Outdoor activities on the Isle of Wight

Outdoor Leisure & Nature

The Isle of Wight offers a diverse range of outdoor sites, from the Victorian grandeur of Osborne House, Queen Victoria's former summer residence, to the rugged chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down. Historic landmarks include the medieval St Catherine's Oratory and the ruins of the Baroque Appuldurcombe House. Families can explore Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest theme park, or visit wildlife sanctuaries like Monkey Haven. The island’s natural landscape features significant botanical collections at Ventnor and expansive coastal views from the island's highest point, St Boniface Down.

Outdoor Leisure & Nature — Map

Loz Pycock / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Osborne House, Garden and Grounds

Osborne House is a former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.

Debnigo / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Blackgang Chine Theme Park

Blackgang Chine is the oldest amusement park in the United Kingdom, having opened in 1843.

Fluteflute / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Isle of Wight Zoo

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, previously known as the Isle of Wight Zoo and Sandown Zoo, is a wildlife sanctuary on the coastline of…

BabelStone / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

St Catherine's Oratory (The Pepperpot)

St. Catherine's Oratory is a medieval lighthouse on St. Catherine's Down, above the southern coast of the Isle of Wight.

Loz Pycock / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

Appuldurcombe House

An 18th-century Baroque country house, now preserved as a shell by English Heritage. Once the grandest house on the island, it sits within parkland designed by Capability Brown.

Ben Brooksbank / CC BY-SA 2.0

F

Ryde Pier

Ryde Pier is an early 19th century pier serving the town of Ryde, on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England.

R MORGAN / CC-BY-3.0

G

Tennyson Down

Tennyson Down is a hill at the west end of the Isle of Wight just south of Totland.

H

Ventnor Botanic Gardens

Established on the site of a former Victorian chest hospital, these gardens benefit from a unique microclimate that supports a collection of subtropical and exotic plants rarely seen elsewhere in the UK.

I

Robin Hill

Robin Hill Country Park is an 88-acre theme park located in Downend; outside Newport, Isle of Wight.

J

Gurnard Marsh

A coastal wetland and protected nature reserve providing a habitat for diverse bird species and saltmarsh flora along the northern coast of the island.

Garry Knight / CC BY-SA 2.0

K

Gander Down

Culver Down is a chalk down to the north of Sandown, Isle of Wight.

Mypix / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

St Boniface Down

St Boniface Down is a chalk down near Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, England.

M

St. Catherine's Lighthouse

A 19th-century lighthouse situated on the southernmost tip of the Isle of Wight. The current tower dates to 1838 and serves as a critical navigational aid for the English Channel.

Carlesmari / CC BY 3.0

N

Sandown Pier

Sandown Pier is a pleasure pier in Sandown, Isle of Wight, England.

O

Monkey Haven

This wonderful wildlife park is popular for its eagle-owls and many monkey species - from lemurs to gibbons.

Other Lists

Museums & Galleries Castles and Forts Historic Churches Historic Sites Stays on the Isle of Wight