Walks on the Isle of Wight

Ventnor is one of the best locations on the Island for walking, hiking, climbing, boating or relaxing, and if you enjoy outdoor pursuits, there is no better place to come. From the long coastal walk, only undertaken by serious walkers, to the short scenic walks around Ventnor, visitors will find plenty of trails and routes to suit all levels of fitness and ability.

Round the island. For the serious click here.
Ventnor boasts some of the most scenic walks on the Isle of Wight, make the most of your stay by booking into one of the boutique hotels, spa hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation in and around the Island.

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Things to do with the children on the Isle of Wight

Whatever time of year you decide to visit the Island, you will find plenty of things to see and do with the children. Known for its kids activities, the Isle of Wight is home to a wide range of adventure parks, kid-friendly museums, cafés and interactive exhibitions. Some of our favourites include:

1. Blackgang Chine Chale PO38 2HN Tel: 01983 730330

www.blackgangchine.com

Set in Over 40 acres of spectacular cliff-top gardens - you will find a magical mix of fantasy, legend and heritage! So much to see and do! Rumpus Mansion, Wild West Town Dinosaurland, Nurseryland, Maze, Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Gardens, Smugglers Ship, Crossbones adventure Play, Animated Indoor Shows, Water Force, Junior Pirate Barrel Ride, Snakes and Ladders Fun Slides Cliffhanger Roller Coaster. A great day out for all the family!

New for 2012 is Fairyland, with houses, mushrooms & loads of Fairies! Also new is the Rolling Barrel challenge set inside The Sailor’s Return! The Disappearing Village includes a new exhibition called BBC COAST, based on the popular TV series. Within this new area is also The World of Timber, a refurbished woodland exhibition and The Wight Experience, a thrilling 70 seat cinema showing an inspiring aerial film over the Island. Chocolate Heaven stocks all things chocolaty & yummy!

2. Robin Hill Adventure Park Newport PO30 2NU Tel: 01983 527352

www.robin-hill.com

With free unlimited return visits over a seven day period, award-winning Robin Hill definitely qualifies as one of the Island’s favourite country attraction. The park boasts a fantastic blend of rides and adventure play for fun loving families & children and relaxing woodland gardens, ponds and sculpture walks for discerning adults to enjoy. Ride experiences include the quarter mile down hill toboggan run which reaches speeds up to 25mph. A swinging galleon and time machine-themed motion platform cinema are also a treat for thrill seekers, while the more sedate Cows Express train ride is a delight for younger ones. The African Adventure and Squirrel tower provide challenging adventure play for older children while toddlers will enjoy the mini houses of Duck Down village. Twice daily falconry displays at 11.30am and 2.45pm are renowned to be some of the best in the UK. Robin Hill is also one of the best places on the Island to spot a rare red squirrel and is a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts. A Roman interpretation barn gives a fascinating flavour into life at Robin Hill 2000 years ago. Look out for the new “Big Green tractor train” and catch free lift around the park to save those tired legs!

Robin Hill is excellent value for money all round. You can now buy a joint park ticket which includes unlimited entry to Blackgang Chine which can save a family of 4 people £10 compared to buying separate park saver tickets.

3. The Needles. Alum Bay Freshwater PO39 0JD Tel: 0871 720 0022

www.theneedles.co.uk

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, there's breathtaking scenery, a spectacular chairlift past amazing coloured sand cliffs, rides for the children, shops to browse through and places to eat in (or out) - there are boat trips too around the Island's famous landmark. Make your own unique souvenir in the famous Sand Shop, watch the making and taste traditional sweets in the Sweet Manufactory and be amazed by the skills of the Alum Bay glassmakers. See www.alumbay.co.uk. Children will love Junior Driver as they learn to steer an electric car around a miniature roadway.

4. Colemans Farm Porchfield PO30 4LX Tel. 01983 522831

www.colemansfarmpark.co.uk

PLAY BARNS: HUGE Straw Fun Barn. Undercover Play - hayloft, zip slide, tyre & rope swings, slides, tunnels, pits, climbing wall. Supported by free entry Coffee Bookshop, Café & Gift Shop, Picnic Garden and Railway. Open all year (from April 2010). PETTING FARM: Friendly animals and hands-on daily activities at Colemans, tractor-trailer adventure rides, juniors play tower. Supported by free entry Coffee Bookshop, Café & Gift Shop, Picnic Garden and Railway. Seasonal opening.

5. Isle of Wight Zoo, Sandown

www.isleofwightzoo.com

Isle of Wight Family Attraction of the Year - Good Britain Guide 2004. The Isle of Wight Zoo is home to one of Britain's largest collection of tigers, many of whom are rescue animals. With a number of superb new enclosures modelled on natural habitats, the zoo is a fantastic place to see these wonderful animals relaxing. A number of other animals also live there, including lemurs, jaguars, monkeys and lions. Committed and knowledgeable keepers hold presentations throughout the day, all included in the entry price. New in 2010 was the Zoo@Home handling zone, giving younger visitors a chance to gets hands-on with smaller animals. BBQ food is served within seasonal periods, weather permitting. Family friendly with disabled access throughout, the zoo is a great day out for all ages.

6. Amazon World Newchurch PO36 0LX Tel: 01983 867122

www.amazonworld.co.uk

Amazon World Zoo Park is the Isle of Wight's largest exotic animal attraction and is a great day out whatever your age! Walk through jungle rainforests with colourful rare birds flying above you and crocodiles watching you from the pond! See unusual and rare animals like the Tamandua an Anteater that lives in the trees, Toucans, Marmosets, Penguins, Flamingos, Otters, Ocelot, Monkeys, Lemurs and manor many more! Learn about the conservation of these fantastic animals and their rainforest home, ‘Secrets of Xenathra’ with Sloth just wandering past you in the trees. Visitors enter ‘Madagascar’ where you will walk amongst the lemurs, The lost temple lies forgotten, half buried in desert sand. Here animals have made their homes within the ruins to escape the harsh desert sun. Visitors will be able to travel across a raised walkway to observe the animals in their homes! Animals you will find here include: Armadillos, Giant Tortoise, Fennec Foxes, and the mischievous Meerkats!

All areas within Amazon World Zoo Park are wheelchair friendly and we have wheelchairs you can borrow if you haven't brought your own! We have Jurassic Adventure play area, Falconry Displays and Keeper Talks daily and we also have a massive Special Events programme too!

7. Carisbrooke Castle, Carisbrooke PO30 1XY Tel: 01983 522107

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/carisbrooke-castle

Famous for its donkeys and as a royal prison to Charles I and now the location of the stunning new Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden.
• Enjoy the birds-eye view from the castle keep and walk around the battlements.
• Delight in the demonstrations of the donkeys working the 16th century treadwheel.
• Relax in the Princess Beatrice Garden, designed by TV presenter and award-winning garden designer, Chris Beardshaw.
• See history brought to life with the fun and dramatic film.
• Dress up as a soldier, experiment with armour and discover how to fire cannons.
• Experience the tranquillity of the castle chapel, and visit the Carisbrooke Castle
• Museum with its fascinating Charles I memorabilia.

8. Steam Railway Havenstreet PO33 4DS Tel: 01983 882204

www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk

A visit to The Award-Winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway will engage, inspire and excite you ... Equally appealing to adults and families or coach parties and groups, the sight of powerful majestic steam engines, the charm of quiet rural stations, and the friendliness of traditionally uniformed staff, will leave you with some enduring memories of a special day out. Step back to a bygone era when steam power was the order of the day. Breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway, while your eyes and ears thrill to the puffing and hissing of the steam engine. Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and enjoy a unique view of some of the Island’s unspoilt countryside ... or hop off at one of our stations and just watch the trains go by!

We are one of Britain’s Heritage Railways and a registered educational charity, and we have often been recognised with awards and commendations. The IW Steam Railway has three times been named Independent Railway of the Year, and in 2010 the Railway was recognised nationally, winning the Best Heritage Project in the televised National Lottery Awards. To complete your day out, The Isle of Wight Steam Railway offers a large car and coach park, fully licensed Refreshment Rooms, museum, and you can browse for books, gifts, toys, DVDs and other mementoes from the newly refurbished Gift Shop. The pleasant rural location of our main station at Havenstreet provides lots of space for the young, and the not-so-young, to let off steam! Our large 3 acre field offers space for picnics, games or just relaxing, and we challenge you to find the entrance to our hidden Woodland Walk! In essence, the IW Steam Railway offers a unique and exciting journey back in time to an era when everyone travelled by steam train … ven Queen Victoria travelled over our line while visiting her Island residence at Osborne!

9. Dinosaur Museum PO36 8QA Sandown Tel: 01983 404344

www.dinosaurisle.com

Dinosaur Isle is Britain's first purpose built dinosaur attraction just over the sea wall in Sandown where in a spectacularly shaped building reminiscent of a Pterosaur flying across the cretaceous skies you can walk back through fossilised time to the period of the dinosaurs 120 million years ago. Set in amongst a recreated landscape you will meet life sized models of the Isle of Wight's famous five dinosaurs - NEOVENATOR, EOTYRANNUS, IGUANODON, HYPSILOPHODON and POLACANTHUS. Flying above you amongst the haunting sounds of a long lost forest are pterodactyls. You will see dinosaur skeletons as they are found by the fossil hunters and can watch our volunteers preparing the latest exciting finds. At Dinosaur Isle you will be able to encounter the lost world of dinosaurs that once roamed freely across the Isle of Wight.

10. Owl & Monkey Sanctuary Newport PO30 2NB Tel: 01983 530885

www.owlandmonkeyhaven.co.uk

The Owl and Monkey Haven is the Islands newest award winning attraction and following the overwhelming success of our first year we are continuing to develop into 2012! The Haven provides homes to an ever increasing community of Primates and Birds of Prey, some of which are the only ones of their kind in the Country. Spacious bespoke enclosures, beautifully designed grounds kept to an exemplary high standard with first class facilities are all attributes that make a visit to the Owl & Monkey Haven a fantastic & unforgettable experience. This family-run self-built project and has been constructed to the highest possible standards with the animals’ welfare always paramount. We care for many rare and endangered species that have never been seen on the Island before, these include: Siamangs, Lar & Mueller’s gibbons, Javan Langur, Colobus monkeys, Red tailed Guenon, White throated Capuchin, Rhesus Macaques along with various owls like the Roufous legged and Boobook all of which are in 'safe hands' flourishing in their new homes and cared for by our team of dedicated keepers. Visitors can observe the stillness of the owls or get up close to the monkeys who are always a joy to watch.

We welcome you to come and get to know these delightful characters, relax in a bespoke tranquil setting and make use of our following facilities: Tea room, viewing conservatory, unique gift shop, under 5’s play area, ‘Wise Owl’ Education Lodge, excellent disabled access and new adventure playground for 2012. We also offer birthday parties, animal encounters and adoptions, please visit www.owlandmonkeyhaven.co.uk for more details. Get even closer this year with our new ‘VIP Marmoset encounter’ take the opportunity to hand feed these South American primates in an environment based around their indigenous surroundings. We are open all year round and with a new Lar gibbon enclosure and adventure playground for early 2012 the Island’s newest award winning attraction is one not to be missed!

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Top 10 things to do in the rain on the Isle of Wight

You may be guaranteed stunning scenery on the Isle of Wight, but one thing you can never guarantee is the weather. If you visit while it’s raining, however you will still find a wealth of great things to see and do in the region. Our top ten include:

1. Wight Studio Glass St. Lawrence PO38 1XR Tel: 01983 853526

www.isleofwightstudioglass.co.uk

“Come and Watch” the production and fascinating craft of glassmaking. Also visit our extensive showroom and shop. 30 years of distinctive, innovative, decorative, and functional glassware entirely handmade on the Isle of Wight. Free parking. Presented in such a way as to make them desirable to purchase, collect or to give. A most collectable investment as well as an object of beauty and a joy to own. This ground breaking studio of worldwide renown is now recognised as the most important and longest established commercial studio glass maker in the country. Established in 1973 by international glass maker Michael Harris it is now run by his eldest son Timothy Harris, who is also recognised as the most accomplished and innovative studio glass maker this side of the Atlantic including most of Europe. A great new enterprise by Isle of Wight Studio Glass has been the opening of their new outlet in Godshill. This offers the convenience of shopping for those special gifts which 'go on giving'. A full range of both Isle of Wight Studio Glass and other fabulous, and inexpensive, glass gifts are available. Now run as 'Isle of Wight Studio Glass at the Herb Cottage Gallery' this special showcase venue has all the wonderful items which are also available by visiting the studio in St.Lawrence. For those who want something which you may never normally get the chance to do in a lifetime you can come and 'Blow a Glass Bubble'. £5 per person. Or even learn to 'Make you own Paperweight'. You will be fully guided and instructed by one of our experienced glassmakers and will have, to keep, your very own paperweight. Full instruction and materials £75. Booking is essential.

2. Osborne House East Cowes. PO32 6JX Tel: 01983 200022

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/osborne-house

Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s family home, is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Isle of Wight. After first visiting Osborne, England’s longest-reigning monarch wrote: 'It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot'.
Highlights include:
• Victorian opulence and extravagant interiors
• Stunning Indian décor of the Durbar Room
• Private apartments including the Queen’s bedroom, nursery rooms and royal bathrooms
• The Swiss Cottage - chalet built for the royal children
• Extensive grounds - stunning views across the Solent
• A Victorian Walled Garden
• Hothouses containing exotic plants
• A delightful restaurant and café

3.Brading Roman Villa Brading. PO36 0PH Tel: 01983 406223

www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk

Award winning exhibition and Visitor Centre with interactive display with loads for kids to do. Including gift shop, cafeteria, outside terrace, amphitheatre and roman gardens all set in An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Open all year round.

4. Chessel Pottery Yarmouth PO41 OUE Tel: 01983 531248

www.chessellpotterybarns.co.uk

Situated in an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in the West Wight, you will find a small working Pottery, a Studio where all ages can have a go at decorating their own pottery, a beautiful Gift Barn and our award winning Courtyard Café.

5. Museum of Island History. Newport PO30 1TY Tel: 01983 823433

www.iwight.com/council/departments/museums

Designed by John Nash and built in 1816, the historic Guildhall is home to the Museum of Island History.
Discover the Island from pre-historic past to the present day with:
* Touch Screen Computers.
* Hands on Exhibits.
* Quizzes and Games.
* Microscopic Exploration.
The museum has a small temporary exhibition gallery.

6.The Maritime Museum West Cowes PO31 7SG Tel: 01983 823433

www.iwight.com/council/departments/museums

This small museum situated in Cowes library began in the 1970’s when library staff began collecting plans, photographs and models from the ship building firm J. Samuel Whites. The collection now incorporates all aspects of local maritime activity from shipbuilding to sailing. The museum displays a selection of objects and images which help to tell the story of Cowes and its important maritime heritage. Complementing the museum collection is the Library Services’ Maritime Collection, consisting of books, journals, press cuttings etc. on the local maritime industries and all aspects of yachting. The Collection is housed on the gallery in the library.

7. Dimbola Lodge Museum - Julia Margaret Cameron Trust. Tel Freshwater 01983 756814

www.dimbola.co.uk

Dimbola Lodge was the home of the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron

8. Donald McGill Postcard Museum Ryde

www.donaldmcgill.info

The museum pays homage to Donald McGill, who spent his life creating comic artworks for the then thriving postcard industry.

9. Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum Newport Tel 01983 533352

www.iowbusmuseum.org.uk

The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum was established in 1997 and contains an impressive display of vintage buses and coaches, collected to show the Island’s transport heritage.

10. Isle of Wight Shipwreck Centre Arreton Old Village Tel 01983 539360

www.iowight.com/shipwrecks

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Isle of Wight beaches

Famous for its beaches, landscapes and downs, the Isle of Wight is one of the most popular destinations in the United Kingdom and some its coastal towns and villages and beaches are:

Ventnor. Ventnor Bay is a predominantly sandy beach. Here the family have access to cafes, restaurants and pubs for refreshments. The backdrop of the town from the beach, makes Ventnor Bay feel decidedly Mediterranean. There is a boat haven at one end and rocks at either side of the bay for kids to go crabbing. A great family beach and one not to miss.

Steephill Cove. This beach and cove is well worth the walk from the Botanic Garden Car Park at Ventnor. Follow the path which runs past the Ventnor Cricket Academy and take the steps down into the cove. There is a café and toilet facilities within the cove and this beach has got to be one of the best kept secrets on the Island. Kids will love the rock pools.

Seagrove Bay. This beach will remind you of holidays from days gone by. The beach is gently sloping and has clear waters. There is a café and toilet facilities and rocks for the children to explore. Parking facilities at Seagrove are not good and access will have to be from Seaview Village on foot. However, once there, you will have a very enjoyable day and this area is a good place to spot the occasional celebrity, attracted to the quiet beach and exclusive properties and hotels.

Sandown. Sandown is the best place to have fun beside the sea safely with gently sloping beaches. The beach is sandy and there are good toilet facilities and café’s and restaurants close by. The are is particularly popular with families as there is so much to do, should one be tired of just lying in the sun and taking it easy. There is Browns Golf Course, White City and children's play areas all close to hand.

Freshwater. Freshwater Bay is a small sand and shingle bay with the back drop of the tall cliffs at either end. Another popular beach for the family, this are is located at the western tip of the Island and adjacent to the bus route and Car Park. There are toilet facilities, café’s and Freshwater Bay Golf course is close by.

Ryde. Ryde Beach is situated to the north of Ryde Town Centre and is accessible by either foot, car or Public Transport. These beaches extend round the coast towards Seaview. A level walk runs between Ryde and Puckpool walk, passing cafes, gardens and a children's play area. There is a boating lake if the beach gets too much in the mid day sun and a dotto train will bring tired walkers back to there car or Public Transport. The beaches are all sand and extend far out to sea at low tide. However, care should be taken with members of the family as the tide can come in quickly.

Totland Bay. Totland Bay is situated on the West side of the Island where families enjoy the delightful beach. A popular destination for large cruisers and yachts, there is always something to look at and do. Totland has a pier and there are is a café and pub for refreshments. This beach is never particularly crowded and is pebbly at the high water mark, with golden sand towards the sea. Toilet facilities are also on hand.

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Farmers markets on the Isle of Wight

www.islandfarmersmarket.co.uk

If you are a foodie, and you want to sample some of the best Isle of Wight produce, take a trip around the farmer´s markets, which are held throughout the year. Most farmer´s markets and farm shops remain open during Autumn and Winter, and you can find a wide range of food to suit every taste.

Offering a wide range of delicious local cheeses, meats and vegetables, directly from the Island farms, this is the perfect way to sample Island delicacies for a fraction of the price you will pay in the shops.

Farmers' market produce is renowned for being locally grown and very fresh. People argue farmers' markets allow farmers to pick produce at the peak of flavor, preserve the nutritional content of fresh produce, and since locally grown produce does not travel as far to get to your table, the difference in mileage saves fossil fuels. Farmers' markets often feature produce grown naturally or organically, meats that are raised humanely on pasture, handmade farmstead cheeses, eggs and poultry from free-range fowl, as well as heirloom produce and heritage breeds of meat and fowl.

Farmers' market advocates believe the markets help farmers stay in business as well as preserve natural resources. Wholesale prices farmers get for their produce are very low, often near the cost of production. Farmers who sell direct to the public by cutting out the middleman, get a better price. It can be shown that the preservation of farmland is important for the health of the environment and water supply, which is vitally important on the Isle of Wight. Sustainable and managed farms conserve soil and clean water and provide a habitat for wildlife. Moreover, modern farmers' markets help maintain important social ties, linking rural and urban populations and even close neighbours in mutually rewarding exchange.

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The top places to go mountain biking on the Isle of Wight

Within an area of just 147 square miles you will find over 200 miles of cycle routes enticing you into the countryside or along the coast. There are two very good reasons why the Isle of Wight is a hot place for mountain biking: spectacular scenery and an unrivalled network of trails.

The Island's countryside is England in miniature. There are chalky cliffs and ancient downland, broad-leaved woodland and marsh, a coastline scarred by deep chines. Almost half the Isle of Wight has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the Countryside Commission or Heritage Coastline.

There are over 200 miles of trails threading through this landscape which are great for mountain biking, as well as countless quiet country lanes. These networks of Rights of Way are regularly maintained and comprehensively signposted.

For a leisurely ride with the family, take a trip through the Arreton Valley on old railway lines. Another popular family ride is Freshwater Bay to Yarmouth beside the River Yar. To check out our Easy Peasy Pedalling Guide click download

For those looking for a more rugged and challenging ride, then head from Freshwater tr to Newport or for some serious hills, try the many trails over the southern downs around Shanklin and Ventnor.

The IOW plays host to a number of big cycling events, including the annual week-long Cycling Festival. There is even a signposted, easy to follow 'Round the Island Road Route'.

If you're looking for ready-made routes, we recommend 'Cycling Wight' and 'Cycling Wight 2' by Ian Williams and John Goodwin, suitable for leisure and family riders. More experienced riders making their own routes should use Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map No 29 (1:25,000).

Route 4 - Cowes - The off road, level surfaced Medina cycleway between Cowes and Newport is ideal for a short there and back ride.

Route 5 - Brighstone - A fine introduction to mountain biking this route on the ridge of the Downs is easy to follow and gives wonderful views of the West Wight.

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Isle of Wight Pubs

There are so many pubs to choose from on the Isle of Wight, that it would be impossible to list all the good ones. Below, are our top ten pubs on the Island. We have chosen ones that are closer to us.

1. The Bonchurch Inn, Bonchurch. The inn offers a range of tempting Italien dishes at reasonable prices. They always use fresh, seasonal ingredients , and this place comes highly recommended if you want to sample some delicious local dishes, or just go for a drink.

2. Mill Bay, Ventnor Esplanade. This popular pub also boasts one of the best views in the area. The Mill Bay also offers a wide choice of cuisine. Also offering a good choice of real ales.

3. Buddle Inn, Niton. The Buddle Inn is situated about 2 miles west of Ventnor, and enjoys a spectacular location. Many walking routes start at Niton, and this traditional old pub offers a choice of award-winning local dishes, plus a range of real ales.

4. The White Mouse, Chale. About 3 miles west of Ventnor. Built on the South West slopes of St. Catherine’s Down, The Wight Mouse Inn occupies a delightful rural setting overlooking the magnificent Chale Bay, Tennyson Down and the Needles. The Inn offers everything for your comfort including peaceful gardens and plenty of parking spaces.

5. The Volunteer, Ventnor Town. A quirky old pub in Ventnor town offering a selection of ales. Not an eating pub

6. Crab and Lobster, Ventnor Town. The ‘Crab’ is a well-run inn in Ventnor town, which enjoys good local trade. Home-cooked food and a range of real ales make this one of the most popular pubs in the town.

7. The White Horse, Whitwell. This lovely old inn is located about 2 miles inland from Ventnor, and serves a wide range of local food. The steaks are a particular speciality, and the pub is popular with locals and tourists.

8. The Crab & Lobster, Bembridge. The Cab & Lobster is an award winning coatal inn, combining the very best of old and new, the pub now offers a restaurant and bar menu and a wide range of delicious Island dishes and real ales. Log fires in winter and outside seating in summer, make this the perfect year-round pub.

9. The Red Lion, Yarmouth. A traditional style with outside seating, offers a fantastic, if not cheap menu, just by the Old Church.

10. Perks, Ventnor town. A bit quirky, almost like a front room of a house – good value drinks and food at lunchtimes and weekends.

Whether you are staying in Bonchurch or Ventnor, or any other part of the Island, you won´t be far from a wide choice of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés, and even if you tried a different one every day, you would still be spoilt for choice when you next visit.

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Isle of Wight events 2012

Isle of Wight Walking Festival 2012. This festival has grown to become the biggest event of its kind in the UK with over 200 walks and 21000 people taking part in 2010. Walks are accompanied and graded, and range from short- story walks for kids to a 24-hour walk around the Island’s spectacular coastal path. Since it began in 2008, the IW speed-dating walk has resulted in two ‘Wight’ weddings! The Island has over 500 miles of well- maintained and signposted footpaths around 30 miles of Heritage Coastline, while more than half of the Island is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Dates Opening 05/05/2012 – 20/05/2012

www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival 2012. The fifteenth Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival - as usual, the weekend will be full of spectacle and entertainment starting at noon on Friday June 3rd. This popular Island event attracts many thousands of locals and visitors alike who are able to enjoy the attractions in and around this historic town. Filling the harbour will be around 100 gaff rigged vessels dressed overall creating a colourful sight. There will be free non stop entertainment with a variety of styles of music and singing, continental market stalls in The Square.

Dates Opening TBD

www.yarmoutholdgaffersfestival.co.uk

Isle of Wight Cycling Festival 2012. The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival provides the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten track and enjoy some of the Island's most beautiful, unspoilt countryside. Rides vary from pleasant meanders through pretty villages to Cycle the Wight, a 70-mile road route around the Island’s spectacular coastline. The festival kicks-off in Newport with a day of family entertainment, including the hilarious Sink or Swim. Watch from the riverbank as homemade pedal-powered crafts attempt to make it across the River Medina without getting wet.

Dates Opening 15/09/2012 – 23/09/2012

www.sunseaandcycling.com

Isle of Wight Festival 2012. The legendary Isle of Wight Festival was revived in 2002 and now fully re-established as a major UK music Festival, this event welcomes top acts & 50,000 fans to Seaclose Park each year. With previous headliners including: Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Pink, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Sterophonics and Coldplay the beautiful setting and nostalgic roots blend together to create a unique festival experience.

Dates Opening 22/06/2012 – 24/06/2012

www.isleofwightfestival.com

Isle of Wight Garlic Festival 2012. An event held to celebrate the Isle of Wight’s position as the UK’s premier garlic growing region. The centre of attention is the Garlic marquee, with many tempting products, including garlic-flavoured mussels, sausages, beer and even ice cream.

Dates Opening 18/08/2012 - 19/08/2012

http://www.garlic-festival.co.uk

Isle of Wight Carnivals 2012 The Isle of Wight is truly Carnival Crazy! With an average of 15 carnival parades each summer and up to 10 winter carnivals and lantern parades, there’s always something to see.

JULY
TBD July - Newport main carnival starts 7.30pm
TBD July - Sandown main carnival starts 7.00pm

AUGUST
TBD - Shanklin main carnival starts 7.00pm
TBD - Shanklin illuminated carnival starts 9.15pm
TBD - Yarmouth carnival
TBD - Ventnor main carnival starts 7.00pm
TBD - Cowes main carnival starts 7.00pm
TBD - Ventnor illuminated carnival starts 9.00pm
TBD - Ryde Main carnival starts 6.15pm
TBD - Pan carnival starts 7.00pm
TBD - Cowes illuminated carnival 8.45pm
TBD - St Helens carnival 6.30pm
TBD - Sandown illuminated carnival 9.00pm

SEPTEMBER
TBD - Ryde illuminated carnival 8.30pm

The Chale Show 2012 The 85th Chale Show is set to take place over the weekend of Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th August 2012 from 11am. Exciting new arena acts & displays, IW Hospice sunflower live music stage. Organised by the Chale Horticultural Society, this all-weather show boasts over 20,000 square feet of covered attractions including the well renowned horticultural marquee featuring over 1300 horticultural exhibits, antiques and craft fairs coupled with an indoor bargain market and farmers market. Children will enjoy all the fun of the fair in the fairground, plus marching bands will be present at the event on both days along with everyone's favourite Island magician, David Randini. In addition to all of this there will be an art exhibition taking place in the main marquee and continuous arena events and static displays including traction engines, historic vehicles, vintage tractors, military vehicles, children's participating arena events and much more! This year will see even more specialist food outlets being introduced to the show in order to cater for all tastes, including a beer tent, barbeque, tea tent and pig roast. New for this year, the Chale Show are also sponsoring local Primary and Middle Schools to grow vegetables for them to eat and enjoy. A special display area will be allocated for them in the Show Marquee. Prizes will be made to the best exhibits and all will receive a certificate for taking part. Entry is priced at £7 for adults and £6 for concessions/OAPS. Children under 16 go free and there will be no additional charge for parking. Gates open at 11am both mornings, with the event drawing to a close at 6pm.

Dates Opening TBD

www.thechaleshow.co.uk

Cowes Week 2012 There's nothing quite like Cowes Week; the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the World. The event boasts an 8-day schedule combining competitive racing and great fun for the 8,500 competitors racing and 100,000 spectators who enjoy a fantastic line up of shore-side entertainment day and night. Also during the week, you can get out on the water aboard a spectator boat or take part in some sailing taster sessions. The world-famous fireworks take place on the final Friday of the event. There is so much to see and do, so keep track of the event plans as they develop in the build up to August by bookmarking the official site below.

Dates Opening 11/08/2012 – 18/08/2012

www.cowesweek.co.uk

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Top 10 free things to do on the Isle of Wight

1. Isle of Wight Walks From gentle strolls around the coast to long climbs up our Downs, there is no better way to explore the isle of wight than on foot. Different grades of walks, from easy to difficult, start and finish in most of the major towns and villages of the island, and all ages and fitness levels are catered for.

2. Cycling trails Cycling on the Isle of Wight is one of the best ways to keep fit and explore this diverse area at the same time. Depending on your levels of fitness, you can cycle some of the more challenging routes, or take a family trip around parts of The Island which are more easily accessible. Cycle hire is available around the Island, and many of the trails provide great family days out. A good cycle hire service is provided by www.thewightcycle.com

3. The Beach Enough said really. The numerous beaches on the Isle of Wight provide endless diverse possibilities, and of course just swimming and sunbathing.

4. The Botanic Gardens Ventnor The Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight is a place where the pleasure of plants can be enjoyed to the fullest, it is also a place where people of all ages can learn more about the wonderful world of plants and the inextricable link that we have with them. www.botanic.co.uk

5. Arreton Barns A micro village on the Isle of Wight. Full of museums, demonstrations and shops. For all the family, and not too much commercial. www.arretonbarns.co.uk

6. The Garlic Farm Buy beautiful long-keeping garlic. Learn about growing garlic, garlic for health & the power of garlic. Taste our range of 35 Vampire & Garlic Relishes. From the incredibly hot "Vampires Extreme" to the sublime "Garlic Apricot & Ginger Chutney" with a little "Cheeky Monkey" thrown in for good measure. Oak Smoked Garlic Butter, Sweet Garlic Cloves marinated in Oil, crunchy without the biting heat of fresh garlic as well as Garlic Pesto. www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk

7. Adgestone Vineyard Why not visit a genuine vineyard. One of the oldest in the country is right here on the Isle of Wight. www.adgestonevineyard.co.uk

8. Ventnor Park Ventnor Park is a bit of ole England here on the Isle of Wight. Complete with a bandstand and putting green, a great place to while away an afternoon.

9. Bembridge Harbour It has beach, great for young kids and a busy Harbour mouth to watch the coming and goings of the boating world. There are a few places to get refreshment – certainly not over commercialized.

10. Cowes Harbour Completley the opposite of Bembridge, Cowes offers one of the Main Centres of the boating world right here on the Isle of Wight. Shops, chandleries, ferries large and small, A very buzzy place at certain times of the year and certainly worth a free visit to watch the world go by.

Wherever you decide to stay on the Isle of Wight, you can find plenty of free things to see and do. Work out an itinerary before you travel, so you can take advantage of this truly spectacular region. Whether you want to explore the quieter regions of the Isle of Wight, or enjoy the attractions of Shanklin, Sandown, Newport and Ryde, you can reach most points by bus. This not only offers an economical way of exploring the Island, but also allows you sample some of the famous Isle of Wight real ales en route, without having to worry about driving back to your hotel.

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