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.
2025
Sourdough Workshop at the Garlic Farm - 14th & 20th March
Hover Craft Behind the Scenes Tour - 15th March, 7th & 15th April, 7th & 14th May, 24th September, 15th October
Coach and Bus Museum Opens - 6th April
Easter Events - 18th -21st April
Ultra Walk - Isle of Wight Challenge - 3rd & 4th May
Wayfarer Cycle club Randonnee - 4th May
Walking Festival - 10th -18th May
Walk the Wight - 11th May
Open Studios - 16th - 26th May
Dog Fetival - 24th & 25th May
Round the Island Race - 7th June
IOW Festival - 19th - 22nd June
Royal Isle of Wight County Show - 12th & 13th July
Ventnor Fringe - 18th - 27th July
Cowes Week - 2nd - 8th August
Wight Proms - 12th - 17th August
Garlic Festival - 16th & 17th August
Scooter Weekend - 23rd - 25th August
Walking Festival (part 2) - 4th -12th October
Literary Festival - 9th - 12th October
Go to www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whatson to find out more information about these and other events.
Here are 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. Opens 6th April 2025. Look out for the opportunity to ride these historic treasures. May and October 2025.
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 arrivedin 2023. Destined to be butchered for Chinese Medicine, they will now live out thier life on the Island. The Sanctuary is currently rasing funds to rescue 2 bears - Bengi and Balu, incacerated in a concrete cage in Azerbaijan.
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.
Food and Drink
The island has many artisan food and drink producers including Mermaid Gin, Goodards Brewery, Isle of Wight Whiskey, Adgesone Vineyard, Wight Knuckle Brewry and Quarr Abbey Brewery.
On the food side there is the Garlic Farm, Briddlesford Diary (makers of the famous Gallybagger Chese), Calbourne Dairy, Calbourne Mill for Meusli and Porridge. A must visit is Crave Ice Cream, Ventnor. They re-open Easter 2025. The Island baker is Grace's Bakery with 4 shops on the Island. There is also Island Roasted coffee who sell thier products from Cafe Isola, their artisan cafe in Newport based in an old congregational church.
