Location: Isle of Wight
Top Things to do in Isle of Wight
10 Free Things to do in Isle of Wight That You Shouldn't Miss
The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy some peace, quiet and natural beauty. Except perhaps in the summer, when the Isle of Wight Festival draws visitors from all over the world. In 1970, the Festival was the largest rock-music event ever held. It was called Britain's Woodstock and featured Jimi Hendrix and The Who. (Not so much peace or quiet that week.) The island is also known for its world-famous sailing and lovely resorts, where people have been vacationing since Victorian times.
Restaurants in Isle of Wight
1. Ager Farm Nursery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By mrsmuffinmon - Bembridge, United Kingdom
We are very keen gardeners and absolutely love this nursery. It's a bit of a drive from our place but always worth the journey. The plants are beautifully laid out, always very healthy and the prices are incredibly reasonable. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable with their suggestions for planting and advice on the care of your purchases. If we ever had a nursery of our own, we'd want it to be exactly like this one.
2. East Cowes Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Skybunker27
Have been meaning to pop in and have a look round before and I'm so glad I did. What an amazing place!! It's packed full of information on everything you could wish to learn about east cowes. There is so much to see and look at that it would certainly take numerous visits to see it all. Really can't recommend this place enough for anyone interested in anything particular to east cowes or just in east cowes in general. The people who run it are all cheerful and friendly and have a wealth of knowledge themselves. I will be making many more return visits.
3. Neil Williams
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Friendly photography gallery run by the photographer. Local scenes, stormy seascapes, classic yachts and London cityscapes. Lots to look at. Children welcome.
4. Godshill Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By 65ralphl - Hanslope, United Kingdom
Interesting church. Interior worth a look and there is plenty of information about the church and the local families. Pleasant walk to the church from the village via some steps or follow the road.
5. Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We have been walking the Isle of Wight Coastal Path in sections with an ambition of completing the complete circuit in time. The coastal paths are generally well signposted (though not always strictly ‘coastal’), and due to the coastal erosion in some areas of the island not there at all! Nether the less we enjoy taking these paths as we see parts of the island and views from the coast that we have not seen before and self-initiated impromptu diversions add to the experience for us. We completed the following sections on our most recent visit: Niton to Ventnor One of our most recent walks around the island Coastal path was between Niton and Ventnor, walking towards the latter as we had parked our car here. We started at Niton (‘Baptist Church’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 6) to there from Ventnor. Our walk started a short distance from here and we soon found ourselves skirting a large field high up on the cliffs giving fantastic views over the area known as the ‘Undercliff’. St Catherine’s lighthouse can also be seen from this vantage point. A bit later the path drops down the side of the cliffs into the pretty village of St Lawrence and from here to Steephill Cove the path literally runs along the edge of the cliffs right next to the sea. Looking back, the walker can see the cliff tops from which they have just descended. Fantastic views can be gained on this part of the walk as you pass Woody Bay, Mount Bay and Orchard Bay and photographers can get some good pictures though don’t get too near the edge! After passing by the Ventnor cricket ground and Steephill Gardens, the very pretty Steephill Cove is reached and here you can get refreshments if required and there are also toilet facilities available. From Steephill Cove, the path follows the coast as you approach Ventnor and some nice shots of this beach resort can be taken and also look out for the large ‘Ventnor’ sign cut into the grass bank. Our walk ended in the ‘La Falaise’ car park in Ventnor but the Coastal Park continues from here onto Bonchurch, Luccombe and Shanklin via the ‘Landslip’ which is also an interesting walk. Although not a particularly long walk (about 4.5 miles), we enjoyed it nethertheless and it was nice passing the time with some fellow walkers along the way. Bembridge to Ryde Another of our walks around the island Coastal path was between Bembridge and Ryde we chose to walk towards the latter town as we would have views across the Solent towards the mainland as we went. We started at Bembridge (‘Bembridge Point’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 8) to there from Lake. The walk starts off skirting the harbour area at Bembridge passing a number of small boatyards along the way and then enters the town of St Helens with its picturesque town sign. Just past the old St. Helens mill there is a lovely walk across the mill dam wall and on the other side we crossed to the beach at Duver with its ruined church and what appears to be old railway carriage bodies being used as beach huts. After leaving Duver beach, the coastal path heads inland to pass around the Nodes Point holiday camp and after passing through some countryside the path re-joins the coast again at the picturesque Seagrove Bay. The coastal path now diverts along an alley way by some public toilets, but if the tide is out it is possible to walk along the shingle beach to Seaview. We stopped here for refreshments before continuing on past Nettlestone Point and Puckpool Point following the sea wall getting some fine views of the Solent forts and also the mainland just across the water. There were regular public toilets along this stretch should you need them. Puckpool Park is worth a passing visit sited in an old Victorian coastal battery and here you will also find refreshments and toilet facilities. The walk continues into Ryde passing Appley beach and its tower and we ended it with a walk along the ½ mile long Ryde Pier to catch the train back to Shanklin. A pleasant and good length walk (about 8 miles) mixing a vibrant harbour scene, an inland walk through fields and tree lined paths and finally along the coast with some picturesque bays and as you approach Ryde, expansive beaches. The walk is mostly flat but with some minor climbs as you pass around Nodes point. Bembridge to Shanklin Another of our walks around the island Coastal path was between Bembridge and Shanklin we chose to walk towards the latter town as we would returning to our accommodation. We started at Bembridge (‘Bembridge Point’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 8) to there from Lake. The walk starts off skirting the beach at Bembridge although we chose to divert from the coastal path and walked along the seashore itself. Regaining the path at Bembridge lifeboat station we were then diverted away from the coast firstly along a tree lined path and then through a housing estate emerging at the Crab & Lobster Inn. Between here and White Cliff Bay, sections of the coastal path have been lost to a landslip and is impassable. We chose to take to the beach and because the tide was going out walked along to White Cliff Bay on the shoreline. Note that this route requires the walker to pass over rocky and slippery terrain and is not recommended for those with mobility issues. We reached White Cliff bay with some sense of relief having kept our eye on the tide and climbed up the very steep tarmac path to regain the coastal path once more. The path now skirts a large caravan park before ascending up to Culver Down with its tall Yarborough monument on top, this is quite a climb although the paths are easy to follow but the views from the Down are very rewarding. There is a small café on the summit and also a public house and we chose the former for a cup of tea and a snack before continuing along the path now taking the long descent from Culver Down into Yaverland where there are public toilets in the car park. From Yaverland we followed the promenade through Sandown and passing its pier and once again diverged from the path which climbs up onto the cliffs, choosing instead to continue along the promenade to Shanklin. Certainly an interesting and good length walk (about 7 miles) especially if like us you take the shoreline in places instead of the formal coastal path. The missing section between Bembridge and White Cliff Bay could be a problem if you are seeking a path with a good surface and the alternative would be to follow the public roads that run parallel with the coast. The walk requires a significant climb from sea level up to Culver Down about 104m so bear this in mind if you are undertaking this route. Alternatively the approach from Yaverland in the opposite direction is shallower but longer.
6. Quarr Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 992 reviews
Reviewed By MrsLopy
Lovely walk around, free parking enjoyed feeding the pigs - great fun! Farm shop was also full of some great gifts or even things for lunch to take home. (Homegrown veg, local IOW produce, freshly baked foccacia). Would visit again and visit the tea garden on a sunny day.
7. Warren Farm
8. The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,881 reviews
Donkey Sanctuary - providing homes for unwanted and rescued animals. Carrying out educational work with schools and donkey therapy in residential settings.
Reviewed By 888lydiav - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Visited here in April and what a beautiful 50 acres of land with over a hundred donkeys to live in harmony Absolutely recommend to animal lovers and avid walkers as the animals are spread out nicely. Toilets are provided and are clean Cafe provided a wide selection of food and the staff were super friendly All donkeys have name tags and tons of information about their history dotted around the sanctuary.
9. Bembridge Lifeboat Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 563 reviews
Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Station is situated at the eastern end of the Isle of Wight. There is a IWC Car Park adjacent. ALTHOUGH THE SHOP IS NOW OPEN DAILY 2PM - 4PM AND OPERATIONALLY WE CONTINUE TO BE OPEN 24/7, DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS THE OFFSHORE BOATHOUSE REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. WE WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THINGS CHANGE.
Reviewed By caroledean1 - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
We visited the lifeboat on Friday afternoon the two guides who where in the station were brilliant friendly and helpful and really enjoyed taking to them excellent well worth a visit
10. Rylstone Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
Beautiful English Country Tea Gardens which are a haven for bees,butterflies,birds and our Red Squirrels who visit everyday. Also enjoy our lovely old fashioned Crazy Golf fully accessible to wheelchair and impaired mobility people
Reviewed By roberty469 - Shanklin, United Kingdom
Calm & peaceful oasis tucked away from the main attractions a short walk from the Center of the old village. It has a stage for outdoor concerts, a tea garden & crazy golf. Nicely maintained grounds a great place for meeting family & friends for a picnic.
