Things to do - the isle of wight

Carved by Mother Nature’s own hands over thousands of years, the stunning tree-lined gorge that is Shanklin Chine cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade, far below.

This award winning seaside resort has everything you need for the perfect day out at the seaside! With golden sandy beaches and a range of attractions and eateries there's endless activities whatever the weather.

"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" said Queen Victoria of Osborne House, her palatial holiday home on the Isle of Wight. Visit Victoria and Albert's private apartments, their bathing beach and children's play-cottage for an intimate glimpse of royal family life. 

The Needles are one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic sights. These three white chalk stacks leading up to the Needles Lighthouse are the first thing that many people think of when they hear to words ‘Isle of Wight’. The Needles are more than just a beautiful sight, however. 

The Isle of Wight’s award-winning primate rescue centre. A place to relax, have fun in the fresh air and meet some amazing animals.

Dinosaur Isle is Britain's first purpose built dinosaur museum and visitor attraction; based in Sandown on the Isle of Wight. 

This story is displayed in the museum's galleries for you to learn and enjoy.

Visit the Garlic Farm and walk freely around the farm and see the highland cattle, pigs, horses, peacocks and red squirrels darting back and forth. See the different garlic varieties growing in the fields.

With a wide range of garlic produce.

Jewellery Centre and Cafe. "Isle of Wight Pearl is not only home to an unmissable collection of pearl jewellery – but there are spectacular cliff-top views over the English Channel, a butterfly meadow, and a café where you can enjoy a day like no other." Pick your own Pearl.

We have gift vouchers avaliable at The Birkdale for the Isle Of Wight Pearl.

Located in the heart of the town, Shanklin Theatre is the largest theatre on the Isle of Wight with a seating capacity of 615. 

The theatre opens all year round except January.

 The Wildheart Sanctuary, previously known as the Isle of Wight Zoo and Sandown Zoo,  The collection focuses principally on big cats and Madagascan animals.

 overlooking Sandown Bay on the Isle of Wight, Brading Roman Villa is one  of the finest Roman sites in the UK. Our award-winning Visitor Centre  and Museum offer unique insights into Roman life in Britain from  beautifully preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman  archaeology. 

Sandwiches & tea served in a charming, landscaped setting with an 18-hole miniature golf course.

The Isle of Wight Distillery creates a range of high quality, hand-crafted spirits for discerning and adventurous spirit drinkers who demand exceptional flavours.

Ventnor Botanic Garden is a botanic garden located in Ventnor,  Isle of Wight. It was founded in 1970, by Sir Harold Hillier, and  donated to the Isle of Wight Council. Its collection comprises worldwide temperate and subtropical trees and  shrubs organised by region.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary rescues and supports unwanted and abandoned donkeys in the UK, caring for their health and welfare.

Appuldurcombe House is the shell of a large 18th-century English Baroque country house of the Worsley family. The house is situated near to Wroxall on the Isle of Wight, England. It is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public.

Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.This beautiful Model Village nestles in the grounds of the Old Vicarage. Set in nearly two acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens this is a real retro find.

The fort was designated a local authority Country Park in 1971, intended to provide a place for quiet recreation. It has been managed as a public park ever since by the Isle of Wight Council who own the site.

Welcome to the home of West Wight Alpacas. A family run farm, we love our animals and we think you will too. Alpacas, llamas and a whole host of other furry friends.

Sitting high and proud at the heart of the Isle of Wight, Carisbrooke  Castle  has been an artillery fortress, king's prison and a royal summer  residence. Today it’s the quintessential romantic castle, with lots to  see and enjoy in the fresh open air.

Nestled in the beautiful countryside in the heart of the Isle of Wight, Arreton Barns is home to a vast array of arts and crafts studios, showcasing some of the best crafts work.

Set in 35 acres of stunning rural landscape, Calbourne Water  Mill contains one of the oldest working water mills in the country,  dating back to the Domesday Book.

A quiet backwater with a busy Medieval past, now bursting with wildlife and a town hall with no town... explore the beautiful history.

A short but varied coastal walk exploring St Helens Duver, a sandy spit  of land on the eastern tip of the Island, rich in wildlife and history.

Haven Falconry have a large, wonderful collection of birds including owls, hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures and caracara each being reared and trained by the dedicated and skilled falconers. With a hands-on approach, you can get up-close-and-personal with the birds including daily flying displays.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a heritage railway on the Isle of Wight. The railway passes through 5+1⁄2 miles of countryside from Smallbrook Junction to Wootton station, passing through the small village of Havenstreet, where the line has a station, headquarters and a depot.

Quarr Abbey is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Visitors are welcome to attend worship in the Abbey Church. You can visit the gardens, take refreshment in the Tea and Farm Shop and find out about the monastery in the Visitor Centre.

 Butterfly World is a butterfly zoo located on the Isle of Wight. It opened on 1 May 1983 as part of the Medina Garden Centre, becoming  the first butterfly farm opened in a UK garden centre, and the fifth  Butterfly farm in the world. It includes an indoor sub-tropical garden with free-flying butterflies. 

 A visit to Bembridge Lifeboat Station certainly provides the ‘wow’  factor. From our magnificent Tamar Class All-weather and brand new  D-class inshore boats, to the fabulous architecture of the new offshore  boathouse and the stunning views from the boathouse windows, there is  plenty to interest the minds at our station. 

Amazon World Zoo Park has a huge range of unusual rare and exotic animals. At the last count it was somewhere in the region of 200 different species, spanning the entire animal kingdom!