The Isle of Wight is generally warmer than the South of the mainland.
It is sometimes difficult to quickly find somewhere that would meet the visitors tastes and when there are dozens of attractions in the yearly Isle of Wight Summer pocket guide, these may create too much choice! So these are places that we recommend rather than a guide book has mentioned, hence our list below. It is in no way a complete guide, because a place is not mentioned it does not mean that it is not recommended, it may be that we simply haven't got round to seeing it yet or we have and it has not impressed us enough to be featured here.
There are plenty of things to do even if you do not wish to see many of The Islands attractions. There are plenty of safe beaches for families and many have achieved water quality awards. The Island has 147 square miles of area and is a diamond shape. If it had not been for the introduction to The Island in 1989 I am sure that we would never have thought independently to pay it a visit, looking back I don't think I knew it existed!
Newchurch off A3056, PO36 OLX
A large selection of Tropical Birds and animals/insects and some reptiles within this Amazon Rainforest attraction with a difference. Wear light or loose clothing from the start! it is very warm indeed in parts of the building. Car parking, gift shop, cafe', picnic areas.
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Within Arreton Barns, PO30 3AA
This is a craft 'village' where there are many gift and local craft shops set in part of the ancient village of Arreton, free entry. It is possible to watch glass blowing, wood carving, and pottery creation. The Dairyman's Daughter pub is here with lots of indoor and outdoor seating, or enjoy The Maltings Tearoom also nearby. Old agricultural vehicles and artefacts are also dotted about this Free attraction. Bus stop nearby. Large car park. Open all year.
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near Bembridge, PO35 5SQ
The Islands only surviving windmill owned and maintained by The National Trust. Limited parking nearby in a layby, small gift shop, opening times vary according to season. Located just off the B3395 about half a mile South of Bembridge.
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Blackgang, PO38 2HN
Blackgang Chine was one of the first holiday attractions of Great Britain and has had to change over the years and coupled with its natural beauty this makes it a unique fantasy park. Something for all ages here.
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Ventnor PO38 1UL
This is an interesting place for a pleasant amble amongst sub-tropical and exotic plants and trees from around the world. This location has it's own mini climate where summers can be really hot and winters are quite mild. Cafe, gift shop.
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Brading, PO36 0ED
Only been open a couple of years after a sort through and catalogue of all items in this one room, a free attraction. Everything in the room is to do with Bradings history and there is a good paper guide to take you around the room as well as a very informative and interesting local guide to welcome you and give information.
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Wootton Bridge, PO33 4RW
An all weather indoor attraction - so if the weather is not good then this is a must. Butterflies, kio carp ponds, indoor gardens - japanese and italian, tours and a coffee shop with ample free parking.
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Calbourne, PO30 4JN
Pleasant 17th Century working watermill with rural museum and gardens. Cafe and gift shop. War museum, Gran'Ma's kitchen and launderette with kitchen equipment from 1800's to mid 1900's. Sadly this is now shut after April 2024, hopefully The 17th Century Mill will stay functional and for visitors. Cafe and gardens open from July 2024.
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Carrisbrooke, near Newport, PO30 1XY
An excellent castle where Charles 1 was imprisoned prior to his trial, many things to do here inside and outside the Castle especially on a fine day. English Heritage. Cafe', gift shop.
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Bedbury Ln, Freshwater PO40 9PE
The historic house of Tennyson is a fascinating tour of the Grade 1 listed house where Tennyson and his family lived, limited numbers of visitors to the house in tours only. Pre-booking the house tour is highly advised, although the gardens can be visited seperately and there is also an interesting exhibition about the history of the house and the large amount of restoration undergone. The audio tour of the house was very good indeed. Toilets, no cafe, ample parking.
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Newchurch, PO36 ONR
Great for all things Garlic! This Garlic Farm and shop is free to enter with an adjacent licensed Cafe' as well. Plenty of parking spaces. Small cafe as well as the large one, and an ice cream parlour. See the different types of garlic here as well as many edible delights for those that like the great taste and smell of garlic including garlic ice cream! Two nice walks in its grounds, one short and one medium length - if the weather is fine these are highly recommended.
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Godshill, PO38 3HH
This is cute pretty village and is very popular with visitors. Not a single attraction but it needs to be in this list as there is so much to do here or one can choose which parts to visit and its free. Craft shops, cafe's, Godshill Church (worth a walk up to), cider barn, two pubs, gift shops, a wishing well, a small garden to visit behind The Old Smithy gift shop, The Model Village. Easy ample free parking opposite The Griffin pub. Bus stop nearby, toilets.
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Ventnor Epslanade
The Longshoreman's Museum is a small personal collection of historical and nautical items. There are lots of old pictures/maps/and some engravings all about the nautical history of Ventnor and surrounding bays with descriptions and pictures of major events. Ventnor Pier, Steamboats, Shipwrecks, Ventnor Hospital For Diseases of The Chest, Ventnor Esplanade in Victorian times are just some examples.
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Godshill, PO38 3HH
A really good Model Village set in one of the most picturesque real villages on the Island. Handy for a quick amusement amongst many good gift shops and tea gardens this village has to offer, and the entrance fee is quite reasonable. Try to visit on a glorious day. Gift shop. No parking here use the parking suggestion for Godshill Village.
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Near Newport, PO30 2NB
The Monkey Haven has been created to provide a safe, happy environment for primates and birds of prey who find themselves without a home, an award winning animal sanctuary and rescue centre. Cafe, gift shop. Car parking.
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Mottistone, PO30 4EA
Mottistone Manor House gardens come recommended if you have a nice day suitable for a bit of a walk around the gardens of an old 16th Century Manor House which is run by The National Trust. The Manor House is not open to the public (only a few days in the year) though. Mostly flat but there are areas up steep grassed banks, nice views, cafe', toilets, and a very small gift shop, small book shop. Parking.
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Alum Bay, PO39 OJD
Located at the famous Needles and Alum Bay this attraction is for family fun and some glorious views along the way. Take the chairlift, or a boat cruise or take in some of the smaller amusements, Alum Bay glass, cafe, gift shop and ample parking. Maybe walk up or catch the bus up to The New or Old Battery?
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West High Down, Alum Bay PO39 0JH
A free attraction and close to the Old Battery, fantastic views on a good day, a couple of underground rooms to explore and many concrete structures from the rocket test site during The Cold War. A popular high up viewing edge is above Scratchell's Bay which can only be accessed by boat. No parking or facilities.
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Above The Needles at Alum Bay, PO39 OJH
Owned by The National Trust this Battery was first completed in 1863 and has had many additions constructed throughout the years and two World Wars. A cafe' and toilets are situated here with fantastic views and plenty of information is available. Not too far away is The New Battery which is free and where they tested rockets. No parking.
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East Cowes, PO32 6JX
Interesting large house and grounds of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, including the private beach. Excellent tours around the house, the Victorian walled garden, the Swiss play cottage and Prince Albert's Barracks can be seen as well, private beach access. Cafe, gift shop. Plenty of parking. House ticket now only which includes the gardens, if visiting it all allow the majority of a full day.
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Talbot Rd, Sandown PO36 8NP
An interesting small attraction set in an old Battery fortification. Everything you would like to know about Poo in a quirky and fun way. All inside attraction, very handy if the weather is not so good. Adjacent to the coast path which runs in front of the battery. No parking or cafe', small gift shop area.
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Love Lane, Bembridge
Pops Wood Nature Reserve is a dedication by the children of Peter Baden-powell aka as 'Pop'. A small partially shaded mini nature reserve with some seats and nice carvings etc. There is an A4 laminated information and history sheet about Pop. Another much smaller Pops Wood area is in St. Helens on the old disused train track, but the larger one is in Bembridge. What a nice and touching dedication by his four children. Free entry, no parking.
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Rylstone Gardens near Shanklin Old Village.
Located within Rylstone Gardens this tea room with crazy golf is a family favourite on a nice day, cafe, small gift pop up sheds and a great game of crazy golf, it can be a sun trap here! Red squirrels can be seen here. Adjacent are Rylstone Gardens themselves, free entry. The qaint village of Shanklin Old Village is adjacent to here.
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Shanklin Old Village access and Shanklin South beach, PO37 6PH
This is a historic gorge (or Chine) from upper Shanklin Old Village to the lower Shanklin beach or The Fisherman's Cottage Pub. Waterfalls and unique plants survive this micro-climate as well as a small section of P.L.U.T.O. [pipeline under the ocean]. Daytime and evening attraction as it is illuminated. The Island's oldest tourist attraction. Cafe, gift shop, heritage centre. No parking available.
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Within Arreton Barns, PO30 3AA
This Shipwreck & Maritime Museum is reasonably priced and is very interesting. The owner has been diving and finding unchartered shipwrecks for many years, over 100 of them in fact. There are lots of information and treasures to see with press cuttings, maps, old photographs and a video to watch, small gift shop.
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Niton Undercliff, Niton, PO38 2NF
Built in 1838 by Trinity House following the loss of The Clarendon on rocks nearby, it was fully automated in 1997 with the three keepers leaving shortly after. There used to be tours of the lighthouse but this is sadly no more. No parking.
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Freshwater Bay PO40 9RA
Tennyson monument high up on Tennyson Down above Freshwater Bay is a very popular medium uphill walk with great views. Benches at the top adjacent to the monument, no parking nearby or at the top. Two ways to walk up here, the most popular way from Freshwater Bay which is the longer route, or the shorter but slightly steeper way from behind The Highdown Inn {Highdown Lane car park}. Easy navigation.
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Brighstone, PO30 4BP
The Tree is a free attraction and we came across this for the first time recently despite visiting The Island for over 25 years. The Tree came third place in the Woodland's Trust Tree of The Year competition. Its large thick horizontal branches go on and on, its quite a sight.
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Sandown, end of The Esplanade PO36 8QB
Formerly The Isle of Wight Zoo, this is not a large zoo but it does specialise in Tigers, Lions, Jaguars - accompanied by reptiles, small animals, birds and some monkeys. Excellent Keeper talks, cafe' with indoor and outdoor seating, gift shop.
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