The Isle of Wight should is one of the top destinations for a short holiday in the UK. Approximately 2.6 million people visit the island every year. That’s 21 tourists per resident. To celebrate this glorious statistic, here are 21 suggestions for fun activities to take part in on the Isle of Wight.
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1 Beach
If you’re lucky enough to experience some warm weather on the island’s many beaches. More than a dozen of them have won awards for their beauty.
2 Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath
The Isle of Wight is a popular destination for walking holidays and the coastal footpath is amongst one of the most popular British routes amongst ramblers. It allows tourists to trek around the entire coast experiencing panoramic views.
3 Isle of Wight Festivals
Music festivals draw thousands of Brits onto the island every year and the IOW festival is the biggest of the lot. The Stone Roses, The Killers and Bon Jove are headlining the 2013 event this June.
4 Bestial
Bestial started off as one of the country’s smallest festival back in 2004 but has grown in popularity and was even awarded the prestigious ‘UK Festival of the Year’ gong at the UK Festival Awards in 2010 and 2012. Elton John and Snoop Dog are performing there in September 2013.
5 Isle of Wight Zoos
The Isle of Wight Zoo has one of the UK’s biggest collections of tigers. Who doesn’t love tigers?
6 Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuaries
Another option for animal lovers is a flying visit to the local donkey sanctuary. It’s been going since 1987 but has hit tough times financially so they could really do with your support.
7 Steam Railways
Fans of vintage steam trains would love to visit the old railway lines still in use on the island. The trains are hundreds of years old but have been restored to pristine condition.
8 Carisbrooke Castle
This beautiful castle houses 800 years worth of history within its ancient walls. It’s certainly one of the most interesting museums on the island
9 Osborne House
Queen Victoria was a huge fan of the Isle of Wight. You can visit her family home, Osborne House, which features lots of information about one of the country’s most famous monarchs.
10 Real Ale Festivals
Guests can sample ales from all over the world in this fun weekend-long festival, which usually takes place in May.
11 Black gang Chine
This is a children’s adventure play area set across 40 acres of cliff top gardens. It’s won a gong at the Tourism Industry Award and you can return for free for a whole week after your first entry.
12 Golf
Keen golfers love trying out new courses – so why not bring your clubs on the ferry and enjoy a round at one of the courses the Isle of Wight has to offer.
13 Inflatable Boats
There are few inflatable boat businesses which are quite popular during the summer. Buy or rent a boat and have some fun in the sea.
14 Go-carting
For the speed demons out there, there is both an indoor and an outdoor go-carting track to enjoy.
15 Jazz Festivals
It may not be as big a draw as Bestial or the IOW festival, but a trip to the Isle of Wight Jazz Festival is still an awesome way to spend a day.
16 Forest walks
It’s not just the coastal path that it’s a draw for keen ramblers. Bouldnor Forest, Shackling Woodlands and Tennyson Dawn all represent brilliant rural walks.
17 Dan’s Kitchen
There are plenty of options when it comes to fine dining on the Isle of Wight. Dan’s Kitchen is one of the more popular restaurants though, having picked up Good Food Guide awards in 2012 and 2013.
18 Speedway
The Isle of Wight Islanders Speedway Team competes in the national league against some of the country’s best motorbike riders. You can watch their matches at the Small brook Stadium in Ride.
19 Round the Island Race
More than 1,700 sailing boats take part in this race. It really is a sight to behold. You can watch this year’s event on 01 June 2013.
20 Good leaf Tree Climbing
A well-known family attraction where people can climb trees in a safe and protected environment. There are snacks and hot drinks available to buy here too.
21 Shackling Theatre
There are loads of pubs and bars on the island, but for something a bit more cultured why not catch a show at the Shackling Theatre.
As you can see, the Isle of Wight is far from a place for pensioners to enjoy their retirement. Why not book a hotel for your short stay today?
Related information: Isle of Wight short breaks from Island View Holidays