17 OF THE BEST PLACES TO GO ON THE ISLAND , WE OFFER FIXED FARES FOR UP TO GROUPS OF 4 PEOPLE, TO BOOK CALL 01983 282828 QUOTE IW24 FOR A FURTHER 10% DISCOUNT
Shanklin and Sandown Beach and Esplanade
Sandown and Shanklin Beaches are a fantastic way to spend the day out either for food , a day with the kids or just a day down the beach. Sandown has a superb pier where you can play on the amusements or nearby there are plenty of good places to eat and drink. Right opposite the pier there are two great places to eat and drink, there is Flanagan's bar and restaurant and just around the corner is Sandown High Street where you will find plenty of places to enjoy a wide range of food from plain chicken and chips to Indian and Chinese. Shanklin Beach offers much of the same as Sandown , there is an amusement arcade and a restaurant to have some good old fish and chips next door, there are also some nice places to eat with the fisherman's cottage eatery not far from the beach. A walk to the high street will bring you new and old. The old village has fantastic classic tea rooms and Shanklin has a superb theatre with excellent performances daily.
Webpage: www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/towns/
Yarmouth and The Needles Pleasure Park
The Needles lie just to the southwest of Alum Bay, and are a tourist draw. Scenic boat trips operate from Alum Bay that offer close-up views of the Needles. The rocks and lighthouse have become icons of the Isle of Wight, often photographed by visitors, and are featured on many of the souvenirs sold throughout the island. The pleasure park has something for everyone, don't forget to travel on the cable cars down to the bottom of the cliff where you can board the fantastic boat ride. If you want to go even higher and see some fantastic views, there is an open top bus service which you can board outside the park run by Southern Vectis, this will take you right up to the top of the needles point where you can see stunning views of the solent and beyond. check https://www.islandbuses.info/services/SVCT/TNB for the latest running information and bus times.
Webpage: https://www.theneedles.co.uk/
LOCATION: Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay PO39 0JD
Ryde Town & Beach
Where to start? Ryde has so much to see and do but the seafront is perhaps its crowning glory with miles of gorgeous sand, loads to see and do, and a seawall footpath that takes you past lovely cafes and restaurants, to Appley and Puckpool, where the park has tennis courts, mini golf, children’s play area and a nice little café; before continuing on to the neighbouring village of Seaview. Ryde is also home to the famous bike run where motorbikes and mopeds come from all over the country. Ryde has a fantastic range of shops in the high street, offering everything from clothes, beauty saloons , pubs and eateries . Ryde is home of the Hovercraft and Wightlink ferry where you can travel to and from Portsmouth Harbour. At night, Ryde offers plenty of nightlife with its late pubs and places to eat on and around the beach.
Webpage: https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/towns/ryde
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a heritage railway on the Isle of Wight. The railway passes through 5+1⁄2 miles (9 km) 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. At Smallbrook Junction, the steam railway connects with the Island Line. This is a great day out with a trip on the old steam train to Wooton and back where you can then jump off and visit the fasinating train story , you will see old trains and carraiges and some fantastic restoratiuons taking place. The railway also has a superb cafe offering hot and cold refreshments. The steam railway holds events ll through the year from it's beer and cider festivals, spooky wizard week for Halloween and not forgetting the Christmas specials.
Webpage: https://iwsteamrailway.co.uk/
LOCATION: Railway, Havenstreet Station, Isle of Wight Steam, Main Rd, Havenstreet, Ryde PO33 4DS
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Meet and pet adorable donkeys at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Free to enter but welcoming donations, the Sanctuary was first established in 1987 to provide donkeys in need of care with a safe and permanent home on the Island. Based in Wroxall, in the south west of the Island, the Sanctuary is home to over 140 donkeys and ponies. Everyone is welcome to come and visit including well behaved dogs, who can enjoy over 55 acres of beautiful countryside. Enjoy some tasty food in the Grazers Café and pop into the Browse and Brays Café, where adoptions can be made. The charity relies entirely on donations, adoptions and the many fundraising activities held throughout the year.
Webpage: https://www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/
LOCATION: Lower Winstone Farm, Ventnor PO38 3AA
Blackgang Chine Land of Imagination
Lose yourself in the Land of Imagination at Blackgang Chine…the UK’s oldest amusement park where you step out of the everyday and into a magical world where the only constraint is your own creativity." Chine offers lands of imagination and exciting rides for the whole family! Younger visitors may enjoy Nurseryland, Dodo Valley, the Pirate Barrels ride and Fairyland, while older children will love our 360-degree pendulum swing, Extinction, Waterforce waterslides and all the outdoor adventure opportunities. Parents and grandparents can enjoy the stunning sea views and relax with one of our bean to cup coffees whilst the younger ones let their imaginations run wild! Dogs are also more than welcome to the park meaning your furry best friend can join you for a splendid day out!
Webpage: https://blackgangchine.com/
LOCATION: Ventnor PO38 2HN
Tapnell Farm
Tapnell Farm Park is a former dairy farm, turned all-weather attraction, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Isle of Wight (including stunning sea views!) It is one of the most popular things to do on the Isle of Wight, and a great family day out whatever the weather! "Tapnell Farm Park is one of the many attractions at Tapnell Farm. (The Cow, Aqua Park, Football, Golf & Archery is run separately, with separate opening times and admission) Online Booking Only Set in acres of beautiful countryside surrounded by amazing views of the Isle of Wight, Tapnell Farm Park is an award-winning, all-weather family attraction. There’s so much to see and do, with just as much inside as outdoors – it’s a perfect come rain or shine. Straw Bale Adventure Zone, Animal Barn & Activities Animal Paddocks Pedal go-kart track, Strawbale pyramid. Indoor soft play zone Bounce on our amazing Jumping Pillows. Farm-themed Crazy Golf Farm Footy Shoot-out. And more..."
Webpage: https://tapnellfarm.com/about-tapnell-farm
LOCATION: Tapnell Farm House, Newport Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0YJ
Amazon World Zoo
mazon World Zoo Park is the Isle of Wight's largest exotic animal attraction and is a great day out whatever your age! Walk through jungle rainforests with colourful rare birds flying above you and crocodiles watching you from the pond! See unusual and rare animals like the Tamandua an Anteater that lives in the trees, Toucans, Marmosets, Penguins, Flamingos, Otters, Ocelot, Monkeys, Lemurs and manor many more! Learn about the conservation of these fantastic animals and their rainforest home, ‘Secrets of Xenathra’ with Sloth just wandering past you in the trees. Visitors enter ‘Madagascar’ where you will walk amongst the lemurs, The lost temple lies forgotten, half buried in desert sand. here animals have made their homes within the ruins to escape the harsh desert sun. Visitors will be able to travel across a raised walkway to observe the animals in their homes! Animals you will find here include: Armadillos, Giant Tortoise, Fennec Foxes, and the mischievous Meerkats! All areas within Amazon World Zoo Park are wheelchair friendly and we have wheelchairs you can borrow if you haven't brought your own! We have Jurassic Adventure play area, Falconry Displays and Keeper Talks daily and we also have a massive Special Events programme too!
Webpage: http://www.amazonworld.co.uk/about.htm
LOCATION: Watery Ln, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0LX
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Home of ITV's 'Tiger Island', with exotic animals, informative talks and 'meet the animals'. ildheart Animal Sanctuary is based on Sandown Beach, Winner of BBC Countryfile Magazines 2019 Beach of the Year Award, which is on the east coast of the Island. The sanctuary is well known as a centre for rescued big cats, all have come to their forever homes at different stages of their lives and from a variety of backgrounds. Originally family-owned it recently became a registered charity, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, which aims to promote the survival of endangered species through first class educational and recreational experiences, exemplary animal management, conservation and research. New primate rescue facilitiy is now open and houses multiple species of primates that the sanctuary aims to rehome over the coming years. The facility is constructed of two gigantic bamboo domes, the first of their kind in Europe. These iconic geodesic structures tower over the buildings of Sandown, forming an unrivalled multilevel space for the inhabitants to thrive in.
Webpage: https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/
LOCATION: Yaverland Rd, Yaverland, Sandown PO36 8QB
Osbourne House East Cowes
Osborne House is a former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom. The house was built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat. Albert designed the house in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo. 'It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot,' said Queen Victoria of Osborne, her beloved home on the Isle of Wight. Today, a visit to Osborne offers something for everyone to enjoy. Inside the house, get an intimate glimpse into royal life as you explore private apartments and grand reception rooms lined with furnishings and artworks from the Royal Collection. Outside, wander among flower-filled gardens, discover the quirky museum in the Swiss Cottage and relax on the beach where the royal children learnt to swim.
Webpage: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/
LOCATION: York Ave, East Cowes PO32 6JX
Carisbrooke Castle
The site of Carisbrooke Castle may have been occupied in pre-Roman times. A ruined wall suggests that there was a building there in late Roman times. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentions that Wihtgar, cousin of King Cynric of Wessex, died in AD 544, and was buried there. The Jutes may have taken over the fort by the late 7th century. An Anglo-Saxon stronghold occupied the site during the 8th century. Around AD 1000, a wall was built around the hill as a defence against Viking raids. Famously Carisbrooke was the prison for the deposed Charles I. The king was held here for 14 months before his execution in 1649. At first comfortably accommodated in the Constable's Lodgings, his efforts to escape led to more secure imprisonment. Come and play bowls on the green used by a defeated king. Carisbrooke Castle is where King Charles I was imprisoned following the English Civil War. Can you find the rooms from which he attempted to escape? Come and watch their daily demonstrations working the 16th-century tread wheel to raise the water (49 metres or 161 feet) from the bottom of the castle well. You can hear more about their story in a film hosted by Jupiter the cartoon donkey, voiced by locally raised comedian Phil Jupitus.
Webpage: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carisbrooke-castle/
LOCATION: Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY
Ventnor Town, Beach & Botanical Gardens
Ventnor is a traditional seaside resort, established in the Victorian era, with many classic family-friendly attractions. Ventnor Beach boasts soft golden sands bordered by a charming esplanade hosting delightful shops and eateries. THE VENTNOR BOTANICAL GARDENS - Open all year round, although we are closed on Christmas Day, Ventnor Botanic Garden boasts an impressive collection of over 30,000 rare and sub-tropical plants and trees. Spread across 22 acres of gardens, our plantings are based on geographical regions from around the Globe. Ventnor Botanic Garden is located in the unique microclimate of the Ventnor Undercliff which is on average 5 degrees warmer than Mainland UK – we really are ‘Britain’s hottest garden!’ In fact, we had 272 different plants in bloom on New Year’s Day 2020. Botanists, amateur gardeners, and nature lovers alike love to visit Ventnor Botanic Garden. So whether you’re planning a day out for the family, seeking exotic inspiration for your lawn borders or you want to learn a little more about the world of botany; we’ve got it covered.
Webpage: https://www.botanic.co.uk/
Godshill & Model Village
Whilst a visit to Godshill to admire the architecture and location is in itself a very popular activity for visitors, there is also plenty to do in the Godshill and Rookley area, with plenty to put smile on your face and leave you with memories to cherish. Most people grew up watching The Borrowers, and Godshill Model Village brings back memories of little people living a life in the grass below humanity. Set in nearly two acres of lovingly landscaped gardens, the model village is a treat for people of all ages - and especially loved by children. You’ll be able to find scale models of both Shanklin and Godshill, taking you back to the 1920s - and there is also a 1/10th scale model railway, depicting the former life of the Island Line trains. There is an excellent public house located oin the village, serving beer, ales and good food, The Griffin is well worth a visit, or if your prefer there is the Taverners and The Old Smythy two more excellent eateries.
Newport Town & Night Life
Visit the pretty village of Carisbrooke, which adjoins Newport. Here you can visit Carisbrooke Castle, the Norman fortification which later held King Charles I before he was taken to London for execution by Cromwell’s forces. There are lots of events across the year at the castle. Why not take in the imposing St Mary’s Church, Carisbrooke, which sits above the High Street. If you like animals, then Monkey Haven at Staplers on the edge of town, is a great day out. This sanctuary has plenty of perfect primates to see. There are regular talks throughout the day and as well as monkey business there are owls, meerkats and reptiles. If you are a culture vulture, Newport has plenty for you to see. From the Museum of Island History at the Guildhall, to the Newport Roman Villa and live performances and more at Quay Arts on the riverside. The town centre has a long High Street with many independent shops and cafes as well as a number of chain retailers. Venture off the High Street and you will find a taste of café society in the town’s squares, while Nodehill is a haven of quirky independent shops and eateries. Holyrood Street provides a similar experience in the town centre.
Webpage:https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/towns/newport
Monkey Haven
Visit 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. Our sanctuary is for animals in need of care and attention. You'll learn all about these fascinating creatures, their personalities, and how they came to be at the Haven. Animals include eagle-owls, gibbons and lemurs, events include keeper talks and marmoset encounters. Catch the keeper talks and animal feeds throughout the day to learn about the amazing residents, their personalities, and how they came to be at the Haven. Many were rescued from tragic situations, found tied up in airports, or badly neglected by their previous owners.
Webpage: https://monkeyhaven.org/our-sanctuary/
LOCATION: Five Acres Farm, Staplers Rd, Newport PO30 2NB
Garlic Farm
The farm shop is a treasure trove of garlicky goodness and local delights. We always have tasters for you to try some of our garlicky products before you buy. Find out more about our farm shop. Our farm is located in the beautiful Arreton Valley. Take our farm walks and enjoy this natural habitat for birds, animals, insects and wild flowers which co-exist with our farmed crops. A large grassy lawn with play equipment for young children extends behind THE restaurant with lots of space for running, rolling and playing in view of the restaurant terrace,
Webpage : https://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/
LOCATION: Mersley Ln, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0NK
Robin Hill Country Park
Visit the fantastic Robin Hill Country Park for a fantastic family day out. Go for a ride on the Taboggan or go for a nice walk around the park or how about jump on the tractor instead? Coming in 2025, there will be several new activities' in place including crazy golf, an indoor ice rink, a boat safari, underground adventure tunnels and water jump pillows but to name just a few. With something for everyone including stuff for the little ones to do, Robin Hill is well worth the visit.
Website: www.robin-hill.com
Location: Downend Road, Newport PO30 2NU