Discover the Island

Wrapped in sandy beaches and criss-crossed with cycleways and countless footpaths, this year discover the Isle of Wight - the perfect antidote to mainland life.

An Island blessed with stunning panoramic sea views, secret coves, leafy lanes and rolling Downs, over 50% of the Isle of Wight is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the whole of the Island now has the coveted credentials of being internationally recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Dog friendly and easily accessible for those with additional needs the Island offers the widest selection of accommodation from the largest manor houses and themed residences to the allure of glamping, camping, yurts, pods, cabins, Airstreams, VW Camper Vans, and of course our famous distinctive Hotels, Cottages and Holiday Parks. Check out our early bird special offers.

Where things to do provide memories that last forever

Beyond the beaches and countryside, visitors and holidaymakers can discover the delights of over 100 family attractions and activities, including the UK’s very first theme park Blackgang Chine, plus the Needles, Robin Hill and Tapnell Farm which this year welcomes the Island’s very first Aqua Park.

As for history and culture, visitors can discover English Heritage’s perfectly preserved Osborne House - the world’s finest holiday home, Queen Victoria’s Italian Renaissance inspired palace by the sea. Further inland Carrisbroke Castle was where King Charles I was imprisoned just prior to losing his head and during the summer months fully armoured Knights joust, fight and hope not to lose theirs.

Beyond the iconic Needles, the National Trust preserves great swathes of the Islands distinctive coastline, including wetlands and historic buildings such as Mottistone Manor with its beautiful gardens. As for heritage, the Island boasts a perfectly preserved and timetabled steam railway along with both a bus and a military museum.

For those wishing for a bit of added excitement, the Island provides the perfect opportunities for all types of surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing as well as paragliding, horse riding and karting.

Where else can you relax with a mermaid?

With over 190 restaurants & cafés along with over 120 pubs, bars & nightclubs, the Island is peppered with great places to eat and drink, many serving the finest locally sourced food and drink, including our famous heritage tomatoes and garlic as well as beers and wines from the Island’s own breweries, vineyard and distilleries including the hand-crafted Mermaid Gin.

An Island with a carnival atmosphere

As for entertainment and action, the Island hosts some of the greatest bands on the planet during The Isle of Wight Festival, as well as the world’s finest racing sailors during Cowes Week. Additionally, the Round-the-Island Race provides the greatest sailing spectacle anywhere when over a thousand sails of all sizes tack close to the Island’s coastline. Away from music and sport the Garlic Festival provides a culinary extravaganza and the Ventnor Fringe provides hilarious alternative entertainment.

The Island also hosts one of the UK’s oldest and largest Walking Festival, as well during the summer months, towns and villages on the Island host regular carnivals, shows, festivals and events.

Arrive in comfort and style

Even before arriving, the Island provides the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind aboard either a Red Funnel or Wightlink ferry from one of three mainland ports. Alternatively, if speed is important, the fastest way of getting to the Island is by flying on a cushion of air with the world’s only timetabled Hovercraft ferry service with HoverTravel. Wightlink and Red Funnel also offer fast passengers services for those without cars or wishing to leave them behind.