A weekend on the Isle of Wight: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Why you should visit the Isle of Wight

Situated off the English south coast across the Solent, the Isle of Wight is England’s largest island and easily accessible via ferries, catamarans and hovercraft from Southampton, Portsmouth, Southsea, and Lymington.

Drawn by the “slightly old-fashioned” and “unspoiled” feel, “throngs” of visitors “flock” to the 23-mile-long island, said Fodor’s. With its green interior landscape, narrow lanes, curving bays, sandy beaches, and walking paths, the island “offers more than sailing and the sea”.

For decades this “slab of rock anchored off Portsmouth” was a “magnet” for family holidays, and it still has “seaside kitsch by the bucket and spade”, said Lonely Planet. But these days there’s “something groovy in the air” with “pockets of pure funkiness”, a long-running music festival and fresh seafood served in “kooky fishers’ cafes”.

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Top attractions and things to do

The Needles and The Needles Old Battery

A “magical” place, this “sunny little island” may be “small in stature”, but it’s “packed to the brim with amazing things to check out”, said Muddy Stilettos. There’s plenty of “touristy stuff” to see and do, but first is the “absolutely iconic” Needles rocks – the chalk stacks overlooking world-famous coloured sands. The Needles Old Battery is a spectacular clifftop fort with the best views of the Needles. It’s also home to an impressive collection of Second World War memorabilia and other regularly updated exhibitions.

Alum Bay

Situated on the westernmost point of the island, Alum Bay’s beach is one of the most picturesque and is framed by the Needles. The crystal-clear waters here are a favourite for local swimmers and perfect for children to paddle. Enjoy watching the boats moor in the bay during the day and fishermen returning with their daily catches at dusk.

The main towns

Newport, a town located at the heart of the island, is considered to be the capital. It’s the main shopping centre and location for the Isle of Wight Festival. On the north coast, Cowes and East Cowes are split by the River Medina and home to the world’s largest sailing regatta. On the east, Ryde is the largest town on the island and is known for its sandy beaches. Other towns on the east coast include Sandown, Bembridge, Brading and Shanklin. On the south coast lies the charming town of Ventnor, while at West Wight you’ll find the ancient port town of Yarmouth.

Landmarks and historic buildings

“Lemon-frosted and Italianate”, Osborne House is “pure Victorian pomp”, said Lonely Planet. Among the “extravagant” things to see include the Royal Apartments, Durbar Room and the Swiss Cottage. Osborne House became Queen Victoria’s permanent residence after Prince Albert’s death in 1861.

Known as the “Pepperpot”, St Catherine’s Oratory stands on one of the highest parts of the Isle of Wight, said English Heritage. It is part of the Tennyson Heritage Coast, a series of linked cliff-top monuments, which was named after Alfred Tennyson, the Poet Laureate, who lived at Faringford House overlooking Freshwater Bay.

Carisbrooke Castle is the “real deal”, said Isle of Wight Guru. Parts of it are more than 1,000 years old and it was used as a prison for King Charles I. “You can even see the window where he failed to escape.”

Major events

There are many big events and festivals held on the island each year. The Isle of Wight Festival takes place every summer in Newport and this year’s musical line-up includes the likes of Pulp, Robbie Williams and the Chemical Brothers. The island’s walking festival features around 100 walks and has editions in spring and autumn. Held since 1888, the Ryde Carnival is the oldest carnival in the UK. Cowes Week is the oldest and biggest sailing regatta in the world and held in July and August.

Explore nature

With stunning beaches, bays and hills, this is an “island paradise” for yachtsmen, cyclists, walkers and sun seekers, said the Essential Travel Guide. About one third of the island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is “blessed with weather that is milder than the rest of the UK”. Places to visit include Newtown Nature Reserve and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.

Shanklin Chine

The stunning, tree-lined Shanklin Chine historic gorge is the island’s oldest visitor attraction. It cuts its way from Shanklin Old Village to a sandy beach and has drawn renowned artists, photographers and writers here for centuries. From author Jane Austen to painter J.M.W Turner, many have visited this remarkable gorge. Nestled just beneath Shanklin Chine is a tiny, low-ceilinged fisherman’s cottage, the town’s original thatched pub dating back to 1817. In the 1800s, visitors came here for the pub’s hot brine baths, filled with piped sea water heated in a copper boiler. If you’re planning a visit to Shanklin Chine, walk down the few steps to this charming cottage to enjoy a pint and a plate of crab cakes by the sea.

Places to stay: best hotels and accommodation

This “British gem” is done “hiding in the shadows” and there’s a host of “fabulous properties beckoning in those in search of a stylish staycation”, said Anya Meyerowitz on Condé Nast Traveller. The Hambrough in Ventnor, Onefifty in Cowes, and Foresters Hall (previously known as North House) in Cowes are three hotels on the magazine’s best of list.

Rated 9/10 on The Telegraph, Haven Hall Hotel in Shanklin is an “A-list residence” which “cleverly blends country-house glamour with guesthouse friendliness”. Hotels with 8/10 expert ratings include the “welcoming” Wight Mouse Inn in the village of Chale, the “historic” Seaview Hotel in Seaview, and the “boutique” George Hotel in Yarmouth.

Eating and drinking

Best restaurants

From fine dining to boutique beach cafes, the Isle of Wight has “a lot to offer” and you can taste “some of the freshest seafood and fish” in the UK, said Jessica Woodward on Culture Trip. Garlic Farm Restaurant in Newchurch is a “unique institution” on the island and the Royal Hotel is “undoubtedly the Isle of Wight’s flagship eating venue”.

While there are no starred restaurants on the Isle of Wight, six places do get a mention in the Michelin Guide: the “delightfully intimate” Aquitania in Seaview; “modern, understated” The Hambrough in Ventnor; “modern brasserie” The Conservatory at The George Hotel in Yarmouth; “warm and welcoming” Red Lion pub in Freshwater; harbourside “fish to the fore” Terrace in Yarmouth; and “elegant” restaurant The Hut in Freshwater.

Isle of Wight Distillery

The first and only distillery on the Island was licensed in 2014 by friends Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett. Tours are readily available, providing a taste of the island’s spirits. The Mermaid Gin – a smooth, elegant and complex gin made with locally foraged rock samphire and Boadicea hops – is worth a try. As is the Mermaid Vodka, which carries a salty edge, and the HMS Victory-branded Navy strength barrel-aged gin and rum. All of the spirits are hand-crafted in small batches and slow-distilled before being cut with local spring water.

Transport: how to get to the Isle of Wight

There are up to 200 ferry crossings a day operating from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington, said the Visit Isle of Wight tourism board. The main links operate for passengers into five different island towns – Ryde, Cowes, East Cowes, Fishbourne and Yarmouth – the latter three services also carry vehicles. Hovertravel, Red Funnel and Wightlink are the Isle of Wight’s ferry travel providers.