Our top 10 Isle of Wight tourist attractions

If you’re planning a trip to the Isle of Wight, rest assured that there is a whole load of attractions on offer that will ensure no day will be dull and boring. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, with friends or solo, our top 10 Isle of Wight tourist attractions will help you to make the best of your holiday.

The Needles

The Needles are one of the Isle of Wight’s most renowned natural attractions, a group of three chalk stacks rising out of the sea at the edge of the dramatic cliffs that mark the most westerly point of the island. You can see the Needles in a number of fun ways: on foot from the cliffs, courtesy of an exciting ride in a chairlift or up close via a boat trip.

Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle offers a variety of attractions that will to appeal to all ages and interests. Highlights include the intriguing castle museum, the pretty Princess Beatrice Garden, the beautiful castle chapel, as well as the delightful donkeys that call the castle home.

Isle of Wight Coastal Path

One of the best ways to explore the Isle of Wight’s stunning coastal landscapes on foot is courtesy of the long-distance footpath known as the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. The path is 67 miles in length, suitable for all fitness levels and can be walked either in its entirety or in sections depending on time constraints and preferences.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Fancy sightseeing by steam train? Well the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is more than happy to oblige. Victorian and Edwardian carriages provide a comfortable place to lounge in leisure as you take in the picturesque Isle of Wight countryside. The museum offers insight into the history of the railways on the island and has a range of interesting objects for visitors to see.

Steephill Cove

Steephill Cove is sure to charm visitors thanks to its secluded location, lovely natural scenery and appealing manmade additions such as colourful beach huts and local fishermen’s cottages. There is a pretty beach with rock pools to explore and refreshments are available from the beach café and nearby restaurants (though many of these are closed during the off-season). Steephill Cove is only accessible on foot and is a superb secret spot for visitors who want to escape the traditional hustle and bustle of touristy beaches.

Seaview Wildlife Encounter

The Seaview Wildlife Encounter offers more than just the chance to see a great range of animals. Visitors are encouraged to get involved with the hands-on assortment of nine daily events such as helping to feed penguins and getting to stroke and feed wallabies and alpacas. For an additional fee a range of personalised wildlife encounters to suit kids and adults can be enjoyed too.

Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens

The Robin Hill Adventure Park is a great attraction for families, with plenty of fun rides and play areas for kids. The butterfly garden is home to a variety of beautiful butterfly species, while the Tree House Woodland Centre is an informative place to go to find out about the range of wildlife that live within the Robin Hill woodland. Visitors can also find out about the Combley Roman Villa, the remains of which are buried within the Robin Hill landscape, courtesy of an interesting display.

Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre

Mountain bikers will love testing out the three circular trails at the Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre. There are a number of places to hire bikes on the Isle of Wight so visitors don’t need to bring their own bikes to the island.

Head out on a fossil hunt

The Isle of Wight is renowned for its dinosaur fossils and there are several options for booking a guided fossil hunt. The guide will provide information and insight into the various fossils that may be found and there is even the opportunity to take home a fossil as a keepsake.

Quay Arts Centre

Holidaymakers who have an interest in the arts should make their way to the Quay Arts Centre. The centre is both an art gallery and a live arts venue and contains three galleries, a theatre, a craft shop and a café. The galleries host a changing collection of visual arts, while the theatre hosts a variety of theatrical, comedic and musical events to name a few.

An island of adventure awaits for all

Fantastic fossils, beautiful landscapes, charming animal encounters and attractions for outdoor enthusiasts are just some of the excellent allures to entice visitors to the Isle of Wight. With fun things for kids and adults to do, everyone can have a brilliant island holiday.

Where to stay

• The best campsites on the Isle of Wight