12 Best Things To Do On The Isle of Wight – Hand Luggage Only

Located on the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is a beautiful place to visit. Not only that, but the Isle of Wight has some of the best things to do on the entire island. From coastal walks to quaint villages. There’s something for every type of traveler.

Over the years we have visited the Isle of Wight many times and loved each visit. Best of all, the Isle of Wight is easily accessible via Portsmouth and Southampton. Additionally, you can actually join another service from Lymington. In total, there are approximately 150+ crossings per day. This makes it very easy to visit the Isle of Wight on a day trip or a long weekend trip.

So to help you make the most of your time, here are the top places on the Isle of Wight that we think you’ll love. Have a great time exploring.

1.) St. Catherine’s Chapel

The medieval lighthouse of St. Catherine’s Chapel is very beautiful to visit. This lighthouse, located on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, was built by Sir Walter de Godeton.

It is said that the decision to build a lighthouse was inspired by the plundering of ships that ran aground on the coast in the 1300s.

To get here, please park your car at Kurokang Observation Deck Parking Lot Stroll through the fields and visit the St. Catherine’s Oratorio itself. Now, the route looks faint, but it’s quite uneven in parts. Even when wet, it can get muddy.

Therefore, be sure to wear good shoes. The walking distance may be relatively short (about 400 meters), but it can be slippery.

Afterwards, if you have time, why not take a walk around Char Bay? The coastline here is spectacular.

Read more: Things to do in Southampton

2.) Needle

Perhaps the most famous rock formation in all of Great Britain, the Needles are towering chalk boulders that jut out into the English Channel.

Best of all, the walk to and from The Needles is absolutely stunning.

Please park your car to get here here Follow the unmissable signs for ‘The Needles’. A light walk takes about 20 minutes. It’s great to see the views of the coastline.

When you get here, be sure to check out the Old Battery and stop by the little cafe for a beer. The scenery here is amazing.

If you want to explore more, head to the Needles Headland and Tennyson Down footpathsThis path follows the cliff line of the Isle of Wight. It’s very beautiful, but it can get rough on windy days.

3.) Godsil

Visiting Godsill, located in the heart of the island’s beating heart, is one of the best things to do when visiting the Isle of Wight. It may be a tiny little village, but its history goes back centuries and it is very beautiful.

After parking, be sure to explore Godsill on foot. It’s very nice, especially when visiting Godsil Model Village, and it’s very cute. Also, be sure to visit All Saints Church in Church Hill. griffin godsil For a proper pub lunch. Their roast lamb shank is very tasty.

Oh don’t forget to stop by Cheverton Farm Shop It is just a few minutes drive from Godsil. A great place to take home local produce.

4.) Cows Week

cows week It’s one of the most exciting times to visit the Isle of Wight. Over 700 boats and his nearly 50 boat races are held every day, making the entire coastline lively.

Not only that, but the town of Cowes hosts live music, food stalls, food and parties throughout the week. It is very fun.Stop by for a tasty bite The Anchor Inn It’s right next to the marina. Their seafood hotpot is very delicious.

Read more: Things to do in Southampton

5.) Shepherd’s Chin

A walk through Shepherd’s Chine, not far from St Catherine’s Oratory, is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight on the south coast. A great place for a walk by the sea.

Then, head to a cozy little dinosaur exploration center just off the main road. This whole area of England (and the wider Jurassic Coast) is well known for its dinosaur fossils.

6.) Osborne House

Exploring Osborne House, once Queen Victoria’s favorite royal residence, is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight for anyone who loves royal history.

It’s so much fun to go around and explore.

Best of all, you can actually explore the surrounding gardens and principal rooms of Osborne House itself. it’s very beautiful.

Please allow at least 2 hours to explore the grounds and parts of the interior.

I think you’ll like it.

Read more: Things to do in Portsmouth

7.) Isle of Wight Distillery

For distillery visits, mermaid bar At the Isle of Wight Distillery. This is one of my favorite gins (mermaid gin) and the bar itself is very nice as well.

Go here around lunchtime and have a few local gins. Oh, and be sure to buy some food too. We had amazing local crab and fries in the sun. Everything was very good.

8.) Tamsui Bay

Freshwater Bay is not far from The Needles and is easily accessible if you are on the west side of the island. Now, Freshwater Bay may be relatively small and quiet. But that’s all part of its charm.

Once you park, head to the small pebble beach or walk along the shoreline towards the ELM Memorial Obelisk. Oh, and be sure to stop by the Dimbola Gallery and Museum. Located in the historic home of Julia Margaret Cameron, a famous Victorian photographer.

Read more: Things to do in Portsmouth

9.) Carisbrooke Castle

Visiting Carisbrooke Castle, the famous castle where Charles I was imprisoned, is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight if you want to further explore England’s long history.

Best of all, you can access Carisbrooke Castle by driving from one side of the island to the other.

When you come here, you can explore 1000 years of history with this sight. That’s a bit unthinkable. Plus, you can learn all about the pre-medieval buildings. It is said that there are remains of an ancient Roman fort beneath the current building.

Read more: Best places to visit in the south of England

10.) Ventnor

Ventnor has a beautiful coastline with a beautiful bay on a sunny summer day. This is a spot you should add to your list of things to see on the Isle of Wight. Especially if you are a beach lover.

Are you getting hungry? Stop by Smoking Lobster or Spyglass Inn for a delicious meal. Both are really good options for a hearty lunch.

Afterwards, head to St. Boniface, the parish church in Bonchurch. This church is one of the few in England dedicated to the Saxon who died in 755. Even though they are very small, they are very special to see.

Also, don’t forget the Ventnor Botanical Gardens on the edge of town. This garden in Ventnor was established in 1970 and is home to several tropical trees and shrubs that thrive in this microclimate.

Read more: Best places to visit in the south of England

11.) Shanklin Chine

Exploring the Shanklin Chine is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight. This natural valley has matured over thousands of years, forming a beautiful nature reserve that you can still explore today.

There are many easily accessible trails here, including small waterfalls and lush gardens. There is also a wooden walkway that allows visitors to use and sightsee the area without having to scale the canyon itself.This makes visiting very easy

Oh, and don’t forget to have tea and scones in the small tea room.

12.) Shanklin Beach

While in Shanklin, you can stop along the popular Shanklin seafront, perfect for walks and swimming during the warm summer months.

There’s so much to do in this small seaside resort, whether you want to play a crazy round of golf, cycle the route, or just pop in for lunch at the front pub.

Then continue on to the town of Sandown, stopping at Dinosaur Island, said to be Europe’s first museum dedicated to dinosaurs.

Read more: Best places to visit in the south of England