Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a popular heritage railway on the Isle of Wight. It passes through 5.5 of beautiful countryside from Smallbrook Junction to Wootton Station. The steam train passes through a small village called Havenstreet, where the steam train line has a station, headquarters and a depot. At the junction, the railway connects with the Island Line.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is an award winning railway, which will charm and captivate all of the family, leaving memories of a family day out. You will experience the history of steam trains, while enjoying the countryside train ride with the restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages. Why not stop off at one of the stations, get a bite to eat and watch the trains go by?
There is also a relaxing countryside walk, which is perfect after stopping off at the station to admire the views. There is fun for everyone at the steam railway, so why not go out with the family one weekend?
Prices
Adult: £11.50
Child: £6.00
Dogs: £3.00
Family: £29.00
Infant 0-4 years: Free
Address
The Railway Station
Havenstreet Main Rd
Havenstreet
Ryde
PO33 4DS
Contact details
01983 882204
www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk
2. Shanklin Chine
Shanklin Chine is a popular tourist attraction, in the town of Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. Beautifully made by Mother Nature over thousands of years, the amazing forest lined gorge cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach below. Throughout the year, Shanklin Chine attracts many visitors from all over the world to explore and discover its beauty.
The historic gorge first opened back in 1817 and it was the longest established attraction on Isle of Wight. It makes the perfect day out with friends or family, as there is so much to discover at the Isle of Wight. Why not see which exhibitions are taking place at Shanklin Chine?
Shanklin Chine is a magnet to artists and photographers and many famous visitors have stopped to paint, draw and write about Shanklin Chine’s natural beauty. From author Jane Austen to landscape painter J.M.W Turner.
The eye catching forest and towering trees are a must visit! Don’t forget to experience an ‘original’ Isle of Wight cream tea in the Tea room and to visit the gift shop, which offers many gifts and souvenirs.
Opening times
7th April to 25th May: Open daily, 10.00am to 5.00pm
26th May to 30th September 10.00am to 10.00pm (with Chine Lumière illuminations*)
1st October- 20th October -Closed
21st- 29th October
Prices
Visit website for more information
Address
Chine Hill
Shanklin
PO37 6BW
England
Contact details
01983 866432
www.shanklinchine.co.uk
3. Godshill Model Village
Godshill Model Village is in the heart of the Old Vicarage grounds, set in almost two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. It is a popular tourist attraction with the locals and further afield. There are various scale models of Shanklin and Godshill villages, as they were in the 1920’s as well as pubs and churches in 1/10th scale! The garden railway is a must see, so make sure to bring the family for the day.
It makes the perfect weekend out, where you can appreciate the detailed landscapes that have been created for Godshill Model Village.
Opening times
March: 10am – 4pm
April – July: 10am – 5pm
Late July/August: 10am – 6pm
September – October: 10am – 5pm
Prices
Family: £16.00
3-16 years: £3.75
Adult: £4.75
Senior: £4.25
Address
High Street
Godshill
PO38 3HH
England
Contact details
01983 840270
www.modelvillagegodshill.co.uk
4. The Needles
The Needles is an iconic and unforgettable place to visit in the Isle of Wight. It holds the world famous Needles, where you can experience a chairlift which transports you from the cliff-top above Alum Bay, right down to the beach below. You will be able to see all the cliffs and the beautiful blue sea that stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s a stunning panoramic view from above, so make sure to take lots of pictures!
There is so much history in Isle of Wight, with interesting geology and stunning ocean views at The Needles. Prepare to be amazed if you visit the South Western tip of the Isle of White, as it offers unique views which thousands of people visit throughout the years. Make sure to visit the famous Needles Rocks and Trinity lighthouse.
There are many attractions to discover and explore in the Isle of Wight. Why not go on a boat trip with friends or family, or have fun at Water Walkerz? - Just make sure you visit this beautiful iconic landmark of Isle of Wight!
Opening times
Open from 10:00am 7 days per week, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day (closing times vary during the year).
Prices
Visit website for more information
Address
The Needles
Alum Bay
Isle of Wight
PO39 0JD
Contact details
01983 752401
www.theneedles.co.uk
5. Osbourne House
Osborne House used to be a former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight. The beautiful house was built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and special retreat.
It is one of the most popular tourist’s attractions in the Isle of Wight. Why not visit the house and explore its stunning rooms and gardens?
There is so much to see including the Queen’s bedroom and private apartments, Indian décor of the Durbar Room, beautiful grounds which offer panoramic views across the Solent, events and many more!
If you fancy a bite to eat, there is an onsite café and restaurant, which offers a range of delicious food and refreshments.
Opening times
Visit website for seasonal opening times
Prices
Visit website for prices and information
Address
East Cowes
PO32 6JX
England
Contact details
01983 200022
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne
Top 5 kid’s activities
Relax with the kids painting pottery, or spend a day at Isle of Wight Zoo - There are so many activities and days out for the kids to enjoy!
1. Chessell Pottery Barns
Chessell Pottery Barns is a great place to show off your creative skills! Whether you are a beginner or a pro, there is something for everyone to paint and enjoy. There is a range of pottery to choose from, whether you choose homemade, or from exclusive pottery from Emma Bridgewater – there are so many colours and designs to paint with!
The kids will enjoy painting with the family or friends, especially when they will be able to choose sponges from butterflies to dinosaurs! It’s a great relaxing environment for children and adults alike. Who wouldn’t want to get creative with a range of pottery!
There are also special Baby’s Tuesdays, where parents can paint their newborn’s footprints! It’s a great trip out in the school holidays, or even during the weekend. Why not take the kids for a fun painting session and relax in the café, with a lunch or a delicious cream tea?
Opening times
May 27th 2017 - 29th October 2017, 9.30 - 17:30
Pricing
Free entry
Last Entry
For painting: 1 hour 30 minutes before closing.
For the cafe: 30 minutes before closing.
Address
Brook Road
Near Calbourne
Yarmouth
Isle of Wight
PO41 0UE
England
Contact details
01983 531248
www.chessellpotterybarns.co.uk
2. Shipwreck Maritime Museum
The Shipwreck and Maritime Museum is set within a popular craft village and has one of the largest exhibitions of its kind in England! It contains thousands of relics and treasures, including Spanish gold and other precious items from wartime, submarines and steamships!
There is a ‘Wreck and Rescue’ Lifeboat museum, which is full of amazing and educational displays, packed full of antique diving equipment and the history of Isle of Wight lifeboats. Explore and learn all about the dramatic shipwreck stories and see all the models of ships and find out about pirate adventures.
There are so many things to do and see at the museum, including a treasure hunt which kids will love! It makes a great day out as well as an educational school trip. Why not take the kids to the museum during the school holidays? There is so much to see in Isle of Wight!
Opening hours
Re-opens Easter 2017
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing
Adults: £5.00
Seniors/Students: £3.50
Kids: £2.50
Family: £12.00
Address
Arreton Barnes Craft Village
Arreton
Isle of Wight
PO30 3AA
England
Contact details
01983 539361
www.museum.maritimearchaeologytrust.org
4. Isle of Wight Zoo
The Isle of Wight Zoo is the place to go for animal lovers! You will find it along the Yaverland beach where kids will experience a fun and educational day out. Children will learn all about their favourite animals and their habitats.
Who wouldn’t want to get face-to-face with the animals and learn all about the big cats? There are so many animals to see, from creepy crawlies to monkeys! Children can get close to the stars of ITV’s ‘Tiger Island’, where they can meet white tiger Zena and tabby tiger Diamond!
For children who enjoy activities with others, the zoo has a great indoor animal handling zone, as well as a Zoolittle farm where younger children can pet animals such as pigs and goats.
There is so much to do at the zoo, so why not make a day of it?
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 11:00 - 15:00
Closed 25th December
Pricing
Adults: £11.00
Kids: £9.00
Toddlers (0 - 1): Free
Seniors: £10.00
Address
Granite Fort
Yaverland Road
Sandown
Isle of Wight
PO36 8QB
England
Contact details
01983 403883
www.isleofwightzoo.com
5. Dinosaur Isle
Go back thousands of years and experience the newly designed Dinosaur Isle! Kids and young adventurers will love visiting Dinosaur Isle as well as finding all about dinosaurs. It makes a great day out, no matter the weather.
Take a walk through the museum, where you will see amazing displays of over 1000 of the best fossil, animatronic displays and even a working laboratory to view. There is also a room for learning sessions which offer full disabled access. There is so much to discover at Dinosaur Isle, such as sounds, smells, and textures which all come together to bringing the time of dinosaurs back to life – Kids and adults alike will love it!
The museum has over 30,000 items which show the geology of the island, as well as outdoor fossil and geology walks and exhibitions. There are also many fun events which take place, so be sure to check them before visiting. It makes a great day out for schools or fun during the school holidays.
There are so many things to enjoy at the Isle of Wight!
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Pricing
Adults: £5.00
Kids: £4.00
Family: from £16.50
Concessions: £4.00
Address
Culver Parade
Sandown
Isle of Wight
PO36 8QA
England
Contact details
01983 404 344
www.dinosaurisle.com
Top 5 restaurants in Isle of Wight
On your visit to the Isle of Wight, make sure to book a table with one of these delicious restaurants.
1. Thompson's
www.robertthompson.co.uk
01983 526118
11 Town Lane
Newport
PO30 1JU
2. The Little Gloster
www.thelittlegloster.com
01983 298776
31 Marsh Road
Gurnard
PO31 8JQ
3. The Royal Hotel Restaurant
www.royalhoteliow.co.uk/dining
01983 852186
Belgrave Road
Ventnor
PO38 1JJ
England
4. The Ale and Oyster
www.thealeandoyster.co.uk
The Esplanade
Ventnor
Isle of Wight
PO38 1JX
5. Pointer Inn
www.pointernewchurch.co.uk
01983 865202
High Street
Newchurch
Sandown
PO36 0NN
England