Location: Isle of Wight
Top Things to do in Isle of Wight
What to do and see in Isle of Wight, England: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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
5.0 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.
2. Steve's Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By 643ellier
What a fantastic day we had today on the beach in one of Steve’s beach huts!! After enquiring about a hut yesterday Steve couldn’t have been more helpful letting us leave all the children’s toys, buckets, spades & paddling pools in the hut to save us bringing it all down today which with two small children & a buggy really helped!! He also let our little boy use buckets & spades which Steve provided & offered tea & coffee for our beach hut also, such a lovely man we really enjoyed our day thank you will be back next year!!!
3. 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
4. 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.
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. The Classic Boat Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
The Museum houses a unique collection of historic small craft and memorabilia that have been brought together to form a fascinating exhibition. Covering many aspects of maritime heritage over the past century or so, our displays relate to boatbuilding, sailing, yachting, cruising, racing, and much more. All exhibits are under cover and on one ground floor level. Free adjacent parking. Refreshments. Shop.
Reviewed By peterkirchem
Absolutely worth a visit but yes, it’s hard to find, made somewhat more confusing by the fact that the exhibitions are in fact in West Cowes ... underneath the huge black crane. Imagine coming off the chain ferry in West Cowes ... take the first road left ... and then the first road left again ... then you can’t miss it. Lots of nicely restored wooden boats, some with a close connection to the Island ... interesting also is that boats are being hand restored there in front of you. Friendly people who will answer all your questions. I think there’s a cafe there as well.
10. Monkey Haven
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,230 reviews
Welcome to Monkey Haven - The Island's award-winning primate rescue centre that makes animals happy - and people happy. We are a registered charity that cares for all kinds of wonderful animals, including whooping gibbons, cheeky capuchins, mischievous meerkats, birds of prey and many more exotic creatures. Our mission is to provide a forever home for rescued animals and a wonderful experience for our visitors. There are keeper talks and animal feeds throughout the day, play areas, stamper trails, tea room, gift shop, Wifi, full disabled access, a free Monkey Haven App and complimentary return within 7 days. All proceeds from your visit will help support the animals you'll meet. So swing by and visit us soon :)
Reviewed By Cocoloco150
What a fantastic place with committed staff and amazing monkeys We had a brilliant time here on a cold wet October day Loved the keeper talks and reading the monkey,s stories
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