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The fortifications of the Isle of Wight provide an historic insight into the Island's strategic role throughout history.
Carisbrooke Castle dates from Norman times and brings history alive to many thousands of visitors each year.
Yarmouth Castle, the Needles Old Battery and Fort Victoria, will be of interest to the military historian as well as the casual visitor.
Hilltop monuments such as the Yarborough Monument on Culver Down and the Tennyson Monument on Tennyson Down await discovery by the walker.
Upon St Catherine's Down, you will find the imposing Russian-style Hoy Monument and St Catherines Oratory, the original 14th century lighthouse known locally as the "Pepperpot".
Osborne, on the north of the Isle of Wight, was the holiday residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This royal stamp of approval brought many famous Victorians to visit and settle on the Island.
Alfred Lord Tennyson, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll and John Keats are just a few of the historical greats who were inspired by this "Enchanted Isle".
There are a number of manor houses on the Island with fine furniture and beautiful artefacts that are open to the public. Some manor grounds are historic landscapes in their own right, many containing walled gardens, fine plant collections and buildings of local and national significance.
Overlooking Freshwater Bay lies an earthen long barrow (an ancient tomb), left to us by the Stone Age community which lived there.
Above the pretty village of Mottistone in West Wight lies the most ambitious of the prehistoric tombs.
At the eastern end of the long mound, facing a rising sun, is the Longstone. This great stone pillar is a lasting testimony of Stone Age engineering skills and as a statement of faith in the rising of new life.
Bronze Age Islanders crowned their hilltops with bold round burial mounds, now named tumuli. Each tumulus honoured a dead leader and proclaimed, from its position in the landscape, the family territory.
Strung out along the tops of the downs, barrows like those on Brook Down and Headon Warren are there for you to find.
Recently earning itself the title of Dinosaur Island, the Isle of Wight has long been renowned as one of Europe's finest sites for dinosaur remains.
There was no Isle of Wight 125 million years ago, it was landlocked and part of a large continent. In the muds and silts of ancient marshy environments, animals and plants were trapped and preserved as fossils. These can now be found in the cliffs and on the beaches around the Island's coast. The oldest rocks are the wealdon clays formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
The yellow, brown and grey rocks exposed in the bays of Compton, Brook and Brighstone contain fossilised tress and dinosaur bones! Giant casts of dinosaur footprints in stone are a famous feature at Hanover Point.
Today, geologists continue to examine the rocks to understand the complex processes which formed the present Isle of Wight. To help you enjoy and interpret this scenery, take part in one of the organised fossil hunting trips.
Isle of Wight museums, galleries and exhibitions offer the perfect window into the deep and varied history of the Island and its rich arts and culture.
From the Isle of Wight's maritime connections, shipwrecks and smugglers to its significant World War 2 contribution and Roman ruins there is a whole wealth of history to explore in our varied selection of museums.
Similarly the Island's inspiring surroundings, light and atmosphere has seen the creation of some fantastic art and photography over the years, some of which you can find housed in our great selection of galleries.
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Historic House / Palace
EAST COWES
Step into Queen Victoria’s favourite country home and experience a world unchanged since the country's longest reigning monarch died here just over 100 years ago.
Historic House / Palace
EAST COWES
Designed by Prince Albert in an Italianate style, Osborne was the much-loved seaside home of Queen Victoria, her husband and their nine children. Osborne was a regal dwelling but also very much a private family home that reflected the royal family’s...
Steam Railway
HAVENSTREET
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKET ON-LINE (SAVE by booking online in advance of your visit).
Inspiring, Surprising and Award-Winning … Equally appealing to adults and families, your visit to The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will charm, engage and...
Castle / Fort
NEWPORT
Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!
Historic Site
SHANKLIN
Historic gorge with dramatic waterfalls and nature trail.
Church / Chapel
EAST COWES
Just a short carriage ride from Osborne, St Mildred’s Church, Whippingham was redesigned by Prince Albert, and rebuilt in a style considered to be more suitable for the royal family. The family worshipped at St Mildred’s when in residence at Osborne...
Church / Chapel
EAST COWES
This is the church used by Queen Victoria when she was in residence at Osborne House.
The church is run by volunteers and there is a guide on duty in the church.
Exhibition located within the Church and Church Centre:
There is a...
Historic Site
Newtown
This ancient building is the only remaining evidence of the former importance of Newtown.
Historic Site
SHANKLIN
First opened to the public in 1817, the young Princess Victoria visited Shanklin Chine aged 14 with her mother in 1833. Entry was via Fisherman’s Cottage (open as a pub today) where local fisherman and smuggler William Colenutt charged an entrance...
Historic Site
BRIGHSTONE
The picturesque thatched vernacular and much photographed Grade II listed cottages owned by the National Trust in North Street include the Community Library and a free museum.
Special Interest
RYDE
Now a private residence, the Prince Consort building was previously known as the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and overlooks the Solent from the western end of the esplanade at Ryde. It was built as a private place for the Queen, because the Royal Yacht...
Water Mill
CALBOURNE
Set in 35 acres of stunning rural landscape, Calbourne Water Mill contains one of the oldest working water mills in the country, dating back to the Domesday Book.
Church / Chapel
NEWPORT
Newport Minster is the principal church of the Isle of Wight and an Island venue for concerts, exhibitions and civic events. Rebuilt by Queen Victoria it houses Princess Elizabeth’s grave and other important memorials.
Family Fun & Activities
ALUM BAY
The Marconi Monument at The Needles Landmark Attraction commemorates the spot where Guglielmo Marconi set up his revolutionary wireless equipment and sent the very first wireless transmission. In August 1898, Queen Victoria was said to be...
Castle / Fort
YARMOUTH
Fort Victoria, a short walk from Yarmouth, is a great family day out come rain or shine.
Abbey / Priory
RYDE
Quarr Abbey is a working Benedictine monastery and is set in beautiful and peaceful surroundings and can be found just outside of Ryde.
Special Interest
WEST COWES
The coastal viewpoint between Cowes and Gurnard was one of Queen Victoria's favourite places. The Queen had an irresistibly romantic nature and it was from here that she enjoyed the magnificent sunsets and a panoramic view of the Solent which
Historic Site
BRIGHSTONE
The Dinosaur Expeditions, Conservation & Palaeoart Centre is run by local fossil enthusiasts. In addition to displays of fossils and palaeoart, the centre has children's activities and a fossil giftshop.
Castle / Fort
NEWPORT
A royal prison in the Civil War of 1642 – 1651, part of Carisbrooke was used as a residence by Princess Beatrice from 1912 onwards. After the death of her husband in 1896, she was appointed Governor and lived with her mother Queen Victoria at
Observatory / Planetarium
YARMOUTH
The Island Planetarium has been "Reaching for the Stars" for over 20 years, offering a fascinating journey through time & space; stimulating your imagination & mind, in our astrodome theatre & exhibition.
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Isle of Wight Steam Railway
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Cycling
From challenging coastal walks to beautiful short walking routes the Isle of Wight is perfect for relaxing walking holidays!
Shanklin Villa Apartments
Luccombe Hall Hotel
Ferry Inclusive Accommodation
The Isle of Wight has a great variety of superb caravan and chalet parks, many of which are located in some of our most spectacular landscape!
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Eklectica
Island Con
There's nothing quite like Cowes Week; the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the World.
With loads of great attractions and family-friendly places to stay the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to bring the family
The Island packs in a whole load of adventure, with lots of exciting activities to pack into your break!
Breathtaking scenery and a slower pace of life make this one of the most romantic places in the UK
Wellness Breaks
Dog friendly
Competitions
Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Family Holidays
Information on all the ferry options available to the Isle of Wight from mainland UK
Getting Around
Bicycle Island
Walking
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