Visiting Isle of Wight

(Isle of Wight, England)

The Isle of Wight is a small island located just two miles off the south coast of England. The island is popular with tourists, who usually make the short journey to the island by ferry from the mainland ports of Portsmouth, Southsea, Southampton or Lymington.

Newport is the island's capital and a popular place to stay when visiting. The main attraction on the island is the 25 miles of unspoiled, clean and empty beaches. Charming villages and towns populate the island, along with many manmade and natural attractions.

Visiting Isle of Wight: Places to Visit

• Join a local guide on a walking or bus tour of the island. Your guide will show you some of the island's sights and attractions, while giving you an insight to the historical significance of some of the places visited
• Visit the fantastic Victorian cliff-top gardens of Blackgang Chine for a day filled with activities and attractions. Best suited for family days out, Blackgang Chine's has a roller coaster, high-speed slide, indoor shows and themed areas spread across 40 acres
• Visit the Isle of Wight Waltzing Waters at the Westridge Centre. This attraction contains a 40-minute show, with music accompanying moving fountains and water spouts.
• Sample some of the island's most popular white wines at the Adgestone Vineyard's tasting room. Adgestone Vineyard is conveniently located close to Brading and the establishment produces more than 40,000 bottles of wine a year
• Travel by steam train on the five-mile stretch of track from Wooton to Small Brook Junction. The train is run and maintained by enthusiasts based at Havenstreet
• Learn more about the battle against French invaders in 1545 at the Shanklin Chine Historic Gorge & Heritage Centre. Shanklin Chine is a peaceful, scenic area with waterfalls and great natural beauty
• Scare yourself at the Chamber of Horrors at the Isle of Wight Wax Works. The building is located opposite a 16th-century rectory and also shows some historical scenes from the island's past
• Experience the exotic birds and animals that are housed at Amazon World. Attractions include rain forest areas, marmosets, exotic birds, monkeys and some endangered species
• Visit the famous landmark of Osborne House, built for Queen Victoria in the 1840s. The country retreat was designed by Prince Albert and is a great example of Victorian design and royal life. The landscaped gardens of the house include fountains, terraces and statues
• Enjoy the fantastic views of the Needles from the Needles Old Battery. The Needles are an impressive formation of rock towers located in the sea. The Needles Old Battery is a Victorian fort restored to its former glory