Isle of Wight Guide
Sunny Isle of Wight beckons surfers and swimmers to golden beaches, and walkers to its wild and craggy coastline. Discover castles, historic harbours and Victorian opulence, and feast on fresh seafood and local wine.
Climb up for a view of the dramatic Needle Rocks in the west, Newtown River's bird-filled wetlands further north and the famous northern harbour of Cowes, venue for the huge annual regatta. To the east, try daring watersports like kitesurfing and jet-skiing at Bembridge. Join the holidaymakers at Blue Flag golden beaches in Sandown and Shanklin.
Take a ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for old-style public transport, and potter about at Queen Victoria's favourite country home, opulent Osborne House in East Cowes. Explore medieval Carisbrooke Castle in Newport and go wine-tasting at Adgestone Vineyard. Talk to the tigers at Isle of Wight Zoo and ride in the chairlift and play Jurassic Golf at The Needles Park in Alum Bay.
Get the binoculars out for a spot of bird-watching in the secluded area of Newtown River and on Yarmouth's estuary. Take a bracing cliff-top walk with a breathtaking view of the Needles or hire a bike and cycle along the specially marked routes. Get back to nature with some rustic camping on a farm. Play a round at Ryde Golf Course or explore the ruins of Benedictine monastery, Quarr Abbey.
Go paragliding 2000 feet above Ventnor or West Wight, or fly in a two-seater glider from Bembridge airport. Charter a boat in Cowes and beat the yachtsmen at their own game. Bump your way over challenging terrain for white-knuckle off-road 4x4 driving. Peer at underwater life while scuba-diving and show off your strength with some kitesurfing in Bembridge.
Taste freshly caught crab and lobster in a country pub or trendy bistro, or good old fish and chips from the takeaway. Try the strangest things made from locally grown garlic, the island's pride and joy. Quaff a pint or two of traditionally brewed cider, and wine from local vineyards. Round off your meal with Isle of Wight Blue cheese.
Make the most of the long summer nights and party with flocks of locals and visitors in Sandown and Ryde. Enjoy a good pint of local brew in upmarket Cowes and admire the graceful Victorian houses around Ventnor's pubs.
Load up with bottles of locally made wine, and all things dairy from the award-winning Isle of White Cheese Company. Enhance your cooking with oak-smoked garlic and gadgets from the Garlic Farm. Choose hand-crafted glass adorned with gold or silver from the Isle of Wight Studio Glass. Buy the yacht of your dreams in Cowes.
