Considering a first-time visit to the Isle of Wight? If you’re wondering whether or not the Isle of Wight is worth it, you only need a day to discover that it certainly is. Just south of mainland England and a 1 hour ferry ride from Portsmouth (or Lymington), get ready to explore the best things to do on Isle of Wight.
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Fun Facts About Top Things To Do In Isle Of Wight
- Visitors to the Shanklin Chine were expected to donate 2.5p when the Chine opened to the public in 1817. And the 2.5p donation remained that way until 1958!
- “Chine” is a local expression only used on the Isle of Wight and Dorset. Of Saxon origin, “chine” means ‘deep narrow ravine formed by water cutting through the sandstone leading to the sea’. And there are 21 of them on the Isle of Wight.
- The Needles earn its name from a fourth chalk stack, called Lot’s Wife, that resembled a needle but collapsed in the sea.
- Thomas Cubitt, the architect responsible for designing London’s famous neighborhood Belgravia (popular place to live for Americans in London) also designed the Osbourne House with Prince Albert himself.
- Isle of Wight is home to the only surviving medieval lighthouse, St Catherine’s Oratory.
Best Things To Do On Isle Of Wight
Whether you have 1 day or an entire week, be sure to not miss these best things to do on Isle of Wight.
Isle of Wight Distillery For Mermaid Gin Tasting
These pretty turquoise bottles inspired by the character of the island have made their way to Tesco, but the gin flight experience, history, and distillery can only be visited on the Isle of Wight. This is the first and only distillery on the Isle of Wight. Kids and dogs are welcome.
North East, North Appley Tower
Try a mermaid gin experience at the only distillery on the island
Osborne House
Visit Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Italian Renaissance palazzo style summer home. Touring the former British royal family estate in East Cowes, now an English Heritage site, is one of the best things to do in the Isle of Wight. So much of the royal’s life is on display like a snapshot in time.
Be sure to visit the Swiss Cottage with miniature-sized furniture. It was built for the royal children to learn basic domestic responsibilities like cooking and cleaning.
North; York Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6JT
Shanklin Chine
The Shanklin Chine gorge is the oldest tourist attraction on the Isle of Wight and certainly one of the best. The walk through the tree-lined gorge is incredibly peaceful, picturesque, and leads to a stunning 45-foot waterfall. The round-trip walk to the waterfall only takes 15 minutes and is suitable for all ages. Otherwise consider an hour to take it slow, enjoy nature surroundings and even grab a cuppa in the tea room.
Conclude at the Fisherman’s Cottage Inn pub on the beach, tucked beneath Shanklin Chine.
East; Shanklin, PO37 6BW
Walk through lush surroundings to the 45′ waterfall at Shanklin Chine
Godshill Village
Nestled within the quintessential village of Godshill, complete with thatched cottages, tea rooms, shops, and yummy pubs, you’ll find the Godshill Model Village. It’s the tiniest (1/10th) replica of Godshill and Shanklin Old Village and Chine with impeccable details situated amongst manicured gardens boasting over 3,000 shrubs and trees.
Pop into Godshill Model Village for a peaceful stroll while searching for the strategically placed squirrels, before hitting the shops, like The Old Smithy, on the High Street.
Central; High Street, PO38 3HH
Find tiny thatched cottages like this one at the Godshill Model Village
Ventnor Beach & Steephill Cove
For a Mediterranean-vibe getaway in England, Ventnor Beach is the best place to go. This is where dogs are welcome, seafood is the only course, and seaside cafes have your name on them.
While in Ventnor, do not miss a stroll down Steephill Cove for the most charming fishing cove experience on the Island. Access is by foot only and dogs are welcome on a leash during the day but not required after 6pm. Complete your Steepvill Cove visit with a must-stop at The Spyglass Inn.
South; Love Lane, PO38 1AF
St Catherine’s Oratory, “Pepperpot”
St Catherine’s Oratory, also referred to as “Pepperpot” by the locals but mostly resembles a rocket ship, is the most unique 30-minute storytelling hike on the island. It’s accessible by footpath and is on one of the highest points on the island offering 360-degree views of the surrounding fields and the English Channel.
The St Catherine’s Lighthouse and Oratory were built by Walter de Godeton on order by the courts for purchasing wine from thieves that was meant for a local monastery.
South; Blackgang Road, PO38 2JB
The Needles & The Needles Battery
Situated on the western point of the Isle of Wight, this is the very best attraction on the Isle of Wight: The Needles. The Needles is a row of three massive stacks of chalk protruding out of the sea, originating from the cliffs overhead in 1764. At the very end is the famous red and white striped Needles Lighthouse.
The Needles are so impressive, the BBC featured the site as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Southern England. And naturally, it’s one of the four most Instagrammable locations on the island.
The Needle Battery served as an artillery site from the 1860s to 1954. It was built atop the cliffs overlooking the stacks, which ultimately led to a second battery getting constructed to prevent further cliff damage.
West; Alum Bay, PO39 0JD
View of The Needles and The Needles Lighthouse from the cliffs above
Alum Bay
Viewing the Needles from only the cliffs above won’t allow you to see the colorful sands of Alum Bay. Take the chairlift from The Needles Park to the beach down below to explore the gorgeous colored sands.
While The Needles are an incredibly iconic thing to see on the Isle of Wight, the Alum Bay sands are my breathtaking favorite.
West; Alum Bay, PO39 0JD
These colorful sands cannot be seen from The Needles Park cliffs
Military Road – Chale to Freshwater Bay
While at the western point of Isle of Wight, a drive along Military Road from Chale through to Freshwater Bay is an absolute must. Even when the weather includes gray skies and cold temps, you’ll find the most pristine landscape on one side and glorious coastal views on the other. There are many breathtaking views to stop for a photo or to take a closer look. A couple of landmarks to look for include West Mermaid Rock and even brave swimmers!
West; Military Road
Spot Mermaid Rock in Freshwater Bay along Military Road
Best Places To Eat On Isle Of Wight
Beyond sightseeing, one of the best things to do on Isle of Wight is trying the island’s very best restaurants.
The Fishbourne
Located adjacent to the ferry terminal, The Fishbourne is the perfect welcoming pub to kick off an Isle of Wight trip.
North East; Fishbourne Lane, PO33 4EU
Perfect British pub for a G&T after arriving or departing from Isle of Wight
The Old Fort Seaview
If you’re looking for a bit of a sailing adventure, find your way to The Old Fort Seaview. Located at the corner of the Esplanade in Seaview, this award-winning pub is furnished in colorful sails. The view isn’t so bad either!
North East; The Esplanade, PO34 5HB
This Isle of Wight restaurant is for a sailor & seafood lover
Fisherman’s Cottage at Shanklin
For a pub walk like none other, go to Fisherman’s Cottage. Park along Shanklin Esplanade and make your way toward the beach. Fisherman’s Cottage is tucked beneath the island’s best chine.
East; Shanklin, PO37 6BN
Best pub walk in England! Shanklin Chine + The Fishermans Cottage
The Taverners Godshill
For a warm atmosphere in an idyllic setting, and the best Sunday roast on the island, head to The Taverners in Godshill.
Central; High Street, PO38 3HZ
Taverners is one of the best Sunday Roasts in Isle of Wight
Sun Inn Freehouse
If you’re a lover of thatched cottages and sticky toffee pudding, the Sun Inn Freehouse is the best. Add it as a lunch stop after a visit to the Needles or an excursion along Military Road. Although it’s off the beaten path, the Sun Inn Freehouse is absolutely worth it.
West; Hulverstone, PO30 4EH
Prettiest pub on Isle of Wight…and sticky toffee pudding, too!
Final Tips On Best Things To Do On Isle Of Wight
If you’ve explored mainland UK and looking for a unique adventure without leaving the country (no passport required), the Isle of Wight has you covered.
While tours are available to see different parts of the island, a car is highly recommended. Most attractions are spread out across the island so to make the most of a trip, a car is ideal.
A minimum of 2-3 days allows you to see the best things to do on Isle of Wight, but if you only have 1 day to explore head west.
Here’s how to spend a day on the Isle of Wight:
- Go to the Needles
- Take the chairlift down to Alum Bay
- Drive Military Road
- Have lunch at the Sun Inn Freehouse
- Pop into the Isle of Wight for a Mermaid Gin tasting (and purchase a souvenir too)
- Finish at The Fishbourne while waiting for your slot to board the last ferry
For more than a day on the Isle of Wight, stay at a holiday park like Whitecliff Bay (hot tub included!) to experience even the most pristine parts of the island.
And lastly, the ferry ride to Isle of Wight is quick (less than an hour) and amazingly organized on both sides of the journey. While on the ferry, look out for the awkward structures in The Solent. While they may resemble a prison from a distance, these structures are actually luxury hotels.
A trip from Portsmouth to Fishbourne is less than 1 hour
For an Isle of Wight travel sheet to simplify your planning, be sure to check out the Moving To England Workbook (travel section included).
