The Isle of Wight District Association of The
Home Our Holiday Site Events Other DA s Committee
Ferry information Help Visitor Book Places of Interest
The
The Isle of Wight is about 23 miles
from East to West and 13 miles North to South. The island became fashionable
when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built a home at Osborne. It is surrounded
by a wealth of lovely beaches which comply with EU standards, the
vast majority of which are sandy, the nearest one to our Temporary Holiday Site
is The Duver 2.5 miles away. The others vary from Shanklin and Sandown which
are highly commercialised to Compton on the south west coast, which is very
quiet and used by the locals. If you are active then the Island has the
Country's best network of marked footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes. If you
just want to relax then there are beaches, country parks and beautiful
scenery around every corner.
Are you interested in Dinosaurs or
Fossils? We have them in abundance! The South West Coast is a happy hunting
ground for both of them. The Island has the latest hi-tech dinosaur museum,
worthy of recommendation. The drive around the Island is about 60 miles long.
The island has over 100 places of interest. It is a holiday
resort so you will find all the usual attractions & facilities which cater
for everyone’s needs from the very young to the more mature. Perhaps wildlife
is your scene - Red squirrels, Barn owls, Peregrine Falcons, Buzzards, Red
Kites, Kestrels and bats have all been seen on or around the site. Visit the
Isle of Wight Zoo, that specialise in Tigers. Take the Train north to Ryde or
south to Shanklin. At Smallbrook Junction you can take the steam train to
Wootton.
Going clockwise round the island,
visit the Museum of Smuggling History and the Botanic Garden near Ventnor. Go
to the theme park and the industrial heritage sites at Blackgang Chine. At the
western end of the Isle of Wight are the famous Needles. Visit the Old Battery.
Newport is the capital with the Museum of Island History and Timmy Taylor’s Toy
Box. Special events include Cowes Week, the Round the Island Yacht Race,
several walking and cycling races, marathons and regattas, or maybe you would
like to learn to sail yourself, this is possible at Medina Valley Centre,
Dodnor Lane, Newport. 01983 522195 www.medinavalleycentre.org.uk , UKSA Artic Rd Cowes 01983 294941
and Go Sail in East Cowes 01983 280220. There is more information on the
council's web site at www.iwight.gov.uk . The local Bus Company is Southern
Vectis www.islandbuses.info
Home Our Holiday Site Events Other DA s Committee
Ferry information Help Visitor Book The IOW
Adgestone Vineyard
Vineyard and working Winery Adgestone, Near Sandown 01983 402503
www.adgestonevineyard.co.uk
Afton Park Nursery.
Orchard, Cafe and Gardens Newport Road, Freshwater Bay 01983 755774
www.aftonpark.co.uk
Amazon World
All weather Amazon Rainforest attraction, Over 200 species of birds and animals.
Watery Lane, Newchurch www.amazonworld.co.uk 01983 867122
Appuldurcombe House
(EH) Partially restored shell of 18thCentury English Baroque House. Ornamental
grounds landscaped by Capability Brown. Appuldurcombe Road. Wroxall 01983 852484
www.appuldurcombe.co.uk
Arreton Old Village & Barns The
ancient village of Arreton is set in the geographical heart of the Island Visit
the Craft Village, Pub, Lavender Cottage and 12th century Church.
Arreton 01983 528353
Bembridge Heritage Centre
A fascinating exhibition housed in a former Victorian school. Access for
wheelchair users, but W.C. in adjacent building. Church Road, Bembridge 01983
873606
Bembridge Wind Mill The
Isle of Wight’s only surviving windmill, dated from around 1700. Much of
it’s wooden machinery is still intact. Access to upper floor. Mill Road,
Bembridge 01983 873945
Blackgang Chine 40
acres of cliff top gardens, Fancy attractions, Cowboy Town, Dinosaur Land,
Nursery Land, Pirate Fort, Jungle Land, Fairy Castle, Giant Snakes and Ladders
and more.Chale, NR Ventnor 01983 730330 www.blackgangchine.com
Powersail Chandlers Ltd.
East Cowes Boat rides and Charter Fast rides around the Solent. View the
yachting, Osborne House etc, Tel 01983299800
Bonchurch Pottery
Andrew Bristow's studio pottery on the seafront at Bonchurch. Shore Road,
Bonchurch 01983 854445
Sandown Bowling Club Sandham
Grounds, Culver Parade, 01983 405550 / 01983 402128
Brading Roman Villa 3rd
century roman villa once the centre of a rich and prosperous farming estate. The
villa is mostly under cover, with fine mosaic floors. Morton Old Road, Brading
NR Sandown 01983 406223
Brickfields Horse Country
Brickfields boasts a B.H.S. Riding School with indoor arena. Shire Horses
including the unique Shire twins. Bud and Weiser Miniature Shetlands. Farm
Animals and Museums Newnhan Road. Binstead www.brickfields.net 01983 566801
BrighstoneVillage Museum (NT)
Small museum with Victorian theme, housed in picturesque stone cottage with
adjoining National Trust shop. Brighstone 01983740689 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/regions/southern
Butterfly World and Fountain World Landscaped
indoor gardens with exotic free flying butterflies. Brilliant fountain dispays,
small world, jumping jets and Italian and Japanese water gardens with koi carp.
Wootton 01983 883430
Calbourne Water Mill and Rural Museum 17th
century watermill over shot wheel, millstone and 1896 roller plant. Rural
Museum, Gardens, Peacocks, waterfowl Calbourne, NR Newport01983 531227
www.calbournewatermill.com
Carisbrooke Castle
(EH) Motte and bailey castle where Charles I was imprisoned. See the donkeys
demonstrate how they worked the wheel in Medieval Well House. Museum, Events,
Costumed guides in summer Carisbrooke near Newport www.english-heritage.org.uk
01983 522107
Chessell Pottery See
the creation of delicate porcelain. Studio, Clay Play Chalet, showroom and art
gallery in 300 year old farm complex. Chessell near Yarmouth 01983 531248
www.chesselpottery.co.uk
Cineworld Multiplex Cinema Enjoy
a wide range of films in luxury surroundings. Coppins Bridge, Newport 01983
550800 www.cineworld.co.uk
Classic Boat Museum Collection
of lovingly restored classic boats, sail and motorised,dating back to the 19th
century. Home of original 1887 rowing lifeboat. Boating memorabilia exhibition.
Newport Harbour, Newport 01983 533493
Coastal Visitors Centre
Exhibition of all aspects of the island's coastline, including management of
landslides. Aquarium of sea life Guided walks. Lectures and student enquiry
service Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Road, Ventnor www.coastalwight.gov.uk 01983
855400
Colemans Animal Farm Lots
of animals to feed and cuddle Colemans Lane Porchfield01983 522831
Country Music Vectis
Country Music Club Tel. 01983 822209
Cowes Maritime Museum
Exhibition in local library, with paintings and models depicting local maritime
history. including Prince Philip's "Coweslip", designed by Uffa Fox.
Cowes Library, Beckford Road. Cowes 01983 293341
Cruises Pleasure
Cruises depart from Alum Bay, Cowes, Ryde and Yarmouth throughout the season
Croson Ltd 01202 558550 Gosport Ferry Ltd 02392 524551Hurst Castle Ferries 01590
642500 Needles Pleasure Cruises 01983 754477 Puffin Cruises 01590 644004 Solent
and Wightline Cruises 01983 564602 Teamtec 01983 753989
Cycling The
Isle of Wight has cycle ways. Mountain bike trails and a signposted "Round
the Island Cycle Route" following country lanes and bridleways. A handbook
is on sale at Tourist Information Centres.
Cycle Hire Companies: Bikemech
(W.Wight) 01983756787 Extreme Cycles (S.Wight) 01983 852232 Isle Cycle Hire (W.Wight)
01983 760219 Offshore Sports (N & E. Wight) 01983 866269
Dimbola Lodge
Museum and galleries devoted to photography in former home of Victorian
photographer; Julia Margaret Cameron. Also contemporary exhibitions, bookshop
and vegetarian restaurant. Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay www.dimbola.co.uk 01983
756814
Dinosaur Farm Museum
Talk to the experts working on the conservation of local dinosaur bones buried
for 120million years. Bring your own fossils for identification. Brighstone
01983 740844www.dinosaur-farm.co.uk
Dinosaur Isle 120
million years in the making, the geological odyssey of the Isle of Wight.
Fleshed out dinosaurs, dinosaur skeletons and local fossils, Culver parade,
Sandown 01983 404344 www.dinosaur-isle.uk.com
Fishing Sea fishing trips are popular all year round and it is advisable to book
in advance. You can also fish from the shore or one of the Island's three piers
Freshwater fishing is available in rivers (for which a rod licence is required)
and at several lakes, details are available at Tourist Information Centres
Catchalot Charters - Sea fishing trips from Bembridge Harbour all year Tel:
01983 874100 Mobile: 07974 179310 or Seacatch - Mackerel Fishing from Ryde07971
282406
Flamingo Park Wildlife Encounter Exceptional
hands on experience feeding wildlife of many kinds. Springvale, Seaview 01983
612261 www.flamingoparkiw.com
Fort Victoria Country Park 50
acres of woodland centred around a Victorian Fort. Guided Ranger Tours. Fort
Victoria, Yarmouth 01983 823893
Fort Victoria Marine Aquarium
Aquarium with mainly local sea tanks. Discover some of the many strange
inhabitants of our sea and shore. Then be amazed by the life from tropical
reefs. Fort Victoria, Yarmouth 01983 760283
Fort Victoria Sunken History Exhibition
Learn
about the work of local marine archaeologists and see their latest excavations.
Fort Victoria, Yarmouth
Fort Victoria Model Railway An
orbit of 450 feet on the longest of eight routes, 65 computer controlled trains
Fort Victoria, Yarmouth
Ghost Walks Join
a guided ghost walk at Newport and learn about the town’s most haunted places.
Tickets at Tourist Infomation
Golf Courses
The Isle of Wight boasts 8 golf courses set in beautiful countryside A separate
free leaflet with full details of courses. Tuition, driving range and equipment
hire is available from Tourist Information Centres
Herb Nursery
Newly developed Herb Garden, including 20 metre Thyme bank. Chine Lane, Yafford,
Nr. Shorwell www.waysideherbs.co.uk
Horse Riding Discover
the Island's coast and countryside on horseback. Hard hats available Allendale
Equestrian Centre. (Godshill) 01983 840258 Bellwood Liveries (Nr. Yarmouth)
01983 531261 Brickfields Horsecountry (Nr. Ride) 01983 566801 Romany Riding
Stables (Porchfield) 01983 525467 Sally's Riding (Bembridge) 01983 872260
Island Brass Rubbing Centre
Craft centre specialising in Medieval facsimile brasses and brass rubbings. The
Coach House St. George’s Church, Arreton geocities.com/islandbrass 01983
527553
Island Planetarium and Astronomy
Centre Planetarium theatre and astronomy centre with fascinating exhibition
& multimedia shows. Fort Victoria, Yarmouth www.islandastronomy.co.uk 01983
761555
Island Speed Way Premier
League 500cc Motorcycle Speedway racing. Smallbrook Stadium, Ashey Rd, Ryde
01983 811180
Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum
Unique collection of vehicles and road passenger memorabilia dating from 1927 to
dateThe Quay, Newport 01983 533352
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Registered
charity rescuing donkeys in need. Lower Winstone Farm, Wroxall 01983 852693
www.donksanc.demon.co.uk
Isle of Wight Model Railways Model
railway exhibition providing a fabulous and entertaining show, Museum. Working
layouts including gigantic American display, children's show and shop The
parade, Cowes 01983 280111
Isle of Wight Owl and Falconry Centre Flying
displays daily with birds of prey from around the world in the grounds of
historic Appuldurcombe House (see separate entry). Indoor flight barn when wet
Wroxall, Ventnor www.appuldurcombe.co.uk 01983 852484
Isle of Wight Pearl A
display of over 35,000 pieces of jewellery, including rings, necklaces, earrings
and brooches. Chilton Chine, Military Road, Brighstone 01983 740352
www.isle-of-wight-pearl.com
Isle of Wight Steam Railway Genuine
vintage train rides. 10-mile round trip operated by carriages and engines dating
back to 1870s.Havenstreet www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk 01983 884343
Isle of Wight Studio Glass Come
and Watch the production and fascinating craft of glassmaking, 01983 853526 Old
Park, St, Lawrence www.isleofwightstudioglass.co.uk 01983853526
Isle of Wight Wax Works Ancient
Rectory Mansion with Chamber of Horrors. World of Nature and Candle Carving
You'll be amazed how much there is to see in this unique. all-weather attraction
46 High Street, Brading www.iwwaxworks.co.uk0870 458 4477
Isle of Wight Zoo Home
of the Tiger Sanctuary wwww.isleofwightzoo.com Yaverland, Sandown 01983 403883
Lilliput Antique Doll and Toy Museum
One of Britain’s finest collections of antique dolls, toys and unusual and
rare playthings of bygone days. Over 2000 exhibits dating from circa 2000 B.C to
circa 1945. High Street, Brading www.lilliputmuseum.com 01983 407231
Model Village
1/10th scale Model Village High Street, Godshill 01983 840270
Molly Attrill Studio Potter Working
from a 200 year old barn, Molly creates decorative and functional kitchen and
dining ware, with country theme farm animal and fish motifs Hand-cut majolica
tiles. The Bun, Mersley Lane, 01983 862028 Newchurch 01983 731116
Morton Manor House, Gardens and Vineyard
Delightful
historic family house set in beautiful award winning gardens. Vineyard, Winery
and Museum. Brading 01983 406168 www.warbirdart.demon.co.uk
Mottistone Manor Garden Peaceful
gardens laid out in the 1970s, a setting for the Medieval and Elizabethan Manor
House Mottistone 01983741302 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/regions/southern
Multi-activity/Gliding/Paragliding/Watersports
Butterfly Paragliding Ltd.
01983731611 Freetime Leisure Ltd. 01252 871808 First Contact Active Leisure
01983 753839 High Adventure (IW) Ltd. 01983 722322 Island Sailing Club
0198329)061 Vectis Gliding Club01983 524132 wight water Adventure Sports
0198)524132 or 01983866269
Museum of island History The
story of the Island from prehistoric past To present day, with touch screen
computers, hands-on exhibits. Quizzes. Games, audio Experience, and microscopic
exploration. The Guildhall. High Street, Newport 01983 823366
Needles Old Battery Coastal
fort built 250feet above the sea in 1862 to prevent French invasion. Original
gun barrel, comprehensive exhibition and 200 foot tunnel with
spectacular views over the Needles Rock
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/regions/southern 01983 754772
Needles Park Set
in heritage coastline, the Park offers many Attractions. Including Alum Bay
Glass. Sweet Manufactory, Pantry Restaurant and a spectacular Chair lift to the
beach to view the islands most Dramatic landmark. Alum Bay www.theneedles.co.uk
0870 458 0022
Newport Roman Villa 3rd
Century Romano British farm house Cypress Rd. Newport 01983 529720
Newtown Old Town Hall 17th
Century hall with exhibition of local history Newtown 01983 531785
Nunwell House and Gardens
Fine country house, a family house since 1522, of historical and architectural
interest. Coach Lane, Brading 01983 407240
Old Smithy Former
blacksmith's forge and cottage, Landscaped garden in the shape of the Island.
With models, grottos and aviaries. High Street, Godshill www.theoldsmithy.com
01983 840364
Osborne House
(EH) Former seaside home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, extensive grounds
including the Victorian Walled Garden and Swiss Cottage where the Royal Children
played, East Cowes 01983 200022 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Planet Ice Ice
rink open to the public and home of Wight Raiders Hockey Team. Who play most
Saturdays, face-off 1800, followed by free skating. Quay Road, Ryde 01983 615155
Pleasure Flights See
the island from the air in an exciting pleasure flight from Sandown Airport. You
can also learn to flyBirnie Air Services, Scotchell’s Brook Lane, Sandown
01983 408374
Quay Arts Centre Four
galleries. World Music, Jazz, Folk, theatre, comedy, children’s events,
workshops, crafts studios and cafe in former waterside brewers' warehousesSea
Street, Newport www.quayarts.org 01983 528825
Relaxing Reiki Reiki
Healing Centre. Indian Head Massage. Reflexology & Massage. The Haven. St
Boniface Rd, Ventnor 01983 856058
Robin Hill Country Park Activites
for all ages: Time Machine and Collossus ride, Tree top Trail and much more.
Downend, Arreton, Nr, Newport 01983 730052 www.robin-hill.com
Rosemary Vineyard Guided
and self-guided tour around Vineyard and Winery. Free wine tasting. Producers of
wine, fruit juices, ciders and liqueurs. Guided tours on application. Smallbrook
Lane, Ryde 01983 811084 www.rosemaryvineyard.co.uk
Ryde Pavilion Modern
22 lane Bowling Centre with computerised scoring. High-tech amusements Upstairs
is the Balcony night-club. Esplanade, Ryde www.labowl.co.uk 0800 9961150
Sandham Rides
Great family entertainment by the sea front, go-karts etc. Fort Street Sandown
01983 406600
Sandown Pier A
whole day's fun in one! Lost world adventure golf. Magic Island fantasy and fun
Super bowl dodgems, snake slide, amusements. cafe, bars and a whole lot more.
Esplanade, Sandown 01981 404122 01983 404122
Shanklin Chine Historic
Gorge, dramatic water falls and nature trail. Heritage centre, PLUTO Display.
www.shanklinchine.co.uk 01983 866432 Shanklin old village
Ship Wreck Centre Museum
devoted to local maritime heritage Sherbourne Street Bembridge 01983 872223
www.isle-of-wight.uk.com/shipwrecks
Smuggling Museum Unique
display of 700 years of smuggling Ventnor Botanic Gardens Car Park, Undercliff
Drive Ventnor 01983 853677
Scooter Hire Funation
Scooter Hire. East Cowes 01983 200300 or 07703202299
St Catherine's Lighthouse
Visitors are offered guided tours of the historic lighthouse which was built in
1840. Contact Maritime Heritage Tours Ltd. Witon, Ventnor. 01983 867979
Ventnor Botanical Garden 22
acres of gardens where many rare and exotic species flourish in the equitable
climate of the Undercliff. Visitor Centre. Temperate House, Exhibitions, Plant
Sales and Cafe, Undercliff Drive, Ventnor 01983 855397 www.botanic.co.uk
Ventnor Guided Walks A
range of themed guided walks. 0781 5564268
Waltzing Waters An
elaborate water, light and music spectacular presented in the indoor aqua
theatre. "It's like nothing you've ever seen before"....a triumph of
artistry and engineering. The Westridge Centre (behind Tesco), Brading Road,
Ryde 01983 811333 40 minute show on the hour 1000-1600 inc. daily
Wayside Herbs & Flowers Newly
developed Herb, Garden, including 20 metre Thyme Bank and many culinary and
medicinal plants. Large selection of herbs for sale from £1.Chine Lane, Yafford,
near Shorwell www.waysideherbs.co.uk Honesty stall open all year, 24 hrs.
West Wight Sports Centre Sports centre
with gym. sports hall and indoor
swimming pools. Cafe. licensed bar & creche Moa Place, Freshwater 01983
752168
Wight City Leisure Complex Entertainment
venue with Colonel Bogey’s Night-club.
The ]oily Sailor Fun Pub. Mississippi Rooms Amusements with the latest video
games, fruit machines and bowling lanes 01983 403658 Pub:01983 406622 Night
club: www.bogeys.co.uk
Wight Leisure Fun,
family leisure activities including leisure centres and swimming pools.
Information Hotline Tel. 01983 402447 Leisure centres and swimming pools open
all year at Ryde, Sandown and Newport.
World Tree Shore Bee Historic
watchtower with panoramic views provides curative crystals. fossils. gemstone
jewellery. ancient ambers. mystic meteorites. Wyrdstone runecrafted rings and
readings. Appley Tower, Seawall (beyond boating lake), Ryde. 01983 812777 or
0208 3320162 www.healingcrystal.co.uk or www.worldtree.co.uk
Yarmouth Castle One
of Henry VIII’s coastal defences, completed in 1547 and situated on the water
front at Yarmouth.Quay Street, Yarmouth 01983 760678 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Quarr Abbey (pronounced
core) Yaverland Manor. Old Beacon St. Catherine’s. Tennyson’s House (Farringford
Hotel). Tennyson’s Memorial to the west of Freshwater
Northwood House.
Winkle Street.
Whippingham Churchs