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Visiting the Isle of Wight and want to make the most of it without blowing the budget? You’re in luck!
Our island is packed with amazing experiences that won’t cost you a penny. From peaceful countryside wanders to quirky animal encounters and stunning seaside views, there’s something for every kind of explorer.
Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, these ten free things to do will help you soak up the charm, history, and beauty of the Isle of Wight — all without opening your wallet. Let the adventure begin!
1. Trip to the beach
We can’t recommend visiting at least one our our island beaches during your stay enough – we have a wide variety of brilliant beaches, and they are all completely free for you to explore at your leisure. It is fair to say that our beaches usually top most visitors’ days out on our island, whatever time of year they are here!
2. Fort Victoria Country Park
With its informative information room, cannons, trails, free parking, woodland walks, sculpture to spot and opportunities for pond dipping and fossil hunting we have loads of free fun!
3. Cowes Week
The world’s largest sailing regatta takes place in August every year, and it is a key part in the British sporting summer calendar. It now stages up to 40 daily races for around 500 boats and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world.The town of Cowes buzzes with a festival-type atmosphere for the duration of the week, with entertainment in the streets and on the shoreside throughout the day and evening. All the racing action is free to watch from the shore.
4. Quarr Abbey
The stunning monastery at Quarr is visible through the trees to arrivals on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry, yet is very much one of our island’s undiscovered treasures. There is no admission fee to the site at Quarr, with a visitor centre, art gallery, woodland walks and of course the monastery all available to explore – with a popular farm shop and teashop café in the gardens selling some great local produce.
5. Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Tucked away in the lush Wroxall valley, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is a heartwarming haven for over 100 rescued donkeys and Shetland ponies. Open year-round with free entry and parking, it's a perfect spot for families, animal lovers, and dog owners—yes, your furry friends are welcome too! The sanctuary also offers a delightful café and gift shop, making it a lovely day out without spending a penny—though donations are always appreciated to support their incredible work.
6. Warrior Trail
The Warrior Trail is a 6 mile circular route that can be enjoyed on foot, by bike, and even on horseback! It follows in the footsteps of the Isle of Wight “Warhorse” that famously fought on the battlefields of World War 1, weaving past sites of historical importance to Warrior and his family down to Brook Beach where he was once trained to face danger in the surf.
7. Head out on a walk
Take a walk along some country paths and find yourself discovering the beauty of the Isle of Wight. There are so many walks to choose from, you can find inspiration for new places to visit on our walking webpage. Don't forget that the Walking Festival takes place in May and October and offer a host of free guided walks for you to take part in.
8. Quay Arts Centre
The Quay Arts Centre is a hub for Island artists, with 3 galleries, a theatre, a crafts council listed shop and well regarded café and bar serving a variety of great food and refreshments. There are regular exhibitions from both guest, and local artists, and whilst entry fees apply for special events there is no charge to visit the Centre.
9. Visit Queen Victoria’s Church
St Mildred’s church in Whippingham was made famous after Queen Victoria took up residence at Osborne House, and the nearby village became the centre of the Royal estate. Prince Albert played a hand in the redesigning of the church, and there are a number of memorials inside commemorating the Queen’s family and household. It is free to visit the church, and highly recommended, especially if you are heading to nearby Osborne for the day.
10. Bembridge Lifeboat Station
Possibly one of the most photographed structures on the Isle of Wight since its rebuild in 2010 is the Bembridge Lifeboat Station. The concrete pier leading out to the station protrudes over 250 yards, clearing the rocks that form the “Bembridge Ledge”, and the boathouse at the end offers fantastic panoramic views across the Solent.
For more things to do on the Isle of Wight click here
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