PLACES TO VISIT ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
There is always something new to explore every time you visit the island. From festivals to vineyards, historic houses to donkey sancturies, theme parks to dinosaurland, the island has it all. We have included a brief list of some of the more famous items but we encourage you to explore.
Osborne House
“It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot” – such were the words of Queen Victoria after her first visit to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. No trip to the island would be complete without a visit to this royal seaside palace where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children.
Take an intimate glimpse into Queen Victoria’s family life as you tour the nursery and private rooms of Victoria and Albert. Marvel at the magnificence of the Royal Apartments including the sumptuous drawing and dining rooms and the richly decorated Indian-inspired Durbar Room. Admire the stunning view from the terraces across the Solent – said to remind Prince Albert of the bay of Naples and stroll through Osborne’s extensive grounds.
Explore Queen Victoria’s private beach, now open to the public for the first time. “We have quite a charming beach to ourselves,” Victoria wrote in 1845 and it was here that the Queen regularly bathed and where her children learned to swim.
The beach is a pleasant 20 minute stroll from the house down the Valley Path – stout footwear is recommended in the winter. Enjoy views across the Solent from Queen Victoria’s alcove, and spot seabirds from the shore.
Carisbrooke Castle
One of the main tourist attractions in the Isle of Wight, Carisbrooke Castle is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned. You can still play bowls on the very green Charles used. For a castle that has lived through more than 800 years of service, including resisting a siege by the French and seeing off the Spanish Armada, it’s also wonderfully well preserved.
There are all the ingredients here for a great value family day out in the Isle of Wight. Children will love dressing up as Norman soldiers or Civil War troopers, and meeting the castle’s famous donkeys, while for the grown-ups, the new Edwardian style Princess Beatrice Garden is a joy to explore.
Not to be missed…
- The New Princess Beatrice Garden, designed by TV presenter and award winning garden designer, Chris Beardshaw.
- The tranquil castle chapel and Carisbrooke Castle Museum with its fascinating Charles I and Princess Beatrice memorabilia.
- Feeding and grooming demonstrations at the donkey centre.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Your visit to The Award-Winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway will engage, inspire and excite you. The sight of powerful majestic steam engines, the charm of quiet rural stations, and the friendliness of traditionally uniformed staff, will leave you with some enduring memories of a special day out. Special events run throughout the year for all ages