Top Sights on The Isle of Wight
Dazzling beaches, rolling countryside, seaside charm, rich history... whatever you love about a British holiday, you'll find it here on the Isle of Wight.
If you're curious about what Isle of Wight holidays have to offer, you won't be disappointed. Discover traditional resorts, like Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor, are renowned for their vintage seaside amusements, first-class festivals and impeccably clean, powdery sands. Queen Victoria herself fell in love with the island's beautiful shores and regularly visited the stately Osborne House in Cowes.
In fact, the island is awash with attractions from the past, everything from dinosaur remains and Roman villas to working steam railways - a holiday on the Isle of Wight will promise a new experience every day!
Reasons to Visit the Isle of Wight
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57 miles of glorious coastline, with beaches and coves to explore
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The UK’s foremost sailing destination, famed the world over
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Freshly landed seafood, and sweet seaside treats
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Four sun-soaked holiday parks on the Isle of Wight to choose from
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Fossil hunting, donkey petting and ice cream by the sea
Breathtaking Beaches
Holidays on the Isle of Wight are synonymous with seaside relaxation - and thanks to the sheer variety of beaches available (most of them dog-friendly), you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Beaches featured in our rundown of the Isle’s most sought-after shores include Shanklin Beach, close to Lower Hyde Holiday Park, tranquil Compton Bay, which is a fossil hunter’s paradise, and historic St Helens Duver - a National Trust protected location that was once a Victorian golf course, now brimming with wildlife and offering clear views of the nearby St Helens Fort.
Isle of Wight's Beaches
History & Culture
No Isle of Wight holiday is complete without a venture into its fascinating history. Keep an eye out for the Palmerston Forts dotted all around the island’s coast, built and named after the then Prime Minister as the threat of French invasion loomed in the mid 19th century.
Don’t forget to make time to visit the elegant Osborne House, the summer residence of Queen Victoria, and the imposing, medieval Carisbrooke Castle.
Isle of Wight's Historic and Cultural Attractions
What’s on in the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight has a range of annual events, festivals and things to do that make for great family days out. Take a look at what’s on, on the Isle of Wight, it’s the perfect way to add an extra activity to your next Parkdean Resorts holiday.
- May - RiverFest: Running every year this free event on the Isle of Wight is great for families and people of all ages. Celebrating the River Medina and the communities, heritage, businesses and wildlife that rely on this body of water, RiverFest hosts parades, a range of local stalls, activities, and live entertainment - all whilst raising money for local charities and businesses.
- July - Royal Isle of Wight County Show: Taking place over two days, the county show has a show farm, dog show, face painting, sheep show, vintage tractors and so much more! Celebrating all things agriculture, this hugely popular county show is a guaranteed fun day out for everyone.
- July - Wight Wave Beach Fest: From volleyball and tennis to netball and cricket, Wight Wave offers a range of sports on the beach for all ages and abilities to get involved in. Alongside music and food, you can enjoy all Appley Beach has to offer.
- August - Chale Show: This traditional show gets bigger every year and boasts the Isle of Wight’s largest Horticultural Marquee. Explore craft stalls, the farmers market, fairground rides and more. Also in August is the Garlic Festival, with live music, entertainment and of course - lots of garlic!
- September - Wolverton Manor Garden Fair: The largest garden fair on the island, visitors can enjoy exhibitions, animals, children’s entertainment and more. This charity event is as educational as it is fun.
- October - Isle of Wight Literary Festival: Every October literature enthusiasts can enjoy speakers, poetry, live music and more. Aimed at adults rather than the little ones, this is a great option for solo travellers, couples or those on a break with friends to immerse themselves in all things literature.
The Isle of Wight plays host to a packed schedule of events, particularly in the summer months, giving you plenty of choice for things to do during your next Parkdean Resorts holiday.
Theme Parks and Entertainment on the Isle of Wight
Amazing Attractions
Besides the beaches, this small island is packed with delightful day trip ideas.
Shanklin Chine - a tree-lined gorge that cuts its way from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach below - is a must-see, especially during summer, when it’s lit up with hundreds of lights, creating a dreamy fairytale-esque atmosphere.
If you’re hoping to get up close and personal with nature, pop by Butterfly World and immerse yourself in the wonders of these stunning creatures.
Outdoors, Animals & Wildlife on the Isle of Wight
Local Towns & Tours on the Isle of Wight
Stunning Scenery
No trip to the Isle of Wight is complete without visiting the world-famous Needles - otherworldly chalk formations off the western tip of the island.
The best way to see this iconic piece of scenery is to take a ride on the famed Needles chairlift, which provides you with panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Alum Beach’s dazzling multi-coloured cliffs.