Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the twentieth, the Isle of Wight has plenty to offer. From gorgeous beach vistas to sumptuous gardens and impressive historic buildings, there’s truly something for everyone on this picturesque island.
In fact, with so much on offer it can be hard to decide just what you’re going to do on each day of your island break. Well, that’s exactly why we’re here to help. Before you go ahead and book your Isle of Wight holidays, with hot tub or in a tent, have a look at our recommendations for four of the best things you can do on your getaway.
- Admire the natural beauty of the Needles
If it’s something truly iconic you’re looking for on the Isle of Wight then your first stop should absolutely be the Needles.
These famous chalk stacks extend out from the western point of the island into the deep blue waters of the English Channel and are one of the most recognisable images of the island.
Beyond the stark white chalk cliffs you can also find the vivid, multi-coloured sands of the Alum Bay cliff-face. One of the most common souvenirs from a day out at the Needles is a shaped container filled with layers of those many shades of sand.
Take a ride on the chairlift from the clifftop down to the beach below for the best view of all the stunning scenery the Needles point has to offer. It’s a truly breath-taking experience.
- Wander among the tropical plants of Ventnor Garden
Something that makes the Isle of Wight particularly special is the microclimate that exists on the southern coast of the island, which makes the weather more tropical than you’ll find anywhere else in the UK.
Ventnor Botanic Garden takes advantage of this unique climate to host an extensive collection of sub-tropical trees and plants.
As you walk through the gardens you’ll be treated to the sight of plants that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the UK, coming from as far away as Australia or Japan. It’s an essential day out for the plant-lovers and is a beautiful place to wile away the hours at any time of the year.
On your wanderings through the 22 acres of gardens, you might even spot a red squirrel or two, which are much rarer on the mainland.
- Cycle through nature on the Red Squirrel Trail
Speaking of squirrels, another great option for an active day out is the Red Squirrel Trail. The trail stretches from the north to the south coast of the Isle of Wight, made up of 32 miles of largely traffic-free cycling.
While you can’t tackle the whole thing in just one day the trail can be split into several smaller, more manageable routes that you can work your way through.
Whether you’d like to take in woodland, farmland or the coastline it can be found along the course of the Red Squirrel Trail, along with an abundance of local wildlife.
As part of the trail was once themed as the Troll Trail you can still see many rock troll statues hidden along the way. Having the kids keep an eye out for the next troll is an excellent way to keep them engaged along the route.
- Explore the thrills of Blackgang Chine
It might come as a bit of a surprise to find out that the Isle of Wight has its own theme park. In fact, it’s actually the oldest amusement park in the entire UK, dating back to 1843!
For the thrill-seekers among the family, there’s a waterslide, a 360-degree pendulum swing and a pirate-y spin on a classic teacup ride among others. On the other hand, if you prefer your adrenaline lower, the park offers a variety of lands of imagination to be explored at your own pace.
Although Blackgang Chine isn’t open all year round – like many theme parks – there are plenty of themed events and exciting entertainment to enjoy from spring through to the end of October.
Here we’ve only just scratched the surface of what you can find on your Isle of Wight holiday. The island is full of beautiful places and interesting activities, so keep an eye out for other possibilities while you’re there.