Rainy day ideas on the Isle of Wight

You just never know with the Great British weather. Even though our unique microclimate means we’re one of the warmest places in the UK, the weather doesn’t always play ball. But don’t worry – there’s no need to put a dampener on things while you’re here. If you're looking for something some rainy day activities, Say YES to our selection of great things the Isle of Wight has to offer to get you started.

Museums on the Isle of Wight

Get an overview of Island life at the Museum of Island History. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love Dinosaur Isle and Dinosaur Expeditions. Hunt for fossils, meet life-sized models of the Island’s famous five dinosaurs and see the skeletons of the dinos that once roamed the earth. 

Moving ahead in time from the dinosaurs, visit the Brading Roman Villa for an insight into Roman life on 'Vectis'. See preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman archaeology. You can even make your own mosaics and shields in the family craft area. You can also visit Newport Roman Villa, complete with a 1,700 year-old farmhouse and bath suite. Discovered in 1926 when the owner of a nearby house dug foundations for a garage. Later excavations revealed extensive remains of a late Romano-British farmhouse built around 280 AD.

Dimbola Museum in Freshwater charts the life of Julia Margaret Cameron, a pioneer of photography, and hosts contemporary photographic exhibitions. Keeping with the art theme, the Isle of Wight Museum of Glass at Arreton Barns has over 1200 pieces of art glass from Isle of Wight studios and other British makers. There’s the Quay Arts Centre in Newport, too, which has seasonal exhibitions and you can get hands-on with a workshop or enjoy live performances.

Local museums abound, many of which are real gems. Try Ventnor Heritage Museum, the National Trust's Brighstone Village Museum, The Wight Military & Heritage Museum near Cowes, Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum at Arreton Barns, the Classic Boat Museum in East Cowes and Carisbrooke Castle Museum, an Accredited local history museum run by an independent Charitable Trust, sited within a medieval castle in the care of English Heritage. It was founded in 1898 by HRH Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, as a memorial to her husband, Prince Henry of Battenberg.

For a truly magical experience, immerse yourself in times gone by at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and enjoy views of Island countryside from a classic train carriage. With beautifully-restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, you’ll get the chance to see red squirrels and deer in comfort as you pass through ancient woodland.

The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum is another fun day out. Situated in the former Southern Vectis coach garage in Ryde, it’s home to over 20 Island buses and coaches – some dating back to 1927. And you mustn’t leave the Island without visiting the internationally-acclaimed Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum. See over 2,000 antique dolls, toys and games on display from c 2000 BC to 1950 in one of the most comprehensive private collections in the country, with many rare and unique exhibits – some with their own stories to tell. Before you leave, try the free quiz sheets. They make education fun!

Historic buildings on the Isle of Wight

If castles are your thing, head to the Elizabethan fortress at Carisbrooke Castle or climb the battlements and enjoy the views of the Solent at Yarmouth Castle, both under the guardianship of English Heritage.

You can even explore Victorian coastal defences and secret rocket testing site at The National Trust's Needles Old Battery & New Battery, perched high above the Needles Rocks. A short drive away is Fort Victoria, which has a café and the Island Planetarium and the Isle of Wight Reptilarium. 

Tranquil Quarr Abbey at Fishbourne is home to Benedictine monks who welcome visitors to their extensive grounds, farm shop, tearoom and art gallery. Visit the church, wander around the grounds and experience the peaceful atmosphere as you explore this magnificent abbey.

Newtown Old Town Hall and Bembridge Windmill – the Island’s only surviving windmill – are both National Trust properties that provide hours of entertainment – even on rainy days. Newtown Hall dates from 1699 and features regular art and photo exhibitions as well as an educational quiz sheet to engage and entertain the kids.

Calbourne Water Mill offers a range of things to do outdoors and a selection of mini museums. For a taste of history, visit Queen Victoria's stunning home Osborne House and, if it stops raining, enjoy the formal gardens and landscaped grounds.

If you’re staying at Foresters Hall in Cowes, you’re in luck! The owners have a lovely selection of wellies that hotel guests can borrow if you feel like the braving the rain. Or for those that don’t want to step outside, there are plenty of board games and books in the library, as well as a lovely fireplace to sit by, giving you the perfect excuse to stay warm and cosy indoors.

Get active indoors on the Isle of Wight

Book a riding lesson or join and hack at the Island Riding Centre. Their indoor arena means all-weather equine fun, even when it’s chucking it down outside. There’s also a café serving barista coffee and a children’s play area for the little ones to enjoy.

Why not try your hand at a spot of Axe Throwing or Archery at Tapnell Farm Park. An all-weather activity, housed inside a covered barn, allows the sessions to run whatever the weather!

If you can’t beat the rain, get properly wet at The Heights, Medina Leisure Centre, Waterside Pool or West Wight Sports Centre with a relaxing dip or fun splash session.

Set a new lap record at the Island’s all weather karting track at Wight Karting and feel like a true F1 pro. Have a game or two of tenpin bowling or laser quest at Ryde Superbowl. Kids can run around at JR Zone’s soft play centre and laser combat arena. There's loads for kids of all ages to swing, bounce, run and jump around indoors and out at Tapnell Farm Park. Canopy Skatepark is another rainy-day option. It’s housed inside an ex-agricultural barn, giving you the chance to try new tricks in comfort.

Challenge your family and friends to a game of mini crazy golf on a wet and windy day at Lost World Adventure Golf in Sandown. Set amongst rainforest ruins, tackle 11 rounds as you experience lights, sounds and smoke effects to make your experience a magical one. Want to make your game last longer? Caddyshack in Shanklin has an indoor 18 hole course.

Or why not catch the latest blockbuster at Cineworld in Newport or Commodore in Ryde? Put your feet up in comfort while you wait for the rain to pass. Just don’t forget to grab your popcorn before the movie starts!

Animal attractions on the Isle of Wight

The Island features a large and brilliant selection of animal attractions, wildlife parks and zoos. Take a trip to Wildheart Animal Sanctuary to meet the big cats, lemurs and other creatures that are cared for to promote the survival of endangered species through first class educational and recreational experiences. Get up close with something cute and fluffy at Tapnell Farm Park, or step into a world of beautiful butterflies at Butterfly World. 

Or open your eyes and ears as you travel around the Island - you may see red squirrels or even England's biggest birds – the white tailed eagles.

Retail therapy on the Isle of Wight

High Street shopping with a good range of independents is alive and well on the Island. We don't have any shopping malls, but we do have lots of eclectic choice! Union Street in Ryde, Cowes, Yarmouth, Bembridge and Ventnor all offer a mix to browse and buy.

For different gifts and treats, try Oasis near Brading, which sells homewares from Bali, or learn all about garlic and how to grow your own at The Garlic Farm. Take a drive along the Military Road and treat yourself at the Isle of Wight Pearl. Pick your own pearl and discover the classic and contemporary pearl jewellery collections on display.

Garden centres are a great place for garden bits and a bite of cake - visit Busy Bee Garden Centre, Honnor & Jeffery, Medina Garden Centre and Thompsons. 

Rainy day walks on the Isle of Wight

The rain needn’t stop play! Grab your coat, pull on your wellies and head out into the great outdoors anyway. There are plenty of walks on hard paths that offer a bit of protection from the elements. How about walking alongside the River Yar between Yarmouth and Freshwater (there are plenty of pubs at both ends), or alongside the River Medina on the Cowes to Newport cycle way?

If it’s not too wet, the Sandown to Shanklin revetment alongside the beach is a lovely option, and there are plenty of cafes and pubs to pop into along the route. Other seaside walks include Cowes to Gurnard and Ryde to Appley. Or head into the woods and shelter under the trees in Parkhurst Forest or Firestone Copse, both of which have gravel tracks.

Food and drink on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is famous for its local produce – and what better excuse to sample the Island’s delights than a wet and windy day? If you’re in the mood for a delicious brunch (we’re talking stacks of golden pancakes, a full traditional and a classic bacon sarnie) then treat yourself at one of the Island’s best brunch spots.

Enjoy a hearty roast dinner with all the trimmings at The Sun Inn in Calbourne, dine on seafood at The Crab & Lobster Inn or try a strawberry cream tea at Lady Scarlett’s Tea Parlour. There are plenty of farm shops serving locally-sourced produce, too, including Harvey Browns, Farm Shop and No 8 Café and Brownrigg’s Farm Shop & Butchery.

Whatever you have a taste for, you’re never far from a unique eating and dining experience.

Brave the rain and get outside on the Isle of Wight

Why not embrace the rain and get out on the water? From surfing and kiteboarding to kayaking and paddleboarding, the Island’s the ultimate place to enjoy your favourite water-based sports. Freshwater, Compton and Brook are some of the best watersports beaches, offering beautiful coastal scenery and great waves. Before you hit the water, be sure to check up on the conditions to keep yourself safe.