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
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.