The Isle of Wight

The Needles is an iconic landmark attraction on the Isle of Wight that offers a range of attractions and rides for all ages. The most popular attraction is a chairlift which takes visitors from high above the beach on the Alum Cliffs all the way down to the golden sands below, offering spectacular panoramic views of the picturesque Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, as well as the multi-colored sand cliffs of Alum Bay. Other attractions include traditional Victorian games, Jurassic Adventure Golf, a vintage Carousel, open top bus rides, and boat trips around the bay. Families can also enjoy interactive 4D cinema experiences, fascinating glass-blowing demonstrations, and shopping at several retail outlets.

Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay PO39 0JD, UK, Phone: +44-19-83-75-24-01

Alum Bay is a picturesque beach on the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight that is framed by multi-colored sand cliffs and dramatic views of the Needles rock formation. The naturally sheltered shingle beach has crystal-clear waters which are shallow and safe for children and attract fishermen in the early evening in search of dinner. The beach can be accessed on foot through the picturesque chine or via a ride the iconic chairlift from The Needles Park. Other attractions near the beach include restaurants, cafés, and retail outlets in the nearby Needles Park.

Alum Bay, Totland Bay, Isle Of Wight, PO39 0JD

St. Catherine's Oratory is a medieval lighthouse on St. Catherine's Down. Overlooking the southern coast of the Isle of Wight, the lighthouse was built by Lord of Chale Walter de Godeton and is Britain's only surviving medieval lighthouse. Locally as the ‘Pepperpot’ because of its likeness, the four-story-high stone structure has octagonal exterior walls and a four-sided interior and is all that survives of the oratory built here in 1328. The Pepperpot is part of a series of linked cliff-top monuments known as the Tennyson Heritage Coast, and a lighthouse that was built later can be seen nearby.

Ventnor PO38 2JB, UK, Phone: +44-37-03-33-11-81

Recommended Activities for Families

The Ryde Seafront is a promenade in the town of Ryde, the largest town on the Isle of Wight, the runs from the hovercraft terminal to the end of the town’s beautiful sandy beach. Resting on the northeast coast of the Isle of Wight, the seafront lies parallel to miles and miles of sandy shores which begin after the harbor, stretch past the magnificent Gothic structure of Appley Tower and end at Puckpool. The beach has several access points from the Ryde Seafront Promenade, deckchairs, sun loungers, windbreaks, and watersports equipment can be rented towards the eastern end of the beach. Other attractions near the Ryde Seafront include an amusement arcade, a bowling alley, and Peter Pan's Playground.

Esplanade, Ryde, Isle Of Wight, PO33 1JA

Wight Karting is a popular family action attraction on the Isle of Wight that offers all-weather, outdoor, adrenaline-fuelled racing driver experiences for all ages. Wight Karting features a 520-meter purpose-built track with challenging curves that are suitable for all levels of drivers from absolute beginners to advanced riders. Friendly experts provide full tuition and safety equipment before hitting the track, and there are different types of karts available that cater for all ages and levels. The facility offers Arrive-and-Drive sessions, Junior Track Days during the school holidays, and specials for groups, and friends and families can watch the adrenalin-rushing fun from the balcony of the La Babalu Licensed Bar.

Westridge Centre, Brading Rd, Ryde PO33 1QS, UK, Phone: +44-19-83-56-53-66

The Mottistone Longstone is a megalithic monument situated high up on Mottistone Down that is thought to be the remains of an ancient burial chamber known as a long barrow. Located near the village of Mottistone, the monument dates back several thousand years and is made up of two large slabs of local greensand sandstone that were once revered as sacred objects during the Neolithic period. The Mottistone Longstone is the only megalithic monument on the Island and is in the care of the National Trust. The stones and their surrounding land are open to the public to explore.

Newport PO30 4EB, UK

Attractions for Couples

The Shanklin Theatre is a Victorian theatre that hosts a full program of professional and amateur productions throughout the year. Founded in 1879 as The Institute, the Shanklin Theatre has a seating capacity of 615 and a Box Office next to the main front entrance where tickets can be bought for the more than 150 shows which are presented each year. Programs and shows range from dance and music performances, comedy shows and dramatic theatre to local amateur dramatics, a Christmas Pantomime, and a children's stage school. The theatre also hosts the annual Isle of Wight Dance Festival and workshops for visiting school parties.

Prospect Rd, Shanklin PO37 6AJ, UK, Phone: +44-19-83-86-80-00

The Isle of Wight has hosted an array of incredible festivals, ranging from arts, comedy, literary, music, food and family-friendly festivals since the late 1960s. The island’s main festival is the award-winning Isle of Wight Festival, which is steeped in history and world-renowned for combining iconic legendary artists with new up-and-coming artists and acts. The festival features multiple stages and attracts hundreds of thousands of free-spirited festivalgoers every year who flock to enjoy the spectacular location, great music and entertainment, and a classic festival atmosphere.

Boasting miles of golden sands, an esplanade lined with quaint seaside cafés, souvenir and beach shops, and great surfing waves, Sandown Beach is one of the island’s most spectacular beaches. The beach offers a typical bucket-and-spade seaside holiday with deckchairs, sun loungers, and windbreaks for hire, and trampolines for children, and there are several hotels with palm-filled gardens and decked areas with charming sea views. A bustling High Street runs parallel to the beachfront and features major supermarket chains, boutique stores, restaurants, and pubs, and nightclubs provide evening entertainment.

10 Pier St, Sandown PO36 8JP Pier St, Sandown PO36 8JP, UK