Whether you're planning a summer escape or a winter break, there are plenty of Isle of Wight attractions and activities to enjoy all year round. You can explore our island and its many attractions during the busy summer periods, or wait until our island’s trees change colour from green to brown, where you’ll discover a new side to the Isle of Wight during the autumn and winter months.
Many of our island’s attractions are open all year round. And with plenty of great events taking place from January to December, you won’t be short of things to do. Most restaurants, bars and takeaways are also open throughout the year, making it so easy to find a great place to eat during your stay.
Outdoor and indoor activities on the Isle of Wight
With tonnes of fun activities and adventures on offer, the Isle of Wight is a hub of activity all year round. From Wight Karting to the adrenaline-fuelled activities at UKSA, come and try some of the wonderful year-round Isle of Wight attractions that make our island a fantastic place to visit and explore.
There’s plenty to do on the days where you don't want to spend too much time outside, too. From the multiplex cinema in Newport showing the latest blockbusters to Waterside Pool with its retractable roof, there’s as much fun to be had inside as there is outside.
You could also make a day of it at Ryde Superbowl. With bowling, LaserQuest and state-of-the-art amusements on offer, you’re never short of fun things to do while you’re here.
Wildlife attractions and animal encounters on the Isle of Wight
If you fancy a trip to an animal-themed attraction with the kids, our island is a fantastic place to see some of the world’s most interesting creatures up close. Many of our island's wildlife attractions stay open throughout the year, including the Donkey Sanctuary, Amazon World Zoo Park, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Tapnell Farm Park. These family-friendly Isle of Wight wildlife attractions are perfect for rainy days or sunny afternoons, all year round. Whether you’re visiting in autumn, spring, summer or winter, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to meet our island’s residents.
The Isle of Wight landscape and surroundings make our animal and wildlife parks truly unique, leaving you and the family with memories you’ll treasure forever.
History, culture and heritage sites on the Isle of Wight
With so many unique and fascinating attractions to explore, the Isle of Wight is a must-visit destination for those wanting to explore the wonderful history of the Island. One of the most popular attractions is Osborne. Once the beloved holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it now offers visitors a glimpse into royal life, with private gardens, grand reception rooms and flower-filled gardens for you to explore. It’s open all year round and plays host to many exciting calendar events, ideal for those searching for cultural attractions on the Isle of Wight during any season.
Our island is also home to the Shanklin Theatre, a beautifully restored Edwardian venue and the largest theatre in the Isle of Wight. It’s open all year round (except January) and stages over 150 shows from the world of comedy, dance, music and more.
If stepping back in time is your idea of a fun day out, Carisbrooke Castle is well worth a visit. With a rich and varied history dating back to the 12th century, this impressive fortress is now the location of the stunning Princess Beatrice Garden. Winter opening times vary, but you can visit the castle in any month throughout the year.
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Outdoor adventures
No matter when you visit, the Isle of Wight has many beautiful beaches to take advantage of. You’ll be able to bask in the sun in summer or stroll along some of our sandy shorelines in the colder months, taking in the beauty of our wonderful coastline.
We have some awe-inspiring footpaths that can be explored at any time of the year. Discover rolling hills, dramatic coastline and outstanding views of the Solent and beyond. And why not hire a bike and take to the roads? There’s no better way to see what the Island has to offer.
We have many beautiful parks and gardens to explore, too – including Ventnor Botanic Garden. With its own micro-climate, it’s worthy of a visit any time of the year.
How to get to the Isle of Wight - travel tips and ferry info
It's so easy to get to our island, no matter when you decide to come. Ferries and Hovertravel run all year round, and you might be able to find some travel deals during the quieter months. Make sure you check directly with your accommodation provider on ferry discounts that they have available, and head to our Ways to Save section for money saving tips to the Isle of Wight.
And why not drive less, see more? With trains or buses dropping you at the ferry terminals in Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth, and the Hovertravel terminal in Southsea, getting here without a car couldn’t be simpler.
Once you get to our island, just hop on a Southern Vectis bus to take you where you need to go. Our page about getting to our island has more information to help you make your journey.
Great places to stay
No matter what time of the year you visit, our island has a great range of accommodation for you to stay. From budget-friendly B&Bs and comfortable campsites to cosy hotels and luxury holiday parks, there’s bound to be something to help make your visit a memorable one.
It's also worth visiting our special offers page to find some of the latest deals on places with some great accommodation. Our accommodation page is the best place to start your search for the perfect place to stay.
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