Activities

With such a wide variety of things to do on the Isle of Wight during your holiday, you’ll want to come back again and again. Whilst you won’t be able to fit everything into a single visit, we’ve highlighted some of the great attractions, activities and places to visit for you to choose from.

You can even build your very own itinerary of things to do by clicking the “ADD TO MY POCKET” button next to any web page listing, then review it using the Heart Icon link at the top right-hand corner of your screen. If it is new experiences you are looking for, try visiting the Island for one of our fantastic events or festivals, such as the annual Isle of Wight Festival.

Things to do on the Isle of Wight

Whenever you visit the Isle of Wight and whatever your interests are, you certainly won’t be short of memory-making things to do.

The Island is packed with family-friendly attractions, wonderful walks and beaches, food to die for and much, much more.

Here we will try and guide you through some of the fun to be had, come rain (not very often) or shine! Say Yes to the Isle of Wight for all the fun you could ever want.

Family-friendly attractions

The Isle of Wight is packed with great days out at some amazing theme parks across the Island.

Perhaps the most iconic natural landmark is The Needles, and within a stone’s throw of these gleaming pillars of rock at the western end of the Isle, is the Needles Landmark Attraction. Here you will find the world-famous chairlift down to Alum Bay with its coloured sands while in the attraction itself there is a 4D cinema, dino-themed adventure golf, Victorian carousel and much more.

Over at Sandown, Sandham Gardens has plenty of fun things to do, including the Skynets (great for kids to work off some excess energy), go-karts and adventure golf.

South of the Isle of Wight is Blackgang Chine, Britain’s oldest amusement park, which has been offering a brilliant family day out for more than 100 years and is always being updated with new attractions.

Kids of all ages will have a great day out at Tapnell Farm Park, with everything from soft play areas for the tinies to an incredible water park for bigger kids and grown ups with a sense of fun.

If you like a little monkey business then swing by the Monkey Haven on the outskirts of Newport to meet the owls, monkeys and meerkats.

Outdoor activities on the Isle of Wight

Whether you fancy a spot of tree climbing, paragliding, kayaking or coasteering, you can unleash your adventurous side on the Isle of Wight.

And if that all sounds a little too much, then there are wonderful walks on more than 500 miles of footpaths, super cycle routes on and off road, and great golf courses to tackle.

The Isle of Wight is a fabulous place for horses. From lessons for children and complete beginners to advanced courses in dressage the Island has the full range of practical horse-riding skills on offer.

And there is even the Isle of Wight Grand National, held each year at West Ashey Farm near Ryde.

Don’t forget the Isle is a mecca for sailors and there are clubs dotted around the coast, which all welcome visitors.

Stunning sunsets and beautiful beaches

Yes, we know that every coastal location is proud of its beaches, but there are miles of award-winning golden sands to enjoy on the Isle of Wight.

Whether you like broad sandy bays or hidden coves and rockpools, there is something for everybody.

Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor all have great promenades and sand for the whole family to enjoy while out in the West Wight, at low tide you can walk for miles along the south west coast, taking in views across Tennyson Down to the mainland and even spotting a few dinosaur footprints along the way!

Over in the east, St Helens, Seagrove Bay, Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge all have lovely beaches to enjoy.

And everybody loves a sunset. Two of the top places to enjoy a sundowner drink while watching the fiery orange globe sink in the west are The Woodvale at Gurnard and the Waterfront at Totland.

Stargazing on the Isle

If you live in a town or city, then you probably won’t be used to the sort of dark skies that truly bring the stars into view.

The Isle of Wight has some of the darkest skies in England and if you find a secluded spot the night sky is truly captivating on a clear night.

After all, the Isle of Wight now has UNESCO Biosphere status.

Food and drink

If all this talk of exercise and activity is making you hungry, then the Isle of Wight’s food offering gets better every year. From top-notch fine dining in acclaimed restaurants to hearty pub meals after a long, hard day of fun, there is something to tempt the tastebuds in every town and village.

The Isle of Wight also has its own tasty local produce too, from tomatoes to garlic, cheese to fish and meat, there is something for every visitor to experience.

If you are feeling thirsty, the Isle of Wight has a growing number of local breweries, plus vineyards and even distilleries producing high-quality gin, using local botanicals, as well as vodka and rum.

Shop 'til you drop!

If you have a hankering for a spot of retail therapy, then there are some bustling high streets to browse. Ryde’s Union Street and Cowes High Street are two highlights, with cafes and bars intermingled with the shops.

If you want to take home some Island produce, there are some fabulous farm shops packed with fruit, vegetables, meat and more all from local producers.

Accommodation

If you are planning to Say Yes to the Isle of Wight, then you will probably want to book some accommodation. There are plenty of different types of accommodation to choose from, including hotels, B&B's, self-catering apartments, holiday cottages, holiday parks and campsites.

Throughout the year many Isle of Wight attractions and activity providers run special offers and discounts which you can take advantage of during your visit.

Activities

Wildlife on the Isle of Wight

With more than 50 per cent of the Island protected as an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and it being one of only seven places in the UK to be declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Isle of Wight has some of the most diverse, rich habitats in the country for wildlife.

From the Glanville Fritillary butterfly to the Island’s county flower, the pyramidal orchid, the countryside is awash with flora and fauna large and small.

The red squirrel is almost an Island mascot while the recently introduced white-tailed sea eagles can occasionally be seen soaring through the skies on their 8ft wingspan.

Birdwatchers often visit to see the magnificent flocks of Brent geese and occasional visitors like the hoopoe and spoonbill.

Ventnor’s microclimate makes it ideal for the cute little wall lizard and at the Ventnor Botanic Garden you can see plants from around the world thriving in the undercliff.

During the summer, dolphins including the bottlenose variety, can sometimes be seen in the bays around the coast, and grey seals often bask on our shores.

Cycling on the Isle of Wight

Getting on your bike is one of the best ways to see the Isle of Wight. The Island is regularly recognised as one of Britain’s cycling hotspots and every May thousands of touring riders flock here for the Randonnee, a day-long ride around the Island’s coast.

Yes, you may have to put your foot on the pedal to get up some of our hills but the views from the roads and tracks are well worth it and there is always the option of a cooling dip in the sea.

With the rise in popularity of the e-bike, you don’t have to be particularly fit or mobile to get out on two wheels, but for the hardier souls, there are some thrilling tracks through Brighstone and Parkhurst forests.

There are a number of bike hire and cycling tour businesses around the Island and you can find out more here.

There are also a number of bike-friendly cafes dotted around the Island to take a break on your tour.

Fishing on the Isle of Wight

If you fancy getting out on a charter trip, or just a peaceful afternoon by the side of a lovely lake, the Isle of Wight has some great options for the fishing fraternity.

For Freshwater anglers, lakes, reservoirs and streams hold most species including trout, carp, perch, rudd and roach.

The sea angler has 64 miles of coastline available for beach and rock fishing where bass, cod, rays and plaice can be taken while for the visiting boat angler, the English Channel and the more sheltered Solent provides huge scope, whether from your own boat or a charter trip.

For the freshwater angler, there are a number of private ponds and lakes, whilst the Isle of Wight Freshwater Angling Company (IWFAC) also has day ticket and membership waters. Visitors wishing to join or buy day tickets please contact: iwfacmembers@gmail.com.

Nettlecombe Farm, Whitwell, has three ponds with some big carp as well as small fish.

For river fishing, the Yar has many species but some stretches require permit or permission from landowner.

Golf on the Isle of Wight

If you want to Say Yes to a round while visiting the Island, there are some spectacular courses offering a range of challenges.

Probably the most spectacular is Freshwater Bay GC, perched on the downs overlooking the bay with views to Dorset and The Needles.

Shanklin and Sandown GC on the aptly named Fairway at Lake is a lovely 18-hole course with a fine clubhouse, while Ryde GC on the outskirts of the town will offer a warm welcome to visiting players.

Osborne Golf Club, in the grounds of amazing Osborne House at East Cowes is very picturesque and Newport GC sits above the town on St George’s Down. Ventnor Golf Club is another downland course at Upper Ventnor on the road above the town.  

Last but not least is Westridge course, with a driving range, pro shop and pay and play facilities.

Horse riding on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is teeming with lovely bridleways, wide sandy beaches, downland and tracks perfect for a spot of hacking.

There are also lots of great riding stables, which offer riding lessons and ride outs for visitors.

The Island Riding Centre on the outskirts of Newport is among the leading equestrian centres, offering everything from pony pamper sessions for children to expert riding tuitions and bespoke riding holidays.

The Isle of Wight is a great place for novices to learn about horses. We are even home to a specialist equine centre that uses horses for learning and teaching life skills.

Livery is available at a number of stables and with accommodation for riders close by, why not enjoy a riding holiday on the Isle of Wight!

Sailing on the Isle of Wight

No sport is more clearly linked to the Isle of Wight than sailing. Home to events such as the America’s Cup, Admiral’s Cup and the legendary Cowes Week Regattas, no self-respecting Yachtie will admit to not having sailed in The Solent.

With its complex tides and currents, the 20-mile stretch along the Island’s north coast is one of the most densely populated waterways in the world, with massive cargo ships, cruise liners and ferries competing for space with yachts from loads of clubs on either shore.

Cowes is the mecca of UK sailing and every summer plays host to not only the regattas, but lots of other events as well, including the Round-the-Island Race, which sees around 1,000 yachts setting out for a lap of the Island.

But it is not just Cowes that is sailing crazy, Yarmouth has two clubs and a harbour and estuary packed with yachts and motor cruisers.

And at the eastern tip, Bembridge Harbour is also home to two clubs and a big fleet of boats of all sizes.

Walking on the Isle of Wight

There are few better ways to take in the real essence of the Isle of Wight than on foot.

Whether it is just a short stroll through the many picturesque towns or villages, or a good old stomp across the downs or along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, you will see parts of the Island no one gets close to in a vehicle.

Islanders love their walking and there are two Isle of Wight Walking Festivals every year, one in the spring and one in the autumn, when themed walks of varying distances take you to some fascinating locations.

And every May there is Walk the Wight, a mass participation walk in aid of the Mountbatten end-of-life charity here on the Island. Walkers can choose from the east to west full walk of 24 miles, one half of the walk (Bembridge to Carisbrooke or Carisbrooke to The Needles) or a shorter flat walk designed for families or those with mobility issues.

Wherever you are staying on the Island there are some great trails to try out. For instance in the West Wight there is the Warrior Trail, a six-mile route commemorating the famous war horse of Jack Seely.

So strap on your boots and go for a stroll, you won’t regret it!

Water sports on the Isle of Wight

If you love the water but aren’t a sailor, then there are lots of alternative ways to enjoy the sea.

From paddleboarding to kitesurfing, kayaking to surfing, the Isle of Wight is one of Britain’s hotspots for water-based adventure sports.

You could hire a kayak or join an organised coasteering group to investigate the lovely dramatic coastline with the more experienced kayakers even threading The Needles to get round to Scratchells Bay. Paddleboarders love more tranquil waters and on a warm summer day there are few more peaceful ways to explore hidden inlets and coves.

Surfers love the Isle of Wight and Compton and Freshwater Bays produce some spectacular waves while Sandown Bay and Whitecliff Bay can also be productive if the conditions are right. Children of all ages and even grown up big kids love to slip on a wetsuit and grab a bodyboard when there is a decent swell.

Kitesurfing is only for the skilled practitioner but makes for a tremendous spectacle when the wind is up and the surf is conducive.

Get yourself in the water, it’s a lovely way to remember the Isle of Wight.