Isle of Wight Attractions
There are many places to visit here on the Isle of Wight and so to help you on your way to filling your stay on the Island with fun, we have selected a few great places to visit for all the family to enjoy. Below is a snapshot of what is on offer as there is far too much to detail here and we would not want the fun taken out of the exploring you can do by telling you.
Robin Hill
Robin Hill is a destination for visitors of all ages looking for outdoor fun, adventure and great family experiences.
Set in 88 acres of beautiful countryside, the place boasts a whole day of entertainment and more. With great falconry displays from one of the UK’s most experienced falconry teams, and adventure play for fun loving families and children, plus relaxing woodland gardens, ponds and walks for discerning adults to enjoy.
There are a couple of cafes for you to enjoy a snack, lunch or well-earned cup of tea after all exploring. Then you can go off again as The African Adventure and Squirrel tower provide challenging adventure play for older children while toddlers can enjoy the mini houses of Duck Down village. More Info – Click Here
The Isle of Wight Zoo
The Isle of Wight Zoo is a family-run zoo with a special interest in tigers and lemurs. Isle of Wight Zoo Tours run every day, including big cat feeding presentations, while younger children will love making new friends during small animal handling sessions.
The Isle of Wight Zoo boasts one of Britain’s largest collection of Tiger’s and a whole range of other big cats such as Lions and Jaguars. A warm, friendly atmosphere awaits you and creates the perfect environment for getting to know a range of individual animals – Zena the white tiger is worth the visit alone.
There is a café serving hot and cold snacks and beverages and a great gift shop to buy a special souvenir. More Info – Click Here
The Needles
The Islands most famous landmark attraction has so much more to enjoy than the stunning views it is a destination not to be missed. The range of attractions includes the iconic and spectacular chairlift ride to the beach and the sand cliffs.
At the sand shop visitors can make their own unique coloured sand souvenir. At the IW Sweet manufactory you can watch skilled sweet makers create sweets that you will not find anywhere else. At Alum Bay Glass it is educational as well as fun.
Visitors can watch the fascinating art of glass blowing and see craftsmen make a variety of crafted glassware.
The Pier Head Shopping Emporium at The Needles is where you can find an interesting range of souvenirs to suit all budgets and tastes.
The attraction has full catering facilities including a fully licensed tearoom and kiosks serving fresh coffee, ice cream and more. More Info – Click Here
Seaview Wildlife Encounter
Getting mobbed by Wallabies and ducks might send some people running but animal enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven – in absolute style – at this multi-award winning Isle of Wight attraction.
Situated in stunning parkland setting overlooking the sea, the Seaview Wildlife Encounter offers visitors a warm and friendly interactive wildlife experience and has a great gift shop for that special souvenir. The amazing Seaview Wildlife Keeper team deliver nine daily hands-on feeding presentations where guests can get up-close and personal with a vast array of tame and exotic feathered and furry friends including 3 different species of flamingos.
The Tropical House offers amazing water displays, beautiful free flying birds and exotic plant species, it is a relaxing area for visitors to enjoy and children will love searching for hidden dinosaurs. A licensed Café serves brunch, lunch and afternoon tea in a relaxed setting, you can dine on the outside patio areas with stunning sea views. More Info – Click Here
Amazon World
Amazon World Zoo Park is the Isle of Wight’s largest exotic animal attraction and is a great day out whatever your age. See unusual and rare animals like the Toucans, Marmosets, Penguins, Flamingos, Otters, Monkeys and many more.
Learn about the conservation of these fantastic animals and their rainforest home, ‘Secrets of Xenathra’ with Sloth just wandering past you in the trees. There are also Falconry Displays and Keeper Talks daily.
Walk through jungle rainforests with colourful rare birds flying above you and crocodiles watching you from the pond. More Info – Click Here
Arreton Barns
Enjoy watching local skilled artisans at work in their studios open 7 days a week, browse local shops and take in the numerous displays of times gone by.
Arreton Barns has a real-ale pub, a 12th Century church, duck pond, village green, numerous craft rooms, a glass works, farm shop, sweet shop and leather works centre. Exhibitions, demonstrations, real ale festivals, harvest events and auctions are also regularly held.
The Isle of Wight Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum sits next to the duck pond at Arreton Barns and comprises the ‘Wreck & Rescue’ Lifeboat Museum with one of the most extensive maritime heritage collections. More Info – Click Here
Osbourne House
Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s family home, is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Isle of Wight. After first visiting Osborne, England’s longest-reigning monarch wrote: ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’.
The pretty and extensive grounds are a must see along with the private apartments including the Queen’s bedroom, nursery rooms and royal bathrooms.
Take a stroll through the garden terraces where the stunning views across the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples.
There are Victorian Walled Garden Hothouses containing exotic plants along with a great restaurant and café to enjoy. More Info – Click Here
Blackgang Chine
Let your imagination run wild as you venture on a journey of discovery as Blackgang Chine offers an enchanting experience like no other, fighting pirates on-board your own ship, discovering life size moving dinosaurs and escaping from danger, being a sheriff of your own town, rounding up the outlaws and locking ’em up – or experiencing the magic of being fairy princess of your own castle.
Filled with an eclectic mix of attractions, magical theme worlds and exciting rides – waterforce water slides, cliff hanger roller coaster and pirate barrel ride – you’ll find adventures around every corner, something for all the family.
There are various food outlets throughout the park offering quick snacks, fish and chips, daily specials and children’s favourite ice creams. Also on site you will find gift shops selling great souvenirs. More Info – Click Here
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Popular with both adults and children as a casual visitor or as a family outing, your visit to The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will charm and captivate, leaving you with some lasting memories of a great day out.
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. Soak-up the rhythm of quiet rural stations while enjoying the friendliness of traditionally uniformed staff.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway offers fully licensed Refreshment Rooms, and you can browse for books, gifts, toys, DVDs and other mementoes from the Railway’s Gift and Model Shop.
A journey on the multi award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway is an unforgettable experience for all the senses. More Info – Click Here
Owl and Monkey Haven
There’s lots of fun for everyone at Monkey Haven. It is home for whooping gibbons, cheeky capuchins, birds of prey and many more exotic creatures. Monkeys and other animals in need are cared for in this lovely sanctuary outside Newport.
Monkey Haven is a Gold Award winning attraction, with plenty for you to see and do. You will have a fantastic time, and there’s always something new and exciting going on around. There are also the daily keeper talk and animal feeds to look forward to, as well as enjoying the play areas and tea room.
If you want an ultra-memorable visit, you can pre-arrange a marmoset encounter before your visit. These exclusive experiences take you inside the marmosets’ enclosure where you will be able to feed and interact with these inquisitive South American monkeys. More Info – Click Here
Ventnor Botanical Gardens
Ventnor Botanic Garden lies at the heart of a remarkable microclimate whilst being protected by the chalk downs of the Ventnor Undercliff. VBG boasts an impressive collection of rare, subtropical and exotic plants. All ages and generations of the family can spend quality time together exploring or relaxing in the beauty and tranquillity of the Garden or perhaps join one of the Guided Tours, led by VBG Volunteers departing daily.
Visit the Tropical House and be transported to the rainforest, take a walk along the secret tunnel to the sea or step off of the pathways to discover secret places and see the rare and exotic plants at their best.
Enjoy super fresh cuisine, from light snacks, lunches or afternoon tea, made from locally sourced produce and VBG home-grown fruit, vegetables and micro herbs at The Plantation Room Café or the edulis restaurant . More Info – Click Here
Carisbrooke Castle
An Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king’s prison and a royal summer residence, here you’ll find loveable donkeys, a fascinating museum and an Edwardian garden. Experience hundreds of years of history with our entertaining events, and be a knight or princess for a day within the high castle walls. Famous as a royal prison to Charles I, it is now the location of the stunning new Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden.
Enjoy the birds-eye view from the castle keep and walk around the battlements or perhaps delight in the demonstrations of the donkeys working the 16th century treadwheel or perhaps dress up as a soldier, experiment with armour and discover how to fire cannons.
Also accredited local history museums run by an independent Charitable Trust with its fascinating Charles I memorabilia and new World War 1 exhibition are here. More Info – Click Here
Rosemary Vineyard
Rosemary Vineyard is one of the largest producers of English Wine. Set in 30 acres it is ideally placed to make the most of the mild Island climate. All English wine, liqueurs, juices and ciders are made on the estate from grapes and apples grown on the estate. It is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy a taste of the good life in this peaceful setting.
Whatever your tipple there’s something for everyone; from full-bodied English red wines, ciders and bottle fermented sparkling wines to liqueurs, country wines and refreshing apple juice.
The winery is available throughout the year for you to browse round, and get a detailed understanding of the different equipment that is used for the wine making process. Also, Wine Tours are available, meaning you can book in for a lunch and free wine tasting. Tours are also available in the evening (subject to availability).
The Vineleaf Coffee Shop is ideally situated to enjoy the superb views overlooking the estate. Fresh ground coffee, light lunches, along with a large choice of freshly made cakes, cream teas, and tea cakes. And of course what better way to enjoy lunch than with a glass of locally produced award winning wines or refreshing Apple Juice. More Info – Click Here
Isle of Wight Pearl
Isle of Wight Pearl houses the largest collection of pearl jewellery in the UK. With over 20 years’ experience in the pearl industry, Isle of Wight Pearl are the pearl specialists and a great visit during your stay.
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Isle of Wight’s southern coastline, this popular family attraction is your introduction to the shimmering world of pearls. You can explore how pearls are cultured and browse the shop to buy a piece of jewellery as a souvenir of your visit to the Island. The Pearl Café with its panoramic sea views offers homemade cakes, light lunches and cream teas.
Be sure to visit ‘Pick a Pearl’ where you can select an oyster from the pool and watch it opened to reveal a genuine cultured pearl which you can keep as is or have it made into a piece of jewellery.
Pearl Masterclass – Discover the many different types of pearls and how they are created, cultured and transformed into jewellery.
Masterclasses are suitable for families and small groups and must be booked in advance. More Info – Click Here