Isle of Wight self-catering attractions
See below for more information about the Isle of Wight's major visitor attractions, such as opening times and admission prices. We've included popular outdoor activities, historical sites, pubs and restaurants. Links have also been included where available.Outdoor activities
The Isle of Wight offers hundreds of miles of bridleways and public footpaths, which are popular with ramblers and cyclists. Centres such as Wight Cycle Hire, rent out bikes on a weekly and daily basis and also offer guided rides around the island. See the website for booking information. Water-based activities can also be arranged through companies like X-Isle Sports, who cater for windsurfers, sailing enthusiasts and kite-surfers. Instructor courses are also available for beginners as well as private coaching. Enquiries should be made online. For a more relaxing day-out try Seacatch - they provide boating excursions on board a local fishing vessel which travels along the nearby coast.
Food and drinkTravellers Joy is located just outside Cowes and is a family-run pub. It is over 300 years old and serves wholesome pub food from an uncomplicated menu. Local ales such as Hampshire King Alfred are served and there's also a pub garden with children's play area. The 19th century Spyglass Inn, once a refuge for smugglers is an intriguing old pub and displays a wide selection of nautical artifacts and memorabilia on its walls. It's specialises in seafood such as local crab and lobster and there's also an array of ales and beers from the locality including Yates Undercliff Experience and Ventnor Golden.
The Pond Cafe is a popular eating establishment and is located in Ventnor. It's speciality is mediterranean cuisine served from a menu that changes every fortnight. Children's portions are served, families are welcome and a la carte main courses start at around £10. The idyllically placed, St Helens in Ryde is also worth a visit and serves modern British food. Overlooking the village green, dishes include Isle of Wight seabass fillet and locally caught crab. Families are catered for with a children's menu and dinner prices are between £13 and £30.
History and CultureThe 800 year old Carisbrooke Castle is a fine example of a Mote-and-Bailey keep and includes the remains of a Roman fort underneath some of its buildings. Its great hall and chamber are open to the general public and there's also an adjoining museum in the gatehouse that displays manuscripts and other artifacts. Visiting times are 10am to 5pm and admission is £6.70 for adults, £3.40 for children.
The Calbourne Water Mill is also worth visiting and features the only working water mill on the island. It's set in 10 acres of well-kept landscaped gardens and includes a cafe and giftshop. Opening times during high season are 10am to 5pm and entry prices are £4 for children and £7 for adults. Under 5's are allowed in free of charge.
