64 Unique Things to Do on the Isle of Wight in 2026
I want to show you some of the many fantastic things to do on the Isle of Wight. So many Isle of Wight attractions to list, and I’ve pretty much done them all!
I live just ten minutes from the Isle of Wight, in Southsea (Portsmouth) via hovercraft.
The Isle of Wight beaches usually top the favourite Isle of Wight attractions lists, but it’s also the strong foodie culture, wildlife and easy cycling routes that keep us coming back for more. The island has recently been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – thanks to the wealth of environmental initiatives protecting the confirmed Area of Natural Beauty.
It’s an exciting time to visit the Isle of Wight!
Isle of Wight holidays are a right of passage for many Brits every year, so why not jump on the bandwagon and hop on over for a day trip, weekend, or week in one of England’s sunniest spots.
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My top 5 Isle of Wight activities
If you’ve only got a limited amount of time for your Isle of Wight trip, then here are the top 5 things I’d recommend you make sure to include in your itinerary.
1. Go for a ride on the Needles
– The Needles are the number one point of interest on the Isle of Wight
The Needles at Alum Bay are the icon of the Isle of Wight.
The best shot of them is from Headon Warren. I did not take the picture above by the way – thanks Unsplash.
As well as the iconic rocks and lighthouse you’ll find The Old Battery there, which is your chance to wander through the cliff tunnel and get really close up to the Needles.
In the 50s and 60s the Isle of Wight joined the Space Race by building the Black Knight at the Needles Old Battery. It was all very secretive then but today there’s an exhibition about it right there, revealing all.
You’ll also find the Needles Pleasure Park there – look out for the plaque commemorating Guglieimo Marconi who started off his telecommunications work here.
2. Visit Osborne House
I was genuinely amazed by Osborne House the first time I saw it.
– Osborne House is the number one thing to do Isle of Wight
Turns out it’s actually mega famous thanks to being the site of Queen Victoria’s mourning, after old Albert died. Before you go watch the films Mrs Brown, and Victoria and Abdul, both starring Judi Dench as Vicky so you have more history to draw on.
The rooms inside are amazing, but the gardens and beach are also impressive too. And to think, some of them were originally planted by Prince Albert – wow!
If you want to know more about visiting Osborne House, check out my story of my day on the Isle of Wight.
3. Walk an alpaca
At West Wight Alpaca Farm you can either just visit the animals, OR you can walk them.
There are tens of alpacas here – I walked Will.I.Am when I was there, but also made friends with Woody. As well as the alpacas there are pigs and chickens and goats to chat with.
This is a great things to do in Isle of Wight for the kids, but also for the adults. Bit of time to get at one with nature and all that.
There’s a pizza oven there and the pizzas are divine. Tuck in!
Definitely one of the more unusual things to do on the Isle of Wight…