Lush green countryside and gleaming white cliffs. If you haven’t visited, that may be as much as you know about what to see in the Isle of Wight. But there’s a whole lot more to this popular holiday destination than that. Discover a selection of the best visitor attractions on the island including an ancient castle, the palatial holiday home of Queen Victoria, and one of the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Great Britain. 

The Needles 

Never mind what to see in the Isle of Wight, the row of chalk sea stacks known as The Needles is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the whole of Britain. They stretch out into the English Channel from the Western-most point of the island. Tipped with a classic stick of rock style red and white striped lighthouse, this rock formation is an awe-inspiring sight of true rarity. 

Along with the incredible views, on a visit The Needles you can also catch a ride on a chairlift that will carry you from Alum Bay Beach up to the clifftop and back, enjoy a refreshment in the tearoom and visit the shop where you can make your own souvenir with the famous Isle of Wight coloured sand. 

Osborne House

Queen Victoria summed up why Osborne House belongs on any guide to what to see in the Isle of Wight. After her first visit, she noted, 'it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.' Once you’ve treated your eyes to the estate’s green acres, woodlands, and amazing views across the Solent, you’re likely to find yourself in agreement. And that’s without mentioning the house itself. The magnificent former royal holiday retreat was designed by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who styled it in the fashion of an Italian Renaissance palazzo, and built by the same builder who installed the facade of Buckingham Palace. 

Highlights of the Osborne Estate include the lavish interiors of the house which include the Indian styled Durbar Room and the former private apartments of the royal family, the Swiss cottage – an opulent play chalet built for the royal children, the once-exclusive royal beach, the walled garden, the greenhouses and their collection of exotic plants, and the newer addition of the lovely onsite café. 

Robin Hill

Robin Hill is an adventure park set in 88 acres of countryside, woodlands, and landscaped gardens. It’s also one of the most popular visitor attractions on the Isle of Wight. Here you’ll find forest trails, gardens with ponds, sculptures and botanical plants, and a host of resident peacocks. 

Once you’re done exploring, perhaps you’d enjoy a spot of adventure? The park also features forest canopy walkways, rides including a speedy downhill toboggan course, a 4D cinema, an African themed adventure playground and an 800-seat woodland amphitheatre. Keep an eye out for the special calendar events hosted by Robin Hill too, which include summer family parties and Chinese New Year celebrations. If you’re wondering what to do in the Isle of Wight and you’ve got a whole family to entertain, this is the perfect choice.

Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle occupies a site of true antiquity. A building is thought to have stood where the present castle stands since the pre-Roman era. During that time, Carisbrooke has witnessed numerous rebuilds, extensions, and renovations. It has defended the Isle of Wight against Viking raids, repelled a French attack, provided defence against the Spanish Armada, served as Charles I’s place of imprisonment following his defeat in the English Civil War, and is the former home of Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Beatrice. Carisbrooke is now a visitor attraction owned by English Heritage. 

During a visit you can enjoy exploring the walls, ramparts, and buildings including the chapel and the keep. You can also learn more about the history of the castle in its museum, wander the tranquil Princess Beatrice Garden, meet the castle’s resident donkeys, and round off your outing with a refreshing slice of cake and a cup of tea from the café.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Roll through the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside aboard a restored Victorian carriage pulled by a steam locomotive. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a multi-award-winning period experience operated by staff attired in traditional uniform for an extra dash of old-world authenticity. 

The village of Havenstreet is one stop on the 5 ½ mile line. Hop off here if you want to visit the village’s woodland walk. Along the trail, you’ll find a woodland stage that hosts live music, street theatre, and storytelling performances. Continue, and you’ll reach a patch of woodland that belongs to The People’s Trust for Endangered Species, where, if you keep your eyes open, you may catch sight of a red squirrel.

Yaverland Beach

Of the numerous fantastic beaches on the Isle of Wight, Yaverland has a reputation for being one of the best. This beach is a favourite for water sports enthusiasts – many people come here to sail, surf, windsurf, and kitesurf. There are designated sections for sports, so don’t worry if you’d prefer to go for a peaceful swim away from the action. Some lucky visitors have been known to find fossils on and around Yaverland Beach. 

The Isle of Wight is also known as ‘Dinosaur Island.’ It’s earnt this nickname thanks to its reputation as one of the most important areas for dinosaur fossil discoveries in Europe. To find out more about the island’s dinosaur-themed visitor attractions, head over to Dinosaur Island: Prehistoric Secrets of the Isle of Wight.

Where to Stay in the Isle of Wight

We can recommend a selection of excellent holiday accommodation on the Isle of Wight including a range of superb lakeside cottages.