The Isle of Wight has some of the best beaches in Britain and a visit to the beach is a must for all Island visitors. 
Our secluded local sandy beach extends along the coast, through rock pools at low tide, and on to the amenities of Colwell Bay. Wander around the headland to Totland Bay, and up over Headon Warren, with its prehistoric burial mound and panoramic views, to Alum Bay, then catch the bus back.

Alum Bay has a pebbly beach with the famous multi-coloured sand cliffs, accessible by steps or via a chair lift from the Needles Theme Park. The children love to create their own ornaments filled with the famous coloured sands. There are fantastic views of the Needles and a good place to watch the sunset. Walk along the cliff road to the National Trust tea rooms at the Needles Battery museum.

Beaches at Ryde, Sandown, or Shanklin have miles of perfect sand, ideal for beach games, especially when the tide is out! There is also a 'dotto' train, cafes, swimming pool and boating lake making it a good day out by the sea, which ends with an evening walk through the romantic illuminated Shanklin Chine.

If you're into surfing then Compton Bay is the beach for you, where breakers roll in from the channel onto this long beach.
Regularly used by surfers, wind-surfers and body boarders, Compton is also a great beach for splashing about in the waves, or searching for dinosaur footprints!

The Isle of Wight has a host of excellent sporting facilities if you fancy working up a sweat, or even if you just want to watch. There are three main leisure centers, Medina in Newport, The Heights in Sandown and West Wight Leisure Center in Freshwater. There are pitch and putt golf courses on our own site, and at Alum Bay, Sandown and Ryde catering for all abilities.

Cowes is the home of world yachting and has a host of races over the summer months and is a wonderful spectacle. Ryde is home to an ice rink and bowling alley as well as the Island's own Speedway track, providing an ideal way to spend a fun packed afternoon or evening.

The Isle of Wight recently discovered dinosaur remains, which prompted the creation of Dinosaur Isle in Sandown. Whilst in Sandown you may want to have a look at the Isle of Wight Zoo, which contains one of Europe's finest Tiger sanctuaries.

The Island is home to a range of theme parks. Robin Hill, located just outside Newport, has a range of thrilling rides and attractions. Blackgang Chine is based around the smuggling history on the Island to provide thrills for all ages. The Needles Park offers many attractions, all set to the background of the famous Needles landmark.

The Isle of Wight is famous for being the home of Queen Victoria. Osborne House was the countryside retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and she died here in 1901. Carisbrooke Castle is a motte and bailey castle where Charles I was imprisoned. Newport Roman Villa provides a look back at the life of a wealthy Roman family in the restored farmhouse. The Guildhall in Newport houses the Museum of Island History, which tells the story of the Island from prehistoric past to present day. Finally the Isle of Wight Steam Railway lets you go on a genuine vintage train ride. The 10 mile round trip is operated by carriages and engines dating back to 1870.

The Garden Isle was given its name for a reason. There are dozens of wonderful gardens throughout the Island. Foremost of which is Ventnor Botanical Gardens, 22 acres of rare and exotic species. Mottistone Manor Garden provides peaceful gardens in the setting of the Elizabethan Manor. Of course the Island also has over 500 miles of footpaths allowing the ramblers amongst you to experience the beauty of the Island in its natural state.