Top 10 Isle of Wight attractions as recommended by us

Our favourite attraction on the Island! It is a complete 1:10 scale model of Godshill and old Shanklin village as it was in the 1920s and ’30. Open March to November.

Situated 1 mile from Newport, Carisbrooke was built during the reign of William the Conqueror. In 1100 Henry 1st gifted the castle to Richard de Redvers. The family resided here for the next 200 years. The castle is best known as the place Charles 1st was imprisoned before his execution. The 16th C treadmill is still operated by the donkeys.

Nestling in the microclimate of the Undercliff, Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight has a subtropical and exotic plant collection unrivalled elsewhere in the UK. Located on the undercliff, the gardens spread over a 22 acre site formerly occupied by a hue Victorian hospital which was built for people with respiratory diseases.

No trip to the island would be complete without a visit to this royal seaside palace where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children. Explore Queen Victoria's private beach, admire the stunning view from the terraces across the Solent and take a glimpse into Queen Victoria’s family life.

Enjoy the unique tranquillity of Shanklin Chine, the Isle of Wight's oldest tourist attraction, which first opened in 1817. This famous leafy gorge is much loved by poets, artists and writers and houses flowers, exotic birds, tearooms and exhibitions. Open Easter to end of October.

Tapnell Farm Park is the perfect place for indoor and outdoor fun, connecting with and learning about animals, and enjoying delicious food and snacks with some of the best views on the Island!
 

Meet the friendly group of animals, and get “hands-on” with Daily Activity sessions! Go wild on the many indoor and outdoor activities, which include a huge soft play zone, jumping pillow, pedal go-karts and lots more.
 

The sight of powerful majestic steam engines, the charm of quiet rural stations, and the friendliness of traditionally uniformed staff, will leave you with some enduring memories of a special day out. Tickets can be bought for a fantastic 10 mile trip. The station also has a licenced cafe, gift shop and museum. Open end of May to mid September.

Situated in the Arreton Valley, near Newchurch, this is home to the Boswell Family who have farmed here since 1950. Now home to a huge range of goodies including a shop and restaurant.

Calbourne Mill sits in 35 acres of beautiful countryside as in one of the oldest water mills in the UK, with a history that can be traced right back to the 11th Century. Apart from feeding the peacocks, geese, ducks, moorhens and doves there is a beautiful ancient oak woodland which is home to badgers, red squirrels, foxes and many many more birds and small mammals. There is also Adventure golf by the side of the mill stream, pedalos for those with more energy, fully licensed cafe & gift shop.