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.

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…

4. Relax on your favourite beach

Relaxing on the beach is one of the top things to do in the Isle of Wight. As an island, you’re surrounded by beautiful coastline, and on a sunny day you could be mistaken for thinking you’re in the Caribbean, kinda. With a squint. And a bit of imagination. 

Seriously though – there are some absolutely stunning beaches on the Isle of Wight. Relax on as many as possible to work out which one is your favourite. For more on the beaches on the Isle of Wight, take a look below.

Check out the video I made for DayOutinEngland.com on the Isle of Wight.

5. Eat seafood

Oh there is some excellent food on the Isle of Wight. Being so close to the sea just makes you want to trough down on its wares, doesn’t it? 

There’s nothing like eating a crab burger as fresh as fresh can be, and on the Isle of Wight you’ll have a plethora of places to do that. I’ve tried as many Isle of Wight restaurants as possible, but it’s a work in progress. 

Set aside some budget to try some of the great food options on the island. 

Where is the Isle of Wight?

5 best foodie spots on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wighters (caulkheads) are proud producers of garlic, tomatoes, asparagus, rock samphire and crab. Thanks to the mild climate and record breaking sunshine hours over there they can grow things we can only dream of on the mainland. 

– One of the best places to go on the Isle of Wight!

There are plenty of opportunities to collect up some of these tasty treats as you travel around, or at least to sample as you go. If it’s a nicely labelled jar, or a locally grown spud that gets you all excited, here are some of the best foodie ops on the Isle of Wight especially for you. 

6. Rosemary Vineyard and Adgestone Vineyard

Two different vineyards, but the same idea. Using Isle of Wight produce they both want to make the best local wine possible. This is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight for groups of friends. 

In Sandown at the Adgestone Vineyard you can try their wines in the cafe, as well as stay over at the B&B – no driving, yay! It’s one of the oldest vineyards in England. You can also buy liqueurs, chilli sauces and preserves too.

Watch out for that Arson Fire hot sauce though. 

At the Rosemary Vineyard you’ll find 30 acres of wine, liqueurs, juices and ciders. As one of the largest producers of English wine in the country, get your friends together and enjoy a group tasting in the cellar. 

Definitely one of the best Isle of Wight attractions for adults!

7. Holliers Park and the House of Chilli

If you want the best of the Isle of Wight’s foodie offerings, in one place, then you need to go to Holliers Park. Here you’ll find a gallimaufry of the island’s produce – and you can pick up a hamper to take home for yourself.

There’s a cafe, a tearoom, and the House of Chilli with a range of hot sauces to add a bit of spice in your life.

One of the best things to do on Isle of Wight if you like a little spice in your life!

8. Go for an Afternoon Tea

Both the Hamborough and the Royal Hotel in Ventnor offer cream tea – as do many of the beachside hotels and restaurants. An Isle of Wight cream tea is a ‘thing’. You can get tea for two at the Bembridge Coast Hotel or you might prefer The Champagne Tea at the Royal Hotel in Ventnor, which is £60 for 2.