The best places to visit in the Isle of Wight

There are many things to do and places to visit in the Isle of Wight, making it one of the most popular UK holiday destinations for days out and staycations.

You can visit historic attractions like Carisbrooke Castle or take the whole family along to the likes of Monkey Haven as little as 20 minutes away from our holiday parks.

Book your Isle of Wight break now!

Reasons to visit the Isle of Wight:

Explore stunning landscapes, from sandy beaches to lush countryside. The Isle of Wight is known for its picturesque scenery, including iconic cliffs and charming villages.
Immerse yourself in history by visiting historical sites like Osborne House, the former holiday residence of Queen Victoria, or Carisbrooke Castle, a medieval fortress with a rich past.
Enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. The island's diverse terrain offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
Experience vibrant festivals and events throughout the year, including the Isle of Wight Festival, which attracts music enthusiasts from around the world.
Discover charming villages and towns with unique characters, offering local shops, cafes, and a warm community atmosphere.

Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, the Isle of Wight has something for everyone.

Places to visit in the Isle of Wight

There are countless must-see attractions, hidden marvels, and things to do in the Isle of Wight; therefore, we will quickly run down a few of the top Isle of Wight sights.

Whether you prefer walking holidays, going to the zoo, a historical journey through time, or trying out local cuisine – or if you want to do all this and more, the Isle of Wight provides ample opportunities.

Sandown Pier

There are so many breathtaking beaches on the Isle of Wight, and you cannot come to the island and not visit at least one.

Sandown Pier is a great place to start, especially if you stay at our nearby Whitecliff Bay holiday park.

It's the perfect place for a family day on the Isle of Wight, as you can find everything from rides to miniature golf or relaxing at the beach.

There's something for everyone here, so why not plan a trip to Sandown Pier as one of the must-see places on the Isle of Wight?

The Needles

If you enjoy beautiful sights, you’ll find plenty of them on the island. An example is The Needles, one of the most visited tourist attractions on the Isle of Wight.

The Needles are a row of three stacks of chalk that rise about 30 metres out of the sea off the western extremity of the Isle of Wight.

This is one of the best places to visit in the Isle of Wight as not only is it one of the top attractions, but there are plenty of other things to do, like adventure golf.

The perfect location for a group day out, The Needles are essential for Isle of Wight sightseeing, especially if you’re staying at nearby accommodation, like The Bay Colwell.

Shanklin Chine

For even more outdoor adventures, Shanklin Chine is the place to explore some incredible natural attractions during your next holiday. Featuring a waterfall falling 45 feet down a cliff edge, this is one of the best places to visit in the Isle of Wight.

A peaceful and serene location, it’s one of the oldest attractions on the Isle of Wight and has drawn visitors for over 20 years.

Once you visit, you’ll understand why! Close to St Helens Coastal Resort, why not plan a trip to Shanklin Chine?

Carisbrooke Castle

For all history buffs, there are plenty of things to do in the Isle of Wight to meet your needs, and one of the most popular attractions for this is visiting Carisbrooke Castle.

It’s been a central place of power and defence on the island for over 1,000 years, making it a symbolic centre for the island.

If you love learning, Carisbrooke Castle is definitely where to go on the Isle of Wight. And if you’re staying at The Lakes Rookley, it’s just a short drive to learn more about these beautiful Isle of Wight tourist attractions!

Things to do in the Isle of Wight for tons of family fun

The Isle of Wight is one of the most popular destinations to take the entire family, mainly because there is so much to do for every family member – including the dog!

Heading to the Isle of Wight is one of the most dog-friendly holidays, with both accommodation and plenty of activities to suit your furry friend.

Here are some of the best things to do in the Isle of Wight that the entire family can be involved in!

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

A registered charity since 1991, The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary provides a happy home for over 100 donkeys who have been neglected, abandoned, or just in need of care.

Set on 55 acres of land, along with visiting the donkeys, there is plenty of wildlife to explore, and you can complete your day off with a trip to the shop and café.

The entire family can get up close to the donkeys. Even dogs can experience it if they are kept on a lead.

There's also a dog station where your pooch can re-energise with a dog menu – a perfect way to complete their day out!

Yarmouth Castle

For a chance to see a Tudor Castle in a beautiful seaside town, Yarmouth Castle is a popular choice amongst many holiday-goers.

You can climb to the battlements and enjoy the best sailing views in Solent while watching the yachts pass through the narrow channel.

Once visiting, you'll understand why Henry VIII built this as his final fortress. Also, your pooch is welcome to explore the castle with you!

Blackgang Chine

Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest amusement park, standing the test of time – and for good reason too!

You can take on various rides – one with more significant drops, whilst others are suitable for the younger ones.

You can also bring your dog here for your day out if they stay on the lead. However, due to the popularity of this attraction during high season, you might not want to bring your pup along if they're susceptible.

And with plenty of other things to do on the Isle of Wight with the entire family, where will you begin your explorations?

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you're set with some of the top things to do and places to visit in the Isle of Wight, you may have some questions about the attractions in the Isle of Wight.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan what Isle of Wight tourist attractions to visit during your next getaway!

What are the eight wonders of the Isle of Wight?

There are many different parts and elements to the Isle of Wight, and if you're looking for things to do in each part, the eight wonders may be helpful for you.

The eight wonders of the Isle of Wight are deeply rooted in the island's history, relating to its different locations.

These were mainly used on postcards for tourists in the 1900s and slowly crept into the rest of tourist gifts.

They are:

Cowes, you cannot milk.
Freshwater you cannot drink.
Newport, you cannot bottle.
Needles you cannot thread.
Winkle Street, where there are no wrinkles.
Ryde where you walk.
Lake where there is no water.
Newtown, which is very old.

Did you notice that these are a play on words of some of the best Isle of Wight attractions?

What is the nicest town on the Isle of Wight?

The nicest town on the Isle of Wight is a subjective question, depending on what type of holiday you're after but the likes of Sandown and Shanklin are perfect for a beach day out.

Why not book a visit to one of our Isle of Wight holiday parks and see where the best place to visit is for yourself?

What can you do on the Isle of Wight for a day?

There are many things to do on the Isle of Wight for a day – you can have a beach day, visit the countryside, or go sightseeing at some of the landmarks mentioned.

However, you may want to spread your trip across multiple days, and you can do so if you choose to stay at an Away Resorts holiday park on the Isle of Wight.

With plenty of things to do on the Isle of Wight, why not plan your holiday itinerary now?