The Isle of Wight has a long heritage as one of the go-to holiday destinations for Britons. With its southerly location and attendant warmer climate, it was a favourite tourist spot before the age of international travel, and remains hugely popular now.
The Isle of Wight attracts thousands of visitors every year. The intriguing history of the place can be easily explored at Osborne House, Carisbrooke and many other sites in the Island.
There is a unique and secluded environment and one runs out of time before they can explore everything in this extravagant piece of land. The oldest theme park and family attraction of the world, Blackgang Chine, opened in the Island about 150 years ago.
With that compelling introduction, check out my tips for visiting the Isle of Wight including some of the most popular activities, places to stay and top places to go.
Getting There
The Isle of Wight – now regularly and efficiently served by ferry links which makes getting her easy from the south coast of England.
Attractions
Attractions and unique places are in abundance on the beautiful island and there’s something for everyone.
Visit one of the galleries and museum and magnificent historic sites to delve into the Island’s culture and history. The Needles Lighthouse is the most recognizable landmark of the island and the nearby Needles Park has many things for the entertainment of families. If you wish to go wild, the Tapnell Farm Park is perfect.
Enjoy a fantastic ride on the steam railway at the Robin Hill Country Park or visit one of the animal attractions in the Island for a fun outing.
Other tourist attractions include the Blackgang Chine, which is arguably the oldest theme park in Britain. These days, most people head to the island for a walking or cycling holiday.
Piers
Compared to other British resorts, the Isle of Wight was well ahead of the curve in terms of having a fully functional tourist industry.
At the dawn of the 19th century it boasted no less than ten pleasure piers, which sprang up to serve the patronage of wealthy mainlanders who were looking for ways to spend ‘leisure time’ – a concept still unknown to all but the upper class and bourgeoisie.
One of the most famous piers is the original one at Ryde. Designed by John Kent, its stone foundations were laid on 29 June 1813, finally opening to the public as a pleasure destination a little over a year later on 26 July 1814.
It still retains the timber-planked promenade used back then, although the pier has been lengthened in the intervening years. Nonetheless, the current structure is largely the same as the 681m promenade walked on by pre-Victorian holidaymakers.
The Ryde, Seaview, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor piers originally served a steam ship service that ran from Southsea on the Hampshire coast, bringing droves of industrialists and aristocrats from UK city and country alike.
The Victorian era truly was boom time for the Isle of Wight tourist industry, but over the years the piers at Shanklin, Ventnor and Seaview were destroyed by storms, leaving only the railway pier at Ryde and those at Sandown, Totland Bay and Yarmouth standing today.
Beaches
Families generally flock to Shanklin, Sandown, Ventnor or Appley to enjoy spectacular views of the beach.
However, if you are looking for some seclusion and peace, avoid these beaches as they are mostly crowded with tourists. Instead, head to the Brook Chine, Compton Bay, Dunroamin Beach, Steephill Cover, Whale Chine, Yaverland or Totland Bay.
These beaches can provide you the much need seclusion and peace.
Outdoor Activities
The Isle of Wight provides several opportunities to those who love outdoor activities. The warm climate and stunning coastline is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Isle of Wight is a walkers paradise, with the 108km Isle of Wight Coastal Path offering spectacular views along the lion’s share of the coast, deviating onto roads only when necessary.
Cycling and horse-riding is available freely for those who are less-adventurous type. There are also several golf courses on the island; some of them stand apart with picturesque backdrops. You can also explore beautiful parks with ponds where you can feed the ducks.
Adventure Sports
The Isle of Wight doesn’t disappoint those who are looking for more extreme activities. Climbing, sliding and paragliding are all available with detailed guides.
If you don’t want to try the activities yourself, watch the pros do it in top class competitions and events.
For those who love fishing, there are several opportunities with both sea fishing and fresh water fishing available across many locations in the Isle of Wight.
Shopping
For those looking for retail therapy, there are several shopping opportunities on the island.
Due to the Isle of Wight’s artistic heritage, there are many outlets selling wood carvings, sculptured glass and handcrafted jewelry.
There are also delicious locally produced dishes and drinks with extravagant restaurants and farm shops.
Explore the Sea
Sailing and marine tourism are both popular and the Island’s beautiful coastline is best seen from off shore. So, become witness to the Island’s beauty by sailing across the clear water. You can also enjoy magnificent views from the hovercraft and ferry services of the island.
Where to Stay
There are a number of hotels and b&b’s. All the towns on the island have hotels, hostels and camping site. It is no longer the preserve of the wealthy. The Isle of Wight is now considered an affordable domestic holiday destination – with the added bonus of technically having to travel ‘overseas’ to get here.
This island is also immensely popular with campers and caravanners, boasting some of the UK’s best holiday parks. Among them, the Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park in Bembridge is extremely well-run, with a huge range of amenities and activities to keep families entertained for a long holiday.
Outside the obligatory hikes, there’s crazy golf, saunas, and plenty of night-time entertainment to finish off the evening. With many holiday packages including family discounts and group tickets for ferry crossings, Whitecliff offers a fun, friendly and safe environment for the entire family.
In Ventnor you’ll find some of the most attractive views on the island. There is a wealth of hostels, static caravans, and pitches for your caravan, and you’re never more than a short walk from the beach. They also allow pets, so animal lovers needn’t worry about leaving their pooch at home to miss out on all the walking.
The Fort Holiday Park in Sandown is a more remote, family-oriented park with incredible views of the area. Situated on the north-east coast, its 45 caravans are set among 11 acres of outstanding countryside.
If you are looking for Isle of Wight caravan holidays visit the Park Resorts website. They have parks up and down the country, and four on the Isle of Wight alone. They also run resorts in Devon, Sussex, Wales, Essex, East Anglia, Yorkshire and Scotland.
Places to Visit Near the Isle of Wight
If you want to see more of the beautiful English south coast be sure to check out Bournemouth, Canterbury, Winchester and Portsmouth.