Norm and Lou's top 15 things to do on the Island
Sightseeing
Queen Victoria's favourite holiday home, fantast house and grounds, and see where she used to walk down to the beach with Prince Albert, if you are one a visit to the Island for the first time, this place is a must (probably not for younger kids)
124 locals recommend
Osborne House Osborne House Estate
Queen Victoria's favourite holiday home, fantast house and grounds, and see where she used to walk down to the beach with Prince Albert, if you are one a visit to the Island for the first time, this place is a must (probably not for younger kids)
This place is just lovely, lots to do for little ones, and great sightseeing for for the mums and dads, it has a breath-taking chairlift down to the beach and boat trips out to the needles as well. We love it.
91 locals recommend
The Needles Landmark Attraction
Alum Bay New RoadThis place is just lovely, lots to do for little ones, and great sightseeing for for the mums and dads, it has a breath-taking chairlift down to the beach and boat trips out to the needles as well. We love it.
This is an oldy worldy village in the heart of the Island, it has a couple of great pubs, you can grab a cream tea, plus some pressies to take home, this is also the home of Isle of Wight Model village which is cool.
37 locals recommend
Godshill
This is an oldy worldy village in the heart of the Island, it has a couple of great pubs, you can grab a cream tea, plus some pressies to take home, this is also the home of Isle of Wight Model village which is cool.
We love Yarmouth, it is about 30 minute drive from our Caravan, but its lovely, lots of places to see, the car ferry coming in and out, lots of great pubs and restaurant's plus the pier to take a stroll on.
If you like fishing, this is the place to go.
We love having a drink at the terrace watching the world go by, and it feels like the ferry is going to join you for a drink when it arrives.
You can also get an open top bus from hear to the Needles which is an adventure and something a little different.
14 locals recommend
Yarmouth Harbour
The QuayWe love Yarmouth, it is about 30 minute drive from our Caravan, but its lovely, lots of places to see, the car ferry coming in and out, lots of great pubs and restaurant's plus the pier to take a stroll on.
If you like fishing, this is the place to go.
We love having a drink at the terrace watching the world go by, and it feels like the ferry is going to join you for a drink when it arrives.
You can also get an open top bus from hear to the Needles which is an adventure and something a little different.
I have listed this as Shanklin Old Village but as you will be staying in Shanklin, you walk (or drive if you need to) to the old village, take in the sights, maybe a cream tea, then enjoy Shanklin Chine, lovely during the day or lit up and looks fantastic in the evening, once through the Chine, you have the fisherman's cottage dating back to the 17th Century at the bottom of the Chine, then a stroll along the beach, deciding which one of the many pubs and restaurants to eat and drink at (something to suit all budgets) the views are fantastic, maybe hire a kayak , have an ice cream or play crazy golf at one of the three course Shanklin has, before strolling back to the caravan after a fantastic day, we would defy anybody not to enjoy themselves in Shanklin.
14 locals recommend
Shanklin Old Village
A3055I have listed this as Shanklin Old Village but as you will be staying in Shanklin, you walk (or drive if you need to) to the old village, take in the sights, maybe a cream tea, then enjoy Shanklin Chine, lovely during the day or lit up and looks fantastic in the evening, once through the Chine, you have the fisherman's cottage dating back to the 17th Century at the bottom of the Chine, then a stroll along the beach, deciding which one of the many pubs and restaurants to eat and drink at (something to suit all budgets) the views are fantastic, maybe hire a kayak , have an ice cream or play crazy golf at one of the three course Shanklin has, before strolling back to the caravan after a fantastic day, we would defy anybody not to enjoy themselves in Shanklin.
Family theme park
We think this is the best family day out on the Island, Black gang Chine is the famous one but we think this is better. Lots of activities for the kids to see and do plus they have really thought about nature and the area. We took our grandchildren here and they thought it was fantastic.
101 locals recommend
Robin Hill
Downend RoadWe think this is the best family day out on the Island, Black gang Chine is the famous one but we think this is better. Lots of activities for the kids to see and do plus they have really thought about nature and the area. We took our grandchildren here and they thought it was fantastic.
This is a great little zoo, mostly small animals, but always entertaining for the little ones, well worth a visit if you are over with your family.
43 locals recommend
Amazon World Zoo
Watery LaneThis is a great little zoo, mostly small animals, but always entertaining for the little ones, well worth a visit if you are over with your family.
Opposite to Amazon World this one is full of the big cats, Lions and Tigers, a great zoo to bring the family to.
54 locals recommend
Isle of Wight Zoo
Yaverland RoadOpposite to Amazon World this one is full of the big cats, Lions and Tigers, a great zoo to bring the family to.
Who doesn't love a steam train, this place is brilliant, lots to see and do, and they have really made an effort to make it interesting, kids of all ages will love this place.
48 locals recommend
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Main RoadWho doesn't love a steam train, this place is brilliant, lots to see and do, and they have really made an effort to make it interesting, kids of all ages will love this place.
This is a great way to spend a few hours, its idyllic setting and relaxed atmosphere is a refreshing change from the usual hustle and bustle, but still lots for the kids to see and do, they might even learn something ;-)
7 locals recommend
Calbourne Water Mill
Newport RoadThis is a great way to spend a few hours, its idyllic setting and relaxed atmosphere is a refreshing change from the usual hustle and bustle, but still lots for the kids to see and do, they might even learn something ;-)
Historic
Who doesn't love a castle. this one has it all, ramparts to run around, bags of history, we saw Jousting when we went, its great.
133 locals recommend
Carisbrooke Castle
Castle HillWho doesn't love a castle. this one has it all, ramparts to run around, bags of history, we saw Jousting when we went, its great.
Idyllic Beach
We had been coming to the Island for years before we even discovered this place, it is just idyllic, you have to walk there either from Ventnor or The Botanic gardens, but be warned the clue is in the name. Its not a flat stroll but worth it.
Our Favourite café is there as well, the Beach Shack, just the best Prawn sandwiches and a view to match.
69 locals recommend
Steephill Cove Chalet
Steephill RoadWe had been coming to the Island for years before we even discovered this place, it is just idyllic, you have to walk there either from Ventnor or The Botanic gardens, but be warned the clue is in the name. Its not a flat stroll but worth it.
Our Favourite café is there as well, the Beach Shack, just the best Prawn sandwiches and a view to match.
Lovely Gardens
The Island has its own micro climate and this place enhances it all, if you love your garden then this is a must visit, probably not for boisterous kids but it is beautiful, we tie this in with a walk down to Steephil cove and lunch in our favourite café.
87 locals recommend
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Undercliff DriveThe Island has its own micro climate and this place enhances it all, if you love your garden then this is a must visit, probably not for boisterous kids but it is beautiful, we tie this in with a walk down to Steephil cove and lunch in our favourite café.
Food scene
This is our favourite pub on the Island and we visit every time we go, (which is often ;-) ) great food, fantastic views superb ambiance, always great service, we sometimes park up at the other end of the beach (Ventnor harbour) have lunch in The Spyglass, then walk to Steep hill Cove (about 20 minutes) have an ice cream at Steep hill Cove, then stroll back to the car, what better way to spend an afternoon.
78 locals recommend
The Spyglass Inn
EsplanadeThis is our favourite pub on the Island and we visit every time we go, (which is often ;-) ) great food, fantastic views superb ambiance, always great service, we sometimes park up at the other end of the beach (Ventnor harbour) have lunch in The Spyglass, then walk to Steep hill Cove (about 20 minutes) have an ice cream at Steep hill Cove, then stroll back to the car, what better way to spend an afternoon.
The Hut at Colwell Bay, is up there as one of the best restaurants we have ever eaten at, you will need to book, and be warned, this is not a cheap night out, but the views and relaxed friendly atmosphere is exceptional, Lou had a fish and seafood laksa which she described as heaven, and I had Place which was the best I have ever had. We have only been there the once so but it was so good it has to get a mention, when I have saved up enough money we will return.
104 locals recommend
The Hut
Colwell Chine RoadThe Hut at Colwell Bay, is up there as one of the best restaurants we have ever eaten at, you will need to book, and be warned, this is not a cheap night out, but the views and relaxed friendly atmosphere is exceptional, Lou had a fish and seafood laksa which she described as heaven, and I had Place which was the best I have ever had. We have only been there the once so but it was so good it has to get a mention, when I have saved up enough money we will return.