Location: Isle of Wight
Top Things to do in Isle of Wight
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Couples in Isle of Wight, England
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. St Catherine's Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 540 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 Marita-Amie - Guildford, United Kingdom
Myself and James although being from the Island had never been to St Catherine's, so we decided to go and visit on a whim after checking out the website to make sure it was open. We parked about 10 minutes up the road by a local pub and walked down through a hidden pathway we found and came out to the side of the lighthouse. We had a lovely walk over and were greeted by a lovely gentleman named Chris. Sadly myself and James were the only 2 people actually interested in the tour, which surprisingly worked out well for us as it was basically like a private tour. Chris was very informative and a real gent. He made the tour fun and answered all of the questions we had. Upon entering the lighthouse he made sure we were safe at all times and let us take some photographs. We had a little moment to remember the lighthouse keepers that were killed and learnt about the local ghost! We had a great time and are actually planning to come back with some family and friends. I cannot recommend the tour more and if you get Chris as your guide you'll have a great time. For £5.00 it was an absolute bargain and well worth the money.
2. Haven Falconry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 696 reviews
Haven Falconry houses 24 different species of birds, their total collection is over 55 birds. We also have a reptile and insect house, rabbits and guinea pigs and offer ferret walking and Fly a Hawk to add enjoyment of your visit! The Info Hub and Kite Kingdom is new for 2018! 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! Please note that Dogs are not permitted inside the Bird Of Prey centre, we do however allow Guide Dogs.
Reviewed By forlorntraveller - London, United Kingdom
I treated my wife (and myself) to the "Owl Experience", It was brilliant, We got to fly and get really up close with 4 different owls, Chloe was our host & handler, assisted by Jodie, Chloe knows her stuff when it comes to birds of prey, and being a Northerner has a great sense of humour, Jodie was great with both us, and the birds and it's clear both enjoy what they do immensely, they're both a credit to the Falconry, welcoming & informative. We will be returning next time we're down that neck of the woods to try the other experiences, they're great value for a couple and you really do get to see them at their best, and will probably learn something new, questions are invited after every different type of bird.
3. 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.
4. Carisbrooke Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,020 reviews
An Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king's prison and a royal summer residence. Carisbrooke is a quintessential romantic castle. Here you'll find loveable donkeys, a fascinating museum and an Edwardian garden. Your can also experience hundreds of years of history with entertaining events in the summer.
Reviewed By suzienowell - Camberley, United Kingdom
Visited many times. Love the donkey demonstration turning the wheel to collect water. Lovely place with lots of history - amusing video summarizing the castles history "narrated" by Jupiter the donkey (my kids loved it) lots of English Heritage events throughout the year. Jousting our particular favourite. Visited many times!
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. Osborne House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,408 reviews
Former retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (circa 1845) still retains a large collection of the royal couple's possessions, art work and photographs. Also home to the Swiss Cottage for Victoria's children, and the private beach and bathing machine.
Reviewed By 836michaelc836 - Saltash, United Kingdom
Excellent house to visit well worth the money lots to see and do House interesting well presented Guides well informed and polite Gardens well maintained and excellent Swiss Cottage interesting Good walks available Beach worth walking to
7. 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.
8. Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,102 reviews
Step back to a bygone era when steam power was the order of the day. Thrill to the sight and sound of powerful majestic steam engines and breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway. Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and discover an idyllic view of the Island’s unspoilt countryside. Keep an eye out for a red squirrel or deer darting away from the train as you pass through ancient woodland. Our Locomotives and Carriages have all been painstakingly restored to pristine condition and are the hallmark of our delightful railway. Our oldest locomotive was built in 1876 and carriages date back to 1864! The railway is more than just a train ride - most visitors spend at least 3 hours with us; some stay all day. Explore our Train Story Discovery Centre, our fabulous indoor museum which brings the story of the Island's railways to life. Don't miss our daily falconry displays at 11:40 and 13:40 each day.
9. Adgestone Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
England's oldest continuously operating commercial vineyard. We love wine and we understand it, which is why we try to tailor your experience so that you get the most out of it. From explaining the basics (in a non-pompous way) through to discussing the detail if you really want to know more. Vineyard and cellar tours with beautiful sea views. Treasure hunt for the children. Wine tasting, and more. Come and relax at Adgestone Vineyard.
Reviewed By alfredd475
The vineyard is in a beautiful, tucked away (though easy to access) spot and the tour of the grounds is informative about the production of English wines on the farm and nationwide. Of course, the highlight is the wine and liquer tasting. It is great value for money and all the wines are delicious in their own right. The staff are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, which enhances the tasting experience. Highly recommended.
10. 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.
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