Absorb Some Vitamin Sea

Lose yourself in the Land of Imagination at Blackgang Chine…the UK’s oldest amusement park where you step out of the everyday and into a magical world where the only constraint is your own creativity.

Explore a world like no other where you truly can be whoever you want to be. Round up giant beasts as a courageous dinosaur keeper in Restricted Area 5; cast spells from your own castle as a magical fairy in Fairyland; chose to be either an outlaw or sheriff as a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy in Cowboy Town; challenge your friends to a duel aboard a battle ship as a swashbuckling pirate in Pirate Cove; or come face to face with a 60ft whale as a deep sea diver in Underwater Kingdom…where will your imagination take you?

Chances to brave an adrenaline-inducing roller coaster ride or speed down the waterslide, mixed with the wholesome nostalgia of Blackgang Chine’s quirky attractions, allow you to seamlessly experience classic adventure alongside timeless excitement.

On top of all that, you can watch the Land of Imagination come to life as Blackgang Chine celebrates a season filled with epic family-friendly events. From an action-packed dino-themed Easter and special guests in May to the biggest summer party for kids that the Isle of Wight has seen and a spooky Halloween-themed October, the park will keep you entertained throughout the year.

Step into Queen Victoria's summer palace, Osborne House, where the Queen of England entertained her important guests. Osborne was built specifically for Victoria and Albert, and its architecture and furnishings reflect their passions, taste and style.

Explore the gardens and grounds, take a stroll down to the Swiss Cottage that Prince Albert build for their nine children. Let you own kids run free in the royal playground! 

Grab an ice cream at the cafe on Queen Victoria's private beach, and see one of her original bathing machines, which she used for privacy while enjoying the benefits of sea-bathing.

You can feel a real sense of history here. Heads of state, inventors, princes and princesses, all walked these opulent corridors, when Osborne was at the centre of a vast British Empire. 

Osborne’s time-warp atmosphere makes it an excellent location for filming period pieces, and the house recently featured in the film, Victoria & Abdul. 

With only a handful of cottages, brightly coloured canopied deckchairs, beach huts, lobster pots and an old donkey, you would be forgiven for thinking that you had stepped back in time. Some people liken it to the hidden coves in Cornwall, whilst others think of the palm-fringed bays of the Mediterranean. Welcome to Steephill Cove on the sunny south side of the Isle of Wight.

Arguably the prettiest place on the Island, situated just south of the Victorian seaside town of Ventnor, Steephill Cove is a traditional, unspoilt fishing cove with a safe, sandy beach, nestled between rocky cliffs and smugglers' coves.

This little bay has no road access, making it a unique noise and pollution free beach. Parking is five minutes away in the award winning Botanical Gardens, or the private car park(cheaper) above the Cove on the main road.
 

Carved by Mother Nature’s own hands over thousands of years, the stunning tree lined gorge that is Shanklin Chine cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and esplanade far below.

Attracting many millions of visitors to wander through and marvel at its beauty over a near double century of seasonal openings, Shanklin Chine can truly say it’s lasted the test of visitor time. There are few places on the Isle of Wight, let alone England, that can boast such a tranquil and picturesque location.

The Isle Of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is welcoming families to explore and visit the resident 97 donkeys and 26 ponies in their home, all of whom were rescued or found abandoned.

They are given a ‘forever home’ in 55 acres of countryside in the Wroxall valley where they get first class care and welfare. Over 50 volunteers support the staff at the Sanctuary to ensure that the donkeys ‘want for nothing!’

The Sanctuary is a free entry, free parking site with a gift shop and a cafe. They are still open today thanks to the goodwill of supporters, visitors and people who adopt donkeys or buy products the shop and cafe.

Take the family to enjoy the interactive activities and seasonal events – you can even show your support by adopting a Donkey of your own, complete with an adoption certificate to take home of course!

The Garlic Farm is located in the beautiful Arreton Valley. Take a farm walk and open your eyes and ears to the flora and fauna of this natural habitat for birds, animals, insects, wild flowers which co-exist with their farmed crops.

The farm is dog friendly, and the education centre and play-park is great for the children to explore! Keep an eye out for special seasonal events and workshops, such as garlic bread making, planting, plaiting and grapping!

Indulge your senses in the taste experience room, there's something for everyone from the sweet chutneys and smooth mayonnaises to the hottest hot garlic sauce you'll never forget – You can even try garlic ice-cream! Don’t miss the chance to dine in the restaurant between 9am-5pm, and we also recommend you take a look in the shop before you leave!

The IOW bus museum is a registered charity and run completely by volunteers and has a display of around 20 historic vehicles, transport artefacts, displays, photographs, a tea bar and a shop.

Exhibits range from an 1880s Civility Stage Coach, a 1934 Dennis Ace, to more recent vehicles. There are examples of vehicles under restoration, many items of memorabilia, and a vast collection of photographs reflecting the heyday of the Island as a holiday destination.

Enjoy FREE ADMISSION -Open from Easter to the end of October on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, plus bank holidays.

Keep an eye on the website for running weekends when you can travel free on the buses, especially in October on the Island-wide Classic Bus and the Beer and Walks Weekend, see: www.iwbeerandbuses.co.uk

Land or Sea?

This is one for the adrenaline junkies!

There is an activity for all ages and abilities as you can try Kayaking, Archery, Paddleboarding, Giant Paddleboarding, Axe Throwing, Bushcraft, Climbing, Mountain Boarding, Coasteering and more!

Offering the widest range of land and water based activities on the Isle of Wight, I’m sure you can find something for all the family.

Immerse yourself in a jungle experience!

View a wide range of unusual, rare and exotic animals spanning the entire animal kingdom!

Visit this conservation-minded venue with over 200 species including tropical birds, cats and meerkats.

Take part in the daily ‘Meet the Animal’ sessions, make use of the on-site cafe and gift shop, or we're sure the kids will love the large Jurassic themed adventure playground!

It’s no secret that the Isle of Wight is one of the richest areas for dinosaur discovery in Europe, with over 25 different species of dinosaur being discovered here, the Isle of Wight as earned the title of “Dinosaur Island”.

Dr Paul Barrett from the Natural History Museum has named the Isle of Wight, UK’s Dinosaur Capital as part the new dinosaur map of Britain, what better place to learn about the Cretaceous Period than stepping into spectacularly shaped structure that resembles a Pterosaur called Dinosaur Isle.

As Britain’s first purpose built dinosaur attraction, Dinosaur Isle is a family-friendly museum it can be found in Sandown a stone throw away from the beach. The exhibition is inside so it’s perfect for all weathers.

Stepping foot inside Dinosaur Isle, you will be able to encounter and discover dinosaurs that once freely called the Isle of Wight home. You can meet gigantic models of the Islands famous five dinosaurs – Polacanthus, Iguanodon, Eotyrannus, Hypsilophodon and Neovenator.

Inside the museum you can observe specialists prepare the latest findings and get hands on with many interactivities.

Head down to Dinosaur Isle for an interactive educational experience for all ages don’t forget to pop into the gift shop on the way out. 

If you heading over to West Wight for a drive along the Military Road, dropping in at the Isle of Wight Pearl is a must, the historic Brighstone venue is home to a stunning collection of unique pearl jewellery. The in-house award-winning design team creates captivating pieces and they are also available for repairs, restringing and commissions.

Isle of Wight Pearl offers free, fun and informative master classes where participants can learn about the fascinating world of pearls, discovering how pearls are cultured, cultivated and turned into stunning jewellery. Booking is essential.

The thrilling Pick-A-Pearl experience allows you to choose an oyster and discover the contents. A pearl specialist will describe the unique features and present you with a valuation. A choice of jewellery settings can be recommended and a certificate is issued to validate your pearl. It’s a truly unique experience and a beautiful keepsake to celebrate your time on the Isle of Wight.

While here, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the Pearl Café while looking out to the spectacular panoramic cliff-top views over the English Channel.

One of the Islands multi award-winning attractions is the Isle of Wight steam railway. The beautifully preserved railway creates the perfect backdrop to a spectacularly special day out. Majestic steam engines, stunningly restored period carriages, rural stations and friendly staff dressed in traditional Southern Railway uniform adds to the feeling of being in different era of time.

While traveling along the 10 mile round journey you can experience history, heritage and the outstanding natural beauty of The Island, embracing the smells and sights of steam hauled travel.  You can embark on your journey from Wootton, Smallbrook junction or Havenstreet station.

Havenstreet is a restored 1940’s station and is the home of the railways major events and other interactivities. Learn and experience the sights and sounds of over 150 years of railway history. The amazing interactive museum displays Victorian and Edwardian carriages some of which can be stepped aboard for a closer inspection. Children can enjoy dressing up as drivers and guards and re-enacting stories from the past.

Throughout your visit to Havenstreet don’t forget to take a stroll through the Woodland walk, discover mischievous messages and imaginative characters as you venture through the trees, where you will eventually find the Woodland Stage; a unique performance area used during special events to present street theatre, music and story-telling.

The well-stocked gift shop sells a variety of souvenirs to remember your trip while hosting a small artefacts gallery for visitors to enjoy.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is also the home for Haven Falconry- Bird of Prey Centre. 

A trip on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a guaranteed family- fun day out check their website for any up and coming events. Booking is essential.

The Isle of Wight Zoo, is a popular wildlife sanctuary inside the former Victorian Fort built to guard Sandown’s Coastline. Once upon a time zoo owners used to walk tiger cubs along the beach; a story the zoo is famous for locally. 
 
The zoo is dedicated to providing a life-long loving home for rescued big cats and other animal residents.  The devoted animal care team will be active throughout your visit, leading talks, feeds, enrichment activities and on hand to answer questions about the animals. The Isle of Wight Zoo specialises in tigers and lemurs however has animals from all around the world from reptiles and birds to monkeys and lions even Giant European rabbits which love a snuggle. 
 
If you have ever watched “Tiger Island” on ITV, you will know it was filmed at the Isle of Wight Zoo, showing the various aspects of zoo life including the designing of new enclosures or making enrichment toys for the animals. Many stars of the show still call the Isle of Wight home and can be seen enjoying the sanctuary. 
 
Head over to their website if you’re looking to experience some close encounters with the exotic wildlife. Pre-booking is essential. 
 
The Isle of Wight Zoo is a perfect place to spend a day learning about exotic wildlife and the observing what it takes to rescue such animals. The children can enjoy exploring the huge animal themed adventure playground rebuilt in 2019. The onsite café serves hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice cream. Don’t forget to pop into the gift shop on the way out. 
 

Britain’s hottest garden is situated in the remarkable microclimate in Ventnor. This incredibly unique garden has an average rainfall of 28 inches the climate is likened to the Mediterranean enabling a vast variety of plants to grow.

Collections of subtropical plants grow here in this unrivalled paradise garden. Many plants are shown in representations of geographical regions allowing them to grow alongside each other as they would in the wild.

Visitors can immerse themselves in landscapes from across the world viewing an impressive collection of variety. Spend the afternoon walking around the garden discovering plants rarely seen in Britain, not to mention the stunning views across the English Channel.

The incredible Tropical House reflects curvilinear conservatories of the Victorian era. Visitors can experience the tropical heat and humidity that encourages plants to grow.

With the edulis Restaurant and The Plantation Room Café on site you are spoilt for choice on what and where to eat. 

The stunning edulis Restaurant serves the freshest ingredients including rare fruits; vegetables, micro-herbs and living salads all grown in the garden combined with the best of Isle of Wight local produce.

If you’re looking for a relaxing experience, Ventnor Botanical Garden hosts a range of yoga and wellbeing classes. The garden has a rich heritage of health and wellbeing as the site historically used to be a Victorian chest and respiratory hospital, the history of healing continues today.

Check out the gift shop, featuring home and garden wares, local art and photography and produce made using rare and exotic ingredients grown at Ventnor Botanical Gardens.