About The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is the largest Island off the British mainland and a truly unique holiday destination. The Island’s mix of breathtaking countryside, golden beaches, fabulous attractions and a head-spinning number of things to do will make your holiday there an experience you’ll never forget.
Pick a break at one of the Island’s most spectacular walks and must-see shops or take part in all kinds of sports - from paragliding and kitesurfing to golf and horse riding. Whether you want to unwind or refuel, you’ll find our list of the great restaurants and pubs dotted throughout the Isle of Wight unmissable.
If you're into steam trains, you can visit the Isle of Wight steam railway in Ryde. For children, there are a huge amount of tourist attractions including the Isle of Wight Zoo and Dinosaur Isle in Sandown and Godshill Model Village.For those seeking arts and culture, visit Alum Bay Glass, Barton Manor Gardens & Vineyards as well as Osborne House in East Cowes.
Appley Beach forms part of the three-beach, six-mile Ryde stretch, many of you considered Appley to be a beach in its own right. And when asked to nominate your absolute favourite, Appley came fifth, well ahead of several more established Isle of Wight resort areas. Rated the cleanest beach, Appley’s fabulous expanse of golden sand is best experienced at low tide. Parking and Access: beach access from the road, parking in Appley Park. Public Transport: Take Southern Vectis bus along Esplanade. Amenities: Picnic area in Appley Park, nearby canoeing lake. Dogs: Not allowed May-September.
Arreton Down is the largest area of unimproved chalk downland on the central chalk ridge of the Isle of Wight. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), supports an abundance of chalk grassland plants and butterflies and has superb views to the south over the Eastern Yar Valley. Arreton Down one of the many wildlife reserves managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. It covers 19 hectares (48 acres) of land. Grid Reference SZ 538 871.
Bembridge Beach is a candidate for best beach year round, walkers – especially those with dogs – and beachcombers love the peaceful atmosphere of this extensive beach, which adjoins the lively harbour and marina of a renowned sailing centre. Surrounded on three sides by the sea, with access to the shoreline at several points, Bembridge beach varies from sand to pebble and is a great place to collect shells or explore rock pools at low tide. Parking and Access: Several access points to the beaches, including main entrance by marina, car parking near harbour, Lane End (by Lifeboat Station) and Forelands. Public Transport: Southern Vectis bus from Ryde to Bembridge Crossway (30 mins approx). Amenities: Café, toilets, good pubs and restaurants in village and harbour, Shipwreck Museum. Dogs: No restrictions.
Butterfly and Fountain World has landscaped indoor gardens with free flying exotic butterflies. Brilliant fountain displays. Small world jumping jets and italian and japanese water gardens with Koi carp. Gift shop, Hungry Catterpillar café with associated garden centre. Opening Dates: Apr to Oct Opening Times: 10.00am to 5.30pm
Flamingo Park Wildlife Experience is an award winning wildlife park features a unique hands on programme of events with entertaining keeper presentations. There is an incredible array of tame and exotic animals. Tortoiseshell Bay café and gift shop. Opening Dates: March to Oct Opening Times: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Ryde Beach is not one but three sandy beaches stretching six miles – with views out to the Solent and its busy boat life – have made Ryde one of the UK’s best loved resorts. Busier at the pier end, safe, shallow waters make Ryde a great choice for families with younger children and at low tide there’s a huge expanse of clean sand for digging castles. Blue Flag Award Parking and Access: Parking along Esplanade and at Canoe Lake. Easy access to beach along Esplanade. Public Transport: Easy walking from the Wightlink FastCat terminal on Ryde Pier Head or hop on a bus along Ryde Esplanade. Amenities: Large seafront esplanade with amusement arcades, playground, bowling alley, canoeing lake and paddling pool. Town cafés, pubs and restaurants nearby. Toilets. Lifeguards patrol beach in summer. Dogs: Not allowed May-September. (See also Appley Beach)
Seaview Beach is the newest entrant into Wightlink’s top ten beaches, Seaview was voted best beach for winter visits and was second only to near neighbour Bembridge for walkers. Primarily a sailing village, Seaview doubles up as a traditional family resort with three attractive beaches – Springvale, Seagrove Bay and Priory Bay. At the village end, the beach is sandy at low tide, revealing large areas of crab and shrimp-rich rockpools. Parking and Access: Limited parking in Seaview village and Seagrove Bay. Parking for around 100 cars at Springvale beach, including spaces for the disabled. Public Transport: Southern Vectis buses from Ryde to Springvale and Seaview (5-8 mins) Amenities: Various cafés and bars in Seaview village; café at Springvale. Toilets, including facilities for disabled people at Springvale. Seaview Wildlife Encounter close to Springvale. Dogs: Restricted May-September.
Getting to the Isle of Wight is easy and quick with a fantastic choice of ferry options whether it's as a foot passenger for a day trip or a longer stay taking the family, car and pets. Car ferries run from Southampton, Portsmouth and Lymington on the Hampshire mainland. Alternatively you can pick up fast hovercraft and catamaran services at Southsea, Portsmouth or Southampton. Services run throughout the year and you don't even need to book on the faster foot passengers services.
The Isle of Wight offers a huge amount of tourist attractions for days out and short breaks. There is something for everyone and the many tourist attractions on the Isle of Wight include museums, such as the Bembridge Maritime Museum, the Smuggling Museum in Ventnor and the Isle of Wight Bus Museum in Newport.
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