Isle of Wight Towns

The capital of the Isle of Wight, Newport, lies at the heart of the island and is the main shopping centre and location for the Isle of Wight Festival.

Known as the “Town on the Beach”, Ryde is the largest of the Isle of Wight towns and boasts boutique and independent shops and cafes set on an expanse of sandy beach.

South of Ryde is one of the Isle of Wight’s oldest towns, Brading, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and perhaps best known for its roman villa.

The popular Isle of Wight town of Sandown is a traditional seaside resort with long stretches of beach and a Victorian pier, ideal for families with young children and home to Dinosaur Isle.

Shanklin lies to the south of Sandown and is famed for its beautiful beaches and sub-tropical gardens alongside years of seaside tradition.

On the south coast lies the charming town of Ventnor, a Victorian health resort set on a hill with vintage shops and a sheltered beach.

The west coast of the island is known as West Wight and includes the ancient port town of Yarmouth.

Last but not least, Cowes on the north coast, an historic town split by the River Medina and internationally famed for its sailing events.