Things To See and Do
incl our favourite Beaches
There are plenty of things to see and do on the Isle of Wight and everything is within easy driving distance given the island’s size. Here are some of our favourite activities from many years holidaying on the island:
- Onsite at Brambles Chine
- West Wight Alpacas
- Crabbing
Crab lines, buckets and nets are available in Yarmouth town square, the shops at Colwell Bay as well as most seasides around the island. One of the best places we’ve found is Yarmouth harbour – cross the road from the ferry terminal and you’ll see a small jetty that’s usually busy with children crabbing. Lots to be caught here and the water is shallow so it’s safe for little ones too. You can also find some great rock pools in Freshwater Bay – around the corner on the right at low tide.
- Dino footprints
- The Needles
- Fort Victoria incl beach
- Shanklin seafront
- Dino museum
- Zoo
- Mill place with crazy golf
- Godshill model village
- Blackgang chine
Beaches
The Isle of Wight has 57 miles of beaches and so many hidden coves, sandy beaches and pebbly shores that you would be hard pushed to explore them all! As a family, here are some of our favourite beaches to visit:
- Brambles Chine
- Ryde Beach & Appley Beach
Ryde and Appley beaches are known as two of the best beaches in the UK thanks to their amazing sand that stretches out for miles. When the tide is out it’ll feel like you can walk all the way over the Solent to Portsmouth – it just doesn’t get any deeper for ages. A family favourite since James was a child, you can park in Appley Park or Puckpool Park and it’s a short flat walk to the huge beach. The Appley end is quieter with shade at the back from the trees and a small cafe. Toilets are available in Puckpool Park which is just 5 minutes walk, so it’s perfect when you have little ones. Ryde is busier and has more of the usual seaside staples – ice creams, boating lake, pier, etc.
- Sandown