18 Best Things to Do on The Isle of Wight in 2026
The Isle of Wight is a small, beautiful island off the southern coast of England. With over 50 miles of coastline and 14 stunning sandy beaches to explore, there are so many incredible things to do on the Isle of Wight.
The Isle of Wight was one of my favourite places I visited as a child. I didn’t leave the UK until I was 19 and a summer holiday as a family was usually down to the Cornish coastline, Devon, or Bristol to see family. However, one summer, our parents decided to take us to the Isle of Wight.
I fell in love with the island and thought it was completely beautiful. Also, it was the first time I’d ever been on a ferry, so that was also pretty exciting!
But, if you love beautiful spots in the UK, you will love it here. There’s some great history, beautiful castles, elaborate mansion houses, coastal walks, and stunning natural wonders.
My Top travel resources for The Isle of Wight
✅ Here’s the hotel we stayed at during our time there
✅ Here’s the best attraction on the Isle of Wight,
✅ If you’re visiting from London, here’s a great day trip option.
18 Incredible Attractions on the Isle of Wight
So, with so much to do on this amazing island, here are the top Isle of Wight attractions to make your trip unforgettable!
1. Go on a Needles Boat Tour
Cost: £8 – £12 per person
This is a great way to start your day and your trip to the Isle of Wight. The Needles are the island’s most famous landmark and an absolute must-see.
The Needles Boat Trip takes you on a small tour of the bay and you get a chance to see the famous chalk rocks up close. There are two options: the fast boat, and the slow boat.
The fast boat is a speed boat that jets out around the bay, circles the Needles, stops near the lighthouse where you can take some photos, and heads around the lighthouse to the chalk cliffs and caves on the other side, before heading in a wide arc back to Alum Bay.
The tour lasts about 15 minutes and costs £12 per adult.
The slow boat tour just goes on a much slower cruise around the bay. You’ll still see the lighthouse up close and stop to take pictures of the Needles, however, you don’t go behind the back of the cliffs. This tour costs £8 per adult and lasts about 20 minutes.
With both of these boat tours, you don’t need to book online – in fact, you physically can’t book online! Simply head down to Alum Bay, and you can board the boat from the beach.
2. Visit The Needles Park
Cost: Free to enter. Attraction prices vary.
At the top of the cliff, on the westernmost point of the island, you’ll find The Needles Park. This is a collection of rides, attractions, and other forms of entertainment.
You’ll also find a restaurant, a tour bus service that takes you up to the battery and a chairlift down to the infamous Alum Bay. It’s one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight.
Some of the attractions include crazy golf, glass blowing, a 4D cinema, sweet making, a kart course, and a classic carousel. You have to pay for these attractions individually.
Or buy a supersaver ticket for £9 which can save you 25% on all the attractions including the stairlift down to the bay.
This is a great place to take the kids, and a fab place to hang out as an adult too if you feel like unleashing your inner child. I can never resist a game of crazy golf!
You can very easily make a day of visiting the Needles and it’s certainly one of the best things to do in the Isle of Wight.
3. Admire Alum Bay
Cost: Free
I’ve already mentioned this bay a few times, but it’s definitely worth talking about. One of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, Alum Bay is mostly known for its colourful cliffs.
The multi-coloured rocks will amaze you with their amber, red, black, and yellow hues and it’s a sight that you’ve got to see in person. Made from chalk, clay, and flint, the cliffs will have you in awe.
This bay has a beautiful long sandy beach, which is perfect for relaxing and soaking up some sun. And you’ll have great views of the Needles rocks in the distance.
4. Explore The Needles Old and New Batteries
Cost: £8 per adult.
If history is your thing, then this is an absolute must-see! These two batteries are the perfect way to get a great overview of some key points in the island’s history.
First, you’ll need to tackle and hilly cliff-walk up to the batteries. It’s steep in parts, but mostly, you can follow the road. From the park to the batteries will probably take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how fast you walk. However, the views from the top are spectacular.
You’re treated to full panoramic views of the iconic Needles, Alum Bay, and the island’s stunning chalk cliffs. You’ll also get a bird’s eye view out across the ocean. Once you’ve taken plenty of photographs, head to the batteries themselves.
The Old Battery has been around for over 200 years. It was built on the orders of Prime Minister Lord Palmerston to protect against invasion on the Isle of Wight from the French.
It was restored in 1994 and you can still see some of the original features.
The Needles New Battery was built in 1895 and is now open to the public as a museum which gives an insight into life here during that period. It’s a National Trust site and costs £5 for adults and £2.5 for children.
There’s also a tearoom in the new battery, perfect if you’re a little peckish after your walk. Don’t forget to check out the old rocket testing site!
5. Visit Shanklin Chine
Cost: £9.50 per adult.
For those who want to get back to nature, Shanklin Chine is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight. This wooded coastal ravine and gorge feature beautiful views of the beach, cliffs, and sea.
You’ll also find an impressive waterfall, trees, lush vegetation, footpaths, and walkways, and perhaps, if you’re very lucky, you’ll spot some red squirrels.
Make sure that you explore this area thoroughly because it’s hugely interesting. I was amazed at how much wildlife we found whilst walking through Shanklin Chine. There were leaves literally the size of a coffee table!
There’s also an aviary and some detailed historical information on what the site was used for during the war. You’ll also find remains of a pipe that used to run from the Chine all the way to France!
Exploring Shanklin Chine took around 40 minutes. But could be longer if you decide to picnic in the gorge or walk down to the beach.
6. Relax on Shanklin Beach
Cost: Free
If you do decide to walk down to the beach, then you’ll find one of the most popular bays on the island. Shanklin Beach is a lovely sandy beach with some spectacular views.
This area is very popular in the summer months for surfing. You’ll find surf schools here along with a plethora of other water activities.
If you don’t fancy getting wet, there’s also Shanklin Esplanade which features a lovely promenade, an indoor arcade, go-karts, a small rollercoaster, an indoor play park, and 3 crazy golf courses, 2 outdoor and one indoor.
The walk to Shanklin Beach takes around 20 minutes from the car park near Shanklin Chine.
Or you could walk 30-40 minutes along the cliff-top path which can be steep in parts but very scenic too. Great for all the family, make sure not to miss this stunning stretch of coastline.
7. Visit Ventnor
Cost: Free to explore.
This beautiful English town is a 30-minute drive from the capital of Newport and has some great things to see.
Ventnor’s architecture, culture, entertainment options, shopping opportunities – pretty much everything you need for a perfect day out.
You could spend ages simply exploring the streets here and you’ll find pretty thatched cottages and traditional, old-style pubs.
Ventnor also has a beautiful harbour and beach with some amazing views and is home to my favourite restaurant on the island: The Spyglass Inn.
8. Wander Around Carisbrooke Castle
Cost: £12.50 per adult. Free for English Heritage Members
The island’s historical masterpiece, Carisbrooke Castle, is one of the best Isle of Wight attractions.
One of the top things to do on the Isle of Wight, this 12th-century castle was originally built to secure the island from the Norman invaders.
It later became one of Britain’s largest prisons. It held King Charles I prisoner during the Civil War, not long before his execution.
The castle you see today was redesigned once again by Countess Isabella de Fortibus as she wanted to create a comfortable royal residence.
You can explore the castle’s magnificent gardens. Make sure not to miss the formal Italian garden that the countess added, complete with a beautiful rose maze.
The castle is located near the centre of the island in Newport and it’s fairly easy to get to.
9. Cycle Along the Red Squirrel Trail
Cost: Free
Another adventure for those who adore the outdoors, the Red Squirrel Trail is both a chance to explore nature and to see some of the rarest and most beautiful creatures in the UK.
Named after the native red squirrels that call the island home, this scenic route winds its way through the island’s woodlands, charming villages, and peaceful English countryside.
The cycling paths are well maintained and a great chance to explore the island’s natural beauty. The trail offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including the elusive red squirrels, as well as a variety of bird species.
With plenty of scenic spots to pause for a picnic, it’s a great way to explore one of the Isle of Wight’s lesser-known attractions, while connecting with nature.
10. Explore Osborne House
Cost: £20 per adult. Free for English Heritage Members.
Another of the island’s historical gems, Osborne House in Ryde is a stunning 17th-century manor house.
This beautiful building features some of the finest plasterwork ceilings and wood carvings on the island. It also has one of the country’s loveliest gardens with its formal terraces and fountains along with its spectacular views across to the ocean.
Osborne House was originally built by Thomas Cubitt in 1845-1851. It was built on behalf of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as a summer residence and rural retreat.
Albert helped to design the house himself and some of the art, architecture, and decoration inside are stunning.
Adults pay £20.00 each whilst children can get in for £12.50. You’ll need between 40 minutes and 2 hours (depending on how fast you can read) to explore the house and gardens. Be sure to walk to the nearby Swiss Cottage too.
11. Visit the Garlic Farm
Cost: Free to enter. Attraction costs vary.
One of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions (and by far the tastiest) is the Garlic Farm.
Home to more than 50 varieties of garlic, the farm is open all year round and offers a fascinating insight into the history, cultivation techniques, and uses of garlic.
It also shows you how to grow it and some very curious recipes. Black garlic ice cream, anyone?
It’s free to enter. You’ll find a shop, a cafe, and an incredibly popular restaurant serving a range of delicious meals using local produce. There are also farm tours, walks, and tractor rides. Some of these activities are an additional cost.
You might also find some seriously tasty samples here and, if you’re a garlic fan, definitely get your cash ready!
12. Walk to St Catherine’s Lighthouse
Cost: Free
Located on the southernmost point of the island, St Catherine’s Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the country.
When this building was completed, in 1840, it was one of the first lighthouses worldwide to be powered by electricity. The light was so magnificent, a person would be able to see them from 18 miles away.
Although you can no longer enter the lighthouse and climb to the top, it’s still well worth a view. The surrounding area is St Catherine’s Downs.
The beautiful moorland has several wonderful cliff walks along the island’s southern coast. The walk is moderate in difficulty and will take around 2 hours.
You can also visit the nearby St Catherine’s Oratory, also known as ‘The Pepperpot’. This stone medieval lighthouse is also located on St. Catherine’s Down.
13. Embrace your Inner Child at Blackgang Chine
Cost: £15 to £24 per person.
I loved it here as a child and, if you’re visiting the Isle of Wight with family, this is a must-see. As the UK’s oldest amusement park, this iconic attraction is both historic and super fun!
You can explore themed lands ranging from the Wild West to prehistoric times, each offering a unique array of rides, games, and interactive experiences.
You can admire intricately crafted dinosaur sculptures in Restricted Area 5, embark on a swashbuckling pirate adventure in Pirate Cove, or take a journey through time in the enchanting Underwater Kingdom.
14. Visit Yarmouth Castle
Cost: £7.50 per adult. Free for English Heritage members.
Located just 15 minutes from The Needles Park, Yarmouth Castle is a sixteenth-century artillery fort. It was built by Henry VIII to protect the town of Yarmouth from being attacked by the French.
Originally built to guard the western entrance to the Solent and prevent the capture of the Isle of Wight, this castle was established in 1547. With a garrison of 20 men and 15 artillery guns, the square castle was just under 100 feet across.
The castle is now an English Heritage site. You’re able to explore the fortification for £7.50, discovering its fascinating history in the process.
Inside there’s a detailed museum. You can also climb to the top to view the gum platform where you’ll find several historic guns and a wonderful view across Yarmouth.
15. Wander Around Yarmouth Town
Cost: Free
Yarmouth is another of my favourite parts of the Isle of Wight. Situated at the mouth of the River Yar, this picturesque town has a lot of maritime history. It also has plenty of historic buildings and a bustling harbour.
Go for a stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade, where colourful fishing boats bob gently in the harbour. You’ll also be able to see panoramic views of the Solent.
Of course, this town is home to Yarmouth Castle but also the fascinating Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum to learn about the island’s seafaring history.
You can also just enjoy the atmosphere here. There are lots of shops, and cafes that line the charming streets, offering everything from local crafts to freshly caught seafood. Don’t forget to check out Yarmouth Pier!
16. Ride the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Cost: £22 per adult.
Another of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight is to ride the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. This beautifully restored vintage steam train at the Smallbrook Junction station is ideal for lovers of the locomotive.
However, the rhythmic chug of the engine, the billowing steam, and the gentle swaying of the carriages are pretty impressive, whether you’re usually a fan of steam trains or not!
A journey on the train will take you through the picturesque countryside and quaint villages of the island, and you’ll also be able to see panoramic views of the island’s beauty.
17. Visit Quarr Abbey
Cost: Free
Much less visited compared to Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House, Quarr Abbey is a wonderful spot to explore if you love history and nature.
Nestled amidst tranquil woodlands and overlooking the scenic Medina Valley, this working monastery has stunning architecture.
You can explore the abbey’s historic Gothic-style church, its tranquil gardens, and beautiful lakes. As well as this, you can browse the onsite farm shop, which offers a selection of locally produced goods,
18. Eat all the Seafood!
Enjoying seafood is easily one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight. There are lots of seafood restaurants all over the island serving a range of delicious freshly cooked dishes.
One of my all-time favourite places to eat on the island is the Spyglass Inn. It’s been going for over 30 years and serves delicious food and large portions.
It’s also hugely popular though, so I highly recommend booking a table. We actually ended up having to queue the last time we ate here! But it was well worth it.
How to get to the Isle of Wight
You can get to the Isle of Wight in several ways, however, the easiest and by far the most popular way is by taking a ferry across the English Channel. You can catch the ferry from 3 different UK ports: Portsmouth, Southampton, or Lymington.
Both the Portsmouth and Lymington ferries are 30 minutes each, whilst the Southampton route takes about an hour.
The ferry companies that travel to the island are Wightlink (via Portsmouth and Lymington) and Red Funnel (via Southampton).
Both of these companies are fairly affordable, and we were able to get a 2-person and a car return ticket for just £150.
However, some times of year and routes are more expensive than others. So expect to pay up to £300 for a return car ferry crossing and up to £80 for a passenger crossing.
The Southampton route also tends to be a little cheaper because of the slightly longer journey duration.
You can also fly to the Isle of Wight, but, despite being in the UK, it’s not as easy as catching a flight to Italy or Greece.
There are no direct flights from the main London airports, and you instead have to fly via smaller airports in either Southampton or Bournemouth.
As such, getting the ferry is much easier. It also allows you to take a car with you.
How to get around the Isle of Wight
Once you’ve arrived on the island, you’ll either enter via the port of Yarmouth, East Cowes, or Ryde, depending on which ferry you catch.
The island is England’s largest island, but it’s still fairly small at just 22.5 miles long and 13.5 miles wide. By far the easiest way to get around it is by car.
Travelling by car ferry allows you to simply drive between destinations. It is more or less the same as driving on the mainland. However, many of the roads are rather small and windy, so be careful.
If you arrive by foot ferry, then there’s also public transport available for you to use, but it can be quite limited.
Some trains operate purely along the southeast coast from Ryde down to Shanklin. However, the buses are a little more widespread.
Operated by Southern Vectis, they have connections all over the island, with the largest bus station in Newport, the capital of the island.
You can purchase a one-day ticket for £10.30 each or £29 for a group of 5 (which works out £5.80 each). A week’s unlimited travel is £30 each or £72 for 5 people.
Alternatively, you can also use taxis, or hire a car, which you can pick up from most ferry ports. For active outdoorsy people, bicycle hire is also an option and, on average, bike hire for one day will cost around £15-£20.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do on the Isle of Wight
Overall, the Isle of Wight is one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. It’s such a beautiful island with so much diversity in what you can do there.
If you’re a nature lover, adore history, hidden gems, wildlife, beautiful beaches, or seaside towns, the Isle of Wight has something you’ll love.
Plus, being a 3-hour 45-minute train journey from London makes it doable as a day trip. However, I highly recommend spending more time there if you can.
All in all, the island is the perfect British getaway and an absolutely beautiful place to visit.
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