Things to do & places to visit in Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy some peace, quiet and natural beauty. Except perhaps in the summer, when the Isle of Wight Festival draws visitors from all over the world. In 1970, the Festival was the largest rock-music event ever held. It was called Britain's Woodstock and featured Jimi Hendrix and The Who. (Not so much peace or quiet that week.) The island is also known for its world-famous sailing and lovely resorts, where people have been vacationing since Victorian times.

Isle of Wight #32 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.29 based on 44.0k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 10:24.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Monkey Haven - Primate Rescue Centre (2.491 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Welcome to Monkey Haven - The Island's award-winning primate rescue centre that makes animals happy - and people happy. We are a registered charity that cares for all kinds of wonderful primates, meerkats, birds of prey, reptiles and other exotic creatures in need of care and attention. Our mission is to provide a forever home for rescued animals and a wonderful experience for our visitors. You’ll learn all about the animals we care for, their personalities, and how they came to be at the Haven at our daily award-winning keeper talks. Many were rescued from tragic situations, found tied up in airports, or badly neglected by their previous owners. There are animal feeds throughout the day and don't forget to download our fun free App to plan your visit! There's free Wifi, play areas, stamper trails, tea room, gift shop, full disabled access, and complimentary return within 7 days. All proceeds from your visit will help support the animals you'll meet. So swing by and visit us soon :) See more..
5.0 Haven Falconry (804 reviews)
- Bird of prey holding and ferret walking
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Haven Falconry houses 24 different species of birds, their total collection is over 55 birds. We also have a reptile and insect house, rabbits and guinea pigs and offer ferret walking and Fly a Hawk to add enjoyment of your visit! The Info Hub and Kite Kingdom is new for 2018! We specialise in personal private falconry experiences, outside events, educational establishments and we perform two flying displays a day at the Centre! Open daily throughout the year! Please note that Dogs are not permitted inside the Bird Of Prey centre, we do however allow Guide Dogs. See more..
5.0 Bembridge Lifeboat Station (589 reviews)
- One of the great UK organisations
Monday: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Station is situated at the eastern end of the Isle of Wight. There is a IWC Car Park adjacent. Other than during school holidays and half-terms (11am to 4pm) the shop is open daily from 2pm - 4pm. The Offshore Boathouse and walkway is open daily from 2pm - 3.45pm or 11am to 3.45pm during school holidays and half-terms. Tuesday evening training launches (at 7pm but note please not every Tuesday) are now able to be to watched from inside the Offshore Boathouse. See more..
5.0 St Catherine's Lighthouse (549 reviews)
- Gorgeous view from the top
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Lighthouses

A light to warn shipping was first established on the Southerly tip of the Isle of Wight in 1323. Today the distinctive octagonal tower of St.Catherine's Lighthouse provides a waymark for vessels navigating in the English Channel and a guide to vessels approaching the Solent. Each tour is approximately 40 minutes. Tours of St Catherine's Lighthouse are operated by Andrew Booth, under licence from The Corporation of Trinity House. See more..
5.0 Monkey Haven - Primate Rescue Centre (2.491 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Welcome to Monkey Haven - The Island's award-winning primate rescue centre that makes animals happy - and people happy. We are a registered charity that cares for all kinds of wonderful primates, meerkats, birds of prey, reptiles and other exotic creatures in need of care and attention. Our mission is to provide a forever home for rescued animals and a wonderful experience for our visitors. You’ll learn all about the animals we care for, their personalities, and how they came to be at the Haven at our daily award-winning keeper talks. Many were rescued from tragic situations, found tied up in airports, or badly neglected by their previous owners. There are animal feeds throughout the day and don't forget to download our fun free App to plan your visit! There's free Wifi, play areas, stamper trails, tea room, gift shop, full disabled access, and complimentary return within 7 days. All proceeds from your visit will help support the animals you'll meet. So swing by and visit us soon :) See more..
5.0 Haven Falconry (804 reviews)
- Bird of prey holding and ferret walking
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Haven Falconry houses 24 different species of birds, their total collection is over 55 birds. We also have a reptile and insect house, rabbits and guinea pigs and offer ferret walking and Fly a Hawk to add enjoyment of your visit! The Info Hub and Kite Kingdom is new for 2018! We specialise in personal private falconry experiences, outside events, educational establishments and we perform two flying displays a day at the Centre! Open daily throughout the year! Please note that Dogs are not permitted inside the Bird Of Prey centre, we do however allow Guide Dogs. See more..
4.5 Osborne House (5.828 reviews)
- Lovely day in the sun!
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites

Former retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (circa 1845) still retains a large collection of the royal couple's possessions, art work and photographs. Also home to the Swiss Cottage for Victoria's children, and the private beach and bathing machine. See more..
4.5 Godshill Model Village (2.167 reviews)
- Good Value
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 26, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Authentic retro attraction that will take you on a trip down memory lane. Beautifully recreated models of Godshill and Shanklin Old Villages as they were in the 1920's and 30's. Passionate about details, the models are true representations of the houses, cottages and pubs you can still see in the 'real world'. 2022 will be our 7th year as an RHS Partner Garden supporting the work of the Royal Horticultural Society. The gardens are packed with conifers and shrubs in the Japanese style of Niwaki, that will make you want to dash home and start gardening... Our customers tell us we inspire them or that they would like to take one of our gardeners home with them! Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Book online https://modelvillagegodshill.digitickets.co.uk/tickets See more..
4.5 Carisbrooke Castle (2.158 reviews)
- Fantastic Castle
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Castles • History Museums

An Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king's prison and a royal summer residence. Carisbrooke is a quintessential romantic castle. Here you'll find loveable donkeys, a fascinating museum and an Edwardian garden. Your can also experience hundreds of years of history with entertaining events in the summer. See more..
4.5 The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary (2.140 reviews)
- What a lovely place - guaranteed to make you smile.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Donkey Sanctuary - providing homes for unwanted and rescued animals. Carrying out educational work with schools and donkey therapy in residential settings. See more..
4.5 The Needles Battery (1.279 reviews)
- Pleasant views
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

We walked from Freshwater Bay over the landscape past Lord Tennyson Cross this was very pleasant easy walk. Arriving at the Old Battery a couple of hours later. This is an old fort with plenty to explore, it is owned by National Trust and payment on entry. As a member I presented my card on my phone, the lady at the gate was clearly not that happy it even had the scan code ( use app storcard). I understand people can have copies of cards but hopefully National Trust will bring its own version on its current app. Anyway got in and explored. Lots to see and explanation are geared to younger people. I rate 4 for the site and 2 for the lady gate protector See more..
4.5 Quarr Abbey (1.061 reviews)
- Pre travel tranquillity
Religious Sites

Looking for somewhere to spend three hours (after eviction from hotel and before ferry slot) and found Quarr Abbey. The tranquillity of the place is not disturbed by visitors, even though there was a large number (appears many were like us looking for a pre-ferry visit) and the car park was full and the overflow car park was also filling. The café offers a good selection of refreshments. My wife and I jokingly noted that as local tithes had stopped thanks to Henry VIII the café prices made up for that loss of income. The courtyard has a number of attractions, from art gallery to local produce shop. The latter not overly priced. See more..
4.5 Tapnell Farm Park (948 reviews)
- Covid safe and mountains of fun!
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Farms

Tapnell Farm Park is an award winning, all-weather family attraction on the Isle of Wight. Formerly one of the Isle of Wight's largest dairy farms, Tapnell Farm Park now plays host to a whole range of animals, including Wallabies, Meerkats, Donkeys, Goats and more! It also has loads of indoor and outdoor activities for families, including a large Play Barn, Jumping Pillow, Pedal Go Karts, and a Straw Bale Adventure Barn. No dogs allowed in the Farm Park attraction. See more..
4.5 Hovertravel (945 reviews)
- Brilliant fast "flight" to Southsea
Ferries

Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry service across the Solent and is the world's longest running and only commercial hovercraft operator in Europe. Our passenger ferry service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes. Easy onward travel connections are available with our Hoverbus to Portsmouth, bus and train connections at Ryde. See more..
4.5 Brading Roman Villa (721 reviews)
- Love me some Romans stuff.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

See more..
4.5 Shanklin Theatre (705 reviews)
- Beyond the West End - Shanklin Theatre
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Shanklin Theatre is an all year round 615 seat venue providing top entertainment for all tastes. There are regular shows with household names from Comedy and Music, and for 2022 we are hosting professional touring plays featuring familiar TV faces. Over the Christmas period we present our annual traditional Pantomime. During the summer season, we are always proud to host our ever popular summer stage show “Beyond the West End”. This professional production is performed by Spotlight (IOW) Ltd, an Island-based company who have been providing top quality professional entertainment for the last nineteen years, the Best of the West End show runs from May through to the October 2022. Here is just a small selection of the varied shows and artists coming to Shanklin Theatre in the very near future: Dom Joly, Reginald D Hunter, Al Murray, Alistair McGowan, Collabro, Henning Wehn, Showaddywaddy, Jason Manford, Albert Lee, Marti Pellow, Leo Sayer, Pam Aryes, The Story of the Guitar Heroes. See more..
4.5 West Wight Alpacas (625 reviews)
- Amazing!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Farms

We are an open farm park where you can trek with alpacas and llamas and see all sorts of other farm animals. We have an excellent on farm cafe/bistro and are open seven days a week. See more..
4.5 Adgestone Vineyard (539 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Wineries & Vineyards • Farms

England's oldest continuously operating commercial vineyard. We love wine and we understand it, which is why we try to tailor your experience so that you get the most out of it. From explaining the basics (in a non-pompous way) through to discussing the detail if you really want to know more. Vineyard and cellar tours with beautiful sea views. Treasure hunt for the children. Wine tasting, and more. Come and relax at Adgestone Vineyard. See more..
4.5 Steephill Cove Beach (537 reviews)
- Gorgeous cove
Beaches

Steephill cove is a beautiful Hidden gem. With its ever changing beach of sand, shingle and fantastic rock pools it is no wonder that families return here year after year. Over the years Steephill has become a hot spot to eat as well. Cove Coffee Shop with Home made cakes, light lunches, ice cream, sweet treats and more along with gorgeous goodies to buy for you and your home (Hoodies, Tee shirts, mugs, body lotions, creams, hand wash, candles etc with the amazing Cove logo) The Crab Shed serving fresh crab pasties. The Beach Shack serving fare (all only open during the daytime hours). Steephill can only be reached by foot which adds to its safety and pure Charm... A true gem of old fashioned English seaside. A must visit for anyone on the island! See more..
4.5 Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk (525 reviews)
- Enjoyable walk
Scenic Walking Areas

You can go around the entire Isle of Wight walking along the cliffs or on the top of them. The walks in the Western part of the island are more spectacular, however Shanklin to Ventnor is probably the best one, in the Eastern part of the island. There are several interesting spots along the way, such as the St Boniface Old Church or Wishing Seat, however the best of all is amazing Devil's Chimney (you have to stray a bit from the main path, but it's really worth it!) We did this route back and forth with some modification on our return - even if the weather was far from great (overcast) it was a very pleasant hike. See more..
4.5 Mottistone Gardens (441 reviews)
- Hidden Gem
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

We’re NT members and decided to have a look round the gardens and although it was a blustery day it was sheltered in amongst the surrounding hillside. There are two main formal garden areas (lower and upper) plus woodland walks and a cafe. The house is not open to the public except on two days a year. It was very pleasant wandering around and then having coffee and cake before moving on to Ventnor (where we certainly did get windswept!). There’s also a large car park and over the road is an interesting church with fascinating history of Gen John Seely and his famous horse “Warrior”. The gardens are well worth a visit, especially if you’re an NT member. See more..
4.5 Shanklin Beach (419 reviews)
- Stunning beach
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Clock Tower Beach can be found next to the clock tower that was dedicated in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. On this beautiful clean stretch of sandy beach you can hire clean modern sunbeds deckchairs windbreakers & parasols or try our water sports which include SUP kayaks pedalos. Toilets are close by and two of Shanklin’s fine pubs are situated across the road for food & drinks See more..
4.5 Ryde Beach (368 reviews)
- Stunning clean family friendly beach
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

with lots of amenities close by - easy parking at good value was a bonus too. The beach café was well stocked and represented great value .local council had plenty of visible staff and offered paddle board and kayak rental at a reasonable rate too. overall great location See more..
4.5 The Wight Military and Heritage Museum (247 reviews)
- The Wight Military and Heritage Museum
Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums

The Isle of Wight Military and Heritage Museum is operated by and for a registered charity . The charity uses any excess income from that museum to support ex service personal . It is firmly under the control of a board of trustees with a professional management team in place . This will secure the museum as a living memorial to the sacrifices that ordinary people are , all to often , called upon to make when diplomacy fails and armed conflict breaks out . It brings together items of historical interest and is largely staffed by volunteers who are typically ex service people who regularly give guided tours and talks . It has a cafe and the fully licensed Mess Bar in a former barracks building . The museum is not just a store of artifacts, it aims to be a hub for ex-service personnel to meet , share their knowledge and experience and access services tailored to their needs. The museum also provides volunteer posts for others in need . Any surplus income and donations from the museum go towards furthering these aims. See more..
4.5 Osborne House (5.828 reviews)
- Lovely day in the sun!
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites

Former retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (circa 1845) still retains a large collection of the royal couple's possessions, art work and photographs. Also home to the Swiss Cottage for Victoria's children, and the private beach and bathing machine. See more..
4.5 Godshill Model Village (2.167 reviews)
- Good Value
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 26, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Authentic retro attraction that will take you on a trip down memory lane. Beautifully recreated models of Godshill and Shanklin Old Villages as they were in the 1920's and 30's. Passionate about details, the models are true representations of the houses, cottages and pubs you can still see in the 'real world'. 2022 will be our 7th year as an RHS Partner Garden supporting the work of the Royal Horticultural Society. The gardens are packed with conifers and shrubs in the Japanese style of Niwaki, that will make you want to dash home and start gardening... Our customers tell us we inspire them or that they would like to take one of our gardeners home with them! Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Book online https://modelvillagegodshill.digitickets.co.uk/tickets See more..
4.5 Carisbrooke Castle (2.158 reviews)
- Fantastic Castle
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Castles • History Museums

An Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king's prison and a royal summer residence. Carisbrooke is a quintessential romantic castle. Here you'll find loveable donkeys, a fascinating museum and an Edwardian garden. Your can also experience hundreds of years of history with entertaining events in the summer. See more..
4.5 The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary (2.140 reviews)
- What a lovely place - guaranteed to make you smile.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Donkey Sanctuary - providing homes for unwanted and rescued animals. Carrying out educational work with schools and donkey therapy in residential settings. See more..
4.5 The Needles Battery (1.279 reviews)
- Pleasant views
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

We walked from Freshwater Bay over the landscape past Lord Tennyson Cross this was very pleasant easy walk. Arriving at the Old Battery a couple of hours later. This is an old fort with plenty to explore, it is owned by National Trust and payment on entry. As a member I presented my card on my phone, the lady at the gate was clearly not that happy it even had the scan code ( use app storcard). I understand people can have copies of cards but hopefully National Trust will bring its own version on its current app. Anyway got in and explored. Lots to see and explanation are geared to younger people. I rate 4 for the site and 2 for the lady gate protector See more..
4.5 Quarr Abbey (1.061 reviews)
- Pre travel tranquillity
Religious Sites

Looking for somewhere to spend three hours (after eviction from hotel and before ferry slot) and found Quarr Abbey. The tranquillity of the place is not disturbed by visitors, even though there was a large number (appears many were like us looking for a pre-ferry visit) and the car park was full and the overflow car park was also filling. The café offers a good selection of refreshments. My wife and I jokingly noted that as local tithes had stopped thanks to Henry VIII the café prices made up for that loss of income. The courtyard has a number of attractions, from art gallery to local produce shop. The latter not overly priced. See more..