The Needles Landmark Attraction
The iconic Needles Landmark attraction is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Experience the famous chairlift to grab a birds eye view of the multi-coloured sand cliffs of Alum Bay, enjoy a boat trip or an open-top bus ride. Take a photograph at the Marconi Monument, see the Alum Bay glass demonstrations, see traditional sweets being made or make your own coloured sand souvenir in the Sand shop. Visit Taste the Wight at the shopping emporium and purchase island produce or watch a 4D film “The Lost World”. With many attractions to keep children entertained its a full day out.
Shanklin Chine Historic Gorge
01983 866432 – Based in Shanklin, this is the island original Victorian chine attraction and has been open since 1817.
Tapnell Farm Park
With its soft-play barn with mini tractor course and pedal carts, the giant jumping pillow and the many interactive animal encounters from cows, goats, rabbits and wallabies there is much to keep families entertained. The popular Cow Company Restaurant offers delicious burgers and local ales.
Isle Jump
Based in Lake the new trampoline park has 40 interconnected trampolines (some wall mounted, others podium style). They offer exercise classes, autism friendly sessions and teen nights. For ages 5 and over.
Monkey Haven Primate Rescue Centre
01983 530885 – Based near Newport, a happy home for singing gibbons, cheeky capuchins, birds of prey and many more exotic creatures.
Amazon World Zoo Park
01983 867122 – Based in Newchurch, Amazon World cares for the islands largest exotic animal collection. With over 1000 animals and 100 species you can experience meerkats, tapirs, armadillo and the lemur walkthrough.
Isle of Wight Pearl
01983 740352 – Brighstone – Home to a huge collection of freshwater pearl jewellery.
Shanklin Seafront
01983 867585 – Shanklin Seafront offers Pirates Cove, crazy golf, Toppings icecream and traditional seaside activities.
Blackgang Chine
01983 730330 – The original theme park of the Isle of Wight.
Robin Hill Country Park
01983 527353 – Experience the toboggan run, falconry shows, Collossus ride, the Cows Express and the Canopy Skywalk.
Dinosaur Isle
01983 404344 – Sandown – Hunt for fossils at Dinosaur Isle.
Isle of Wight Zoo
01983 403883 – Sandown – A magical wildlife encounter with Lions and Tigers.
IOW Donkey Sanctuary
01983 852693 – Wroxall – Over 100 donkeys and ponies, with a cafe and gift shop.
West Wight Alpacas
01983 760900 – Wellow – A trekking and alpaca stud farm set within 23 acres of picturesque countryside in the village of Wellow. Home to a herd of rare Suri alpacas – book a walk with them. You can also walk and trek with the llamas or miniature mediterranean donkeys. Under 8’s can try walking a pygmy goat or meet some of the smaller furry creatures in Pets’ Corner. There is also a cafe and farm shop.
Ghost Walks
01983 520695 Across several locations depending on the day of the week and starting at 8pm. The dark side of the historic island as you visit the scenes of ghostly hauntings and dastardly deeds.
Owl & Falconry Centre
01983 852484 – Based at Appuldurcombe House in Wroxall, Nr. Ventnor. Please be aware that the centre is not open on Saturdays. Daily flying displays mid February to the end of October. See displays from owls, hawks, buzzards, vultures, eagles and kites. Admittance to the 18th Century House with landscaping by Capability Brown in 11 acres of grounds – a perfect location for picnics.
Isle of Wight Glass
01983 522339 – Based at Arreton Barns Craft Village offering Glassmaking demonstrations and sales.
IOW Steam Railway
01983 882204 – from Havenstreet (calling at Wooton, Ashey and Smallbrook Junction). The Isle of Wight also has an electric rail service that links Smallbrook Junction with Ryde, Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. The Steam Railway has 5 miles of track with several locomotives, the eldest of which dates from 1876 with carriages from 1864. A real treat for any railway enthusiast.
Ryde Superbowl
01983 617070 – Based in Ryde, the centre offers computerised ten pin bowling, laserquest and the Pavilion Cafe Bar with its outside terrace.
Wight Karting
01983 565222 Based in Ryde, Wight Karting offers the first all weather karting track on the island. The centre has one of the longest outdoor tracks in the South East and offers a unique experience for both people on holiday and those on corporate events. The Pitstop cafe provides a perfect viewing position for races. Unless booked for a corporate function an “arrive and drive” system is available.
Waltzing Waters
01983 81133 – Based in Ryde, this elaborate show sees tons of water explode into the air, illuminated by rainbows of colour, dancing to different musical styles. Enjoy the show in comfortable indoor seating, come rain or shine.
Sandown Pier
01983 404122 – Based in Sandown. Originally built in the 1880s and expanded and refurbished over the years, this popular family attraction features adventure golf, dodgems, amusements, cafes, bars and more. There is free admission to the pier and it is open every day except Christmas Day.
Quarr Abbey
01983 898543 – Based near Ryde, Quarr Abbey is a working Benedictine monastery and home to a community of monks who dedicate their life to prayer, contemplation and community life. The monastery is set in beautiful and peaceful surroundings and you are welcomed to enjoy the pilgrim chapel, monastery shop, art gallery or relax in the popular teashop cafe. The farm shop offers local island produce and you can even feed the resident pigs. The new exhibition centre allows you to learn about the history and life of the Abbey.
The Old Smithy & Gardens
01983 840364 – Based in Godshill, the former Blacksmith’s forge and 17th century cottage now houses a wide range of gifts and accessories as well as an interiors shop, clothes shop and large coffee shop.
Island Planetarium and Robert Hooke Exhibition
01983 761555 – Fort Victoria, near Yarmouth – Go on a journey through time and space in the full-dome immersion theatre. Take some time before and after the show to explore the Space and Astronomy exhibition. The Robert Hooke Exhibition celebrates Freshwater’s genius son, a great British scientist born in 1635.
Godshill Model Village
01983 840270 – Godshill – These award winning gardens have been lovingly tended by the same family since 1969. The 1.5 acre garden is home to more than 3000 manicured conifers and shrubs. All the scale models are painstakingly and humorously crafted and include real thatched cottages, an airfield, working railway, football match and model of the model of the model. The Old Vicarage Gift Shop sells a good choice of items.
Fort Victoria Model Railway
01983 761553 – Fort Victoria, Yarmouth – The most sophisticated model railway in Britain, with 25 powered model trains and more than 250 model buildings. The shop stocks model trains.
Busy Bee Garden Centre
01983 811096 – Ryde – More a department store than a garden centre. Includes a craft shop with card-making and haberdashery essentials, fashion items, soft furnishing and furniture and accessories for the home.
Calbourne Water Mill
01983 531227 – Calbourne near Newport – This 17th century working water mill (above) holds milling demonstrations, has a museum of bygone days and both World Wars and a cafe that serves delicious cream teas. Try the mini golf course or go punting on the stream. Produce from the mill is available in the shop.
Bembridge Lifeboat Station
01983 875906 – Bembridge – Since 1867 this lifeboat station has been responsible for around 2,000 rescues. Visitors are able to inspect the state of the art lifeboat currently in service by the RNLI via the public viewing gallery. Display panels and a video slide show give an account of the lifeboat at Bembridge along with the history of the RNLI.
Oasis
01983 613760 – Brading – Find presents for all ages and tastes with this unique and inspiring collection of accessories, furniture and furnishing sourced from around the world. A great coffee shop serves delicious food.
Dores Hill Farm Emporium
07515 931383 – Ryde – An Aladdin’s cave of antiques, collectables, upcycled and pre-loved furniture is housed in three rustic barns. Twenty dealers provide and eclectic mix of vintage and retro wares.
Chessell Pottery Barns
01983 531248 – Calbourne – Paint your own pottery in the relaxing working studio and browse the gift barn which sells amongst its own range a huge collecton of Emma Bridgewater and other local goods. Enjoy cream teas and lunches in the cafe.
Arreton Barns
01983 528353 – Arreton – Arreton Barns is the islands largest centre for arts and crafts. With more than 10 resident art and craft studios you will find some of the best local artists producing beautiful, bespoke and affordable items from pottery, glass-blowing, paper art, wood turning and leather craft. With a traditional real-ale pub, a 12th Century church, duck pond, traditional sweet shop and farm shop all on site, its a lovely place to visit, shop and eat.
Sunken Secrets, shipwrecks & Submerged Settlements
01983 761214 – Yarmouth – The centre’s exhibition tells the stories of shipwrecks, sunken archaeology and submerged prehistoric settlements around the island.
Newport Roman Villa
01983 529720 – Newport – The remains of this Roman farmhouse , built in 280AD, are hidden away on the edge of town. Come and see a fine bath suite with under-floor heating and the remnants of a mosaic floor. The museum has a wonderful herb garden and museum display. Great for families, with an activity room and photo hunt. Dress like a roman, build an arch, make a mosaic or repair a broken pot.
Nunwell House and Gardens
01983 407240 – Sandown – Set in 5 acres of tranquil gardens, this beautiful country house has been a family home since 1522.
Brading Roman Villa
01983 406223 – Brading – See some of the best preserved Roman mosaics in Northern Europe at this award-winning visitor centre and museum. There is also a licensed cafe with stunning views over Sandown bay, a shop, a meadow trail and Roman garden.
Lilliput Antique Doll and Toy Museum
Contains one of the finest private collections of antique dolls and toys in Britain with more than 2000 exhibits from 2000BC to c1950. The collection includes antique bisque dolls, rocking horses, teddy bears, trains tinplate vehicles, dolls houses and unusual toys.
Cowes Maritime Museum
01983 823433 – Cowes – An introduction to Cowes and its maritime heritage with boat models, photographs and artefacts.
Ventnor Botanic Garden
01983 855397 – Ventnor – Spread accross 22 acres, the botanic gardens boast an impressive collection of more than 30,000 rare and sub-tropical plants and trees from around the world. Also has a restaurant and cafe.
