The island is one of the Dinosaur fossil capitals of the world! Dinosaurs The Isle of Wight is one of the world’s top destinations for dinosaur discoveries. Its unique geology is the key reason why so many fossils have been uncovered here. The coastline, stretching from Sandown to the western parts of the island, is composed largely of soft clay. This makes it an ideal environment for preserving fossils over millions of years, while also being naturally prone to erosion — a process that continually exposes new finds. The island is particularly famous for Iguanodon fossils, which were among the first dinosaur remains ever discovered in the UK. In fact, the Isle of Wight has earned a reputation as “Dinosaur Island” because of the sheer number and diversity of prehistoric remains found here, including bones from carnivorous dinosaurs like Neovenator and the giant plant-eating dinosaurs like Ornithopods. One of the most remarkable experiences is visiting Compton Bay at low tide, where well-preserved dinosaur footprints can be seen in the rocks — a tangible connection to the creatures that roamed the island over 100 million years ago. The island is also home to several dinosaur-themed attractions, fossil-hunting tours, and museums, such as the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown, where visitors can learn more about these incredible prehistoric finds. Whether you’re an aspiring palaeontologist, a family looking for a unique day out, or simply fascinated by prehistoric life, the Isle of Wight offers a truly extraordinary glimpse into the age of the dinosaurs. Dinosaur Isle See More Shanklin Seafront See More Sandham Gardens See More The Needles Landmark Attraction See More Blackgang Chine See More Shanklin Chine See More

From Royal Palaces, Castles, Zoos and Theme Parks, there is something for the everyone on the Isle of Wight Menu Close Services About Us Contact Contact Us Handy Information Facebook Videos Travel Island Attractions Services Dog Friendly Beaches Dinosaurs Dinosaurs Dinosaurs Dinosaurs Services Carnivals Easter Spring Island Attractions Explore Search Blog Portfolio Things to see and Do Welcome to Things to See & Do Whether you're here for a day, a week, or longer, the Isle of Wight is full of surprises. From dramatic coastal walks and gardens to quirky museums and arts performances, there’s something for every kind of explorer. Browse by interest, area or theme, or scroll below to dive into our curated categories. Click any tile to explore detailed guides, photos, tips, and insider advice. Winter Season Off-season highlights and attractions open in winter months Rainy Day Ideas Indoor things to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate Dinosaur Island Prehistoric fun: fossils, dinosaur trails, and attractions for kids Arts and Theatre Galleries, live performances, cultural venues across the IOW Shopping Independent shops, markets, crafts and souvenirs to explore Dog Friendly Island Parks, trails, and spots your four-legged friend will enjoy Island Attractions Castles, gardens, lighthouses, and historic sites worth visiting. Island Event Festivals, fairs, shows — browse what’s coming up Island Beaches From family-friendly sands to secret coves, find your perfect beach

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The island has many places to visit with your 4 legged friends! Dog Friendly Island Attractions! Loads of the island's attractions are dog-friendly.! Blackgang Chine, Carisbrooke Castle, Appuldurcombe House, Osborne House (Grounds Only) Isle of Wight Steam Railway Ventnor Botanic Gardens, The Needles Landmark Attraction The Needles Old Battery, Yarmouth Castle, Shanklin Chine, Check individual websites for any parts that may not allow dogs. Attractions Beaches Most of the main beaches are only dog friendly in the winter months (November-April), but are plenty of beaches all year round for your dog to have fun on! Alum Bay (On Leads) Colwell Bay (Right of Slipway), Bembridge, Seagrove, Priory Bay, Ryde (Left of Pier), Whitecliff Bay Yaverland (Left of Car Park), Brook Bay, Chilton Chine, Rocken End, Steephill Cove (On Leads) Beaches

The island has a wide variety of places to experience arts and theatre! Arts & Theatre The Isle of Wight is rich in culture and heritage, with a long history of inspiring creativity. Famous poets and artists have found the island the perfect place to spark their imagination — most notably Alfred Lord Tennyson, who often stayed in Freshwater and is honoured with a monument at the top of Tennyson Down. Today, the island continues to nurture creativity, with independent artists showcasing their work in shops and galleries across towns and villages. Visitors can also experience craftsmanship in action at Alum Bay Glass and IOW Studio Glass, where incredible pieces are made right before your eyes. For performing arts, venues such as Shanklin Theatre and Medina Theatre host a year-round programme of touring shows and home-grown productions, offering something for everyone. Shanklin Theatre Official Site Dimbola Lodge Official Site Medina Theate Official Site Chessel Pottery Official Site Alum Bay Glass Official Site IOW Lavender Official Site IOW Garlic Official Site Chocolate Apothecary Official Site Fantastic Store Official Site

Whether you like carnivals, fireworks and everything in between there is a event for you on the Isle of Wight Island Events What’s On Across the Isle of Wight From music festivals and carnivals to seasonal celebrations and community events, this is your guide to what’s happening across the island Spring Summer Autumn Winter Season Easter Halloween Christmas Music Festivals Island Carnivals

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The Isle of Wight is amazing any time of year, but its summer when the island really wakes up! Summer on the Isle of Wight Explore the Island Discover the beauty of Summer on the Isle of Wight. Let us guide you through picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and charming villages. Immerse yourself in local culture and history as we take you on a memorable journey filled with adventure and relaxation. Start Exploring Events on the Island Discover the vibrant events taking place on the Isle of Wight this summer! From lively music festivals and captivating art exhibitions to charming local fairs and outdoor, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to experience the island's unique culture and stunning scenery while making unforgettable memories. Join us for a summer filled with excitement and fun! Start Exploring Island Attractions Discover breathtaking island attractions that will leave you in awe! From pristine beaches to vibrant local culture, each destination offers unique experiences for every traveler. Explore stunning landscapes, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the island lifestyle. Your adventure awaits—let's uncover the magic of these incredible islands together! Start Exploring Island Beaches The Isle of Wight boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the UK, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. From the golden sands of Shanklin Beach to the rugged cliffs of Compton Bay, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, or exploring the coastal paths with breathtaking views. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, the Isle of Wight promise an unforgettable experience. Start Exploring Top 5 guide for Summer fun Start Exploring

With long hot summer days and nights, the isle of wight has events to entertain everyone! Summer The Chale Show 2nd & 3rd August 2025 The Chale Show is a traditional Country show with something to entertain the whole family! Official Site Cowes Week 2nd-8th August 2025 See the worlds oldest and largest sailing regatta! With plenty of races and onshore activities, and a firework finale Official Site IOW Pride 19th July 2025 Expect a brilliant carnival atmosphere and entertainment! Official Site Carnivals Through out July and August Which ever town you are visiting there is a amazing carnival including a illuminated one! See More IOW Steam Railway 26th July 2025 Steam Railway Proms The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra at Havenstreet. With the amazing food and of course the steam trains Official Site IOW Steam Railway 22nd-25 August 2025 Island Steam Fair With amazing entertainment in the arena, fairground, heritage vehicles and much more! Official Site The Needles 31st July, 7th/14th/21st & 28th August 2025 The skies above The Needles will be filled with the fireworks! The park is open late with entertainment as well! Official Site Osborne House 19th July to 31st August 2025 Come Play ft. TV’s Taskmaster Collect your Taskmaster score card and complete your tasks. There might be a rubber duck or two to spot on the way too. Official Site Carisbrooke Castle 12th-14th August 2025 Jousting! Experience an exhilarating spectacle as four legendary knights compete for glory in the grand medieval joust. Official Site Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Wednesdays in July (23rd & 30th) and August Twilight Safari explore the Sanctuary after-hours, witness new animal behaviours, and listen to exclusive talks from the friendly and knowledgeable animal carers Official Site Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Tuesdays and Thursdays in August 2025 Sunrise Breakfasts You can have a delicious breakfast with us while enjoying a rare early morning encounter with the rescued animals! See the morning routine of the keepers and animals! Official Site Robin Hill Tuesdays and Thursdays in August Cheeky Monkey Fire Show Get ready for heart-pounding thrills, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and fire-fuelled fun in the parks Woodland Amphitheatre Official Site Robin Hill 30th August 2025 The Wight Isle – Classic Ibiza White Party Party in the woodland of Robin Hill with the electric energy of classic Ibiza music echoing through the trees. Official Site Blackgang Chine Wednesdays in August Summerfest Experience the amazing Wild West Show, Resident DJ, Foam party and the famous firework finale. Plus ride the rides till late night! Official Site Tapnell Farm Tuesdays 29th July- 26th August 2025 Moo-Mania Expect laughter, games, and plenty of surprises as AJ brings the farm to life with his unique blend of fun and energy Official Site

It may be winter but there is still plenty to do on the Isle of Wight! Winter Season It may be the winter season but there is still plenty of things to do on the Isle of Wight! Please check individual attraction websites for specific opening hours/days. IOW Donkey Sanctuary Official Site Shopping See More Fort Victoria See More Tapnell Farm Official Site LA Bowl Official Site Dinosaur Isle See More Carisbrooke Castle See More Amazon World See More Ventnor Botanic Gardens Official Site Osborne House Official Site Sandown Pier See More Amazon World See More Quarr Abbey See More Quay Arts Official Site Needles Landmark Attraction See More Brading Roman Villa See More Shanklin Seafront Official Site Museum of Island History See More Newport Roman Villa Official Site Christmas on the Isle of Wight

The island has a reputation of being one of the most haunted places in the UK! Dare you visit this Halloween? Halloween Halloween on the Isle of Wight is a spellbinding experience for all ages. From haunted castles and ghost walks through historic towns to pumpkin trails, spooky farm attractions, and family-friendly events, the Island comes alive with eerie fun each October. Known as one of the most haunted places in the UK, the Isle of Wight is steeped in ghostly legends and mysterious tales that make it the perfect setting for Halloween adventures. Whether you’re chasing thrills with spine-chilling stories of smugglers and spirits, or enjoying lantern-lit trails with the kids, there’s something to enchant and unnerve in equal measure. Welcome to the Isle of Fright IOW Steam Railway TBC 2026 Wizard Week It’s wickedly, wonderful fun this half term as witches, wizards and other ghouls take over Havenstreet. Including a spooky treasure hunt trail, story telling and of course the trains! See More Blackgang Chine TBC 2026 Fiesta of the Dead Walk through the Land of the Dead, full of floating skulls, Fire Shows and live entertainment! Includes night rides on all the parks rides as well! See More Tapnell Farm TBC 2026 Boo-Mania Tapnell Farm Park is about to be overrun by goblins, ghouls, and glitter as BOO-MANIA, the most epic family Halloween ball of the year See More Carisbrooke Castle TBC 2026 Halloween Half-Term Follow the quest to solve creepy clues, and gather round to listen to spooky stories by the resident ghost hunters! See More Robin Hill TBC 2026 Spooktacular Halloween Party A spooky party takes over Robin Hill, including Cheeky Monkey Fire Show, Forest Light Show, DJ and much more! See More Robin Hill TBC 2026 Boogie In The Dark Halloween Party Adult only party including Naughty Monkey Fire Show, Bar, Live DJ , Food and much more! See More Shanklin Chine TBC 2026 Halloween Spooktacular Wander the walkways and follow the trail and the cryptic clues. Look out for witches, werewolves and spooky spiders. Live Music on selected days See More Arreton Barns TBC 2026 Halloween Pumpkin Hunt Look out for the hidden pumpkin stakes to work out the spooky word! You may even win a prize! See More Donkey Sanctuary TBC 2026 Halloween Fun Celebrate always think pumpkins from a pumpkin trail to pumpkin carving See More Monkey Haven TBC 2026 Half Term Halloween Fun Follow a spooky trail, crafty creeps and much more! See More The Garlic Farm TBC 2026 Half Term Halloween Fun Take the spooky trail! A haunted walk through their farm and woodlands with ghosts, witches, graveyards, pumpkin heads and plenty of quirky fun installations to be found See More Osborne House TBC 2026 Ghost Tales of Osborne Join their storytellers as they guide you on a journey through the past, with tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history. See More Amazon World TBC 2026 Fancy Dress Party Halloween Fancy Dress Party, Games and Disco all held in the Monkey Madness Soft Play See More The Old Battery TBC 2026 Bugs at the Old Battery Explore the fascinating world of insects on our half-term 'Bugs at the Old Battery' trail! See More