Days Out

 Carisbrooke Castle

Dominates the surrounding countryside just south of Newport from its hilltop location. It’s a great place for families to explore.

Yarmouth Castle

This is the last of the coastal defence forts built on the orders of Henry VIII.

On fine days it now provides a wonderful spot for picnics with great views across the Solent.

Dinosaurs

The Isle of Wight is the best place in Europe for discovering dinosaur remains. At the Dinosaur Farm Museum the oldest dinosaur bones are 132 million years old and the youngest 110 million years. Life like reconstructions of some of the dinosaurs once living here can be seen at the first purpose built, interactive dinosaur museum, Dinosaur Isle.

Boat trips

These leave from Yarmouth Harbour almost every day to view The Needles, its distinctive lighthouse and the sands of Alum Bay. For keen fishermen there are various sea-fishing trips and in high summer, sunset and firework cruises.

Off-road sightseeing

Climb on board a four wheel drive vehicle to travel along the backbone of the island. Hang on and enjoy a bumpy ride and breathtaking views – a great trip for kids and for brave grown ups too!

Watersports

A wide range of activities including bodyboarding, canoeing, sailing, surfing and windsurfing with instruction at all levels are available from several well-established centres on the island.

Isle of Wight walking

Many walkers visit the island just to enjoy its 500 miles of signed and well-maintained footpaths, which include 30 miles of Heritage coastline and a 65 mile circular route via saltmarshes, over cliff tops and through coastal villages and towns.

Island Food and Farmers’ Markets

The Isle of Wight Bacon Company, is an island family business producing bacon and hams traditionally dry cured in organic sea salt. This company is just one of many local producers of food as diverse as garlic, cheeses and local crab and lobster, sold at the regular farmer’s markets across the island.