Word has it there are lots of ghosts on the Isle of Wight. However, there’s no need to worry about vampires when you stay at our Isle of Wight hotels: the island is a hotbed of garlic-growing activity and it’s one of the sunniest places in the UK. Isle of Wight’s favourable climate also makes it a stellar destination for outdoor activities too - hiking, biking, sailing and horse riding plus a whole load of dancing at the island’s many music festivals.
Hotels in Isle of Wight
What to do in the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight Ghost Experience
Go on The Isle of Wight Ghost Experience walk to find out for yourself why Isle of Wight is affectionately referred to as Ghost Island. Mediums and spirit hunters will let you in on local spookiness.
Dinosaur and fossil hunting
A rich source of dinosaur remains, the Isle of Wight is a prehistoric paradise. Go on a guided Footprint Tour or join one of the Dinosaur CIC Expeditions.
Sandown
Sandown is just the place for bucket-and-spade fun with its stretches of soft, golden sand, classic pier and the attractions of Magic Island. The beach is fertile ground for fossil-hunting, too.
Build sandcastles in Sandown
Jump in The Needles Park Chairlift to admire the Needles Rocks, the lighthouse and Alum Bay’s multicoloured sand. If that’s not enough excitement for one day, hit the rides at The Needles Park.
The Needles Park
Jump in The Needles Park Chairlift to admire the Needles Rocks, the lighthouse and Alum Bay’s multicoloured sand. If that’s not enough excitement for one day, hit the rides at The Needles Park.
The garlic farm
With more than twenty different garlic mayos, butters and relishes available, browsing the shelves of The Garlic Farm shop is an education. The farm is the place to go for garlic-growing tips, too.
The Needles Old and New Battery
The Needles Old and New Battery has a secret from the Cold War. In fact, this Victorian fortress has lots of fascinating war-related stories to tell. Visit the atmospheric exhibition and underground tunnel to find out more.
Osborne House
Osborne House was where Queen Victoria’s family home, and where she retired to mourn her husband’s death. The grounds and properties exude Victorian extravagance so it’s well worth a visit.
Carisbrooke Castle
Poor old Charles I was imprisoned in Carisbrooke Castle before he was executed. Today, the castle is a much more cheery tourist attraction complete with a museum. You can even play bowls on the lawn.
Isle of Wight cycling trails
The Red Squirrel Trail
Gentle, car-free and mainly on flat terrain that follows disused train tracks, this is one of the Isle of Wight’s most family-friendly cycle routes. The Newport to Sandown section is particularly popular.
Round The Island Trail
Totalling 65 miles, the Round The Island Trail can be done in stages. A great way to explore the Isle of Wight’s idyllic scenery, hill climbs are rewarded with spectacular views of the coast!
Sunshine Trail
Soak up the sun on this cycling trail that takes you round what is allegedly the sunniest part of the UK. Going via Sandown, Shanklin, Godshill and Wroxhall, this mainly off-road route is great for wildlife spotting.