Attractions on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight boasts an incredible range of attractions, offering something for every age and interest and making it an ideal destination for memorable holidays. Whether you're searching for family friendly things to do, exploring historic heritage sites, meeting incredible animals, wandering through beautiful gardens, or stepping back in time to discover dinosaur fossils, the Isle of Wight offers experiences to suit every age. From award-winning theme parks to interactive museums, our island's attractions provide endless opportunities for discovery. Whether you're planning a short break or a longer holiday, the Isle of Wight offers a wealth of attractions and experiences to fill your days with adventure, discovery and unforgettable memories. 

Animal attractions on the Isle of Wight

In the heart of the countryside with stunning sea views, Tapnell Farm Park is an all-weather attraction with a wide range of animals to encounter. Wander around the Wallaby Walkabout with and admire the marvellous meerkats as they stand guard. Venture into The Paddock and enjoy the epic views in the company of the friendly goats, alpacas and other animal chums.

Located in Sandown, the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is home to big cats, lemurs, and other exotic creatures. The Sanctuary focuses on conservation and education, offering visitors an up-close experience with some of the world's most fascinating animals. Don’t miss the daily keeper talks and feeding sessions.

A gold award-winning primate rescue centre, Monkey Haven is home to over 19 species, including the singing Lar gibbons, Siamangs and Mueller’s gibbons, plus Mangabeys, Colobus monkeys, Javan langurs, critically endangered Cotton-top tamarins and many more! You’ll also find reptiles and minibeasts, you can meet the meerkat mob, and even get the chance to handle a snake or get up close to an owl.

Get closer to nature at Amazon World Zoo Park, journey through immersive rainforest environments and come face-to-face with fascinating creatures from around the world. Discover everything from playful lemurs and mischievous meerkats to colourful tropical birds and sloths. With daily animal talks, and the popular Monkey Madness indoor soft play area, Amazon World offers a fun-filled day of discovery, learning and adventure for animal lovers of all ages.

Providing a loving forever home for over 100 rescued donkeys and ponies, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is set in 55 acres of the picturesque Wroxall Valley. Stroll around the site, meet the donkeys or take time out in the wildlife meadow. Enjoy a light meal or afternoon tea in the café inside a converted rustic barn and visit the shop. There are daily Q & A sessions with the team who care for the donkeys.

Historic attractions on the Isle of Wight

Step into the world of Queen Victoria at Osborne House, her beloved summer residence. This palatial home in East Cowes showcases Victorian opulence, with lavish interiors and extensive gardens. Don’t miss the Swiss Cottage, the private beach, and the breathtaking views across the Solent.

Step back to a bygone era when steam power was the order of the day at Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Thrill to the sight and sound of powerful majestic steam engines and breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway. Soak up the rhythm of quiet rural stations while enjoying the friendliness of traditionally uniformed staff.

With over 1,000 years of history, Carisbrooke Castle is a must-visit. The castle, famous for its role in the English Civil War and as the prison of King Charles I, offers stunning views, a museum, and well-preserved battlements. Kids will love meeting the resident donkeys and exploring the castle grounds.

Discover the remains of a remarkable Roman villa at Brading Roman Villa. This historic museum offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain from preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman archaeology. 

The Classic Boat Museum has been wowing visitors with its maritime marvels since 1996. Housed in two separate sites, The Boat Shed in Cowes houses approximately 90 boats, including classic yachts, lifeboats and motorboats, as well as Sir Ben Ainslie’s 2017 Americas Cup test boat. Over in East Cowes, The Gallery is home to an extensive collection of maritime artefacts, models and photographs.

Family friendly attractions on the Isle of Wight

Sandham Gardens is the ideal place to relax and enjoy some quality time with friends and family. With the Gardens free to enter and enjoy at any time, you only pay to park your car and for the additional activities you wish to experience. Offering a great value day out for all ages, get set for fun including Skynets: The Big Bounce, Sandham Karts and Dino Islands: A Golf Adventure, all set against a backdrop of stunning sea views, perfect for a family friendly adventure.

Robin Hill Adventure Park promises an unforgettable day out for all ages, where adventure awaits on both land and water. With over 35 rides and attractions to explore, every visit is filled with discovery and excitement. Set across 88 acres, the park invites you to wander woodland trails, explore landscaped gardens, and reconnect with nature. Come face to face with an impressive collection of more than 40 birds of prey or take on new heights and thrilling challenges in the Adrenaline Zone. From little explorers to thrill-seekers and everyone in between, there’s something for everyone.

The Isle of Wight’s only outdoor floating Aqua Park is based at Tapnell Farm in the West Wight. Great fun for families, adults and children aged seven and over, the Aqua Park features over 20 obstacles, joined together to create a series of floating, fun, challenges, the tallest being Mount Rainer, towering at 3.8m high! Crawl, climb, slide, jump – splash your way through!

Visit the iconic Needles attraction

No visit to the Isle of Wight is complete without seeing The Needles. These iconic chalk stacks rise majestically from the sea, offering stunning views from various vantage points. Visit the Needles Landmark Attraction for family-friendly activities, including a chairlift to Alum Bay, famous for its colourful sands.

Theme Parks on the Isle of Wight

From thrilling rides and family-friendly adventures to magical themed worlds and unforgettable live entertainment, the Isle of Wight's theme parks offer excitement for people of all ages. 

Step into a world of adventure at Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest theme park, where imagination comes to life around every corner. Explore themed lands filled with pirates, dinosaurs, cowboys and underwater creatures, enjoy exciting rides for all ages, and experience thrilling attractions including the towering Extinction pendulum swing.

Fossils and dinosaurs on the Isle of Wight

125 million years ago, the land which now forms the Isle of Wight was a perfect habitat for dinosaurs. Step into a world long lost, and let the awe-inspiring Dinosaur Isle Museum ignite your imagination. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through time, where science and wonder intertwine, and where the stories of ancient creatures come alive. You can also book a guided fossil hunt with Dinosaur Isle, where experienced guides share their expert knowledge. 

To help you make the most of your fossil adventure, the new Isle of Wight Fossils and Geology Field Guide is the perfect companion. Packed with clear explanations, helpful illustrations and practical advice, it shows you how to read the Island’s unique rock formations, identify common fossils and understand the prehistoric environments that shaped this remarkable landscape.

Explore, imagine and create on the Isle of Wight

Attractions that encourage exploration, imagination, and hands-on creativity offer memorable experiences for people of all ages. From interactive exhibits and themed play areas to arts and crafts workshops, these attractions inspire curiosity, self-expression, and learning through play. 

Let your creativity flourish at some of the Isle of Wight's arts and crafts attractions. Whether you're discovering a new art skill at Island CraftWorks, watching glass transform into beautiful items at Isle of Wight Studio Glass or immersing yourself in the exhibitions and creative spaces at Quay Arts and Dimbola Galleries, there's inspiration around every corner. 

For those looking for something a little different, Random-World offers an imaginative indoor adventure where curiosity leads the way. Designed for all ages, this interactive attraction invites you to explore hands-on experiences, uncover hidden surprises and immerse themselves in a world of playful challenges, creativity and discovery around every corner.

Isle of Wight escape rooms

Put your problem-solving skills to the test and immerse yourself in thrilling escape room adventures on the Isle of Wight. Whether you're working together to crack codes, solve puzzles or uncover hidden clues, escape rooms offer an exciting challenge for families, friends and groups. At Random-Rooms, imaginative themed experiences will transport you into immersive worlds where teamwork and creativity are key, while The Lost Crypt Escape Room invites brave explorers to unravel mysteries and escape before time runs out. 

Parks and gardens on the Isle of Wight

Experience the unique microclimate of Ventnor Botanic Garden, home to an array of subtropical plants. Wander through themed gardens, from the Mediterranean to the Arid Garden, and enjoy the lush landscapes. The garden’s café offers local produce and stunning views.

Farringford was the former home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate from 1850 until his death in 1892. Here he drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape, with both Idylls of the King and The Charge of the Light Brigade were written in his library, with its commanding view of the down and sea. The award-winning walled garden with its colourful planting scheme, based on descriptions from Emily Tennyson’s Journal, and on the striking watercolours of Helen Allingham, are also open separately to the public.

The gates to the historic Shanklin Chine first opened back in 1817, making it the longest established attraction on Isle of Wight. The stunning tree lined Chine cuts its way from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade far below and has always been a magnet for renowned artists, photographers. Enjoy the splendour of Shanklin Chine by day, then on summer nights during the Chine Lumierè, when hundreds of lights illuminate the narrow paths, streams and waterfalls.

Near Shanklin Chine, step back into a bygone era with a trip to Rylstone Gardens. The free to enter beautifully maintained public gardens are home to a crazy gold course, traditional tearoom and even a bandstand where you can watch brass bands and other musicians perform in the Summer months. 

Dog friendly attractions 

Many of the Isle of Wight's most popular attractions welcome dogs, making it easy to enjoy days out together. From exploring the grounds of Osborne, enjoying a train ride together at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and discovering the landscapes of The Needles to walking coastal paths and visiting dog-friendly gardens, there are plenty of opportunities for four-legged visitors to be part of the adventure.

For attractions, activities or experiences where dogs may not be permitted, Wright Zone Doggy Day Care in Ventnor offers a safe, welcoming and welfare-focused alternative. With flexible daycare options for holidaymakers, dog owners can enjoy our island's full range of attractions knowing their pets are being cared for in a calm, enriching environment.

School visits on the Isle of Wight

Our island loves schools and if you’re looking at bringing yours to one of our top attractions, visit our school groups page. Here you’ll find more information and inspiration on educational experiences and activities, places to stay and organisations that can help plan your whole trip. 

Whether it be for an end of year activity trip, hands on learning outside the classroom experience or a subject specific visit, our island has so much to offer.

Hotels and where to stay on the Isle of Wight

In order to get the best out of your stay on the Isle of Wight and in order for you to experience as many attractions as possible, it is advised to book some accommodation.

We are proud to offer a wide range of accommodation that is suitable for all requirements, whether that be specific types of hotels, bed and breakfasts, holiday cottages, caravan parks or camping facilities, you can rest assured we have everything here for you to enjoy your stay on our island.