Things to do on the Isle of Wight
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One of the great things about the Isle of Wight is that there’s lots to do and see and as it only takes around 40 minutes to drive from one side of the island to the other, nothing is very far away.
Tapnell Farm, Yarmouth - a great day out with the kids with lots of activities and a large water park.
The Needles, Alum Bay - one of the island’s main attractions. There’s shops, rides, boat trips, a chairlift and plenty of other things to see and do on a day out.
Robin Hill, a large country park with loads of family fun family to be had. There are restaurants and rides, lots of climbing and adventure activities. There’s also picnic areas and gift shop, a great day out!
Yarmouth - A quaint little town that’s worth a visit. A great place for crabbing on the pier. It has some lovely shops, pubs and restaurants and a Castle. There is also nearby Fort Victoria Country Park with attractions and a cafe.
Bicycle hire - you can hire bicycles at the Yarmouth station and explore the West of the Island. Booking required
The Garlic Farm - Shop, farm walk and restaurant for all garlic lovers. There’s always lots of activities throughout the summer with the garlic festival, bread making workshops, family supper with a live magic show and lots more. Check out their website for all the info.
Fishing trip - Black Rock Charters in Yarmouth. A supervised fishing trip where all of the equipment is provided.
Go karting - You can book a session at Wight Karting in Ryde. Great fun for adults and juniors.
Osborne House, East Cowes - Queen Victoria’s family home on the Isle of Wight. Stunning stately home and gardens where you can also walk (or shuttle bus) down to the private beach where the Royal children learnt to swim.
Dinosaur Isle museum - a great family friendly activity to learn all about fossils and dinosaurs.
The Model Village in Godshill - A lovely, beautifully detailed model village of the local area
Beaches
With over 25 beaches on the island, we are spoilt for choice for a sunny day out.
A few favorites are On the West side, there’s Colwell Bay, our nearest beach. Sand and shingle with a gentle slope which makes it perfect for young families.
Compton Bay is a beautiful, unspoiled beach which is popular with fossil hunters. Freshwater Bay is great for water sports and exploring
Appley Beach in Ryde is a long sandy beach with some beach front cafes and beach shops. Sandown - A traditional “bucket and spade” day out. A long, sandy beach, pier with amusements, crazy golf, deck chair hire with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Shanklin - A historic village with a bustling sea front and lots to do, crazy golf, amusements, shops and restaurants
Restaurants
Some of our favourites on the West of the Island - Off the Rails,Yarmouth - Lovely cafe serving delicious breakfasts and lunches
The Hut - Seafood restaurant in Colwell Bay
The Waterfront Bar and Restaurant in Totland Bay
The Bay by Seasons on Totland Pier
The Red Lion Pub in Freshwater (2 stops away on the number 7 bus)
Jaffran Indian Restaurant,
Freshwater Captain Cabin Cafe, Colwell Bay
Salty’s handcrafted sourdough pizza in Yarmouth
The Blue Crab in Yarmouth
The Piano Cafe in Freshwater (advisable to book a table)
Rainy day activities
If you do happen to have a rainy day to fill, there is a Cineworld cinema in Newport and The Commodore Cinema in Ryde.
Freshwater has a sports and community centre with a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. Bookings can be made at www.westwight.org.uk or give them a call on 01983 752168
Walking and cycling
There are public foot paths and bridleways all over the island. You can download a map at wightpaths.co.uk which has all of the routes clearly marked.
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Public transport
Buses The number 7 bus stops at the end of the road on Pixley Hill which runs from Alum Bay to Newport
Shopping
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Shopping There is a large Tesco on Alton Road, PO40 9UH which is 1 mile away from Hawthorn Cottage
Along Freshwater high street you will find a smaller Sainsburys and Co-op along with a great butcher, fishmonger, green grocer, baker and a selection of other shops