10 Best Things To Do In The Isle of Wight, England

1. Osborne House

Located in East Cowes, Osborne House was previously a royal residence, built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as a summer home. The beautiful building was designed by Prince Albert himself, in Italian Renaissance style. Surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden, the house is now available for guided tours. There are playgrounds on site for children to enjoy, as well as the Terrace Restaurant and Orangery, for a tasty meal or snack.

Osborne House

Address: York Ave, East Cowes PO32 6JX, UK

Website: Osborne House

2. Carisbrooke Castle

The site of Carisbrooke Castle dates back to Roman times but was eventually was built as an Anglo-Saxon stronghold against Viking attacks. The castle is located in the village of the same name and is famous for the fact that King Charles I was imprisoned here for several months. The castle is fascinating to explore and even includes a bowling green, used for entertainment while Charles was imprisoned here. There are 71 steps up to the castle, which offers an impressive view, once at the top.

Carisbrooke Castle

Address: Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY, UK

Website: Carisbrooke Castle

3. Blackgang Chine Amusement Park

Blackgang Chine is an amusement park, located around 6 miles (9.7 km) from the town of Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight. The park is named after a former chine (or coastal ravine) in the area. There are several attractions within the park, including outdoor, walk-through attractions and some exciting rides for the children. Onsite, there are fairy villages, full-sized pirate ships, castles, a maze and the fun, U.S. Western-themed Cowboy Town.

Blackgang Chine

Address: Nr. Ventnor PO38 2HN, UK

Website: Blackgang Chine

4. Robin Hill Country Park

Great fun for all ages, the Robin Hill Country Park is located in Downend, near Newport. The amusement park has exciting rides, including the “Colossus” swinging galleon ride, pictured above. There is also a 4D motion cinema, a train ride for the children and a downhill toboggan ride.

The park regularly hosts music concerts and other events. There are cafés on site, as well as smaller kiosks, selling snacks and ice creams and a gift shop.

Robin Hill Country Park

Address: Downend Rd, Downend, Newport PO30 2NU, UK

Website: Robin Hill Country Park

5. Amazon World Zoo Park

Amazon World Zoo Park is located in Newchurch, on the Isle of Wight and is home to various exotic animals, including lemurs, tamarins, marmosets, giant anteaters, parrots and ocelots, with around 200 species on display. The zoo also hosts a Brazilian porcupine and paca and several outdoor aviaries. Amazon World is also involved in breeding species, like the two-toed sloth and the tamandua. The scenery in the zoo resembles a Mayan temple.

Amazon World Zoo Park

Address: Watery Ln, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0LX, UK

Website: Amazon World Zoo Park

6. Dinosaur Isle

Much loved by children, Dinosaur Isle is a museum dedicated to dinosaurs. Exhibits include full, life-sized models, some animatronic for effect, including the Neovenator, Iguanodon and Polacanthus Eotyrannus. There are also various replica fossils on display and visitors have the opportunity of speaking with dinosaur experts and watching them at work.

Dinosaur Isle

Address: Culver Parade, Sandown PO36 8QA, UK

Website: Dinosaur Isle

7. Yarmouth Castle

Yarmouth Castle stands guard over Yarmouth Harbour and was built by Henry VIII, in 1547, to protect the coastline from a French attack. The castle is square in shape and has an unusual Italianate bastion. It was newly fortified by Charles II, in 1670 and it is a beautiful picnic spot, overlooking the Solent.

Tours are available of the rooms in the castle, with details of shipwrecks in the sea, over which the castle stands.

Yarmouth Castle

Address: Quay St, Yarmouth PO41 0PB, UK

Website: Yarmouth Castle

8. Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum

The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum is located in Ryde, on the Isle of Wight. Run by volunteers, the museum houses several fascinating old buses and coaches, in a building which was formerly a bus depot. The museum also hosts bus rallies, twice a year, when several of the buses tour the town.

Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum

Address: Park Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 2BE, United Kingdom

Website: Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum

9. Butterfly World Isle of Wight

Butterfly World Isle of Wight offers the chance to see hundreds of colourful butterflies in a natural environment. Also on site is Fountain World, with koi ponds and Japanese and Italian gardens. Children will enjoy Jumping Jets and Small World, with their various water features. The Medina Garden Centre offers the opportunity to buy gifts and gardening products.

Butterfly World Isle of Wight

Address: Staplers Rd, Wootton Bridge, Ryde PO33 4RW, UK

Website: Butterfly World Isle of Wight

10. Ventnor Botanic Garden

This truly beautiful botanic garden is located in Ventnor, where visitors can stroll among the various subtropical and temperate trees and shrubs, in sections organized by region. Due to the sheltered microclimate on the Isle of Wight, a wide variety of Mediterranean plants and shrubs thrive in the garden. There are fun activities on site for the children here, as well as a restaurant.

Ventnor Botanic Garden

Address: Undercliff Dr, Ventnor PO38 1UL, UK

Website: Ventnor Botanic Garden

Enjoy your visit to the Isle of Wight

With many more attractions throughout the island, visitors are assured of a great holiday. So what are you waiting for? Make your plans and visit the Isle of Wight, where there is something for everyone.