Location: Isle of Wight
Top Things to do in Isle of Wight
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do 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. Isle of Wight Fossil Hunts - Island Gems
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 334 reviews
Two hour fossil hunting trips and dinosaur walks to local beaches on the South West coast of the Isle of Wight. Trips run all year round and everyday in the school holidays. Private trips, public trips, school trips, special occasion trips and specialist trips available. Suitable for all ages.
2. Sally's Riding School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By rtg09
What a wonderful riding school. Very well organised, COVID-aware and great communication when booking. My two novice riders had a wonderful ride on the beach and are desperate to go again! I would highly recommend Sally’s.
3. 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.
4. JURASSIC JIM
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 588 reviews
We are much more then a fossil and mineral shop . Our opening days are Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm PLEASE NOTE WE WILL BE CLOSED FROM SUNDAY 4/10/15 until WEDNESDAY 14/10/15
Reviewed By ellalesley123 - East Sussex, United Kingdom
Fantastic shop so much to see and very well priced. Our children said it was the best place on earth .We went back again in same week .We will be back again next year .Some lovely unusual gifts here and Jim is just so lovely and great with children of all ages .Well done Jim ????????????
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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