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Useful IOW Links
The Wight – providing fantastic service, delicious food and great facilities, an ideal location for your holiday or short break accommodation on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
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Useful IOW Links

Wight on your doorstep, the Isle of Wight awaits

For it’s size the Isle of Wight has an absolutely amazing number of things to do and see. Not only rich in scenic attraction and historic sites but with an incredible list of leisure pursuits, from passive to ultra active.

If you play golf, it may interest you to know that we have 7 clubs on the Island. Whether you are interested in extreme sports, amazing cycle trails, walking with llamas and alpacas or just enjoying the day in a beautiful location with a picnic, we think we have your holiday covered when you stay at The Wight. In addition, the island plays host to many national music, cultural and sporting events and IOW festivals.

 

 

Isle of Wight useful websites and information

This page is added to as time permits and further ideas occur but it is just a small selection of what is available. We hope that it will be of assistance in planning your holiday on our beautiful Isle of Wight.

Wherever available we show the telephone number. In respect of those with web addresses (those underlined) please just click on the name of the organisation and their website will open in a new window – just close that window to return to us.

Transport

Red Funnel Ferries
0870 444 8898 – Operate car and foot passenger IOW ferries from Southampton to East Cowes and fast
passenger ferries (Red Jet) from Southampton to West Cowes. GPS Navigation post codes for IOW car ferry terminals are:
Southampton (Terminal 1, Royal Pier) – SO14 2AQ,
East Cowes – PO32 6RF,
The Wight – PO36 8BN.

Wightlink
0333 999 7333 – Operate car and foot passenger ferries from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and from Lymington to Yarmouth, foot passenger catamarans from Portsmouth to Ryde.
GPS Navigation post codes for car ferry terminals are:
Portsmouth – PO1 2LA,
Fishbourne – PO33 4EU,
Lymington – SO41 5SB,
Yarmouth – PO41 0PB.
The Wight – PO36 8BN.

The AA Hotel and Guest Accommodation
The AA’s search engine for all their graded Hotels and Guesthouses.

Lake Taxis – 01983 402641
Red Line Taxis – 01983 402560
Akar Taxis – 01983 401233
Sandown Taxis – 01983 404700

1st Call Car Rental
01983 400055 – Car, van, minibus and cycle hire from Sandown.

South Wight Rentals
01983 864263 – Car, van and minibus rentals from Shanklin.

Air

Isle of Wight Flying Club
07967 284410 – The club is based at Sandown Airport which is approximately 1.5 miles from The Wight. Birnie Air Services at the airport operate pleasure flights lasting from 10 to 20 minutes every day from Easter to October.

High Adventure Paragliding Centre
07811 700410 – Based at Freshwater Bay they run one day courses through to club pilot qualifications across a dozen flying sites, all of them with great views and sea breezes.

Butterfly paragliding
01983 731611 – Chale – Enjoy a paragliding tandem flight across stunning scenery.

Land

Cycle Hire
01983 400055 – Offering cycle hire with an outlet based in Sandown, within walking distance of The Wight. We are also able to offer secure bike storage at The Wight.

Sally’s Riding School
01983 872260 – Based in Bembridge and St Helens, Sally’s Riding School offers amazing beach rides. Rides are subject to tide times so pre-booking is advised.

Hill Farm Stable
01983 752502 – For horseriding lessons and hacks.

Allendale Equestrian Centre
01983 840258 – Based in Godshill

Goodleaf Tree Climbing
0333 800 1188 – Based in Ryde – The original recreational tree climbing company.

Golf

The Island has 7 clubs and possibly the most attractive are the Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club and the Freshwater Bay Golf Clubs.

Sandown & Shanklin Golf Club
01983 403217

Freshwater Bay Golf Club
01983 752955

Westridge Golf Centre
01983 613131 – Just before you get to Ryde, the islands only “Pay as you Play” course which also offers a very good shop and modern teaching technology.

Water

Aquarius Diving
01983 568400/568405 – Based in Seaview, Aquarius Diving is a 5 Star Padi Diving Centre offering courses from beginner to instructor and both shore and boat diving. Some of the pool diving elements of their courses are now held right here in The Wight’s pool. Children from as young as 8 years of age can take courses.

IOW Divers
01983 240255

Cachalot Charters
01983 874100 – Based in Bembridge and offering sea-fishing trips ranging in duration from 2 to 10 hours.The catch is normally tope, conger eel, mackerel and black bream.

Flying Fish
01983 280641 – Cowes – Want to crew on a superyacht, learn how to teach sailing or do a RYA Yachtmaster course for adults ? – then this may be the place for you.

Girls for Sail
01983 282867 – Cowes – Learn to sail, brush up on your skills and take part in racing events or just holiday with this fun-filled ladies-only outfit based in Cowes. Day courses available.

Tacktisle Adventures
01983 875542 – St Helen’s, Duver – A watersports specialist offering all manner of activities including dinghy sailing for beginners through to experienced sailor courses.

UKSA
01983 294941 – Cowes – The United Kingdom Sailing Academy, offering a huge array of courses.

Ocean Blue
07980986232 – Offers sea safaris aboard its cheetah catamarans – haul lobster pots or fish for mackerel, private charters also available.

Nettlecombe Farm
01983 730783 – Whitwell – Course fishing is avaialable here with three ponds stacked with carp, roach and tench.

Island Fish Farm and Meadow Lakes
01983 740941 – Brighstone – This angling complex has carp and trout fishing facilities and two smaller ponds for young anglers.

Isle of Wight Adventure Activities
01983 755838 – Freshwater – Everythjing from coasteering to zorbing.

Isurf
07968609169 – Here you can learn to surf or stand-up paddleboard.

Food & Drink

The Garlic Farm
01983 865378 – Based at Newchurch The Garlic Farm is a fantastic place that grows and sells everything to do with garlic – heads, ropes, jars of plain or pickled garlic, mad garlic products such as Transylvanian Vampire Pickle and everything to prepare garlic and even to stop it smelling. The farm are the driving force in respect of the island’s annual Garlic Festival which is held in late August. The Garlic Farm cafe is the perfect place to try Garlic ice cream or Garlic beer.

Godshill Organics
01983 840723 – Selling seasonal fruit and vegetables and natural cosmetics and hair care.

Rosemary Vineyard
01983 811084 – Based in Ashey, Ryde, a 30 acre British vineyard which has a cafe/bistro  and offers walking trails and tastings. The vineyeard produces a very pleasant, crisp, dry white wine which is featured on the The Wight’s wine list and is affectionately known as Mad Ange.

Hamilton’s Fine Foods
01983 526098 – Newport based speciality butchers selling island-reared meat, prime British and Scottish beef, English and Welsh lamb, poultry and game. They produce superb bacon, the award winning Oakdale black pudding and 22 varieties of hand-made sausages. We are proud to say that Hamilton’s Fine Foods are The Wight’s butchers.

Calbourne Classics
01983 531204 – Based in Shalfleet, Three Gates Farm Shop sells clotted cream and other dairy blockbusters alongside delicious cakes, scones and shortbreads.

Arreton Barns
Farmer Jacks at Arreton Barns sells local produce from seasonal fruit and vegetables to cheese, chutneys and wine. There is also an instore butchers.

Briddlesford Lodge Farm
01983 884650 Shop, 01983 882885 – Offers an extensive farm shop and cafe.

The Cider Barn
01983 840680 – Godshill – Offers visitors the chance to try a selection of local fare, much of it made by the Godshill Cider Company.Ciders of all sorts, ginger beer, country wines, liquers, jams and chutneys make this shop the taste of the island. It has a sister shop in Shanklin.

Chale Green Stores Deli and Cafe
01983 551201 – Chale Green – A village shop with an extensive range of groceries, fresh meats, local produce, wines, beers and ciders. It also has the largest deli in South Wight  and a fully licenced cafe with garden seating and outstanding views.

Adgestone Vineyard
01983 402882 – Brading – Nestles on a south-facing slope, in the shadow of Brading Down, lies probably the oldest commercial vineyard in Britain. Established in 1968 and set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy an audio tour about the history of English wine, relax in the cafe or on the veranda with a glass of wine, rustic platter or coffee and cake. Isle of Wight produce and Adgestone-made wine are on sale in the shop.

Wayside Herbs
07879 613389 – Near Shorwell – Walk around the beautiful garden and see more than 60 different plants used traditionally for flavouring, medicine or household tasks. Find the children’s trail, a dinosaur footprint cast and herbs from Harry Potter. The herb shop sells herbal gifts, whole leaf dried herbs and make your own pot-pourri. Visit the woodshed and see various items of spinning and weaving equipment, sometimes with craftspeople at work. Browse unique items made by local experts and the pottery shop.

 

 

 

Tourist Attractions

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.

What's On 2019

Coming soon for 2019

National Trust IOW

National Trust
Borthwood Copse – near Winwood – paths wind through ancient oak woodland with sunny glades.

The Needles Headland and Tennyson Down – beautiful open downland, sheer chalk cliffs and dramatic sea views.

Mottistone Estate – A farmed landscape with wonderful walks and great coastal views.

Mottistone Gardens – Enchanting garden set in a sheltered valley.

Newton Old Town Hall – 17th century town hall with no town but a fascinating history.

Chillerton Down – An impressive flank of open downland.

Compton Bay and Downs – One of the island’s favourite beaches and biggest expanses of open downland.

Newtown National Nature Reserve – A quiet backwater with a busy medieval past, now bursting with wildlife.

The Needles Old Battery and New Battery – Victorian coastal defense and secret rocket testing site perched high above the Needles Rocks.

St Catherine’s Down and Knowles Farm – A wild rocky coast with jutting cliffs, a windswept down and sheltered wooded valley.

Ventnor Downs – Dramatic views from the highest point on the island.

Bembridge and Culver Downs – Dramatic chalk cliffs with acres of open downland and coastal views.

Bembridge Fort – A Victorian fort which is being gradually restored.

Bembridge Windmill – The only surviving windmill on the island.

St Helen Duver – Sand dunes with a royal history and great coastal views.

English Heritage IOW

English Heritage

Carisbrooke Castle – See where King Charles 1 was imprisoned, climb the ramparts and keep and relax in the new Edwardian style garden.

Osborne – Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s family home. Take a glimpse into the private life of the royal family at Osborne House and enjoy the vast estate and gardens.

Appuldurcombe House – The shell of Appuldurcombe, once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight and still an important example of English baroque Architecture stands in “Capability” Brown – designed grounds.

St Catherine’s Oratory – A tall medieval octagonal tower, allegedly a lighthouse, built in 1328 as penance for stealing church property from a wrecked ship.

Yarmouth Castle – A perfect picnic spot with views over the Solent for a lovely relaxing family day. Step inside and discover how the rooms were used in the 16th Century.

Check availability and get prices from our booking page.Book direct via this site (or telephone/email your enquiry) and you will not only get the guaranteed lowest room rate but also be able to pay a much lower car ferry cost than would otherwise be the case!