12 interesting things to do on the Isle of Wight

If you are looking for an interesting and fun getaway, the Isle of Wight is a great option. At just 16 miles by 23 miles, the island may be physically small but do not be fooled by its size. There are plenty of things to do in the Isle of Wight with big attractions and superb camping options that everyone will love!

1. The Needles Battery

The Needles Battery was built between 1861 and 1895 as a means of defence against possible French invasion and later as defence during the two World Wars. The Victorian buildings house a small exhibition telling the Battery’s dramatic story. There are spectacular views of the Solent and the Needles rocks, which are the closest views you can get from land. There is a small entrance fee (only £12 for a family ticket) with plenty camping located nearby.

2. Owl and Monkey Haven

In Newport, you’ll find a fantastic rescue centre for primates and birds of prey. Children will love watching the monkeys peel their bananas during meal time demonstrations and will enjoy learning about and personally meeting some owls! Family tickets are around £29 and the site has all the facilities you’d expect. You will find plenty of camping within a 20 minute drive away.

3. Isle of Wight Steam Railway

The Steam Railway offers magical journeys through the unspoilt countryside of the island. The trains run every day from June to October. This is a wonderful family day out with plenty to see and do, including a museum, a falconry and tea rooms. Relax as you listen to the puffing and hissing of the engine! Costs for a family ticket start at around £26.

4. Carisbrooke Castle

Famous for the imprisionment of King Charles I, this well-preserved castle (pictured above) in Newport has a museum and Edwardian inspired gardens the adults will love. Children will have fun meeting the castle’s donkeys and watching the jousting events. The castle is open from March to November and costs £20 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children. Camping facilities are just a 20 minute drive away.

5. Dinosaur Isle

Dinosaur Isle in Sandown is definitely worth a visit. Highly interactive, this attraction will entertain children with the sights, sounds and even smells as you tour around touching fossils and solving puzzles on the way. Prices are around £16 for a family ticket with parking at approximately £3, although this can be refunded on entrance. Camping is only 10 minutes away.

6. Blackgang Chine

This is a fun and enchanting theme park, particularly for younger children. Open from April to October, rides include roller coasters, a maze and water slides. Family tickets are £45 to £55 and you can get in for free within a week using the same ticket. Why not explore Blackgang Chine’s sister park Robin Hill too for even more fun-filled activities! Camping is available nearby.

7. Isle of Wight Zoo

The Isle of Wight Zoo is located in Sandown overlooking one of the best beaches on the Island. The zoo houses all kinds of animals but particularly focuses on tigers and lemurs. With lots on information on the animals and their care, the zoo provides a fun and educational visit for all the family. Entrance fees are around £30 for a family ticket. The zoo is situated a short drive from camping facilities.

8. Sally’s Riding School

A lesser known but equally enjoyable attraction is Sally’s Riding School in St Helens. Great for all the family but particularly for adults and older children, you can enjoy riding a horse along the beautiful sandy beaches with an experienced guide walking alongside you. A truly tranquil and relaxing way to spend a morning! Prices are £25 per hour.

9. Red Squirrels

Red squirrels are only native to the British Isles and have rapidly reduced in numbers due to the introduction of the North American grey squirrel which can carry viruses fatal to its red cousins. The Isle of Wight is the only place in the UK without grey squirrels and relies on the Solent as a barrier against them. Some red squirrel sighting hotspots include Parkhurst Forest in Newport and the wooded areas of Shanklin.

10. St Catherine’s Lighthouse

In a peaceful location on the island’s most southerly point lies St Catherine’s Lighthouse. Built in 1838, the lighthouse stands at 27 metres tall and has 97 steps to reach the lantern on top. Tours last approximately 30 minutes for a small fee per person of £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Please note that there is no vehicle access to the lighthouse, but there is a car park at the Buddle Inn nearby where you can stop for food and drink afterwards.

11. Colwell Bay

Colwell Bay is a stunning and very quiet beach that is great for families. The beach is unspoiled and un-commercialised, but still benefits from a café and a few little shops to browse. Offering some spectacular views of sunsets and the Solent, the beach has huts you can hire, toilets and a car park nearby.

12. Ventnor Botanic Gardens

Ventnor Botanic Gardens offers an interesting and tranquil way to spend an afternoon. With a mediterranean climate, the gardens have a wonderful variety of exotic flora and fauna to discover. The entry fee is very reasonable (between £6.75 for adults, £4 for kids and £15 for families), and there are good facilities including a children’s play area and gift shop.

The Isle of Wight provides an assortment of interesting and fun activities to do. Whether visiting alone or with a family, you’ll never be far from places to camp on this small island!