Isle of Wight – the most authentic experiences as recommended by our experts
Yaverland Beach, Credit Visit Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight emerged as a fashionable holiday destination in the mid-nineteenth century after Queen Victoria bought Osborne House as her summer residence and became a frequent visitor to the island. In those days, visitors to the island arrived by steam train and paddle steamer. Rail-sail is still a popular way to access the island today, but with modern, speedier and more comfortable vessels.
To give you the insider intel, we’ve asked our experts to share their top tips on the most authentic experiences the island has to offer.
Must see beaches
Dinosaur fossils at Brook Bay, Credit Visit Isle of Wight
As an island of just 22 miles wide and 13 miles long, the Isle of Wight has many beach locations to explore. It’s a free day-out whatever the time of year.
Our experts recommend:
“I like the lesser known Whitecliff Bay, framed by Culver Down, offering a quieter experience. It’s a lovely little place, well sheltered from the prevailing winds, safe and there is space for you to relax a bit. As a family we have spent hours combing the beach looking for spectacular small bits of sea glass – often nicknamed mermaid tears. We have collected so much of it over the years, every new tide seems to replenish the sand with more little gems! Watching the sunset from Culver Cliff is also magical and surprisingly doesn’t attract huge crowds of people.” Captain Dave Booker, Wightlink
“Beaches are abundant across the Island but my favourite is at Ryde, as it has soft sand, lots of space particularly at low tide, with plenty of cafés and amenities including a children’s play park on the beach. “ Captain Nick Wood, Chief Hovercraft Pilot, Hovertravel
“The Wealden beds are famous for their dinosaur remains. They emerge along the south west coast in a long stretch from Compton to Atherfield. These areas are where all the best fossils have been found, and are great places to go fossil hunting.” Neil Chapman, Chief of Operations, Red Funnel
We recommend:
21-shades of sand – swerve the chairlift and take the 185 steps down to Alum Bay, famous for its multi-coloured sand cliffs. Arrive by bus to avoid the parking fees!
Must see wildlife and nature
Coastal views from Culver Down, Credit Visit Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight was awarded UNESCO Biosphere status in 2019, which recognises the unique combination of nature, people and places on the Island, where communities and the environment work together in an increasingly sustainable way.
Cliff-top coastal paths, wetlands, forests and downs provide varied walking and cycling routes across the island.
Our experts recommend:
“My favourite walk is to follow the Isle of Wight Coastal Path from Whitecliff Bay to Bembridge. Lots of beautiful, elevated sea views and walking through unspoilt fields and meadows.” Captain Dave Booker, Wightlink
“Parkhurst Forest near Newport is a real gem for wildlife. One of the oldest forests in the country, it’s a fantastic spot if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel. It’s also part of the Red Squirrel Trail, 32 miles of mostly traffic‑free cycling through the heart of the Isle of Wight. Along the way you pass estuaries, woodland, farmland, rolling downland and even stretches of the Island’s stunning coastline, so there’s plenty to enjoy even if the squirrels stay shy.” Claire Harding, Wightlink
Must visit for families:
Robin Hill Country Park, Credit Visit Isle of Wight
A perennial favourite bucket-and-spade destination, the Isle of Wight has plenty of family-friendly activities, including Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest theme park.
Our experts recommend:
“There is so much to do at Tapnell Farm Park. The kids love the giant pillow, the go-karts and the alpacas.
“A firm family favourite is racing down the toboggans at Robin Hill Country Park. It’s all about seeing who can get to the bottom fastest, with plenty of laughter, a bit of healthy competition and us getting braver every single time!” Claire Harding, Wightlink
We recommend:
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary – home to over 100 rescued donkeys and ponies near Wroxall, the animal sanctuary allows you to learn more about these gentle and affectionate creatures. There are free guided tours during the school holidays, and there’s the opportunity to purchase an extra special experience while you’re there, where an expert will guide you to groom, feed and muck out the animals.
Must eat and drink:
The Hut, Colwell Bay, Credit Visit Isle of Wight
Producers such as the Isle of Wight Cheese Company, Isle of Wight Tomatoes, The Garlic Farm and Mermaid Gin have truly put the island on the foodie map. Many local restaurants and cafes use seasonal and locally sourced produce, so you won’t get food any fresher.
Our experts recommend:
“For breakfast, the winner for me is Briddlesford Farm. It’s the best place I’ve ever been for breakfast in the entire UK! The quality of the food is exceptional, the coffee is great, and the staff even allow you to swap an item of two so you can curate your perfect full English! If you’re hungry the Farmer’s Feast is a must. Visit the farm shop and animal petting area afterwards.” Captain Dave Booker., Wightlink
“We always go back to The Blacksmiths just outside Newport. There are panoramic views from its high vantage point over the northern part of the Island, the Solent and onto the New Forest, Southampton and Portsmouth. The food is delicious and there is always a specials board in addition to the excellent main menu.” Captain Dave Booker, Wightlink
“Colwell Bay has the best sunsets in the South of England. Watch the sun go down with a plate of fish & chips from beachside restaurant, The Hut.” Neil Chapman, Red Funnel
“Adgestone Vineyard recently appeared on TV with the BBC’s ‘Apprentice’ and is well worth a stop. It’s a beautiful, small, quiet vineyard with a lovely shop and bar. The staff are very pleasant and helpful as well. We purchased a bottle of their famous ‘Something Blue’ sparkling wine.” Captain Dave Booker, Wightlink
“The Smoke House at Robin Hill ticked all the boxes: relaxed, welcoming and brilliant value. We tucked into a BBQ platter fresh off the grill, piled high with big flavours and generous portions, while the kids loved the laid‑back vibe.” Claire Harding, Wightlink
Must see views from the ferry
Red Funnel approaching Cowes
Red Funnel: Southampton – Cowes
“The holiday starts as soon as you set sail from Southampton, go out on deck and you won’t be able to miss Hythe Pier, the 640m long pier on the western side of Southampton Water, it’s the 7th longest in Britain! Then on the eastern side you’ll glimpse Netley Chapel, all that remains of one of Britain’s first purpose-build hospitals. Built for veterans of the Crimea War between 1856 and 1863, but demolished after a fire in 1966, the ruins of the Chapel form part of Royal Victoria Country Park.” Neil Chapman, Red Funnel
Super off-peak day return with Red Funnel (travel after 10:55) from £14 when 2 or more people travel together, a family day return from £48.90, or if you want to stay a bit longer, you can get a short stay return from £27.40 per person.
Wightlink: Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Portsmouth to Ryde Pier, Lymington to Yarmouth
“Wightlink’s Portsmouth Gunwharf to Fishbourne route is blessed with many fantastic landmarks. Outbound on your port side you will see The Round Tower in the Harbour Entrance, the Royal Garrison Church and Southsea Castle. To starboard you’ll spot Spitbank Fort, Fort Gilkicker and the Isle of Wight across the Solent. Once past Gosport and heading across the main shipping channels in the central Solent, views of Quarr Abbey, Ryde Pier and Osborne House punctuate the spectacular coastline of the Isle of Wight.
“Inbound you’ll see Portsmouth Harbour, including two spectacular towers (The Spinnaker and ‘Lipstick’). As you head into the harbour, catch glimpses of our naval heritage including HMS Warrior and HMS Victory in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the submarine HMS Alliance in Haslar Marina. If you are lucky, you might also see one of the two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers docked at the Naval Base.” Captain Dave Booker, Wightlink
From £28.20 for a day-return
Hovertravel: from Southsea to Ryde
“Travelling by hovercraft is the fastest and coolest way to start a staycation; the route skims past 1860s sea forts and Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.” Captain Nick Wood, Chief Hovercraft Pilot
Advanced day return from £30.60 per person, an advanced period return from £41.40 or an advanced family day return from £65 (2 adults & up to 3 children 5-15yrs)
Ways to Save
- Book in advance;
- Consider combining ferry and accommodation, or ferry and attraction tickets to save money;
- Vehicle fares include the vehicle and up to 7 passengers, so if you are travelling in a group, then going by car offers great value and the easiest way to see the island;
- Foot passenger day trip ferry tickets are from as little as £14 return on Red Funnel for the Super Off-Peak day return