Freshwater Bay

Easy to get to | Plentiful attractions & places to visit | Dinosaur fossils Beaches galore | Picturesque villages | Foodie capital of the south coast

Pocket-sized yet perfect , with over half the island designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty , the Isle of Wight is a hub of year-round activity . So , what can you expect from an Isle of Wight adventure ?

Seaside resorts include Sandown which shelters in a beautiful bay with a long stretch of golden sands , a traditional British seafront and pier . Popular Shanklin ’ s enticements range from its wide sandy beach to the wooded ravine which is Shanklin Chine and the Old Village where you can potter around shops , restaurants and pubs . Ventnor ’ s sand and shingle beach , which is lined by huts converted from Victorian “ bathing machines ”, is ideal for lazing and family swimming . Ryde tempts with long expanses of sands , boutique shops , museums and galleries . Bembridge boasts three beaches , a harbour and in 2019 , won “ Village of the Year ” in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards .

Possibly the island ’ s most notable landmark is The Needles and a ride on the chairlift between the beach and sand cliffs is spectacular . Familyfriendly attractions include Blackgang Chine Theme Park , Tapnell Farm Park and Monkey Haven to name a few .

Needles chairlift

History and heritage can be uncovered at castles , monuments , ancient burial grounds and Osborne House , the former holiday residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert .

The island is also one of Europe ’ s finest sites for dinosaur remains . Find out more at the awesome Dinosaur Isle Museum , join an organised fossil hunt or guided fossil walk , and trawl Compton Bay or Yaverland , to see if you can dig up your own T-Rex !

If you have the nautical know-how , the Isle of Wight is one of the best places to sail , with Cowes being the island ’ s maritime gateway . Kayaking , surfing , bodyboarding and coasteering may also appeal , and on dry land options include cycling , golf , horse riding and over 500 miles of footpaths .

The Isle of Wight is also considered a true foodie paradise ! As soon as you step off the ferry you ’ ll find yourself spoiled for choice with an abundance of tea rooms , country pubs , quality restaurants and beachside cafés . Make sure you tuck into local signature produce like gin , garlic , cheese , tomatoes and more .

1 The Royal & St Maur 2 Villa Rothsay

3 Luccombe Hall & Luccombe Manor

4 Royal Esplanade

Tapnell Farm Park

Portsmouth Southampton

5 Seaview Hotel & Seaview Holidays

6 Dorset House 7 The Wight

See page 7 for Travel information

84 ISLE OF WIGHT visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 777