Things to Do
Beaches
Whether it’s exploring the coastal paths, hitting the sandy beaches with cafés pubs and ice cream, or discovering more rugged out-of-the-way beaches, there’s something for everyone. Either way, there is plenty of space to stroll, make sandcastles, explore the coast by kayak or paddleboard, chill in the sun, Paddle in calm waters or swim in the surf.
There are plenty of beaches to choose from, many of which have held a string of Blue Flag and Seaside Awards over the years. Here are a few popular spots.
The nearest popular beach to Warren Hill Camp, and our favorite, is Compton Bay. It’s on the south coast and is a 20-minute drive down the coastal road. Compton Bay is well known for fossil hunting and is popular with surfers, particularly in the winter season. It’s a lovely two-mile stretch of golden and dark sand beneath multi-coloured cliffs with breathtaking views of the white cliffs of Freshwater Bay in the background.
Ventnor has a Mediterranean vibe, with a lovely little shingle beach and lots of cafés and restaurants to choose from. We highly recommend The Spyglass Inn for family-friendly food and drinks with stunning sea views. Nearby is Steephill Cove, which is beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
https://thespyglass.com/
Shanklin and Sandown both have lovely long sandy beaches and are great for facilities, with cafés, shops, arcades, and mini golf. These are ideal if you don’t mind a busier beach.
Ryde is great for open sands and shallow water, which is perfect for paddling. There are arcades and funfairs nearby. Just walk east along Ryde Beach to get to Appley, where you’ll find lots of lovely sand and loads of space to burn energy, fossil hunt, and make sandcastles. There’s also a nice café at the end called The Dell.
https://thedellseaview.com/
Attractions and Zoos
Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine is the closest attraction to us, with only a 9-minute drive up the coast. It is boasted to be the oldest theme park in the UK, built in 1843, and is located above the cliffs of Blackgang, with beautiful views looking out over the Channel.
It’s a great day out and is probably best for children aged around 3–11. The park is themed around dinosaurs, pirate ships, and cowboys, and has a few medium-sized rides that are pretty fun. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the giant 30-foot-tall pirate!
https://blackgangchine.com/
Robin Hill Country Park
Robin Hill is a decent-sized park where you can spend the best part of a day. It’s set in lovely well-kept grounds and has lots of space to walk around exploring the gardens and wooded areas.
There’s a popular BBQ restaurant on site called The Smokehouse, which is definitely worth a visit. It’s also a lovely place to take a picnic. Robin Hill is a pretty chilled day out with some epic playgrounds to suit all ages.
There are several fun activities including a toboggan run, a small boating lake, large bouncy pillows, and actual diggers that you can operate! They also have an amazing falconry center that puts on two wonderful shows a day.
https://robin-hill.com/
https://www.smokehouserobinhill.co.uk/
The Needles and Alum Bay
The Needles are probably the Isle of Wight’s most prominent landmark. They are a dramatic line of towering white chalk stacks rising from the sea at the western tip of the island. Shaped by millions of years of erosion, they’re crowned by the iconic Needles Lighthouse and set against vivid blue waters and colourful cliffs.
Amazing coastal views, walking trails, and a boat trip round the needles. You can also visit the old missile silos at the top of the cliff. It's an interesting part of history and worth checking out. You also get brilliant views of the Needles and out to sea from the viewpoint on the cliff top up there.
Above Alum Bay is The Needles Landmark Attraction. Home to a range of attractions, tea rooms, retail shops, and the popular Sand Shop, where you can fill your own souvenir with Alum Bay’s famous coloured sands. From the park, you can access Alum Bay beach, where you can take a boat ride to view the Needles from the sea.
You can reach the beach via the steps or enjoy a scenic ride on the vintage chairlift. It’s also another good spot for fossil hunters — from the beach access point, fossils can be found in both directions.
https://www.theneedles.co.uk/
Wild Heart Animal Sanctuary, Amazon World & Monkey Haven
These are the three small zoos on the island. They are all home to rescue animals from all over the world and make for an enjoyable morning or afternoon out. We enjoy all of them, but our favorite is The Wild Heart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown.
https://wildheartanimalsanctuary.org/
https://www.amazonworld.co.uk/
https://monkeyhaven.org/
Pirate Cove Mini Golf
Pirate Cove is a great way to spend a few hours. It’s a fun mini-golf attraction with two 18-hole courses to choose from. There are also other amusements, including a really old, sketchy-looking, but hilarious mini rollercoaster. (I’m sure it’s probably safe!)
If you dare to go on it with your children — who, for some reason, always want to — you’ll definitely be laughing afterwards.
Heritage sites
Osborne House is a magnificent 19th-century royal residence on the Isle of Wight, built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Designed in Italianate style, it offers grand state rooms, beautifully landscaped gardens, and sweeping coastal views, providing an intimate glimpse into Victorian royal life.
Carisbrooke Castle is a historic medieval fortress at the heart of the Isle of Wight, renowned for its commanding views and rich past. With its impressive Norman keep, ancient walls, and famous donkey-powered well wheel, the castle offers a vivid journey through over a thousand years of English history. King Charles was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle in 1647 during the English Civil War, prior to his execution in 1649.
Quarr Abbey is one of the Isle of Wight’s most striking heritage sites, instantly recognisable by its warm red-brick towers and peaceful setting. Built in the early 20th century, this working Benedictine monastery offers a calm escape with beautiful architecture, tranquil gardens, and a fascinating glimpse into monastic life. Wander the grounds, enjoy the stillness, and don’t miss the café for Local produce and homemade treats.
There are plenty more things to do and places to explore. For more information on what to do when you get here. please check out Visit the Wight and Isle of Wight Guru, as they pretty much have it all covered.
https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/
https://www.isleofwightguru.co.uk/