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Only 23 miles long and affectionately described as ‘England in miniature’, you don’t have to go far on the Island to find something to explore. With so much to see and do, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place for history buffs, thrill-seekers, foodies and ramblers. And because it’s so small, it’s safe for solo travellers, too.
If you’re planning to hop over for a solo trip, here are 5 things to do that cannot be missed while you’re here:
1. Say YES to exploring the great outdoors on foot
With over 50% of the Isle of Wight designated as an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the best way to see the Island is on foot. The Isle of Wight boasts swathes of unspoiled countryside and a 68-mile-long coastal path that offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of serenity wherever you look.
If you’re an adventurer who’s after a challenge, the Freshwater Bay to the Needles circular route is a dry grassy walk with plenty of rolling hills to get the heart pumping. It takes around 4 hours to complete, starting with the steepest slope up Tennyson Down before giving way to gentle hills and panoramic views across the Island.
There are plenty of shorter walks for you to enjoy, too. The Combley Great Wood route is a comfortable two-mile stroll over footpaths and bridleways through enchanting woodland. Located close to the Island’s largest town, Ryde, there’s no stopping you from hopping on a bus and exploring the great range of activities on offer once you’ve completed the route.
2. Say YES to dinosaur hunting
Although only 23 miles long, the Isle of Wight is home to many historical wonders for solo travellers to explore. Dino fans are particularly spoilt for choice. Known as Dinosaur Island due to the vast amount of remains, very few places elsewhere in Europe can boast the same density of fossils as the Isle of Wight.
Over 25 species of dinosaur once roamed the Island – today, you can see dinosaur footprints at low tide at Compton and Brook beaches. Why not book on to a fossil walk led by dinosaur experts to see the best spots close up?
Dinosaur Isle – Britain's first purpose-built dinosaur museum and visitor attraction – is another must-do while you’re on the Island. The spectacularly shaped building is reminiscent of a Pterosaur flying across the cretaceous skies and is home to over a thousand fossils, skeletal and flesh reconstructions, and two animatronic dinosaurs. It’s open all year round and uses lighting, artwork, sound, smells and animatronic technology to create a truly immersive, heart-stopping experience.
3. Say YES to a taste of beach paradise
If you enjoy feeling wild and free beside the sea, why not take a trip to one of the Island’s 14 award-winning beaches? Come rain or shine, our beaches are always open. In fact, some of the best, blustery walks can be found in the winter months – just be sure to wrap up nice and warm!
Named ‘Beach of the Year' in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2019, Sandown is a traditional sandcastle beach boasting miles of golden, buttery-soft sand. It’s only a stone’s throw away from fossil-rich cliffs and stunning coastal wildlife, so if sunbathing isn’t really your thing, there’s still plenty for solo travellers to see and do.
Head west, and you’ll find Compton Bay. Known for its curling waves, this beautiful two-mile stretch of contrasting gold and dark sands is a popular hotspot with surfers, kiteboarders and other water sports enthusiasts. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not grab a board and give it a go?
Or, if you’re looking for the perfect spot to watch the world go by, the seaside village of Seaview is home to a charming shingle beach where you can look for crabs and watch the small sailing boats launch from nearby Bembridge Harbour.
4. Say YES to getting the adrenaline pumping
Whether you’re in your 20s or fabulous 50s, solo travellers of all ages can enjoy the Island’s many heart-pumping thrills. Fancy yourself as a bit of a daredevil? Then don a harness and climb to the treetops at Goodleaf Tree Climbing.
The experience takes place with small groups of climbers, so you’ll get the opportunity to meet like-minded thrill-seekers while you ascend. Plus, there's no pressure to climb high or even reach the top of the tree. You might just enjoy the unusual experience of sitting on a branch and taking in your surroundings.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a different way to see the Island, hop on a bike and explore the 200 miles of bike tracks, byways and bridleways through some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside.
5. Say YES to learning all about garlic at the Garlic Farm
Foodies can learn everything they’d ever want to know about garlic with a visit to the Garlic Farm. Conveniently located in Newchurch surrounded by beautiful farmland in the Arreton Valley, learn where garlic comes from, how to grow your own and how to cook it. You’ll also get the opportunity to taste a range of garlicky goodness, from garlic chutneys to garlic beer and even garlic ice cream!
If that wasn’t enough, take a stroll through the grounds to see the wonderful flora and fauna of the birds, animals, insects and wildflowers that live alongside the farmed crops. You’ll even be able to see garlic in the fields from January to the end of June.
These are just a handful of things you can do when travelling solo to the Isle of Wight, see here for a full list of things to do.
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