harp on Wight: www.harponwight.co.uk
Paintballing
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.
¬ splatteronpaintball.com
¬ islandpaintballing.co.uk
Painting
Get creative on a HF Holidays ‘Rambles with a Sketchbook’ break, and capture our 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.
Dimbola Museum & Galleries 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 Capture Perfect and Light at Night Photography will give you another perspective on our island’s beauty with ‘Moon Rising’, and ‘Night Sky and Nature’ workshops.
¬ dimbola.co.uk
¬ captureperfect.co.uk
¬ timwells.photography
¬ ainsleybennettphotography.co.uk
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
¬ visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/running
Shooting – air rifle & clay pigeon
Take aim and go air rifle shooting with Warner Leisure Hotels at an all-weather shooting range.
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.
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 our 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).
Group discounts are available for pre-booked parties (free entry and refreshments for coach driver/courier).
¬ iwsteamrailway.co.uk/visit/groups
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
Walking
With over 500 miles of footpaths, our island 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 our island for the iconic Walk the Wight, which raises money for Mountbatten, our island’s hospice.
Our island is the ultimate destination for watersports –it can be 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 paddleboarding. Explore the glorious coastline and maybe experience something new, like stand-up paddleboard yoga. You can even paddleboard around the world famous Needles rocks.
The Isle of Wight Aqua Park is our islands only outdoor inflatable, waterborne attraction! With showers, lockers and changing facilities, this unique experience is a oneof-a-kind!
Relax… you’re on our island. Surrounded by beauty and tranquillity, this is the perfect destination for promoting wellness, wellbeing and mindfulness. You could stay for spiritual relaxation at Quarr Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery, or Camp Wight which works with local specialists to host eco-therapy, yoga and sound-bathing sessions in their ancient woodland.
Echo-Me Sound Therapy connects with clients empathetically, providing structured therapeutic healing, focusing on the link between well-being and sound.
There’s also the opportunity to book onto a yoga workshop or residential retreat at Nettlecombe Farm or relax with a massage or spa break at Lakeside Park Hotel and Spa
Look out for the Wight Marque – it’s a sign that the food is lovely and local.
¬ riwas.org.uk/members/
Eating & drinking
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
Look out for restaurants serving local produce. Seafood is a speciality and many places have earned prestigious awards for their cuisine.
Pubs and Inns
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.
Cafés
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.
Afternoon tea
Sit down, relax and enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea at one of our island’s superb foodie destinations.
¬ Find great places to sample local food and drink at visitisleofwight.co.uk/eat-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. Local botanics feature readily in some of the locally made gin, rum and vodka which is increasing in popularity.
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.
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 or 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.
1. The Wellington, Ventnor 2. Tomatoes growing for The Tomato Stall
3. Isle of Wight Blue made by the Isle of Wight Cheese Company
Accommodation
Day trips are fun, but to really make the most of our island, you need to stay a night or two. You can pick accommodation ranging from low-cost getaways to grand hotels.
Hotels
Budget: There are Premier Inns in Newport and Lake, plus a new hotel at Sandown seafront. Travelodges are located in Newport and Ryde.
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.
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.
See page 36 for a full list of serviced accommodation.
Holiday parks
Stay in a spectacular location that could offer you luxury tree houses (at Woodside Bay) to hot tubs (at The Bay Colwell). Larger holiday resort providers include Park Dean Resorts and Away Resorts. Outside peak times, it’s often it’s often possible to book several lodgings to accommodate big groups.
Resorts include:
¬ awayresorts.co.uk/parks/isle-of-wight Whitecliff | The Lake Rookley | The Bay Colwell
¬ Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat: darwinescapes.co.uk/ parks/woodside-bay-lodge-retreat
This is ‘Bicycle Island’ and there are loads of scenic routes for all abilities, including these amazing rides...
Round the Island
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.
In Search of Jimi
This inland loop of 7 miles takes you in search of the Jimi Hendrix statue in Freshwater before you cycle beside 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
Cycling accommodation
Some accommodation providers go above and beyond to enable visitors to enjoy a carfree trip to our island. Many have lockable bike storage and can provide maps, tools and bike cleaning facilities.
Discover the best walking, cycling and running routes with Outdooractive.
Explore our island
We’ve partnered with Outdooractive to bring you the best routes on our island. On the walking, cycling and running pages on visitisleofwight.co.uk , you’ll find interactive maps with turn-by-turn directions around some of the most iconic parts of our island.
Bring your bike
Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel can all accommodate bikes but groups should check in advance.
Bike hire
¬ Route Fifty7, Shanklin routefifty7.com
¬ Wight Cycle Hire, Yarmouth and Newport wightcyclehire.co.uk
Our island has over 500 miles of footpaths, bridleways and trails
Walking
Our island 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 our island’s highest points and through some of the prettiest fields and woodlands.
Look out for: Our 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 our island.
The famous jagged rocks mark our island’s most western tip.
1. Walking Tennyson Down
2. Walking near Freshwater
Small group holidays
Round the Island
Walk all the way round our 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 Festivals, held in May and October, tempt 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 May festival. Thousands of people cross our island, many in fancy dress, to raise money for our island’s hospice.
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.
With its rich nautical history, steady winds and excellent sailing conditions, our 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.
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 Global Yacht Racing and Flying Fish.
Salty Sailing and Flying Fish both offer a complete range of courses from beginner through to Yachtmaster – or they’ll skipper the boat for you, if you prefer.
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
¬ vmeracing.co.uk
¬ globalyachtracing.com
¬ flyingfishonline.com
¬ saltysailing.co.uk
¬ tackt-isle.co.uk
Sailing experiences and charters
Charter your own boat and then enjoy sailing with expert tuition, if you need it.
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, bareboat or with skipper and crew. Motorboats and RIBs are also available.
Solent Cruises and 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 our 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.
Escape Yachting provides a relaxing sailing experience with the opportunity to see around our 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.
¬ contessa32experience.com
¬ islandcharters.co.uk
¬ sunsail.co.uk/corporate
¬ boat-charters.uk.com
¬ solentcruises.co.uk
¬ isleofwightcharters.co.uk
¬ griffmarineservices.co.uk
¬ rebelmarine.co.uk
¬ venturesailing.co.uk
¬ lycevents.co.uk
¬ escapeyachting.com
¬ oceaniqueboatcharter.co.uk
¬ promocean.co.uk
Sailing clubs
You may have to be a member, but some of the sailing clubs do offer training and sailing experiences for groups.
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.
¬ 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
¬ East Cowes Sailing Club (ECSC): eastcowessc.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
Cruise lines ahoy!
Our 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.
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 our island’s rich history. Here are a few favourites…
See The Needles
Book seats on the open top Needles Breezer for one of the most spectacular bus rides in England.
STOP & SEE
Needles rocks & Batteries
Multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay
Fort Victoria Country Park Hop on, hop off. Runs: March to November.
Up the Downs
The Downs Breezer follows a circular route through countryside and across the Downs with amazing views.
STOP & SEE
Birds of prey and red squirrels
Robin Hill Dinosaur Isle
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Hop on, hop off. Runs: May to September.
¬ For more Southern Vectis services go to islandbuses.info
Ghosts and relics
Our island is known for its dark past, and this tour is to showcase our islands historically sinister and spooky side. As we drive along our spooky guide, Marc Tuckey will tell all our island’s ghostly secrets while you take in some breath-taking scenery.
¬ islandexplorer.co.uk
Guided Tours
Round the Island
Panorama Tour
Gastronomic Extravaganza
Roman Wight
The Needles and West Coas
Tennyson’s Celebrity Circle
Shipwrecks & Dinosaurs
Culver Cliff, Radar & The Isle of Wight at War
Carisbrooke Castle and Village
¬ isleofwightguidedtours.co.uk
Package providers
These are just some of the operators who include our island 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
Dunwood
Greenline Coach holidays
Harry Shaw
Hemmings Coach Travel
HF Holidays
Isle of Wight Tours
Jason Edwards
Johnsons Coaches
Just Go
Mart Harris
National Holidays
Owen’s Travelmaster
Parry’s International
Rabbies
Robinsons Holidays
Saddle Skedaddle
Shearing Holidays
Skills Motor Coaches
The Holiday Shop
Woods
International:
House of Britain
Titan Travel
TUI Rundreisen
UK Breakaways
Wikinger-reisen
Cruise ship shore excursions:
Intercruises
Excursions Ltd
European Cruise Service UK
Accessibility
Regardless of ability, our island is for everyone with flat routes to explore and many accessible attractions and accommodation.
Getting around:
Ferries – Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel offer wheelchair and step free access to their passenger lounges on all routes.
Southern Vectis – all busses have easy access and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users.
Island Line Railway – Most stations are step free, however at Ryde St John’s Road does not have step free access to Platforms 2 and 3 (towards Shanklin). You can book to get help for your train journey, please provide 24 hours’ notice. (nationalrail.co.uk/ stations/ryde-st-johns-road/)
Car parks – Most of public car parks have wheelchair parking as do most attractions. Check with individual attractions for more details.
Attractions:
Many of the large attractions such as Blackgang Chine, Tapnell Farm and The Needles Landmark Attraction are accessible for all abilities. For a full list, head to visitisleofwight. co.uk/travel/accessible-isle-of-wight
Accommodation:
Our island has a huge range of holiday accommodation with everything from chalets and cottages to country parks and caravans many of which have accessible friendly features, but you should enquire at the time of booking to see if the facilities will be suitable for you.
Eateries:
Many pubs and restaurants across our island are accessible and have facilities available for all abilities. Please call businesses directly to confirm what facilities are avaialble.
Euansguide.com is used to discover and recommend accessible places to visit. Search their website for the Isle of Wight and access thousands of reviews of accommodation, attractions and eateries!
¬ For more information and useful links head to visitisleofwight.co.uk/travel/ accessible-isle-of-wight
Educational & School trips
Our island is a smart choice for your school party or youth group, with lots of resources to support you.
Our island 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.
Lesson time: the Victorians
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.
Organisations that can plan a trip
Education Destination will help you organise your visit and can provide free resources, created by teachers.
Activity Island Limited organises all-inclusive residential visits.
Isle of Wight Experience has been arranging school visits for over 27 years on our island.
Organisations that can support your trip
UKSA offer courses in yachting, rafting, kayaking and much more. They also provide high quality accommodation for groups.
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.
Education trips
Wildheart Animal Sanctury will create sessions to fit the curriculum students are currently learning. Contact before visiting to discuss any specific requirements.
Robin Hill provides curriculumbased resources, engaging students and enabling children to have fun whilst they learn. Contact when booking for more details.
Brading Roman Villa have resources and tailor visits to include curriculum based activities to engage school groups and enhance the learning experience.
Staying here
Take your pick from groupfriendly accommodation providers, including hostels, hotels, campuses, campsites and caravan parks. Options include:
¬ UKSA, Cowes: uksa.org
¬ Corf Scout Campsite, Shalfleet: corfcamp.org
¬ PGL Little Canada Wootton Bridge: pgl.co.uk
¬ Ocean View Hotel: oceanviewhoteliow.co.uk
¬ Nettlecombe Farm: nettlecombefarm.co.uk
¬ Island Riding Centre: islandriding.com/holidays
¬ Foxhills of Shanklin: foxhillsofshanklin.co.uk
¬ YMCA Winchester House Shanklin: ymca-fg.org/ venue/isle-of-wight
Congratulations, you’ve found the perfect location for your wedding or celebration!
With a sunny climate and stunning scenery, our 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.
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.
Fulfil your Georgian Wedding Dreams at the stunning Grade II listed Gatcombe Estate, whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the estate offers a unique and romantic atmosphere that’s rich in charm and character.
¬ For more information about venues with wedding licenses go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/ weddings-and-celebrations
1. East Afton Farmhouse (photo: Little Isle Photography)
Celebrate at the seaside
Isle of Wight Pearl 4. Gatcombe Estate (photo: Joshua French)
Filming & photography
Our island makes a wonderful film set. Here are 5 reasons to choose our island for your next film or photography project…
1. Our island 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.
2. It’s easy to get around. All these beautiful and varied scenes lie within an accessible distance, as our island is a compact 13 miles by 23 miles.
3. Our island has its own microclimate, and has more hours of sunshine than the rest of the country.
4. You can find a wide range of trusted professionals on our island, including camera operators, models and stills photographers, plus there are several recording studios.
5. You’ll be supported. If you need any help, Visit Isle of Wight work closely with Film Wight to help you in every aspect of film production.
¬ Go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/filming-on-the-isle-of-wight
Location, location, location...
Recent projects
The Beast Must Die featuring Jarred Harris and Cush Jumbo
Comedy The Cockfields is filmed and set on our island
An Action Hero, Bollywood film made in 2022
Victoria and Abdul, starring Dame Judi Dench and Ali Fazal
Victoria, the hit ITV series starring Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes, by Mammoth Screen
Scenes from the latest Bond movie No Time to Die and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet .
Historic streets and buildings Natural landscapes Pretty villages
Here to help Visit Isle of Wight, in collaboration with Film 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
¬ filmwight.com
Meetings & conferences
You can work hard, then play hard on our island – everything is set up for your business needs, so that you can have a productive and enjoyable time…
Our island is a great backdrop for all kinds of business events, from meetings to corporate fun days
Inspiring venues
Hosting your business event on our 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
Why not combine your meeting with team-building activities? Give your team and clients the opportunity to experience the thrill of yacht sailing, high-speed RIB tours, clay-pigeon shooting, tree climbing, 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 onboard 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
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
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.
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 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.
Freshwater Bay
This rocky, rugged spot offers amazing views of chalk stacks.
Best for: Surfing, watersports and skimming pebbles along the water.
Sandown Bay
‘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 fossil-rich cliffs and stunning coastal wildlife’.
Best for: Traditional entertainments and fossil hunting at Yaverland.
Steephill Cove
An enchanted spot, that can’t be accessed by car, 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 seals and dolphins.
Best for: Fish and chips by the sea and coastal walks.
¬ For more information on our island’s beautiful beaches go to visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-todo/attractions/beaches
Half our island is designated a National Landscape
Countryside
Our island’s interior is diverse, with fields, Downs and forests, all bursting with wildlife.
Downs
Lush Downs stretch across the southern part of our island, from east to west. The highest point is St Boniface Down in the south east, at 241 metres.
Forests, woods & copses
Our 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.
National Landscape
The Isle of Wight National Landscape (IWNL) covers over 50% of our island, including coastlines, downland and forests. Formerly and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), being a National Landscape means we are ensuring it remains a peaceful
and idyllic place while understanding it is a living, breathing, rural economy.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In 2019 our 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.
Look out for: Bluebells - there are prolific displays across our 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
Resources
England’s Coast is an exciting tourism initiative offering you a wealth of holiday experiences.
Tour operators and travel agents can access resources such as:
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
Towns & villages
Each town and village on our island has its own character and charm – here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular places…
Bembridge
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.
Local knowledge: The population is around 4,000 – it’s said to be the largest village in England.
Brading
One of the oldest towns on our island, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s best known for its Roman villa.
Local knowledge: You can see Roman board games, jewellery and farming tools at Brading Roman Villa
Cowes and East Cowes
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 built).
Local knowledge: Look out for the 1912 hammerhead crane at the mouth of the River Medina.
Freshwater
As one of the largest villages in West Wight it is a popular destination for visitors with the spectacular Freshwater Bay area lying to the south of the main village.
Local knowledge: The bay is easily recognised by its chalk cliffs and the imposing “Stag” and “Mermaid” rocks that sit at the edge of the coast, which are a magnet for photographers on our island.
Godshill – geared up for groups
The village of Godshill has thatched cottages, gift shops, pubs, tea rooms, and the popular Model Village Godshill. 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.
Newport
The historic county town, known locally as the ‘capital’ of our island. 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.
Local knowledge: Look out for Quay Arts, our 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 at the Heritage Centre, in the Royal Victoria Arcade. And check out Department - this community-led cultural centre hosts exhibitions, events and workshops.
Sandown
‘We truly enjoyed our visit to the model village. Better than expected is an understatement. The work and the attention to details has been put into this model village is amazing!’
TripAdvisor review of Model Village Godshill
A traditional seaside resort with a long stretch of beach, a Victorian pier, and large hotels – it’s ideal for families with young children.
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.
Ventnor
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: 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 our 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.
Coach parking & facilities
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, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Tapnell Farm, Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum, Isle of Wight Donkey Santuary and Quarr Abbey.
Council operated coach parking
All days 8am-6pm.
Overnight parking
Alum Bay
1. The Needles PO39 0JD: Ample parking for visitors to The Needles Landmark Attraction (booking essential to obtain discounted group fares).
Cowes
2. The Parade PO31 7QJ: 3 spaces
3. Ward Avenue PO31 8AY: 9 spaces Coach parking is also available at Northwood House PO31 8AZ by special arrangement. Call the office on 01983 293642.
East Cowes
4. Osborne PO32 6JT: Ample parking for visits to the House and Gardens (booking essential to obtain discounted group fares).
Godshill
5. Old Smithy & Gardens PO38 3JE: Ample parking for visits to the Old Smithy tea rooms and shop (booking required). 01983 840364.
Newport
6. Coppins Bridge PO30 2AQ: 9 spaces
Set down point: outside Morrisons on South Street (a dedicated 30 minute coach bay).
Ryde
7. Quay Road PO33 2HH: 12 spaces
Sandown
8. Fort Street, Sandown PO36 8BA: 18 spaces
Shanklin
9. Spa Site, The Esplanade PO37 6BG: 5 spaces
10. Atherley Road, PO37 7AU: 8 spaces
11. Vernon Meadow, Chine Avenue PO37 6AA: 6 spaces
12. Winchester House, Sandown Road PO37 6HU
Ventnor
13. Dudley Road PO38 1EJ: 6 spaces (managed by Ventnor Town Council)
14. Ventnor Botanic Garden, Undercliff Drive PO38 1UL: Ample parking for visits to the Garden (booking essential to obtain discounted group fares).
Yarmouth
15. River Road, Yarmouth PO41 0RA: 3 spaces
£ 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).
Southern Vectis is our island’s main bus operator and has been getting visitors and residents from A to B since 1929.
Discover, explore and see more of our island by bus – and save over 50% on tickets with a Southern Vectis Group Rover. A Group Rover is either valid for 24 or 48 hours, providing unlimited travel for up to 5 people on all Southern Vectis bus routes.
¬ Fare information and timetables: islandbuses.info hello@southernvectis.com | 0330 0539 182
Southern Vectis bus routes
Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, Suite 4, Mill Court, Furrlongs, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2AA
