Visit Isle of Wight

A few of my suggestions for things to do and food to try while visiting Isle of Wight
The Needles Landmark Attraction
must
attraction

Isle of Wight’s most famous landmark attraction with stunning views and mesmerising sea lines. The range of attractions includes the spectacular chairlift ride, taking you on a journey past the coloured sands cliffs to the beach. Soak up the breathtaking views from the beach and enjoy a paddle in the sea. Or get closer to the Needles by taking a pleasure cruise. 

Compton Bay
must
beach

A two mile stretch of contrasting golden and dark sands, with rolling seas, tumbling multi-coloured sandstone cliffs, and the white chalk cliffs at Freshwater in the distance.

Carisbrooke Castle
should
attraction

Sitting high and proud at the heart of the Isle of Wight, Carisbrooke Castle  has been an artillery fortress, king's prison and a royal summer residence. Today it’s the quintessential romantic castle, with lots to see and enjoy in the fresh open air. Experience far reaching panoramic views from high castle walls, or wander the moat to discover King Charles I’s bowling green. Enjoy the tranquil Princess Beatrice Garden, before meeting the famous Carisbrooke donkeys.

Godshill Model Village
should
attraction

Almost two acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens for a scale models of Shanklin and Godshill villages as they were in the 1920's. A huge collection of conifers and trees have created a large collection of niwaki and cloud pruned specimens. Over the years there are around 3,000 trees and shrubs to create a beautiful display. There is a range of trees from Japanese origin individually sculpt for visitors to contemplate. This beautiful Model Village nestles in the grounds of the Old Vicarage. Set in nearly two acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens this is a real retro find - a quintessentially English visitor attraction. You will find scale models of Shanklin and Godshill villages as they were in the 1920's. Our cottages, pubs and churches are faithfully reproduced versions of the real buildings in 1/10th scale. Our garden railway is a must see - a snapshot of the Island Line of yesteryear!

Shanklin Seafront
should
attraction

This award winning seaside resort has everything you need for the perfect family day out at the seaside! With golden sandy beaches and a range of attractions and eateries there's endless activities whatever the weather. There are 2 crazy golf courses, Pirates Cove and Jurassic Bay Adventure Golf.  An indoor, all weather, mini crazy golf is also situated in the Summer Arcade.  Next to the crazy golf is the outdoor Pirates Cove Fun Park that has a variety of activities to enjoy.  The Summer Arcade is a traditional amusement arcade with lots of entertainment including an indoor go-kart track and bowling.  The Clubhouse cafe has the perfect view of the outdoor crazy golf courses and has a variety of drinks and snacks available including ice cream. Also find top, quality fish and chips at The Bayside Fish & Chips cafe and takeaway. Toppings Ice Cream also provides a huge range of ice cream with over 42 flavours to choose from as well as sweet treats. 

The Garlic Farm
should
attraction

Visit the Garlic Farm and learn all about garlic, where it comes from, how to grow your own and how to cook with it. Taste all of our unique and delicious products from garlic chutneys to garlic beer and ice cream in our taste experience before you buy. Walk freely around the farm and see the highland cattle, pigs, horses, peacocks and red squirrels darting back and forth. See the different garlic varieties growing in the fields. At weekends and in the holidays jump on board the tractor trailer for tours around the farm. Dine in our renowned restaurant and savour some of the incredible creations from the kitchen. Enter the Allium café and enjoy home-made cakes and tea and coffee.

The Pearl Café
should
food

The Pearl Café is the ideal place to relax and unwind on your journey around the island. There is ample parking and the spacious Café offers daily lunch specials, a selection of homemade cakes and cream teas and uninterrupted views of the English Channel. Our menu offers smaller appetite, Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Wherever possible local produce from the Isle of Wight is used. 

Needles Pleasure Cruises
could
attraction

Slow Cruise: We offer two types of trip, firstly the traditional cruise to the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, departing from the beach at Alum Bay on a circular route around the bay, taking in the views of the coloured sands of Alum Bay, passing under the dramatic chalk cliffs towards the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. The return leg sweeps out across the bay to view the Needles Channel and the military forts protecting the area. This trip typically lasts at 20-25 minutes. Adults: £7.00 Children: £4.00. No age restrictions. Maximum capacity 94 people with live commentary throughout. Fast Cruise: The second trip encompasses all the sights of the traditional cruise, but is aboard either of our fast Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) Summer Rose or Wild Rose and is a 15 minute trip, taking you a little further into Scratchells Bay for that perfect photo opportunity on the south side of the lighthouse. From here you're able to see the coastline all the way down to St Catherines point at the southern most tip of the Isle of Wight. Cost £15.00 per person or family ticket of 2 adults & 2 Children at £55. Minimum age / height restrictions, dependant on the weather, do apply for this particular trip. Maximum capacity for this trip 12 people, operating mid and peak season only.

Dinosaur Isle
could
attraction

Dinosaur Isle is Britain's first purpose built dinosaur attraction just over the sea wall in Sandown where in a spectacularly shaped building reminiscent of a Pterosaur flying across the cretaceous skies you can walk back through fossilised time to the period of the dinosaurs 120 million years ago. Set in amongst a recreated landscape you will meet life sized models of the Isle of Wight's famous five dinosaurs - NEOVENATOR, EOTYRANNUS, IGUANODON, HYPSILOPHODON and POLACANTHUS. Flying above you amongst the haunting sounds of a long lost forest are pterodactyls.