Island Attractions

There are so many things to see and do on the island it's impossible to list them all. We have selected just a handful of some of our favourites - both places to visit and places to eat. Come and visit them and tell us what you think!

The Tourist Information Point for Shanklin and the South of the Isle of Wight is located at Vernon Cottage (Old Village) stocking a range of leaflets and guides containing useful information to help you during your stay on the Isle of Wight.

Vernon Cottage has a dedicated patio and garden area with tables where visitors can study the information they pick up, plus a large map of Shanklin to show visitors exactly where they are in relation to all the attractions of the Old Village, Shanklin Chine, the seafront, main shopping town and railway station.

If you want an update on the weather then click here. Did you know Shanklin is the sunniest place in the UK?!

A list of places to eat is now listed on our web page, it covers both near by places in Shanklin and around the Island.

The beach in Shanklin is easily one of the finest in the UK. 3 miles of golden sand sweeps between Shanklin to Yaverland via Lake and Sandown. The waters are family friendly being shallow and sheltered from ocean currents. There are numerous places to eat and drink along the full length of this wonderful stretch of sand. Always check the tide times before going to the beach.

Shanklin old village & Rylstone Gardens

Shanklin Old Village is the perfect picture postcard part of Shanklin Town, it contains some of the oldest dwellings on the Island many of which are Thatched. The images of its thatched buildings adorn many a calendar and chocolate box.

Shanklin is famous for it’s small gift shops, tea rooms, pubs & restaurants. Also situated in the heart of the old village is the tourist information point within the grounds of Vernon Cottage, stocking a range of leaflets and guides containing useful information to help you during your stay on the Isle of Wight.

Access to the chine and Rylstone Gardens can be found next to the Crab pub, just follow the small road that leads down a steep hill.

Shanklin Sea Front

Shanklin sea front has the feel and fun factor of a traditional pier, only on land. There’s a host of activities and to amuse the whole family. There’s not one but three crazy golf courses, an indoor play area with amusement arcade, go karts and outdoor pirates themed fun park. Shops, tea rooms and family friendly pub-restaurants are all in easy walking distance along the esplanade.

Sea front eating

There are many pubs and places to eat along the sea front which has a relaxed atmosphere by day and night. Coastal walks extend around the island as do many inland pathways and cycle routes. Booking is recommended during the summer months, but we can provide you with a list of recommendations and telephone numbers.

Shanklin old village at night

A visit to the old village at night is a must with many shops open late.

Osborne House

Queen Victoria’s family home, is one of the most popular attractions on the Isle of Wight. After first visiting Osborne, England’s longest-reigning monarch wrote: 'It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot'. The grounds are extensive and well maintained all year round. There's a restaurant and tea/coffee shop with beautiful views over the solent.

Carisbrook Castle

Carisbrook Castle is the Island's only medieval castle. It is said that 'he who held Carisbrooke held the Isle of Wight'. King Charles I was even imprisoned here before being taken to Whitehall for his trial and execution. Set on a sweeping ridge, Carisbrooke commands a perfect military location with majestic views over the surrounding countryside.

Dinosaur Isle

The Isle of Wight is well known for is rich source of fossils to be found in its exposed coast lines. You can find both new fossils and dinosaur foot prints in many of the bays. Dinosaur Isle is the UK’s first purpose built dinosaur museum featuring many complete collections. While you’re here why not search for your own dinosaurs here!

Mottistone Manor Gardens

An attractive Elizabethan manor house now experimenting with a Mediterranean-style planting scheme to take advantage of its southerly location. Set in a sheltered valley this magical garden is full of surprises, with shrub-filled banks, hidden pathways and colourful herbaceous borders.

Amazon World Zoo Park

Amazon World Zoo Park is a special kind of attraction. Here you can learn about conservation and rainforests and come face to face with some of the worlds most unusual, beautiful and endangered creatures. Some you won't be able to see anywhere else in the UK or even Europe!

Butterfly & Fountain World

Visit Butterfly World today to see hundreds of butterflies flying freely in a natural environment! One of the Island's leading tourist attractions, you have the opportunity to learn more about our butterflies, visit the Italian & Japanese gardens, koi ponds, fountains, jumping jets, cafe, Medina garden centre and more!

The Donkey Scanturary

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary was established in 1987 to provide a safe, permanent home for any donkey in distress or otherwise in need of care and attention. Over 200 donkeys, ponies and other farm yard animals live here. Entrance is free but a donation to this charity goes down very well

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 shell of the building. Stroll peacefully through 'Capability' Brown's idyllic ornamental 11 acres of grounds. A perfect place for a picnic and the grounds are a haven for wildlife. It's about 1.5 mile walk to the village of Godshill which is well worth a visit. Watch a YouTube video by clicking here.

The Falconry Experience Centre

Located in Havenstreet steam railway a team of skilled falconers have a passion for birds of prey with experience dating back over 45 years! There's a wonderful collection of owls, hawks, falcons, eagles and vultures. There are flying exhibitions twice a day weather permitting.

Bembridge Windmill

The only remaining windmill on the island. This little gem is a Grade 1 listed building and one of the island's most iconic images. Built around 1700, it last operated in 1913 but still has most of its original machinery intact. There is an entrance fee but you may stroll around the grounds free of change. View a YouTube video by clicking here.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

A great chance to step back in time to the golden age of steam. The main station is open for you to enjoy and tickets may be purchased to ride to one of several stations along the line. Other attractions of the site include Haven Falconry Centre, woodland walks & cycle routes, museum and fully-licensed refreshment rooms.

Shanklin Chine

Enjoy the unique tranquillity of Shanklin Chine, the Isle of Wight’s oldest tourist attraction, which first opened in 1817. This famous leafy gorge is much loved by poets, artists and writers. The winding woodland, with its steep sides is a magical place for rare plants, wildlife and enchanting waterfalls. Visit the hide with live action from the squirrels’ feeding station. The Chine is illuminated after dusk, between the end of May and early September.

Shanklin Theatre

We are only a few hundred yards from the theatre which remains open throughout the year hosting events ranging from a Christmas Pantomime, a professional summer season, local amateur dramatics, stage school, IOW Dance Festival and school party workshops.

Brighstone & Calbourne Village

Visit the idillic English villages and relax among the old world style thatched cottages, shops and tea rooms.

Steephill Cove

Arguably the prettiest place on the Island, situated just south of the seaside town of Ventnor, Steephill Cove is a traditional, unspoilt fishing cove with a safe, sandy beach, nestled between rocky cliffs and smugglers' coves. This little bay has no road access, making it a unique noise and pollution free beach.

Nunwell House

This a small county house close to Brading, the grounds are delightfully kept and offer a quite retreat. The gardens are well stocked and offer some beautiful views especially in June and July. Only open for a few days of the year and mostly afternoons so check their web page before planning a tip.

Compton Bay

A beautiful unspoilt beach on the south west of the Island.

Godshill village

Godshill is the quintessential English Village, and boasts some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight. With its delightful medieval church, charming thatched-roofed cottages and a winding main-street lined with traditional tearooms, Godshill is as picturesque as it is popular. The village contains an interesting range of shops offering local crafts and produce, such as ciders, pickles, mustards and biscuits. Godshill also has a very popular and highly detailed model village. The medieval All Saints Church (which gave the village its name!) overlooks the village from the hill and is a short but steep climb up either the steps or Church Hollow road.

Bembridge Harbour & Duver Sands

The harbour at Bembridge offers a tranquil setting for a restful stroll amongst picturesque scenery. Its especially pleasant in the evenings. The harbour front curls round to an elevated causeway which leads to an area of sand dunes and the beach area known as The Duver. This is a far more secluded beach than most on the island and is also a haven for wildlife. Starting from the Harbour View Cafe a beach walk will take you back around the village of Bembridge via the Bembridge lifeboat station. It’s best to check tide times before starting beach walks was the tide can cut off some parts of the beach. Watch a YouTube video of the harbour by clicking here.

Brading Roman Villa

Brading Roman Villa is located a mile just north of Sandown off the road to Ryde. Open five days a week it offers an insight into roman life in Briton. The extensive remains cover the site of the old villa and its mosaics. The villa has exterior grounds, gift shop and a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.