Things to do for adults on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight might have a reputation for being a top spot for family days out, but we are also a great place to escape to for an adult-only weekend. The Island is made for relaxation, exploration, and indulgence. As soon as you cross the Solent, leaving the mainland behind, your cares melt away as you embark on a break full of the Island's timeless charm…

Where to stay

Start your journey with a stay at one of the Island’s boutique hotels, luxury bed and breakfasts or a unique self-catering spot. Berryl Farm Cottages in Whitwell is strictly adults only. Relax in one of their one-bed, dog-friendly cottages, serving as the perfect base to explore the whole Island, whether on foot or by bike, it’s the ideal romantic bolthole. 

The Royal Hotel in Ventnor is recognised as one of the Island’s premier places to stay. Built in 1832, it was once frequented by Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens. Nestled in exotic gardens overlooking Ventnor Bay's stunning coastline, fine dining is a must in the 2 AA Rosette Geranium Restaurant. 

The Clifton B&B is situated on Shanklin clifftop and offers gorgeous sea views with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from their award-winning garden. 

If you fancy a quirky Instagram-worthy stay, a few nights in a vintage American Airstream caravan will certainly fit the bill. Retro Staycations has restored each one to keep the original character of the trailer, without compromising on quality, style and holiday comforts. Fully equipped with kitchens, electricity, hot water and everything you’d expect, they’re surrounded by stunning countryside. 

Tiny Homes Holidays is a boutique retreat of just six architect-designed, off-grid Tiny Homes, sitting in a natural meadow, adjacent to ancient woodland. This tranquil setting is perfectly placed to allow guests to completely relax and unwind in nature, whilst being just minutes from Cowes town.

If sleeping under the stars is more your thing, why not try glamping? Places like Tapnell Farm have a range of choices, from safari tents to geodesic domes where you can watch the starry sky unfold - some even have hot tubs! If you like the idea of camping but can’t be bothered with the hassle, Island Bell Tents will pitch a fully furnished bell tent in a location of your choice - just turn up and relax!

Things to do

Whether you are looking for lazy, leisurely days or after adventure thrills, the Isle of Wight delivers some great adult days out.

Definitely one to leave the kids behind for, try a vineyard, brewery or distillery tour. Adgestone Vineyard is one of the oldest working vineyards in the UK. Take a tour and then enjoy a glass of their famous Something Blue (yes, it’s blue!) in the gardens overlooking Sandown Bay.

Recently relocated to the Island’s first purpose-built brewery, Goddards is situated in the countryside on the outskirts of Arreton. Here you can watch the brewing process then head up to the Firkin Bar for a drink (Goddards of course) and enjoy the fabulous views. 

Gin lovers should head to The Mermaid Bar in Nettlestone. Home to The Isle of Wight Distillery, you can watch the stills in action whilst enjoying a Mermaid and Tonic on the terrace or relax by the log fire with a cocktail or two. 

Get active with a spot of axe throwing or archery at Tapnell Farm. Run from a new purpose-built range, housed inside a covered barn, the sessions run whatever the weather. If heights are your thing, try Goodleaf Tree Climbing in Appley Park. Here you can scour an ancient oak standing a whopping 15 metres tall. Tackt-Isle Adventures is the place to go for water activities on the Isle of Wight. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or you’re new to outdoor adventures, Tackt-Isle has all the kit, skills and experience to help you make the Island your playground.

Get the adrenaline pumping with a rib ride around the iconic Needles. Hop aboard a Needles Pleasure Cruise for a 15-minute trip, taking you a little further into Scratchells Bay for that perfect photo opportunity on the south side of the lighthouse. From here you're able to see the coastline all the way down to St Catherine Point at the southernmost tip of the Isle of Wight. Or explore the beautiful Solent in one of Bembridge Marine's fully equipped self-drive hire rib. 

There are several golf clubs to try on the Island, many of which are open to visiting golfers. For a club with a breathtaking view, try Freshwater Bay Golf Club. This downland course is 5,725 yards long, par 69 and provides a challenge for golfers of all abilities. Located on Afton Down and Compton Down above Freshwater Bay, you’ll be treated to sensational views of the English Channel.

If a bit of R&R in nature is what’s called for, the Island’s stunning coastline and miles of open countryside is the perfect place to explore. Explore our 57 miles of coastline following the well-trodden coastal path or head inland a take one of the many well-maintained footpaths that criss-cross the Island. A great way to see the Island is to visit some of our landmarks, many of which not only have an interesting story, but often are in beautiful surroundings, with an even better view. Climb up to The Pepperpot for a view over the ‘Back of the Wight’; head up to the Tennyson Monument for rugged clifftop beauty and take the pretty walk down to St Catherine’s Lighthouse sitting over an unspoilt bay, where you might even spot a seal!

The Isle of Wight has many forests and woodlands to explore. For the ultimate in mindfulness and relaxation, give Forest Bathing a try. Not just a walk in the forest, it is best enjoyed as a facilitated experience, where a trained guide can help you engage with your senses, with nature and the world around you, in a way you may never have imagined. Camp Wight offers forest bathing sessions, complemented by using the sound of Tibetan singing bowls to increase the positive effects and deepen the experience. Ventnor Botanic Garden offers a range of wellness activities most days, such as Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates, perfect for adding a touch of wellbeing to your break. 

Make the most of the amazing dark skies on the Island and indulge in some stargazing. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with light pollution kept to a minimum, stargazing on the Island is a great night-time activity. Some of the best spots include Compton Bay, the Longstone, Brighstone Beach, Tennyson Down and Brading Down. Look out for The Milky Way, Cassiopeia, Orion, and the Plough, to name just a few.

Fancy a spot of retail therapy? The Island is home to a range of boutique shops and artisan makers. Visit Isle of Wight Pearl, home to a stunning collection of pearl jewellery, spectacular cliff-top views over the English Channel and a popular café where you can enjoy delicious local delicacies.

Walk down Union Street in Ryde for a great mix of independent boutiques, antiques and retro artefacts. Or the bustling streets of Cowes town with its mix of chandlery stores, nautical clothing and fine food shops.

Indulge in a spot of culture and visit a local art gallery. You’ll find fine art galleries in Cowes, Yarmouth and Seaview. Quay Arts in Newport is a leading art gallery and venue for live music, theatre and comedy events and Dimbola in Freshwater was once the home of the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. It is now a museum and gallery dedicated to her life and work, which also showcases contemporary exhibitions from photographers around the globe.

Enjoy a classic date night with a trip to the cinema. Cineworld in Newport and Leo Leisure in Ryde showcase all the latest films as well as the odd classic. Live music is on most nights of the week here on the Island so it’s never too hard to find. Pubs such as The Spyglass Inn in Ventnor or The Steamer Inn on Shanklin Seafront have local live acts pretty much every night of the week. 

Shanklin Theatre is the largest theatre on the Isle of Wight. Open 11 months of the year, the theatres stage over 150 shows a year, featuring top names from the worlds of comedy, dance and music.

Places to eat

Whether it’s a romantic fine dining meal for two, cosying up in a country pub beside a roaring fire or enjoying a cuppa and a slice of cake on a walk, the Island has plenty of eateries to choose from, whatever you fancy.

For special occasions, try The Smoking Lobster in Cowes or The Smoking Lobster in Ventnor, who are noted for their pan-Asian cuisine. The Heron in Ryde holds two AA Rosettes and offers a great way to experience a range of Island produce with their blind-tasting menus. Gastronomy in the heart of Cowes is a relaxed bar and restaurant serving up exciting dishes with global influences. Customers can choose from a taco menu, bao bun menu and a selection of small plates to create a sociable, tapas-style feast. 

If hunkering down in a pub is more your thing, you are in luck as we have approximately one pub per square mile. The Red Lion in Freshwater serves up award-winning food alongside a roaring fire, completing the quintessential picture with a village church next door. 

The Crab and Lobster is tucked away on Bembridge Ledge with a lovely garden overlooking the sea. Here you can expect some of the freshest seafood around, often caught that morning of the Ledge itself!

The Blacksmiths is a 400-year-old pub located just outside the village of Carisbrooke. Known for its tasty food, it benefits from panoramic views stretching across miles of open countryside to the Western Solent. 

For a totally unique dining experience, Call it What You Want in Cowes is a must-visit. Here you will be served whatever is cooking, there's no menu to choose from - but expect bold flavours with a mix of Creole and Cajun as well as plenty of vegetarian options.