Beaches of Wight

Sandown
Sandown offers sandy beaches, which are gently sloping and are ideal for safe bathing. There will always be plenty of room on the beach as the miles of sand run right the way around The Bay.

Sandown is one of the few towns, which has retained its pier. There are amusements, fairground rides and facilities for those holiday makers who are anglers. The family can be entertained for many hours, or just sit and look at the views of The Bay and both Bembridge and St. Boniface Downs.

Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.

Shanklin
The coastal resort of Shanklin is located at the south east corner of the Island at the southern most tip of Sandown Bay.

Shanklin has long been a location for family holidays, with a safe sandy beach and clear waters. The bay is sheltered from the prevailing wind by Dunnose Point, which is a stunning backdrop, with the tall cliffs of Luccombe and St. Boniface Downs beyond. Looking out to The English Channel across The Bay, views extend around to the White Cliffs of Culver and Bembridge Downs. By the beach there is pitch and putt, children’s amusements and car parking. A lift provides easy access to the cliff tops, where the views are even more spectacular, so the less energetic or disabled people, don’t have to climb the steps. The seafront is a real attraction for visitors to the town, with a wealth of eating establishments, 3 pubs and a small road train which provides a regular service through the summer months to the town centre and Old Village.

Shanklin is most famed for its good weather and the pretty Old Village, which is located on the south side of the town, towards Ventnor and Bonchurch. The village is extremely pretty and most tourists head to the area for the thatched cottages, quaint shops and old fashioned tea rooms, which not only offer cream teas, but sea food specialities and attractive surroundings. In the heart of The Old Village are several pubs which are attractive and provide good food and a great venue for a lively evening. Just past the entrance to The Crab Inn is the start of Shanklin Chine, a deep gorge carved out by a stream, which is a restful and picturesque place to spend the morning or afternoon. In the evening the waterfalls and woodland are illuminated, giving the gardens a totally different aspect and atmosphere, a must if you are visiting Shanklin.

Compton
This bay is favoured by both Island residents and holiday makers, famed for its 'mile long sweep of sand' and clear water. This beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing in a picteresque setting. Although an ice-cream/hot snacks van and public toliets are the only facilities here the quality of the sand and water makes this a very popular beach in the summer months. Surfers find the conditions ideal and can be seen riding the waves all year round.

This beach has its own car park and visitors have to take steps down to the beach. Others prefer to park on the road and walk down a gentle slope to the sand. No dogs are allowed on this beach.

Houses and Castles

Osbourne House
Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea. After first visiting Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, England’s longest-reigning monarch wrote: ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’.. Look out for Victorian opulence, extravagant interiors, and jaw-dropping Indian décor in the Durbar Room. However, Osborne was also built as a family home and as you walk through the Queen’s bedroom, the nursery rooms and even royal bathrooms, you get an intimate glimpse into royal family life. Children will love the Swiss Cottage with its child-size furniture and also enjoy letting off steam in the play area. There are acres of grounds and gardens to relax in, horse and carriage rides to take and a delightful restaurant and café. It is not surprising that Osborne House, come rain or shine, is one of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions for the whole family and provides a great day out.

Appuldurcombe House
Once the grandest and most striking house on the Isle of Wight, Appuldurcombe's 18th century baroque elegance is still notable today in the partly restored building. Admire the delightful east front and stroll peacefully through 'Capability' Brown's idyllic ornamental 11 acres of grounds. Treat yourself in our well stocked and attractive souvenir shop. Our Historic Exhibition is over the shop. A perfect place for a picnic.

Opening Dates - March to September - 10am to 4pm

Activities

Havenstreet Steam Railway -www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk
The Isle of Wight once boasted 54 miles of railway, most of which was closed between 1952 and 1966. However its unique atmosphere has been perfectly preserved by the largely volunteer-run Isle of Wight Steam Railway, which began operating trains in 1971.
The railway runs five miles from Smallbrook Junction through Ashey and Havenstreet to Wootton, to see a Gradient Profile of the line.We will start our tour of the line at Smallbrook Junction and take you to Wootton, stopping at all stations along the way - your train ticket is valid for unlimited travel on the day of ticket issue, so please ride as much as you wish! You can stay on the train for the complete trip or break your journey at the station of your choice.

Brading Waxworks Museum - www.bradingtheexperience.co.uk
The original Isle of Wight Wax Works Museum and Animal World was founded by Graham Osborne-Smith and opened in 1965. Today it is still owned by an Islander who has developed this historical and wonderfully interesting attraction into more than just a Wax Works. It now has many exciting ongoing developments, and in particular the huge new extension - World of Wheels in 2005. The site also boasts a unique and beautifully themed café serving homemade delights, a discount factory outlet store and a gift shop.

Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park - www.robin-hill.com
Set in 88 acres of beautiful woodland and countryside on the Arreton Downs the park offers activities and attractions for all ages with space to run free and let off steam or to chill out and enjoy at leisure…. its no wonder so many Island visitors make a bee-line for Robin Hill.
Thrilling rides and exciting play for all the family. Set in glorious Island countryside and woodland, there’s so much room at Robin Hill to run free and let off steam!

Blackgang Chine - www.blackgangchine.com
Overlooking the spectacular South West ‘Heritage Coast’ of the Isle of Wight, Blackgang Chine is an eccentric mix of exciting rides, goblins and fairies, dinosaurs, nursery rhyme characters, cowboys and Indians all set within rambling Victorian gardens and designed to appeal to the child in us all !

40 acres of Victorian cliff top gardens hold surprises around every corner. Developed over many years eccentric attractions include:
Giant Hedge Maze, Water Gardens, Hall of Funny Mirrors and viewpoint picnic areas. Animated indoor shows include: The Crooked House, The Musical Pet Shop, Triassic Dinosaur Club, Smuggler's Cave the Weather Wizard, Rumpus Mansion and the Fairy Castle.

Alum Bay - www.theneedles.co.uk
The Needles Park is the Isle of Wight's premier visitor attraction and is situated at Alum Bay. It overlooks the Island's most famous landmark,The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. The world-famous views and dazzling multi-coloured sand cliffs are just the beginning of a perfect, pleasure-packed day out for all the family.

Great Pubs and Restaurants

Folly Inn - www.follyinn.com
The Folly is a rustic pub perched on the banks of the River Medina, just up the river from Cowes in Whippingham, with lovely views from a large beer garden and patio. The Folly Inn is easily accessible by road or boat with its own mooring attracting a large number of both yachtsman and motor boat people along with tourists and visitors to nearby Osborne House. A friendly river taxi "The Folly Waterbus" can transport you up the river from Cowes.
History has it that The Folly originated from a barge that ran aground whilst selling illegal liquor in the 1700s!

Today The Folly Inn is an extremely popular open plan, destination food house where it is advisable to book, especially at weekends, even without a reservation the staff will always feed you before you make your merry way home.

Food can be chosen from a main menu or specials board with a good selection of wines to compliment your experience. For those who prefer a real ale we have Cask Marque accreditation to ensure your choice is served to a high standard.

Spy Glass - www.thespyglass.com
The famous Spyglass Inn sits at the western end of Ventnor Esplanade, in a superb position overlooking the English Channel.

As you approach the Inn, which was built around 1830, you can't help but be impressed by its unique location. "The Back of the Wight" was for centuries the haunt of smugglers, landing their contraband from the French coast, only a few hours sail away.

The Inn boasts a massive collection of seafaring memorabilia accumulated by the owners, and you will find it difficult to drag yourself away from the fascinating items on display to inspect the equally fascinating menu!

The Spyglass is well known among the Islanders, as well as visitors from all over the world for the excellent Ventnor Bay lobsters and crabs, and many other mouth-watering delights on offer throughout the year. The well-stocked bar offers nightly entertainment to suit all tastes.

Food Served: 12:00 - 21:30 everyday.

White Mouse
Built on the South West slopes of St. Catherine’s Down, The Wight Mouse Inn occupies a delightful rural setting overlooking the magnificent Chale Bay, Tennyson Down and the Needles. The Inn offers everything for your comfort including peaceful gardens and plenty of parking spaces.

Fighting Cocks - www.fightingcocks.co.uk
Micala White and Phil Mew would like to welcome you to the Fighting cocks Public House and Restaurant. We took over the pub on 1st July 2008 and opened up with a lovely new Dining Room extension, new kitchen, family dining area, disabled access throughout and baby changing facilities. A lovely patio area was also created outside.