This gem of a place is located centrally on the Island and offers a loving and forever home to donkeys. Open daily, entry is free and you can wander the site to say hello to over 100 donkeys and ponies. Dogs are welcome and Grazers Cafe offers refreshments. Donations to support the sanctuary are very welcome.
A large area of woodland maintained by the Forestry Commission. There's miles of woodland walks suitable for both walkers and mountain bikers. The red squirrel hide is a great place to spot wildlife from.
Pay a visit here and enjoy panoramic views of the Needles along with the opportunity to explore the Old and New Batterys' perched high upon the cliffs. There's exhibitions, memorabilia, a tearoom and stunning cliff top walks from Needles Headland to Freshwater. Check opening times on the National Trust website and note the property does close in high winds.
Try an audio tour around the vineyard and see the oldest commercial wine cellars in England. You can even purchase wine with a personalised label. Kids will enjoy the free range chickens and treasure hunt whilst you try out the contemporary cafe for a light lunch or afternoon tea.
With over 200 animals, reptiles and birds to see you'll have a great time seeing tropical birds flying freely or see the crocodiles in the pond. There are displays and talks or you can just wander at your leisure. The zoo is open 364 days a year, dogs are not allowed but the zoo is wheelchair friendly.
Originally built as a garden folly in the grounds of Appley House in 1875. The house has long since gone but the tower remains and stands at the eastern end of the Esplanade. If you are visiting the Appley Beach or walking the coastal path towards Seaview you cannot and would not want to miss the tower.
An English Heritage property built in the18th century. Internally the house is derelict but you can still walk around the dirt path round the estate. Open from April to October, check the website for opening times. Car parking is available but there are no other facilities.
An ancient village settled over 1000 years ago which now offers a community of crafts people who showcase their wares here alongside a village pub and shipwreck centre. Ample parking is provided (in keeping with tradition cars are not allowed in the centre) and entry is free.
Built in Victorian times, this unrestored fort is open for volunteer run only guided tours from April to October. Parking is available nearby and the views both inland and across the Solent from the top of the Downs are stunning. Great place for a dog walk with loads of footpaths.
If you are in Bembridge take a walk down to the harbour. Past the Pilot Boat Inn along the waterfront you will pass a row of residential house boats. An eclectic assortment of floating homes, small, large and colourful. Take your camera, they make a wonderful backdrop to the harbour scene.
'With 61 places to visit in Isle of Wight, start planning your holiday or day out using the Classic Guide's independently reviewed places to go in Isle of Wight.'
26 August 2025
This gem of a place is located centrally on the Island and offers a loving and forever home to donkeys. Open daily, entry is free and you can wander the site to say hello to over 100 donkeys and ponies. Dogs are welcome and Grazers Cafe offers refreshments. Donations to support the sanctuary are very welcome.
7 September 2021
A large area of woodland maintained by the Forestry Commission. There's miles of woodland walks suitable for both walkers and mountain bikers. The red squirrel hide is a great place to spot wildlife from.
17 April 2017
Pay a visit here and enjoy panoramic views of the Needles along with the opportunity to explore the Old and New Batterys' perched high upon the cliffs. There's exhibitions, memorabilia, a tearoom and stunning cliff top walks from Needles Headland to Freshwater. Check opening times on the National Trust website and note the property does close in high winds.
Try an audio tour around the vineyard and see the oldest commercial wine cellars in England. You can even purchase wine with a personalised label. Kids will enjoy the free range chickens and treasure hunt whilst you try out the contemporary cafe for a light lunch or afternoon tea.
With over 200 animals, reptiles and birds to see you'll have a great time seeing tropical birds flying freely or see the crocodiles in the pond. There are displays and talks or you can just wander at your leisure. The zoo is open 364 days a year, dogs are not allowed but the zoo is wheelchair friendly.
Originally built as a garden folly in the grounds of Appley House in 1875. The house has long since gone but the tower remains and stands at the eastern end of the Esplanade. If you are visiting the Appley Beach or walking the coastal path towards Seaview you cannot and would not want to miss the tower.
An English Heritage property built in the18th century. Internally the house is derelict but you can still walk around the dirt path round the estate. Open from April to October, check the website for opening times. Car parking is available but there are no other facilities.
An ancient village settled over 1000 years ago which now offers a community of crafts people who showcase their wares here alongside a village pub and shipwreck centre. Ample parking is provided (in keeping with tradition cars are not allowed in the centre) and entry is free.
Built in Victorian times, this unrestored fort is open for volunteer run only guided tours from April to October. Parking is available nearby and the views both inland and across the Solent from the top of the Downs are stunning. Great place for a dog walk with loads of footpaths.
If you are in Bembridge take a walk down to the harbour. Past the Pilot Boat Inn along the waterfront you will pass a row of residential house boats. An eclectic assortment of floating homes, small, large and colourful. Take your camera, they make a wonderful backdrop to the harbour scene.