The Isle of Wight is a picturesque escape just 3 hours from London. Despite its close proximity to major cities, the Isle of Wight truly feels like another world. It’s naturally beautiful, relaxing and packed with fun things to do and see. It makes for a wonderful vacation destination, whether it’s for a long weekend or an entire summer. Ready to plan your trip? Keep reading for 10 must visit attractions on the Isle of Wight!
Isle of Wight FAQ
- Is the Isle of Wight expensive to visit?
- Not necessarily! It’s possible to visit the Isle of Wight on a budget or to splurge and have a luxurious experience. There are tons of budget friendly accommodations, free things to do and restaurants at a variety of price points.
- The ferry can be pricey, so be sure to factor that in travel costs.
- Is there a lot to do on the Isle of Wight?
- Yes! There is so much to do on the Isle of Wight. As you’ll see in this post, there is plenty to do for any length vacation you’re taking.
- Is it worth taking a car to the Isle of Wight?
- Absolutely. While there is public transportation on the Isle of Wight (buses & train) it is so much easier to have your own vehicle. This is especially true if you’re planning on exploring the entire island; which I highly recommend you do!
- Is there Uber in the Isle of Wight?
- There is no Uber on the Isle of Wight. While you can call taxis, you’ll need to book them as far in advance as possible. I recommend bringing your own vehicle.
The Top 10 Attractions on the Isle of Wight
1: Wander Through Osborne House – Queen Victoria’s Seaside Estate
Osborne House is certainly one of the most impressive and beautiful sites on the Isle of Wight. Located in East Cowes, Osborne House is a formal Royal Residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Construction of the residence began in 1845 and remained in the royal family until it was gifted to the nation following Queen Victoria’s death in 1901.
Now, visitors can tour the impressive residence as well as the immaculate and sprawling grounds. The home itself is absolutely stunning and the grounds are equally impressive. You can spend time exploring the gardens, enjoying lunch and wandering down to the beachfront to enjoy an ice cream and the view.
You can easily spend most of a day at Osborne House, but definitely budget at least 2-3 hours for a visit.
Tickets can be purchased on site, or in advance here.
2: Walk Through History at Carisbrooke Castle
This is another attraction on the Isle of Wight with a royal connection! Carisbrooke Castle is a huge fortress which was originally built to protect against Viking raids and attacks. The exact date the fortress was built is unknown, but the wall surrounding the castle was likely built sometime around 1,000 AD.
In 1293, the castle was sold to King Edward I and it remained in royal hands for centuries. Interestingly, after the Civil War, King Charles I was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle until his execution in 1649.
Now, visitors can explore the grounds, the fortress and even walk along the ancient walls that protected the castle! There’s an interesting museum and you can also see the famous donkeys pull water from the well-house. Don’t worry, each donkey only works for a few minutes a day and only when they feel like it.
Tickets can be purchased on site, or in advance here.
3: See the Iconic Needles – The Island’s Natural Wonder
The Needles are certainly one of the most impressive natural attractions on the Isle of Wight. This row of rocks juts out at the edge of the island to a height of over 30 meters (almost 100 feet).
Visiting The Needles, at the gorgeous Alum Bay, is great for all ages. Yes, the views are amazing, but there are also tons of activities for the whole family. The most popular, and the one I recommend to everyone, is to ride the very steep chairlift down the Alum Bay cliffs to the beach below. The views of The Needles are absolutely spectacular. This is one of the most incredible chairlift rides I’ve ever been on.
Once you’ve ridden the chairlift back up, there’s also a carousel, food stalls and shops at The Needles to check out.
Check out my reel of the epic Needles chairlift here!
4: Discover the Magic of Shanklin Chine
Another magical natural attraction on the Isle of Wight is the Shanklin Chine in, you guessed it, Shanklin.
This chine, which I recently learned is another word for ravine, boasts being the “oldest attraction” on the island and has been impressing visitors for over 200 years. The chine begins in the Old Village and connects down to the waterfront and boardwalk below.
Follow the footpaths down the coastal ravine to the beach below taking in the waterfalls and landscapes along the way. There’s also a tearoom and giftshop for visitors to enjoy.
At night, the chine lights up and features a dinosaur display (invoking the island’s history as a major location of dinosaur fossils), and it’s such a fun experience to walk through day or night.
Tickets are a little pricey, but they’re valid for 7 days and you can visit as many times as you’d like.
5: Soak Up the Sun at Shanklin Beach
The Shanklin Beach was so surprising to me – in a good way! It definitely didn’t feel like I was in the UK. Along the beach you can set up your chairs and umbrellas, or rent them pre-set up for a very reasonable price.
This is such a nice place to come and spend an afternoon relaxing in the sun. There are tons of restaurants, ice cream shops, stores and even little amusement park rides for kids!
6: Wander the Ruins of Appuldurcombe House
Appuldurcombe House is a stunning 18th century Baroque mansion, or better said, what remains of the mansion.
This is one of the best free attractions on the Isle of Wight, as visitors are welcome to explore the shell of the house while imagining what life would have been like hundreds of years ago! It’s a very interesting stop, both inside and out.
Keep in mind they’re closed on Saturdays.
7: Connect with Rescued Donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is another amazing free attraction on the Isle of Wight! At the Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall you can meet these sweet donkeys, learn their stories and check out the on-site cafe and gift shop.
They take such amazing care of the donkeys and many would not be alive if it weren’t for the sanctuary. This is really a great stop for all ages and you can spend as much, or as little, time as you want exploring the farm.
The Donkey Sanctuary is open seven days a week and operates entirely on donations from visitors!
8: Indulge in Island Charm at Quaint Tea Houses
I love visiting tea houses when I travel in the UK and the Isle of Wight has some great ones. They make for the perfect stop any time of day for a sweet treat and a tea (or coffee).
A couple of my absolute favorites include:
Old Thatch Teashop in Shanklin
This teashop is so cute and charming! The decoration inside and out is adorable and it’s a fun spot to stop for a cream tea or sandwich. They have indoor and outdoor seating along with a little fairy garden that kids will enjoy.
Located in Yarmouth, this is a more modern option when compared with the Old Thatch Teashop, but it’s equally as great. They have a wonderful selection of food and drinks and their cakes are delicious!
9: Stroll, Shop, and Sip Along Cowes High Street & Waterfront
Cowes High Street is such a great place to explore and wander. You’ll find a great selection of cafes, restaurants and cute shops.
I recommend coming into Cowes in the afternoon, shopping along the high street, and staying for dinner. The waterfront area, just off of the high street, is also beautiful and you’ll see tons of sailboats parked in the marina.
Walking along the waterfront promenade with a coffee or tea is a great way to spend some time in Cowes!
A few of my favorite cafes and restaurants include:
- The Coast
- Great for a meal any time of day
- The Garden
- All day dining with indoor and outdoor seating
- Corries Cabin
- Casual fish and chips
- Dine-in or take-out
- The Lost Mill Bakery
- Great coffee and pastries, take-out only
- The Harbor Kitchen
- All day dining
10: Explore the Timeless Beauty of Yarmouth Village & Castle
My family who lives on the Isle of Wight says that Yarmouth is the most beautiful town on the island! I agree that it’s a pretty cute seaside village.
Yarmouth is small, but it’s a very nice place to walk around, browse a few shops and have lunch on the waterfront. You can also watch the ferries and boaters come in and out.
While in Yarmouth, be sure to also check out Yarmouth Castle. This castle was built in 1547 to protect Yarmouth Harbour from French attacks.
In addition to being an interesting historical site, it’s said to be one of the best picnic locations on the island. The views are pretty amazing!
Where to Stay on the Isle of Wight
When thinking about where to stay on the Isle of Wight, there’s a few things to take into account. The first, if you want to be on the water (beach included) and the second, what type of accommodation you’re looking for.
Beachside Getaway – Shanklin
If you’re looking for a beachside getaway in a quaint town, Shanklin is perfect for you! Here you’ll find a great beach, tons of restaurants and great shops. There are also a wonderful selection of hotels and inns to choose from.
Some of the best include:
The Island’s Sailing Capital – Cowes
Cowes is a great little town right on the water! While it doesn’t have a beach, it’s the sailing capital of the island and has a beautiful waterfront filled with sailboats. The downtown area is packed full of shops and restaurants and is also home to some great accommodations.
Some of the best include:
Small Town Historic Charm: Yarmouth
If you’re looking for a small town packed with charm, Yarmouth is for you! Here, you’ll find a slower pace than many other towns on the island. However, while it may be small, Yarmouth still has a lot to offer. You’ll find wonderful views, historic sites and quaint hotels.
Check out these places to stay:
The Isle of Wight is an amazing place to visit and one that almost any traveler will enjoy! I hope you found this post with 10 must visit attractions on the Isle of Wight to be helpful.
If you have any questions about planning your trip, or anything you’d like to add to this post, please let me know in the comments.
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♡Kate
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