Things to Do
Adventures await on the Isle of Wight
Beach & Water Activities
Perfect sandy beaches for all the family
- • Bembridge Beach: Safe swimming, rock pools
- • Sandown Beach: Golden sand, pier attractions
- • Shanklin Beach: Victorian charm, cliff lift
- • Ventnor Beach: Sheltered cove, microclimate
Experience the Solent waters
- • Bembridge Sailing Club: Lessons & rentals
- • Cowes Week: August sailing festival
- • Solent Cruises: Day trips & sunset tours
- • Kayak Hire: Explore the coastline
Active adventures on the water
- • Paddleboarding: SUP hire & lessons
- • Windsurfing: Perfect Solent conditions
- • Sea Fishing: Charter boats available
- • Diving: Explore underwater wrecks
Outdoor Adventures
Discover stunning coastal paths and countryside
Coastal Path Highlights
- • Culver Down: Spectacular cliff views (2 miles)
- • Tennyson Down: Rolling chalk downs (3 miles)
- • The Needles: Iconic chalk stacks (4 miles)
- • Freshwater Bay: Dramatic cliffs (2.5 miles)
Family-Friendly Walks
- • Bembridge Trail: Village to beach (1 mile)
- • Brading Marshes: Nature reserve (2 miles)
- • Arreton Valley: Countryside views (1.5 miles)
Explore the island on two wheels
Cycle Routes
- • Red Squirrel Trail: 32-mile island circuit
- • Round the Island: 62-mile challenge
- • Family Trails: Shorter scenic routes
- • Off-road Tracks: Forest and downs
Bike Hire
- • Bembridge Cycle Hire: 01983 875202
- • Electric bikes available
- • Child seats & trailers
- • Delivery to cottage available
Historic Attractions
Medieval castle where Charles I was imprisoned. Explore the Great Hall, chapel, and famous donkeys working the wellhouse.
Queen Victoria's beloved holiday home. Stunning Italianate palace with beautiful gardens and private beach.
Finest Roman mosaics in the UK. Well-preserved villa with audio guide and interactive displays.
Iconic chalk stacks with chairlift, lighthouse, and battery. Spectacular views and historic rocket testing site.
UK's oldest amusement park with themed lands, rides, and spectacular cliff-top setting.
Exotic animals from South America. Great for families with talks, feeding times, and indoor rainforest.
Family Fun
- Robin Hill Country ParkAdventure park with treetop trail and birds of prey (20 mins)
- Dinosaur Isle MuseumFossil displays and dinosaur discoveries in Sandown (15 mins)
- Isle of Wight Steam RailwayHeritage railway through beautiful countryside (20 mins)
- Godshill Model VillageMiniature village in picturesque Godshill (25 mins)
- Bowling & CinemaTen-pin bowling and latest films in Sandown & Ryde
- Swimming PoolsPublic pools in Sandown, Ryde, and Newport
- Adventure GolfMini golf courses across the island
- Escape RoomsPuzzle solving adventures in Newport
Seasonal Events & Festivals
Spring (Mar-May)
- • Cowes Classics Week
- • Isle of Wight Walking Festival
- • Ventnor Fringe Festival
- • Spring flower shows
Summer (Jun-Aug)
- • Isle of Wight Festival
- • Cowes Week (sailing)
- • Garlic Festival
- • Beach festivals
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- • Bestival (music festival)
- • Harvest festivals
- • Literary festival
- • Halloween events
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- • Christmas markets
- • Winter wonderlands
- • New Year fireworks
- • Indoor attractions
Return to Your Castle
After a day of island adventures, return to the comfort and tranquility of Elsinore. Your royal retreat awaits with everything you need to relax and recharge.