Location: Isle of Wight
Top Things to do in Isle of Wight
10 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. Haven Falconry
Overall Ratings
5 based on 400 reviews
Haven Falconry houses 22 different species of birds, their total collection is over 55 birds. We also have a reptile and insect house and offer ferret walking to add enjoyment of your visit! We specialise in personal private falconry experiences, outside events, educational establishments and we perform two flying displays a day at the Centre! Open daily throughout the year!
Reviewed By Rebecca R - Abingdon, England, United Kingdom
This is certainly an amazing place to visit. We came twice in February and loved every second we were there. The animals are in fantastic condition and really well looked after. The owners/staff were incredibly knowledgeable and very friendly and welcoming.
Cant wait to visit again in a few weeks and see our wonderful adopted hawk Eddie!
2. Monkey Haven
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Welcome to Monkey Haven - your gateway to the wild and wonderful world occupied by our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. We're a happy home to whooping gibbons, cheeky capuchins, birds of prey and many more exotic creatures. We care for monkeys and other animals in need, in our lovely sanctuary outside Newport. Monkey Haven is a Gold Award winning attraction with plenty for you to see and do, so why not swing on by and visit us soon!
Reviewed By AJChes53 - Harrow, United Kingdom
Absolutely fabulous place to visit. Our first one but it came highly recommended. Absolutely lovely place and the animals and birds so well looked after - you can tell the staff really live the creatures. Never seen such unusual monkeys- really stunning and very reactive to people. Owls beautiful. The meerkats funny and the talk really good. Great to be able to hold the cornsnake. Staff so friendly and willing to help and answer questions. Lovely setting and all the enclosures so beautiful.
They are really trying to save so many beautiful creatures and need support to do so. Do visit - 7 day return visits
3. Bembridge Lifeboat Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Station is situated at the eastern end of the Isle of Wight. There is a IWC Car Park adjacent. Except over Christmas, the Offshore Boathouse & Shop are open to visitors every day from 2pm - 4pm and from 11am to 4pm during school half terms, the Easter holidays and from 30th June to 28th October. When we are open there is always a Visitors guide in the Offshore Boathouse to assist & answer questions. We regularly launch for training on a Tuesday evening (7pm) - check our website to see when the next training launch will be and do come down to the Offshore Boathouse to watch if you are around.
Reviewed By Chloe M
Visited here with family and had a lovely time! It was so interesting learning about the lifeboat and all the incredible and valuable work carried out by the RLNI. Would definitely recommend visiting!
4. West Wight Alpacas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
We are an open farm park where you can trek with alpacas and llamas and see all sorts of other farm animals. We have an excellent on farm cafe/bistro and are open seven days a week.
Reviewed By Julie W - Royal Wootton Bassett, United Kingdom
So we came here in Feb half term. Booked to walk the Alpacas. Had a wander around first and we went after a very rainy day so it was muddy underfoot - there are wellie boots to borrow should you need them. So after our...MoreAHHHH! What a lovely review! Thanks so much. And pleased you enjoyed yourself in spite of the rain!
5. The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By NatnArfur - Maidstone, United Kingdom
Stopped by here earlier today. What a wonderful, wonderful place. Greeted at the gate by a lovely lady who gave us some history of the sanctuary and how it's organised. And then those gorgeous creatures.
Signage is excellent (full of warmth and humour) and the love for the donkeys is obvious throughout the entire place. All donkeys have colour-coded collars with their names on and they are adorable. Bought a cook book in the shop. The cafe looked lovely.
We will be back and will recommend to all our friends who visit!
6. Wight Karting
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Purpose built 500m all weather outdoor track. All equipment provided (including waterproofs on wet days)! Tuition included, no experience necessary. Driving from 8 years old. Top ACTION attraction for IW. Wight Karting couldn't be easier or more convenient to find - its right behind Tesco Extra in Ryde; just follow the road signs straight on at the Tesco extra entrance mini roundabout:PO33 1QS CHECK WEBSITE FAQs FOR HOURS but generally open 7 days a week from 10am for Arrive & Drive each school holidays. (Check website for open hours outside the holiday times). Open for bookings of 20+drivers anytime 9am-10pm.
Reviewed By Peter H - Seaview, United Kingdom
Well organised great facilities and a great day out. Very slick and quick cars, fun in rain with sliding around corners, slower lap times am expecting a lower lap time in the dry. Going back soon.
Worthwhile noting that karts are comfortable and I had no bruising aches or pains from 30 minutes @ 63yrs Old.
7. Dinosaur Expeditions CIC
Overall Ratings
5 based on 122 reviews
Dinosaur Expeditions C.I.C. is a Community Interest Company created by local fossil enthusiasts. We promote responsible fossil discovery and conservation in addition to helping the public understanding of fossils and the palaeo-environment through Palaeoart. To do this we have established the 'Dinosaur Expeditions, Conservation and Palaeoart Centre' at the site of the Dinosaur Farm Museum. It houses displays of fossils, locally produced palaeoart, childrens' activities and a fossil & mineral giftshop.We also organise popular fossil hunting trips throughout the year at a variety of locations on the Isle of Wight, led by our experienced professional guides. Dinosaur Expeditions CIC pools the local knowledge, talents and experience of our Fossil Hunt leaders. This helps to ensure that we can provide a professional quality experience for all our customers. Are you mad about Dinosaurs and other fossils? We are, so why not join us on an amazing Fossil Hunting Adventure! Discover your own fossils and keep all your finds.
Reviewed By Vintagemalt - Southampton, United Kingdom
I reserved a fossil hunting trip for myself, my wife and four grandchildren. This was confirmed via email by Dinosaur Expeditions for 4:30 on Monday 21st August.
We were in the car park as arranged at 4:10. There was no sign of anyone from dinosaur expeditions. There was a guide with a Dinosaur Isle T shirt on who left with his group at 4:15 but nobody from Dinosaur Expeditions. When there was no sign of anyone who seemed to be from your company by 4:30 my family walked down to the beach to check if there was anyone there while I waited in the car park until 4:40. During this time I attempted to phone both contact numbers but I could not get a signal on my mobile (Vodafone). By 4:50 we gave up, there seemed to be nobody from Dinosaur Expeditions or any people apparently waiting. The grandchildren were very disappointed that nobody showed up. If there was anybody from Dinosaur Expeditions it certainly was not obvious and there did not seem to be any other people waiting. As the whole day had been planned to meet at this car park at 4:30 the whole day was thoroughly spoiled.
To be fair when I complained about this incident I did get a message from a director saying;
'I am very sorry for the disappointment caused to you and your family, which is entirely our fault' and offering another trip,
But I did not get this email until our holiday was over.
8. St Catherine's Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
A light to warn shipping was first established on the Southerly tip of the Isle of Wight in 1323. Today the distinctive octagonal tower of St.Catherine's Lighthouse provides a waymark for vessels navigating in the English Channel and a guide to vessels approaching the Solent. Each tour is approximately 40 minutes. Tours of St Catherine's Lighthouse are operated by Andrew Booth, under licence from The Corporation of Trinity House.
Reviewed By DwayneAndAlma - England
We walked here from our holiday cottage. Only 15 minutes away.
Very pleasant walk with lovely scenery.
Was a little disappointed as no one was there to talk to/It didn't seem to be manned etc.
We walked around and then left.
The lighthouse itself from the outside is nothing spectacular to look at. But a nice way to waste /whilst away 45 minutes or so
*(I much preferred the oratory as that's a nicer walk with better view and more interesting landmark)
9. Tapnell Farm Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Tapnell Farm Park is a former Dairy Farm located on the Isle of Wight. On site you will find loads of Indoor and Outdoor Play for Kids, along with lots of animals to meet - including Wallabies, Meerkats, and many more Farmyard Friends!
Reviewed By NDH53 - Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
We had such fun here over half term. So much to do and see. The bouncy pillows and the straw bale tunnels were the biggest hit. Really good value. We had lunch in the restaurant rather than the cafe. It was delicious with something for...MoreThanks so much for your great review, lovely to read that you all had such a good time. Good to hear that you ventured over to the restaurant and had a good meal too. Look forward to seeing you up here again soon.
10. Godshill Model Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Open from March to October. Authentic retro attraction that will take you on a trip down memory lane. Beautifully recreated models of Godshill and Shanklin Old Villages as they were in the 1920's and 30's. Passionate about details, the models are true representations of the houses, cottages and pubs you can still see in the 'real world'. NHS Partner Garden supporting the work of the Royal Horticultural Society. The Gardens are packed with conifers and shrubs in the Japanese style of Niwaki, that will make you want to dash home and start gardening... Our customers tell us we inspire them or that they would like to take one of our gardeners home with them!
Reviewed By Wayne H - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
I’ve been to a few model villages and this is the best by far. Another place with a kids activity sheet as you go around which is a great idea. The football pitch made a lot of people laugh, including us, on the day we...MoreThanks Wayne, Very glad the activity sheet came in handy - it is a good way to keep the children entertained. Thanks for taking the time to write your review. Best wishes Penny.
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