Visit Newport

History lovers gravitate towards Newport, a town where you can uncover the secrets of a Roman Villa, climb a Norman Keep and stroll along handsome Georgian shopping streets. But the Isle of Wight’s principal town can do contemporary too, with its trendy gallery, Quay Arts, and chic dining scene.

Carisbrooke Castle is the town’s historic centrepiece and offers the chance to discover generations of history as you explore the traditional motte-and-bailey castle, wander Tudor ramparts and delve into rooms where Charles I was held prisoner. The kids will especially love the donkey wheel live demonstrations, which show how these beloved animals were used to draw water from the well.

The animal encounters continue at Monkey Haven, a leafy sanctuary for gibbons, macaques and capuchins, alongside reptiles, birds of prey and meerkats. Feeding time is a real highlight!