The Isle of Wight is a wonderful place to visit. Be it for a short break, or a 10 day holiday, there is so much to see and do on this glorious island. Famous for its sailing, royal history and its spectacular views, there are many brilliant and wacky things to do. Here we have highlighted our top attractions on the Island. The Isle of Wight Festival is one of the biggest music festivals in Britain.
It used to be a 60’s counterculture show. It was discontinued in 1970, but reintroduced in 2002. It has been held annually since that year, progressively extending itself northwards beyond Seaclose Park, along the fields of the eastern Medina valley. Many notable artists have performed since its revival including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Muse, Stereophonics, David Bowie, Manic Street Preachers, The Who, R.E.M., Coldplay, Bryan Adams, The Police, Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon. It is a festival that can be enjoyed as a group, and as a family, with quirky tepee accommodation, as well as fair rides and shows. It is a fantastic weekend away, and a great chance to see some of the world’s best bands and music talent. It is held in the summer, normally in June. Tickets can be purchased through the Isle of Wight Festival website.
cowes week
Cowes week is one of the biggest sailing regattas in the world. Competitors come from all around the world to test their skills against the best professional and nonprofessional yachtsmen. Typically Cowes Week comprises up to forty starts a day for classes of cruiser-racers, one designs and keelboats; with up to a thousand boats and 8,000 competitors taking part from every level, Olympian to amateur. During this time the Solent, which is a busy commercial waterway, is filled with boats of all classes, shape, size and colour. Afternoons and evenings are filled with live music, restaurants, shows, discos, cocktails and much more entertainment. It is an incredible way to spend a long weekend or a day trip with children. Cowes week is normally help in the first week of August.
osborne house
Osborne house is a former Royal Residence in East Cowes on the Island. Osborne House is one of the best-visited locations the Isle of Wight and ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’ was how Queen Victoria described it. The house is under the care of English Heritage and is open to the public. Osborne house hosts picnic concerts on the lawn during the summer, which this year will feature the likes of Tom Jones and Little Mix. It is a truly beautiful place to visit and is dripping in history. It is a superb day out, and is one for the whole family; entry is only £37.20 for a family of four.
fishing
One of the best things to do on a day out on the Island, is a day spent fishing. But not just any fishing, you can go sea fishing or visit various course fishing lakes. There are many course fishing lakes. Rookley Country Park, for example, has fishing equipment for hire, and a fully equipped shop for their two lakes. Carp are abundant in their waters, but also Rudd, Roach and Trent have been know to be caught. The sheltered Solent and the Channel provide fantastic arenas to catch Bass, Conger, Plaice and Rays to name a few. This of course is all year round for the sea fishing, but mostly picks up in the Spring and Summer. You can join a group, or you can hire out your own charter. It is a delightful way to spend the day, and with 64 miles of coastline, fishermen are really spoilt for choice.
st catherine’s lighthouse
St Catherine’s Lighthouse is on the southern most tip of the Island. The light has been active in one form or another since 1323. Festooned in history, St Catherine’s Lighthouse is a fantastic way to spend a morning. It has everything from a guided tour, to wonderful views and a sublime walking spot to view the English Channel and the incredible beach. St Catherine’s Point is ultimately a perfect place to chill and to spend a relaxing time.