About Isle of Wight
Home to award-winning food and drink, perhaps you’d like to wine and dine your way across the Isle? With such fertile soil and excellent weather, it’s no wonder most establishments use locally sourced food to create their masterpieces.
Maybe you want to soak up some history? Pay a visit to any of the notable historical sites across the island. Or if you’re in need of a destress, why not book for one of the many festivals the Isle of Wight plays host to? Alternatively, those seeking me-time may wish to simply spend their break on one of the many beautiful beaches along the island’s coastline.
Top Destinations in Isle of Wight
Things To Do In Isle of Wight
Things To Do In Isle of Wight
As Britain’s first purpose-built dinosaur museum, Dinosaur Isle boasts a rich variety of dinosaur fossils, thanks to the geological diversity of the Isle of Wight. Join the team as they take you on a tour from the Ice Age all the way back to the Cretaceous Period! Found in Sandown on the east of the Isle, Dinosaur Isle has plenty of interactive and educational activities all year round.
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Carnivals
The Isle of Wight bookends the summer holidays with two very popular carnivals. At the start of summer is the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, packed with performances, games, food and drink, and of course, a fabulous parade. Visiting towards the end of the summer?
Check out the oldest carnival in the UK, Ryde Carnival, which usually takes place late August/early September. The Children’s Carnival kicks off the week, followed by the main event of marching bands, floats and community groups. The week ends with the Illuminated Carnival, a display of light and music to finish the festivities on a high.
Named after the body of water they cross, Solent Cruises offer three different tours. The first goes from Cowes to Portsmouth Naval Base, offering brilliant views of both coastlines as well as the chance to spot Navy ships.
Next up is a chance to cruise around the Naval base and see past and present warships – great for military history enthusiasts. The final tour is a shopping trip to Portsmouth, giving up to six hours shopping time in Portsmouth before making the 45-minute trip back to the Isle in time for dinner.
Food And Drink In Isle Of Wight
Food And Drink In Isle Of Wight
Cow Co Restaurant and Bar is found on Tapnell Farm, an ex-dairy farm turned eco-friendly fun day out for the whole family. Boasting an inclusive menu, with gluten-free and vegan options, Cow Co use locally grown and sourced ingredients across their entire menu, producing award-winning food for great prices. Well worth a try.
For something a bit different, check out Call It What You Want, in Cowes. Known for its ‘no menu’ way of cooking, simply turn up and listen as the host tells you what the chef is cooking, before picking what you’d like.
All ingredients are locally sourced as far as possible, and due to the style of service it’s recommended to book in advance if you have any dietary requirements.
Found in Ryde, people travel from far and wide to sample the unique food and drink on offer at this family-friendly pub. With outside seating as part of a garden spanning two sides of the building, this pub is the perfect for a good homecooked meal, or a cheeky pint of cask ale if you’re just passing through.
Shopping In Isle Of Wight
Shopping In Isle Of Wight
Island Originals, housed in an old agricultural polytunnel, is a collection of local craftspeople, selling their bespoke creations in a quaint indoor-market setting.
Ever fancied trying your hand at some arts and crafts of your own? With painting classes, chocolate making workshops and crochet lessons to name but a few, Island Originals offers a wide range of activities for customers to get involved in.
If you’re a chocolate lover then, you’ve guessed it, this is the place for you. Located in Godshill, Chocolate Island finds home inside a picturesque 17th century cottage. Every product is handmade on the premises, and you can even watch the process from a viewing area, giving a special behind the scenes look at how the good stuff is actually made.
Held weekly, farmers markets are just what you need to destress. A mixture of foods and crafts, walking around a market like these is definitely the right way to start off the weekend. In Newport on a Friday and Ryde on a Saturday, you can idle away full mornings browsing the wares that people have to offer.
Culture And History In Isle Of Wight
Culture And History In Isle Of Wight
Osborne House is a former royal residence, used by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as their summer home. Now an English Heritage property, it’s open to the public, together with what was Queen Victoria’s private beach.
Guests can explore the State and Family rooms, where Her Majesty and family entertained important guests. Or perhaps you’d rather stop and smell the roses? The gardens truly are an asset to this Italian style palace. Blooming with colour almost all year round, guests can wander the expansive gardens and see trees planted by royalty.
Kicking off British festival season every year, the Isle of Wight Festival began over 50 years ago with a series of showcase events that came to be acknowledged as Britain’s equivalent of Woodstock. Since its relaunch in 2002, the festival has played host to huge names like Fleetwood Mac, Amy Winehouse, Pearl Jam, Kings of Leon and many more.
One of Britain’s longest running sporting events, Cowes Week is the largest regatta of its kind. With Olympic and world-class competitors – together with hobbyists – it’s little wonder that over 100,000 people come to watch this unique sailing event every year. With several parties and other social events connected to the main regatta, you don’t have to be a sailing enthusiast to enjoy this one!