For a small island, the Isle of Wight has something for everyone. Visit Isle Wight is a great source to check what’s on during your visit. Some of the more popular attractions can be fully booked during busy dates so we recommend pre-booking on their websites.
Key dates
There are a number of events for which the island is famous and gets very busy. You might want to avoid visiting during these times unless you are attending the event.
2023
Easter Events - 7th-10th April
Real Ale Festival IOW Steam Railway - 29th April-1st ay
Ultra Walk - Isle of Wight Challenge 29th-30th April
Walk the Wight - 14th May
Walking Festival - 13th-21st May
Rydabus - 20th-21st May ride on a vintage bus. Coming through Shanklin for the first time!
Spring Gala IOW Steam Railway - 23rd-25th May
Ballon Festival, Robin Hill - 27th-29th May
IOW Festival - 15th-18th June
Round the Island Yacht Race - 1st July
1940's experience IOW Steam Railway - 1st-2nd July
Cowes Classics week - 8th-14th July
Royal Isle of Wight County Show - 8th-9th July
Ventnor Fringe - 21st-30th July
Cowes Week - 29th July-5th August
Shanklin Carnival - 2nd August
Shanklin Illuninated Carnival - 5th August
Garlic Festival - 19th-20th August
Carnival Season on the Island - August
Scooter Weekend - 25th-27th August
Classic Car Extravaganza - 9th-10th September
Walking Festival (part 2) 7th-15th October
Go to www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whatson to find out more information about these and other events.
Here are just a few suggestions of the many places you may want to visit
Historic
Osbourne House – the holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. A must visit if you have never been before. The gardens and grounds are wonderful and you can spend the whole day here.
Carisbrook Castle – romantic ruins with fantastic views over the local countryside.
Hidden Treasures
Farringford - The historic home of Alfred Lord Tennyson who came to the Isle of Wight to escape the hectic life of London. Recently restored, this is a must see attraction
Dimbola – the island home of photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. Part of the artistic set who called the Island their home during the 1860’s.
Transport
Isle of Wight steam railway - not to be missed! Check the website for dates, to see which of the engines is ‘pulling’ and to check what special events are on. Don’t miss the museum.
Historic Bus & Coach Museum – entry is free. An interesting selection of historic buses and under cover so a good attraction for a rainy day.
Gardens
Ventnor Botanical Gardens – situated at the heart of the Undercliff, this historic garden has its own microclimate so grows plants from many regions of the world.
Mottistone Gardens – there has been a building on this site for over 1,000 years. Todays Manor House was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries. The stunning garden was created in the 1960s.
Outdoors
As well as the miles of walks there are a number of popular outdoor attractions. Here are just a couple:
Robin Hill Country Park – 88 acres of parkland, woodland, countryside and water gardens.
Blackgang Chine – the UK’s oldest theme park. Fun for all ages.
Tapnell Farm Park – home to the Islands newest attraction -The Aqua Park, with over 20 waterbased obstacles opened in 2020. The remainder of the park is farm themed.
Wildlife
The island caters well for animal lovers! If you are one don’t miss:
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary – home to rescued lions and tigers as well as many other animals. Two new rescued tigers are arriving mid-February 2023. Destined to be butchered for Chinese Medicine, they will now live out thier life on the Island.
Donkey Sanctuary – a great place to visit. You can even adopt a donkey and check the website for take a donkey for a walk day!
Monkey Haven – if monkeys are your thing this is the place for you! Houses rescued primates.
Exploring
The delightful villages, stunning sea views and cute cottages abound on the island. There are many beautiful places to see but here are just 3 to demonstrate the wide range of places available:
Godshill – so picturesque featuring some of the islands oldest architecture. Home of the Model Village.
Ventnor – a pretty, traditional seaside town with the fishing harbour, beach and famous Spyglass Inn.
Seaview – an attractive Edwardian resort, overlooking the Solent. A great place to pause and watch the world go by.
