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Guides

Let us inspire your next holiday to the Isle of Wight or Purbeck

Vitamin Sea: Sea Swimming Pros and Cons

Discover the best spot for sea swimming on the Isle of Wight

Best places to eat on the Isle of Wight

Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience, traditional English fare, vegetarian or gluten-free options, or even the best bag of fish and chips on the Isle of Wight, we've taken our palettes on a journey to bring you a guide to the best of the best on the island.

A Guide to the Needles

Experience the Isle of Wight's most iconic attraction at The Needles Landmark Attraction

Guide to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Experience a taste of nostalgia with a day on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway

I'm dreaming of a Wight Christmas

The festive season is well and truly upon us and the Isle of Wight is transforming into a sparkling winter wonderland. With an abundance of bustling markets and festivals to choose from across the Island, this is a great opportunity to pick up some locally made gifts for someone special (or yourself!). Whether you’d like to visit a big traditional street market or a smaller festive fair, don your winter woollies and head on over to one of these Christmas markets on the Isle of Wight.

Days out on the Isle of Wight

From animal adventures to music festivals, theme parks to bike rides, we’ve put together a list of the top days out on the Isle of Wight to inspire your holiday.

A guide to dinosaurs on the Isle of Wight

A lot of different things have happened on Planet Earth since it was ruled by the dinosaurs. However, the one thing that has remained a constant over the last 120 million years is that the Isle of Wight has always been a popular holiday destination (even before it existed).  Ignoring the fact that the planet got really quiet for a couple of years after the dinosaurs got wiped out, it would appear that they really loved this part of England (even before it existed).

Things to do on the Isle of Wight

Just a short hop and a skip across The Solent, the Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s most idyllic holiday destinations and it is packed with attractions, natural wonders and days out. From leisurely strolls along the beach to hunting for dinosaur remains, and thrilling adventure activities, there are all sorts of things to do on the Isle of Wight.

Best events on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has a great variety of events and festivals throughout the year. From the famous Isle of Wight Festival and Cowes Week to the much-loved Garlic Festival and Christmas events, you will always have something to fill your calendar.

Best walks on the Isle of Wight

Walk the Isle of Wight and become bewitched by its diversity of grassland, woodlands, wild estuaries, chalk cliffs, and golden beaches. There are trails to suit walkers of all abilities and stamina. Walk in the footsteps of Tennyson and Dickens, and see some of the best sea views around.

24 hours on the Isle of Wight

You've got 24 hours to spend on the Isle of Wight. What will you get up to? Beginning with a bright and early 6am arrival on this island paradise, its size makes it easy to get around meaning you’ll be able to cram tonnes into a single day.

Things to see and do in Shanklin

Visit the popular seaside resort of Shanklin, situated on the south-east coast of the Isle of Wight. Famous for the wooded ravine of Shanklin Chine, as well as its enchanting Old Village, it also has a lovely sandy beach and esplanade, perfect for a memorable fun family holiday by the sea.

Things to see and do in Cowes

Come and enjoy all of the things that Cowes has to offer, including Cowes Week, held every summer. The town is a great place to visit whatever the time of year, with a calendar of sailing events as well as a wonderful variety of museums and historical landmarks, including Osborne House.

Things to see and do in Seaview

The pretty Edwardian seaside resort of Seaview has been welcoming visitors to its delightful shores for many years. With a selection of lovely beaches and spectacular views across the Solent to the mainland, it is the perfect base to visit the other towns and villages of the island.

Things to see and do in Swanage

Take a trip to the pretty village of Swanage on the east coast of the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. A traditional seaside resort full of amusements and attractions and with its own promenade and pier, it is the perfect place for a traditional family holiday by the sea.

Things to see and do in Freshwater

Visit the village of Freshwater on the western tip of the Isle of Wight, with pretty bays and beaches all around. Only minutes from the famous Needles Landmark and wide expanses of Tennyson Down, this is the perfect place to spend a fun holiday with family and friends.

Things to see and do in Kingston

Come and explore Kingston, a pretty rural village on the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. Near to a wonderful selection of beautiful golden beaches as well as the ruins of the magnificent Corfe Castle, you can spend days walking the many footpaths of the area as well as visiting the famous Studland Nature Reserve.

Things to see and do in Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle, a pretty village in Purbeck is home to the ruins of Corfe Castle, as well as a whole host of other historical places of interest. Catch a steam train from Swanage to Corfe Castle and its surrounding beaches of Swanage and Worth Matravers for a holiday full of coastal fun.

Top attractions on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is the perfect choice for a family break with a seemingly endless range of visitor attractions for you to discover. Visit the iconic Needles Landmark Attraction, or spend the day at Blackgang Chine or Robin Hill Country Park. Where will you go?

Best Cycling Trails on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a great destination for cyclists of all abilities. Whether you are looking to set yourself a challenge or a gentle amble with the family, the island offers contrasting landscapes and habitats to take a jaunt through. A highlight for serious cycling addicts is the wild Military Road on the south coast.

Days out in and around Yarmouth

Attractive Yarmouth, on the Isle of Wight, is home to one of the town largest marinas and an active port that links to the mainland via a ferry service. Take a visit to historical places of interest like Yarmouth Castle and Fort Victoria Park. The views across the Solent from here are spectacular.

Best walks on the Isle of Purbeck

Discover the best walks on the Isle of Purbeck that meander through the peninsula's contrasting habitats from chalk grasslands to starkly beautiful stretches of cliff top. Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia and EM Forster who let this unspoilt corner of England inspire them.
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