Say Yes to an Isle of Wight Spring Adventure

Spring has sprung on the Isle of Wight and there’s no better time than right now to book an Island adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime. Our unique microclimate and mild temperature make late February to early May the perfect time to explore – especially if stunning scenery, fun-packed activities and a good dose of peace and quiet are at the top of your holiday wishlist.

There are plenty of places to visit and beautiful landscapes to discover - read on for our selection of must-dos for your Isle of Wight spring getaway…

Say Yes to breathtaking spring landscapes 

The Island boasts over 70 miles of stunning coastal paths, rugged cliffs, ancient woodland, golden beaches and lush green forests, meaning there’s no shortage of breathtaking natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. Spring is when the Island truly comes to life - take a stroll from the coast to the countryside and uncover the Island’s unique flora and fauna which is beginning to bloom, the lush green fields, banks of spring daffodils, blossoming hedgerows and emerging wildlife.

Whether you’re a regular hiker, an easy wanderer or a curious explorer, pull on your walking boots and join us on the Island between the 11th and 19th May 2024 for the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. There are many routes to suit all levels of fitness and ability -  enjoy guided tours that tell the stories of the Island, routes that involve wildlife spotting and some that recount the rich heritage as you clock up the steps. 

Prefer to travel on two wheels? Not a problem! The Island’s home to over 200 miles of cycle tracks, byways and bridleways, suited to beginners, seasoned cyclists and everyone in between. Pick a route and see where it takes you. 

Enjoy a spring sunrise and sunset on the Island, there are many top spots to enjoy, you can take at look at our blog post on our favourite sunset spots here. Or wait until the sun has gone down and marvel at our clear skies - we have some of the best stargazing spots in the country. Some of our top places to stargaze include Compton, Freshwater Bay and Ventnor Downs. 

Say Yes to times gone by

That longed-for holiday feeling starts as soon as you step onto the ferry for the short crossing. Evoking a sense of nostalgia for times gone by, the Isle of Wight has been a top tourist destination since the early Victorian times. Fondly known as ‘England in Miniature’, the slower, relaxed pace of life, combined with rugged coastlines and rolling countryside makes for the perfect relaxing getaway - and you don’t even need your passport!

Say Yes to getting out on the water

Make the most of our unique microclimate by diving into the Island’s crystal clear waters. Don a wetsuit and hop onto a paddleboard to explore the coastline where you’ll discover hidden caves, inlets and the Island’s breathtaking coastal areas. There are several watersports companies that offer the hiring of equipment and lessons with a trained instructor. 

There are plenty of places to explore by kayak, too. Freshwater Bay is one of the most popular kayaking beaches, boasting some of the Island’s finest coastal scenery. Or if surfing’s more your thing, head to Compton Bay, where you’ll find miles of sandy shores and crashing waves big enough to test your mettle. Once you’ve put yourself through your paces, why not see if you can find a dinosaur footprint or fossil before you head back home?

Say Yes to family fun and a jam-packed February Half-Term

From the tiniest tots to the hard-to-please teenagers, the whole family will be spoilt for choice with a host of fun spring activities to enjoy. 

Adventure fans will have a hoot meeting life-sized dinosaurs at Dinosaur Isle as well as learning about the thousands of fossils that have been found up and down our shores.

Tapnell Farm Park opens its doors for the whole of the February half-term and dials up the fun factor. There are go-karts, jumping pillows, trim trails, sledge slides and straw barn fun, plus cute animals to meet in the paddocks and animal barn.

You’ll be amazed at the amount of unusual creatures that live here on the Isle of Wight, too. Get a taste of the Amazon Jungle at Amazon World, take an alpaca or llama for a walk at West Wight Alpacas & Llamas, and visit the 100+ rescue donkeys and Shetland ponies that call the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary their home. Do you love having fun and learning about animals? Wildheart Animal Sanctuary will charm and amaze you with their pocket sized primates to their powerful predators. And no holiday is complete without a trip to Monkey Haven – the award-winning primate rescue centre where you can learn all about the monkeys and other rescued animals through the fascinating keeper talks and their app. 

Opening for half term, Sandham Gardens packs a punch when it comes to entertaining. Have a go at the wide range of exciting activities to enjoy including Sandham Skynets: The Big Bounce, Sandham Karts and Dino Islands: A Golf Adventure!

And no visit to the Isle of Wight is complete without a trip to The Needles Landmark Attraction. Take a ride on the famous chairlift and glide high above the multi-coloured sand cliffs of Alum Bay as you take in the incredible views of the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. Once at the bottom, you can get your thrills on a speedboat ride out towards the Needles before heading back up for a spot of crazy golf, glass-blowing and sweet-making!

Say Yes to celebrating Mother’s Day on the Island

Whether you are planning on spoiling your mum, wife, nan, daughter or friend, there’s nowhere better than right here on the Isle of Wight. 

If wandering through beautiful blooming gardens is high on the agenda, then a wander through the blossoming spring flowers in the National Trust’s Mottistone Gardens is a must. 

Combine history and culture at Farringford, the former home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson where the stunning gardens and house have been painstakingly restored to their former Victorian glory. 

Celebrate spring at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary with a delightful afternoon tea experience. The teatime treat at the award-winning Grazers Cafe features an assortment of finger sandwiches, a savoury delight, freshly baked scones and a selection of traditional cakes ... in miniature. Each afternoon tea includes a bottomless pot of tea or coffee.

Be a queen for a day with a visit to Osborne, the holiday home of Queen Victoria. Why not enjoy an afternoon tea at Osborne's Terrace Restaurant! Enjoy sandwiches, scones, and a variety of pastries and cakes.

If it’s the classic freshly made scones and cakes you are after, why not enjoy them against the backdrop of history - the National Trust's Needles Battery offers spectacular views of the Island within a traditional 1940s setting.

Combine a dine-and-stay option with a Sunday sleepover and two-course dinner at the Seaview Hotel which has been awarded two AA Rosettes for the past five years; or treat your leading lady to a relaxing spa day at the Lakeside Park Hotel and Spa before enjoying a bite to eat overlooking the picturesque lake.

For a Mother’s Day with a difference, head to the Isle of Wight Pearl, where you can pick your own pearl. Watch as your chosen oyster is opened to reveal a beautiful pearl to cherish forever. Make sure to take in the unmissable cliff-top views over the English Channel whilst enjoying a light lunch in the café. 

Say Yes to tasty local food and produce

Decidedly Mediterranean in its offering, the Island’s local produce really comes into its own in the sunnier months. Think tasty garlic, sun-ripened tomatoes, an array of cheeses, fresh seafood, locally reared meats, beers, wines and spirits all brewed or distilled right here. And, that all-important spring delicacy - asparagus.

There’s no shortage of places to eat local across the Island, with many of our pubs, restaurants and cafes making sure that local is always on the menu. Head to The Garlic Farm to try many of the garlic-infused dishes and even take a bulb home to grow in your garden; The Red Lion in Freshwater regularly has local produce at the heart of its seasonal menu and The Mermaid Bar in Nettlestone is home to the famous Isle of Wight Distillery and the iconic Mermaid Gine - enjoy a tipple on the sunny terrace.

If a spring romance is in the air, the Isle of Wight is an ideal break for couples, with plenty of beautiful places to explore and cosy places to eat. Take a look at our romantic dining blog post here.

Say Yes to a spring break on the Isle of Wight

Feeling inspired to book your spring break? Whatever you decide to do, it couldn’t be easier to get to the Isle of Wight by car, on foot or on two wheels with our vehicle and passenger ferry plus hovercraft. There are excellent links to the connecting ferry ports, too, giving you the option to travel by train from anywhere in the UK.

Choosing your accommodation is a (spring) breeze too, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Stay in luxury at The Royal Hotel, book a cosy cottage such as Rossiters in Yarmouth or sleep under the stars and get back to nature with a stay at one of our campsites. 

Scroll down to discover the many events taking place on the Isle of Wight this Spring.