Short break on the Isle of Wight

Just a few hours from London, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a short break. Despite being just a few hours from home, it is the laid-back Island spirit that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Hop on the train, the coach or take your car down the motorway and before you know it, you’re at the dock waiting to board the ferry across the Solent.

Whenever you decide to visit, the Island is beautiful all year round, with a plethora of unique things to do no matter the season.

Home away from home

Travelling as a couple? Then why not book into one of our stunning hotels or bed and breakfasts? With accommodation available in every corner of the Island, you’ll never struggle to find the perfect place to stay. And we guarantee that after your short stay, you’ll want to come back time and time again.

Looking to escape to the countryside and reconnect with nature? If so, pitch up at one of our campsites or try a luxurious glamping site where you can experience the great outdoors whilst enjoying all the comforts of home. If you’re bringing the whole family here, try one of our holiday parks or book a picturesque self-catering holiday cottage. The kids will be spoilt for choice with so many fun-filled activities and amenities on their doorstep.

Unleashing your sense of adventure

Thrill-seekers are never short of exhilarating activities on a short break to the Isle of Wight. From paragliding over the chalk cliffs where dinosaurs once roamed to racing a go kart around an all-weather track, the Island is home to many unique and unusual activities.

If a riding holiday is on your bucket list, horse riders of all ages can enjoy a leisurely hack around the yard at the Island Riding Centre. You can even stay in a spacious and luxurious safari tent surrounded by fields of grazing horses. Feeling active? Then take to the treetops and enjoy a two-hour climbing experience at Goodleaf Tree Climbing. There’s no pressure to climb to the top of the tree – you can simply sit on a branch and take in the stunning surroundings.

Whatever you end up doing, there really is an adventure for everyone on the Isle of Wight.

Learning about the Isle of Wight's heritage

The Isle of Wight isn’t just a stunning Island – it’s steeped in history, with a vast range of fortifications, hilltop monuments, manor houses and royal residences to explore. A must-see on your short break is Carisbrooke Castle. Dating all the way back to Norman times, it’s now famous for its donkeys and Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden.

If you’re fascinated by Tudor times, climb to the battlements of Yarmouth Castle – Henry VIII’s final fortress – and enjoy watching yachts sail across the Solent. Or head to the partially-demolished Fort Victoria and see Victoria Cannon mounted on a replica gun carriage.

If manor houses and stately homes are more your thing, you mustn’t leave the Island without a visit to the famous Osborne House. Once the holiday residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it’s now one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Island, boasting extravagant exteriors, extensive grounds and hothouses containing various exotic plants.

Breathtaking walks surrounded by nature

Whilst you’re on the Island, make sure you spend some time in the great outdoors taking in the Island’s stunning landscape. The Isle of Wight is a true walker’s paradise. With a 68-mile coastal path and over half the Island designated as an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), you’re guaranteed to see breathtaking scenery with every turn.

For hikers looking for a challenge, try The Freshwater Bay to the Needles circular route, checking out the amazing landmarks along the way. This 6-mile route isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the views are worth the effort alone.

Walkers of all abilities will love visiting our many award-winning beaches and following the footpaths over the grassy downs. You can take each walk at your own pace, going as far and fast as your legs can handle.

There are plenty of cycle routes to discover, too. Whatever your ability, you’ll find several tracks tailor-made for two wheels – from short road trails to hilly terrain and long tracks. If you’re after some more exhilarating forms of exercise, check out some of our Pure Wight activities, which include paragliding, mountain boarding, Segway riding and coasteering.

Discover the Isle of Wight's delicious local produce

After a busy day exploring the Island, relax and enjoy a meal at one of our fabulous food and drink locations. From freshly-caught seafood to exquisite fine dining and hearty pub grub, the Isle of Wight is a true foodie paradise, with an abundance of restaurants and bistros catering for a wide range of tastes. For a true Island experience, why not listen to some live local music with a cocktail (or two) while you enjoy a delicious meal?

Plus, did you know the local produce grown on the Island gets more sun than most other places in the UK? The extra sunshine means richer soils, lush grass, warmer seas that allows our food to grow and develop a distinct Island flavour you won’t forget in a hurry.