Lu’s Little Island Guidebook
Food scene
Crave in Ventnor is one of the best places for Ice Cream on the island. They change their flavours daily and make them on site in their characterful 1930s shop. They even have excellent gluten free and vegan options.
13 locals recommend
Crave
5 Spring HillCrave in Ventnor is one of the best places for Ice Cream on the island. They change their flavours daily and make them on site in their characterful 1930s shop. They even have excellent gluten free and vegan options.
Great for all things garlicky! There's a lovely cafe, farm walks and tours and different seasonal events.
81 locals recommend
The Garlic Farm Shop And Restaurant
Mersley LaneGreat for all things garlicky! There's a lovely cafe, farm walks and tours and different seasonal events.
The Bluebell Café is the prefect breakfast or lunch spot with a great farm shop too where you can buy their award winning milk and cheese amongst other local produce.
16 locals recommend
Briddlesford Lodge Farm Shop
Briddlesford RoadThe Bluebell Café is the prefect breakfast or lunch spot with a great farm shop too where you can buy their award winning milk and cheese amongst other local produce.
Award winning tea gardens and home of the Isle of Wight shape scones for your cream tea and 'Old Shanklin Pie'. Really tasty homemade food in a lovely old building right in the heart of Shanklin Old Village.
Vernon Cottage
1 Eastcliff RdAward winning tea gardens and home of the Isle of Wight shape scones for your cream tea and 'Old Shanklin Pie'. Really tasty homemade food in a lovely old building right in the heart of Shanklin Old Village.
Excellent Italian food with great service right on the seafront in Ryde.
12 locals recommend
Restorante Michelangelo
30 St. Thomas StExcellent Italian food with great service right on the seafront in Ryde.
Great little café in the old station buildings at Yarmouth. Nice walk along the old railway line and only minutes from Yarmouth town.
46 locals recommend
Off The Rails
Station RoadGreat little café in the old station buildings at Yarmouth. Nice walk along the old railway line and only minutes from Yarmouth town.
Very nice little independent cafe for brunch, lunch or coffee. Excellent coffee and a really nice homemade iced drinks selection including free from 'milks'.
The Wonky Goat
30 Union StVery nice little independent cafe for brunch, lunch or coffee. Excellent coffee and a really nice homemade iced drinks selection including free from 'milks'.
Gorgeous cream teas and superb gluten free selections in this newly refurbished thatched cottage cafe- you won't feel left out here. Scones to die for. Pleasant garden seating too. Closes during winter months.
Old World Tea Rooms
High StreetGorgeous cream teas and superb gluten free selections in this newly refurbished thatched cottage cafe- you won't feel left out here. Scones to die for. Pleasant garden seating too. Closes during winter months.
Floating retsaurant right in Bembridge Harbour. Great seafood, freshly caught.
24 locals recommend
The Best Dressed Crab Ltd
Embankment RoadFloating retsaurant right in Bembridge Harbour. Great seafood, freshly caught.
The home of the island's own Mermaid Gin. Excellent little distillery where you can book to see how the gin is made and then have a few tastes. They use hops from Ventnor, samphire from the local shores and all presented in stunning bottles made from recycled glass. We really like the Pink Gin, flavoured with island strawberries. Cheers!
6 locals recommend
Isle Of Wight Distillery
Pondwell HillThe home of the island's own Mermaid Gin. Excellent little distillery where you can book to see how the gin is made and then have a few tastes. They use hops from Ventnor, samphire from the local shores and all presented in stunning bottles made from recycled glass. We really like the Pink Gin, flavoured with island strawberries. Cheers!
Right on Ventnor Seafront, beautiful at sunset. Superb seafood and Asian fusion menu. Steak too.
59 locals recommend
Smoking Lobster
EsplanadeRight on Ventnor Seafront, beautiful at sunset. Superb seafood and Asian fusion menu. Steak too.
Jolliffes Eatery
11 Shooters HillQuaint and quirky breakfast and lunch place. Very atmospheric old shop vibe.
Great pub food, nice ambiance & beautiful views if you sit outside.
29 locals recommend
The Crab and Lobster Inn
32 Forelands Field RdGreat pub food, nice ambiance & beautiful views if you sit outside.
Really great, tasty food in a gorgeous old pub with great atmosphere and newly refurbished. Park just up the road opposite The Griffin.
36 locals recommend
The Taverners
High StreetReally great, tasty food in a gorgeous old pub with great atmosphere and newly refurbished. Park just up the road opposite The Griffin.
Breakfast, lunch, huge cakes, cream teas, gift shop, some very nice clothes, gardens ...the list goes on and on. Lots of parking.
6 locals recommend
The Old Smithy - café, shops and gardens
High StreetBreakfast, lunch, huge cakes, cream teas, gift shop, some very nice clothes, gardens ...the list goes on and on. Lots of parking.
Cook & Baker
High StreetFantastic breakfasts. Doughnuts made in heaven, wonderful coffee. It’s just lovely.
So nice here in the evening, having a nice dinner and watching the sunset looking over the western Solent, towards Hurst Castle and Milford on Sea.
29 locals recommend
The Waterfront
Madeira RoadSo nice here in the evening, having a nice dinner and watching the sunset looking over the western Solent, towards Hurst Castle and Milford on Sea.
Really lovely in the morning for breakfast/ lunch, right overlooking the beach towards Portsmouth . Access via Ryde seafront, Puckpool Park or walk round from Seaview.
24 locals recommend
Dell Cafe
Really lovely in the morning for breakfast/ lunch, right overlooking the beach towards Portsmouth . Access via Ryde seafront, Puckpool Park or walk round from Seaview.
Lovely little cafe with outdoor seating only, right on the cliff path looking over Sandown Bay. Excellent place to stop for a bite or coffee, if you’re walking a circular route along cliff path, down to the beach and back to where you parked. Great breakfasts, light lunches and cakes.
Blueberrys
Sandown RoadLovely little cafe with outdoor seating only, right on the cliff path looking over Sandown Bay. Excellent place to stop for a bite or coffee, if you’re walking a circular route along cliff path, down to the beach and back to where you parked. Great breakfasts, light lunches and cakes.
A real neighbourhood cafe. Great breakfasts with veggie and gf options. Right on Ventnor esplanade. Dog friendly inside and out. Great views of The English Channel. Next to the cascades and the famous Isle of Wight paddling pool- your tinies will love it! Very friendly owners and staff.
14 locals recommend
Besty & Spinkys
Eastern EsplanadeA real neighbourhood cafe. Great breakfasts with veggie and gf options. Right on Ventnor esplanade. Dog friendly inside and out. Great views of The English Channel. Next to the cascades and the famous Isle of Wight paddling pool- your tinies will love it! Very friendly owners and staff.
Lovely independently owned coffee place. Nice brunches and lite bites. Booking advisable - it’s not huge.
The Freshwater Coffee House
5 School Green RdLovely independently owned coffee place. Nice brunches and lite bites. Booking advisable - it’s not huge.
The Pointer Inn
High StreetVery tasty food, pretty small so I advise booking
Nice pub food. Lots of outdoor seating and things for kids. Dog friendly.
7 locals recommend
The Fighting Cocks
Nice pub food. Lots of outdoor seating and things for kids. Dog friendly.
The White Lion
High StreetVery nice pub food.
Smoking Lobster Cowes
127 High StreetIt’s simply stunning food. You must try.
Our newest farm shop/ restaurant on the island, which includes all the island produce you could ask for including butchery. Opens from 8:30 most days. Really spacious, nice outdoor space overlooking fishing ponds. Great coffee, smashing breakfasts.Nice and close to The Old Chapel too. Bonus! NB only dog friendly for outdoor seating
Harvey Browns
Our newest farm shop/ restaurant on the island, which includes all the island produce you could ask for including butchery. Opens from 8:30 most days. Really spacious, nice outdoor space overlooking fishing ponds. Great coffee, smashing breakfasts.Nice and close to The Old Chapel too. Bonus! NB only dog friendly for outdoor seating
Smashing breakfasts right in the heart of Cowes. Anything from Cowboy breakfast to pancakes. Lunch and dinner too. Watch out for their themed evenings eg Spanish, Burns Night, American
17 locals recommend
Pier View
25 High StSmashing breakfasts right in the heart of Cowes. Anything from Cowboy breakfast to pancakes. Lunch and dinner too. Watch out for their themed evenings eg Spanish, Burns Night, American
Lovely food and views… oh the views. Even in the winter from indoors in the warm it’s just lovely.
20 locals recommend
The Woodvale Hotel
1 Prince's EsplanadeLovely food and views… oh the views. Even in the winter from indoors in the warm it’s just lovely.
Great food, I mean really great! Dog friendly and in such a beautiful part of Freshwater, nestled right next to the church.
65 locals recommend
The Red Lion
Church PlaceGreat food, I mean really great! Dog friendly and in such a beautiful part of Freshwater, nestled right next to the church.
Newly refurbished. New menu. Nice play area and maze for kids and VERY dog friendly.
Griffin Family Inn
High StreetNewly refurbished. New menu. Nice play area and maze for kids and VERY dog friendly.
Right on Sandown Esplanade. Gorgeous views and lots of outdoor seating. Nice food with something for everyone.Parking right outside.
12 locals recommend
The Reef
EsplanadeRight on Sandown Esplanade. Gorgeous views and lots of outdoor seating. Nice food with something for everyone.Parking right outside.
As well as gorgeous donkeys, this place has a great cafe which is just 10 minutes from The Old Chapel. Tasty light lunches and great cake. Very dog friendly.
38 locals recommend
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
As well as gorgeous donkeys, this place has a great cafe which is just 10 minutes from The Old Chapel. Tasty light lunches and great cake. Very dog friendly.
Right on the seafront at Seaview. Lovely food and service. Breakfast ⭐️! You can book online. Outdoor seating too. Great views.
The Boathouse
Right on the seafront at Seaview. Lovely food and service. Breakfast ⭐️! You can book online. Outdoor seating too. Great views.
Highly recommended by recent guest. Nice and close to The Old Chapel- just a 10 minute drive
15 locals recommend
The Yarbridge Inn.
Highly recommended by recent guest. Nice and close to The Old Chapel- just a 10 minute drive
Really delicious food. Seasonal menus and local produce. Something for everyone and great Sunday roasts too.
17 locals recommend
Pier View
25 High StReally delicious food. Seasonal menus and local produce. Something for everyone and great Sunday roasts too.
Great little independent cafe and place to play games. Great for when the weather is bad too.
Snacks and Ladders Board Game Café & Eatery
Great little independent cafe and place to play games. Great for when the weather is bad too.
Loaph
Great little brunch place. Thursday to Saturday only
Very tasty Thai food in a wonderful thatched building in the heart of old Godshill. Also do take out.
Thai Journey Restaurant
Very tasty Thai food in a wonderful thatched building in the heart of old Godshill. Also do take out.
Bluebells At Briddlesford
Briddlesford Road
Bluebells At Briddlesford
Briddlesford RoadLovely food, right by the water looking over The Solent, great atmosphere and staff.
25 locals recommend
The Old Fort
EsplanadeLovely food, right by the water looking over The Solent, great atmosphere and staff.
Lovely breakfasts served 9-12 then lunch from 12. Really nice decor and delicious food. Lots of ales ( obviously) and only 5 minutes from the chapel. You buy a £5 day membership but this comes with a beer, soft drink or coffee included. Nice outdoor pitch facing deck in summer with views over the countryside.
Goddards Brewery Ltd
Lovely breakfasts served 9-12 then lunch from 12. Really nice decor and delicious food. Lots of ales ( obviously) and only 5 minutes from the chapel. You buy a £5 day membership but this comes with a beer, soft drink or coffee included. Nice outdoor pitch facing deck in summer with views over the countryside.
Sightseeing
All sorts to do here. You can walk out to the western most tip of the island and see the old battery built in 1862 and the new battery which is home to a fascinating exhibition about secret rocket testing during the Cold War. Stunning views.
54 locals recommend
The Needles
All sorts to do here. You can walk out to the western most tip of the island and see the old battery built in 1862 and the new battery which is home to a fascinating exhibition about secret rocket testing during the Cold War. Stunning views.
A working Benedictine monastery set in tranquil grounds, café, shop, walled garden, see the pigs and chickens, visitor centre.
34 locals recommend
Quarr Abbey
Quarr RoadA working Benedictine monastery set in tranquil grounds, café, shop, walled garden, see the pigs and chickens, visitor centre.
Climb the ancient steps and walk around the battlements imagining King Charles I imprisoned here. Home to the famous donkeys that walk on the wheel and raise the water from the well. English Heritage.
133 locals recommend
Carisbrooke Castle
Castle HillClimb the ancient steps and walk around the battlements imagining King Charles I imprisoned here. Home to the famous donkeys that walk on the wheel and raise the water from the well. English Heritage.
What's not to love about a steam railway. You can ride the train and imagine you've been whisked back in time to a more romantic era! The museum there is brilliant and interactive showing how the fantastic volunteers resurrected the locos and carriages. Café, shop, falconry. Seasonal events including Santa special. Must do.
48 locals recommend
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Main RoadWhat's not to love about a steam railway. You can ride the train and imagine you've been whisked back in time to a more romantic era! The museum there is brilliant and interactive showing how the fantastic volunteers resurrected the locos and carriages. Café, shop, falconry. Seasonal events including Santa special. Must do.
The donkeys are just so lovely, I find this place so relaxing. It's deep in the countryside, free to enter, gift shop and café. (It’s a great cafe btw)The donkeys each wear a collar with their name on it and they all have so much character. SUPER dog friendly.
38 locals recommend
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The donkeys are just so lovely, I find this place so relaxing. It's deep in the countryside, free to enter, gift shop and café. (It’s a great cafe btw)The donkeys each wear a collar with their name on it and they all have so much character. SUPER dog friendly.
Queen Victoria's stunningly beautiful seaside retreat designed by her beloved Prince Albert. The house, grounds, including her private beach and Swiss Cottage built for her children are all accessible. Café and shop. English Heritage. A must see.
124 locals recommend
Osborne House Osborne House Estate
Queen Victoria's stunningly beautiful seaside retreat designed by her beloved Prince Albert. The house, grounds, including her private beach and Swiss Cottage built for her children are all accessible. Café and shop. English Heritage. A must see.
Yarmouth Castle is a fort built by Henry VIII in 1547 to protect Yarmouth Harbour from the threat of a French attack. Stunning views of the solent and across to the mainland from the garden where you can picnic. Children welcome.
21 locals recommend
Yarmouth Castle
Quay StreetYarmouth Castle is a fort built by Henry VIII in 1547 to protect Yarmouth Harbour from the threat of a French attack. Stunning views of the solent and across to the mainland from the garden where you can picnic. Children welcome.
See the island from a different perspective. This family owned model village is so quaint and gentle - a different and gentle way to spend some time wandering around looking at a mini version of where we call home. Can you spot the miniature John Craven figure? The gardens are beautiful too and they're actually a RHS Partner Garden . Open March through October
22 locals recommend
Model Village Godshill
High StreetSee the island from a different perspective. This family owned model village is so quaint and gentle - a different and gentle way to spend some time wandering around looking at a mini version of where we call home. Can you spot the miniature John Craven figure? The gardens are beautiful too and they're actually a RHS Partner Garden . Open March through October
Julia Margaret Cameron (1815 – 1879) was one of the most important early photographers and now recognised worldwide as a pioneer of photography as art.
Ahead of her time, she was ambitious and freethinking when most Victorian women were passive and demure. She took on the challenges of handling large cameras and dangerous chemicals at a time when photography was known as ‘The Black Art’.
Today she is credited with creating the first photographic close-up portraits and influencing the subsequent Pictorialism movement with her use of diffused focus.
Her portraits of ‘famous men and fair women’, reflect her time within the Freshwater Circle, which included Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Lewis Carroll, and the birth of celebrity.
24 locals recommend
Dimbola Museum & Galleries
Julia Margaret Cameron (1815 – 1879) was one of the most important early photographers and now recognised worldwide as a pioneer of photography as art.
Ahead of her time, she was ambitious and freethinking when most Victorian women were passive and demure. She took on the challenges of handling large cameras and dangerous chemicals at a time when photography was known as ‘The Black Art’.
Today she is credited with creating the first photographic close-up portraits and influencing the subsequent Pictorialism movement with her use of diffused focus.
Her portraits of ‘famous men and fair women’, reflect her time within the Freshwater Circle, which included Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Lewis Carroll, and the birth of celebrity.
Ventnor Botanic Garden lies in the remarkable microclimate at the heart of the famous ‘Undercliff,’ on the site of the National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest in the 1860’s where people would be sent to be treated for turbuculosis. This unique garden is protected from the cold northerly winds by chalk downs. The Garden is unrivalled for its collections of subtropical plants grown unprotected out of doors. It's a great place to wander round, the kids will love the space, it's dog friendly and there's a nice cafe too. Plant and seed sales - take a little piece of our island home to your garden. The microclimate and a scrubland habitat here supports Britain’s oldest colony of wall lizards. Can you spot them?
87 locals recommend
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Undercliff DriveVentnor Botanic Garden lies in the remarkable microclimate at the heart of the famous ‘Undercliff,’ on the site of the National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest in the 1860’s where people would be sent to be treated for turbuculosis. This unique garden is protected from the cold northerly winds by chalk downs. The Garden is unrivalled for its collections of subtropical plants grown unprotected out of doors. It's a great place to wander round, the kids will love the space, it's dog friendly and there's a nice cafe too. Plant and seed sales - take a little piece of our island home to your garden. The microclimate and a scrubland habitat here supports Britain’s oldest colony of wall lizards. Can you spot them?
Lovely mosaic, great artefacts and all under cover. Very child friendly, nice cafe too. Only 10 minutes from Apse Heath. Pick up a kit to make your own mosaic perhaps? Can you discover what the Romans called our island?
33 locals recommend
Brading Roman Villa
Morton Old RoadLovely mosaic, great artefacts and all under cover. Very child friendly, nice cafe too. Only 10 minutes from Apse Heath. Pick up a kit to make your own mosaic perhaps? Can you discover what the Romans called our island?
Lovely walk out along pier to working RNLI Lifeboat station. It’s very child friendly and interactive. Closed due to Covid restrictions but will reopen as soon as allowed. Shop always open.
15 locals recommend
Bembridge Lifeboat Station
Lane End RoadLovely walk out along pier to working RNLI Lifeboat station. It’s very child friendly and interactive. Closed due to Covid restrictions but will reopen as soon as allowed. Shop always open.
Thatched cottages and tea rooms, model village, lovely walk up to the old church. Very quaint.
37 locals recommend
Godshill
Thatched cottages and tea rooms, model village, lovely walk up to the old church. Very quaint.
Lovely place to walk the dogs, let the kids run off steam or just wander in the calm of the trees. Drew is there with his great coffee van most days too.
Firestone Copse
Lovely place to walk the dogs, let the kids run off steam or just wander in the calm of the trees. Drew is there with his great coffee van most days too.
Skilled artisans at work, shops, interior furnishings, The Dairyman’s Daughter family friendly pub , a silver smith, and even a Shipwreck Museum
18 locals recommend
Arreton Barns
Main RoadSkilled artisans at work, shops, interior furnishings, The Dairyman’s Daughter family friendly pub , a silver smith, and even a Shipwreck Museum
For the kiddoes
Really good interactive museum for all ages, excellent fossil collection showing just why the island is so well known for dinosaurs. All weather attraction.
35 locals recommend
Dinosaur Isle
Culver ParadeReally good interactive museum for all ages, excellent fossil collection showing just why the island is so well known for dinosaurs. All weather attraction.
Everything from flamingos and wallabies to sloths and anteaters. You can even walk through the lemur enclosure. Café and shop. New indoor play area.
43 locals recommend
Amazon World Zoo
Watery LaneEverything from flamingos and wallabies to sloths and anteaters. You can even walk through the lemur enclosure. Café and shop. New indoor play area.
Super cool place to visit for everyone. The views from here are amazing too. They have alpacas, donkeys, goats, wallabies and pot bellied pigs as well as great play barns with all sorts of great things for little ones to do and to save your sanity if it's raining! There's a great restaurant too and even specialist recharging for Tesla cars.
113 locals recommend
Tapnell Farm Park
Newport RoadSuper cool place to visit for everyone. The views from here are amazing too. They have alpacas, donkeys, goats, wallabies and pot bellied pigs as well as great play barns with all sorts of great things for little ones to do and to save your sanity if it's raining! There's a great restaurant too and even specialist recharging for Tesla cars.
Right at the bottom of the island [nest stop France] you'll find Blackgang. Cowboy land, dinosaurs, rides and space to run about. The kids just love it.
122 locals recommend
Blackgang Chine
Right at the bottom of the island [nest stop France] you'll find Blackgang. Cowboy land, dinosaurs, rides and space to run about. The kids just love it.
Really fun place for the whole family. Right across the road from the beach, golf, playground and Skynets.
8 locals recommend
Sandham Gardens
Culver ParadeReally fun place for the whole family. Right across the road from the beach, golf, playground and Skynets.
Wight Karting
Brading RoadFor kids young and old! Lots of fun on the race track.
Sensory Island
Indoor fun for all children ( open from January 3rd 2024
A little bit special
Lovely restaurant, great views and décor to yearn for. Looks stunning over Christmas.
33 locals recommend
The George Hotel
Quay StreetLovely restaurant, great views and décor to yearn for. Looks stunning over Christmas.
View the island from above by taking a trip in a plane or a microlight. It's such a great experience - you'll never forget it.
6 locals recommend
Isle of Wight/Sandown Airport
Scotchells Brook LaneView the island from above by taking a trip in a plane or a microlight. It's such a great experience - you'll never forget it.
Outstanding fishy menu but they do serve other stuff too. Amazing place to watch the sunsets. It's fun watching people come over from the mainland on their boats, anchor up and come ashore to eat. Some people even arrive by helicopter! You must book as it's a way to go and then be disappointed. It isn't cheap but you get what you pay for and the fish is always fresh as.
104 locals recommend
The Hut
Colwell Chine RoadOutstanding fishy menu but they do serve other stuff too. Amazing place to watch the sunsets. It's fun watching people come over from the mainland on their boats, anchor up and come ashore to eat. Some people even arrive by helicopter! You must book as it's a way to go and then be disappointed. It isn't cheap but you get what you pay for and the fish is always fresh as.
Superb afternoon tea [including champagne if you like] they also do a really good gf tea. Lots to eat - ask for a take home box if you're full! You must pre book. Really lovley experience, especially for a birthday or anniversary.
36 locals recommend
The Royal Hotel
Belgrave RoadSuperb afternoon tea [including champagne if you like] they also do a really good gf tea. Lots to eat - ask for a take home box if you're full! You must pre book. Really lovley experience, especially for a birthday or anniversary.
If you like to live life a bit on the wild side and view things from a different angle why not try a spot of paragliding.
9 locals recommend
Butterfly Paragliding
The TerraceIf you like to live life a bit on the wild side and view things from a different angle why not try a spot of paragliding.
Have fun on a segway [min age 10] or trying your hand at archery [min age 8] or both...just not at the same time! Booking ahead essential.
Moor Active Segway Treks
Shanklin RoadHave fun on a segway [min age 10] or trying your hand at archery [min age 8] or both...just not at the same time! Booking ahead essential.
Not many places in the UK are home to the red squirrel, but we’re one of them. See these beautiful little creatures in many locations but very often spotted in Parkhurst Forest . Watch out for the squirrel road signs when you’re out and about too.
7 locals recommend
Parkhurst Forest
Not many places in the UK are home to the red squirrel, but we’re one of them. See these beautiful little creatures in many locations but very often spotted in Parkhurst Forest . Watch out for the squirrel road signs when you’re out and about too.
Bayliss & Booth
Lushington HillReally nice interiors and gifts
Fun in and on the water
Situated half way between Shanklin and Sandown in the heart of the bay, this is a great place to try water sports like body boarding, kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing etc. All my kids were lucky enough to go here for after school club [the joy of living on an island]. Fun. Fun. Fun.
9 locals recommend
Wight Water
Situated half way between Shanklin and Sandown in the heart of the bay, this is a great place to try water sports like body boarding, kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing etc. All my kids were lucky enough to go here for after school club [the joy of living on an island]. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Try your hand at windsurfing or paddle boarding. Based in St Helens near the beautiful Bembridge Harbour.
14 locals recommend
Tackt-Isle Adventures
Try your hand at windsurfing or paddle boarding. Based in St Helens near the beautiful Bembridge Harbour.
Lovely inside pool with roof that opens in summer, next to lovely boating lake complete with swans [ feathered and ones you can ride in].
7 locals recommend
Waterside Pool
EsplanadeLovely inside pool with roof that opens in summer, next to lovely boating lake complete with swans [ feathered and ones you can ride in].
World renowned centre for all things in and on the water . Must book ahead. Look at their website. Amazing place.
8 locals recommend
UKSA
Arctic RoadWorld renowned centre for all things in and on the water . Must book ahead. Look at their website. Amazing place.
Animal magic
Lovely way to spend a few hours looking at the alpacas and llamas. You can even arrange to go on a walk with them. Lots of chickens, goats etc. Space for children to run off steam too. Nice cafe which serves great pizza, quiche and light lunches, cakes etc.
19 locals recommend
West Wight Alpacas & Llamas
Main RoadLovely way to spend a few hours looking at the alpacas and llamas. You can even arrange to go on a walk with them. Lots of chickens, goats etc. Space for children to run off steam too. Nice cafe which serves great pizza, quiche and light lunches, cakes etc.
Really lovely and interesting way to spend a few hours. We took our eldest grandson at Christmas and even in the rain, boy did it rain, it was fascinating being given a tour of the farm, meeting the deer and learning SO much. We finished our tour in the barn with steaming hot chocolate which was delicious. You need to go on their website and prebook. You cannot just turn up.
Isle of Wight Deer Farm
Whitcombe RoadReally lovely and interesting way to spend a few hours. We took our eldest grandson at Christmas and even in the rain, boy did it rain, it was fascinating being given a tour of the farm, meeting the deer and learning SO much. We finished our tour in the barn with steaming hot chocolate which was delicious. You need to go on their website and prebook. You cannot just turn up.
See some of the world's most beautiful moths and butterflies flying freely. Nice place for a visit when the weather might not be so kind.
16 locals recommend
Butterfly World IOW
Staplers RoadSee some of the world's most beautiful moths and butterflies flying freely. Nice place for a visit when the weather might not be so kind.
Great little award winning primate rescue centre. Visit the monkeys, birds of prey and reptiles. Cafe and play area.
40 locals recommend
Monkey Haven
Staplers RoadGreat little award winning primate rescue centre. Visit the monkeys, birds of prey and reptiles. Cafe and play area.
Great little sanctuary and a nice cafe. Lots of gorgeous donkeys and mini shetlands. You could even adopt one!
38 locals recommend
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Great little sanctuary and a nice cafe. Lots of gorgeous donkeys and mini shetlands. You could even adopt one!
This is a small animal sanctuary who do wonderful work rescuing big cats and keeping them safe for the rest of their lives. There are two wonderful white lions and some tigers, two are new arrivals summer 2023 who were rescued from a terrible life.
The Wildheart Trust runs the zoo and is a young, dynamic and determined charity which is flourishing under the care of its Trustees and the commitment of its team. It was founded by Charlotte Corney, former CEO of the Isle of Wight Zoo. She inherited the zoo from her parents, Jack and Judith Corney and has dedicated her life to conservation and animal welfare. Her partner, Chris Packham, is a Trustee of The Wildheart Trust and champions its cause.
54 locals recommend
Isle of Wight Zoo
Yaverland RoadThis is a small animal sanctuary who do wonderful work rescuing big cats and keeping them safe for the rest of their lives. There are two wonderful white lions and some tigers, two are new arrivals summer 2023 who were rescued from a terrible life.
The Wildheart Trust runs the zoo and is a young, dynamic and determined charity which is flourishing under the care of its Trustees and the commitment of its team. It was founded by Charlotte Corney, former CEO of the Isle of Wight Zoo. She inherited the zoo from her parents, Jack and Judith Corney and has dedicated her life to conservation and animal welfare. Her partner, Chris Packham, is a Trustee of The Wildheart Trust and champions its cause.