Whether you want to explore the stunning coastal walks, the Isle of Wight’s sandy beaches, picturesque bays, or wander around the harbour towns or thatched villages, The Clifton is perfectly located.
For those wishing to explore nearby there are fabulous walks, safe sandy beaches on your doorstep, cycle routes and the beautiful Shanklin Old Village with its old-world charm. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs within easy reach.
There is a wide variety of places to visit on the Isle of Wight to suit all ages, budget and weather, here are just some of them.
For more information about the Isle of Wight, please do take a look at the following websites below, both of which are the official travel guides for keeping up to date with everything that’s happening on the island.
Visit Isle of Wight – Click Here
Isle of Wight . Com – Click Here
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Shanklin Chine
Carved by Mother Nature’s own hands over thousands of years, the stunning tree-lined gorge that is Shanklin Chine cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade, far below.
Attracting many millions of visitors to wander through and marvel at its beauty over a near double century of seasonal openings, Shanklin Chine can truly say it’s lasted the test of visitor time. There are few places on the Isle of Wight, let alone England, that can boast such a tranquil and picturesque location.
Visit Website Here: Shanklin Chine >
Osborne House
“It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot,” said Queen Victoria of Osborne House, her palatial holiday home on the Isle of Wight. Visit Victoria and Albert’s private apartments, their bathing beach and children’s play-cottage for an intimate glimpse of royal family life. Then stroll through the garden terraces where the stunning views across the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples.
Osborne reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s passions, tastes and style. Ornate furnishings and artefacts from The Royal Collection fill rooms and corridors where Victoria entertained heads of state, inventors, princes and princesses and ruled the vast British Empire.
Winner of Gold in the Heritage Garden of the Year category and Overall Winner in the category, South and South East in Bloom 2017.
Winner of 1st place in the category of Best Large Tourist Attraction Garden, and winner of the Peggy Jarman trophy for the Best Entrant Overall, Isle of Wight in Bloom 2017.
Named ‘Best place for heritage, arts and culture’ at the Red Funnel My Isle of Wight awards 2017.
Visit Website Here: Osborne House >
The Needles Pleasure Park & Alum Bay
The Needles on the Isle of Wight is one of the most photographed groups of rocks in the world. This row of three distinctive Chalk stacks features in all the classic views of the island, a truly unforgettable image.
The name ‘Needles’ is believed to have been derived from a slender tapering rock pinnacle which was formerly situated a little to the north, on the Alum Bay side of the present central rock.
This needle-shaped rock, about 120ft high and known as ‘Lot’s Wife’ collapsed into the sea in 1764 with a crash which was said to have been heard many miles away. The stump of this pinnacle can still be seen at low water where it forms a dangerous reef.
The Needles form the western tip of a band of chalk that crosses the centre of the Isle of Wight, stretching to Culver Cliff in the east. This chalk ridge continues west under the sea to Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck and is believed to have been connected at one time to Old Harry Rocks, about 20 miles away. In 5,000BC this ridge was breached by the Solent River, creating the Isle of Wight with its jagged white rocks at the western tip. These unusually vertical rocks are a result of the heavy folding of chalk and the remaining stacks of hard chalk are extremely resistant to erosion.
Visit Website Here: The Needles Pleasure Park >
The Isle of Wight Monkey Haven
One of the Clifton’s firm favourites, The Monkey Haven on the Isle of Wight has just struck Gold by winning one of the biggest awards in Tourism – a VisitEngland Gold accolade in the prestigious Visitor Attraction category.
A spokesman for VisitEngland commented: “This accolade is a testament to the high standards achieved, which the assessor felt were truly deserving of recognition.”
The animal sanctuary near Newport is a happy home for monkeys, bird of prey, meerkats, reptiles and other exotic creatures. As well as being a primate rescue centre, they run a birds of prey ‘rescue and release programme’, caring for injured birds until they are well enough to be returned to the wild.
VisitEngland’s golden gong comes just weeks after the attraction was awarded a Gold in the Beautiful South Awards for 2016/17. The rescue centre has also been TripAdvisor’s No 1 attraction on the Isle of Wight for the past two years.
“What a fantastic start to the 2017 season”, commented Don Walser, Founder of Monkey Haven. “We’re so grateful to our amazing staff, volunteers, visitors and supporters. Together, we’ve been caring for animals in crisis since 2008 and that’s what gives us the greatest pleasure of all.”
Visit Website Here: Monkey Haven >
Dinosaur Isle
Dinosaur Isle is an all-year-round facility, combining entertainment, education and enjoyment. Displays use clever lighting, artwork, sound, smells and animatronic technology to create an exciting experience. As well as the displays, there is a working laboratory on view, and a room set aside for learning sessions. Full disabled access is available, and the facility has a large shop. Browns cafeteria is immediately next door to the site. We are located next to the sandy beach at Sandown, within a short distance of the excellent geological exposures at Yaverland.
The new museum displays over 1000 of the best fossils from the collections, and the dedicated museum staff and volunteers have spent much time preparing the specimens for the new displays. An introductory exhibition gallery covers the geology and fossils of the Island in a walk back through time, taking the visitor from the Ice Age of the recent past, back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs lived. This leads to the large dinosaur gallery, which has exciting displays including real fossils, skeletal reconstructions, life-sized fleshed re-constructions and two animatronic dinosaurs.
Visit Website Here: Dinosaur Isle >
Blackgang Chine
Let your imagination run wild as you start your very own adventure…
You can fight pirates on-board your own ship, discover life-sized moving dinosaurs, become a sheriff of your own town, and lock up the outlaws in jail, experience the magic of becoming a fairy princess in your own castle… or explore a sunken shipwreck in our newest theme world the Underwater Kingdom.
Set on the cliff tops, with stunning sea-views, and filled with an eclectic mix of attractions, magical theme worlds and exciting rides, you’ll find something for all the family at Blackgang Chine.
Make magical memories that will last for generations and start your adventure into the land of imagination today!
Plus, don’t miss extra events and entertainment with characters during every school holiday!
Visit Website Here: Blackgang Chine >
Additional Locations Worth the Visit
Walking – Walking the Wight
Walking the Wight is an annual sponsored walk across the island, offering scenic coastal and countryside routes while raising money for local charities.
Isle of Wight Ramblers
Isle of Wight Ramblers is a friendly walking group organising regular guided walks across the island’s beautiful countryside and coastline.
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a popular biannual event featuring a wide range of guided walks for all abilities, showcasing the island’s stunning landscapes.
Isle of Wight Walking Festival >
Isle of Wight Zoo, Now Renamed as “Wildheart Animal Sanctuary”
Isle of Wight Zoo is a coastal wildlife park specialising in big cats and lemurs, with a strong focus on conservation and rescue.
Mottistone Manor Garden
Mottistone Manor Garden is a peaceful National Trust garden known for its colourful seasonal planting and charming countryside setting.
Robin Hill
Robin Hill is a family-friendly adventure park offering rides, woodland walks, and outdoor attractions set within beautiful parkland. They also host other various events such as popular car boot sales, and music festivals.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a heritage railway attraction where visitors can enjoy vintage steam train journeys through picturesque countryside.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway >
Adgestone Vineyard
Adgestone Vineyard is one of the island’s oldest vineyards, offering tours and tastings of locally produced English wines.
Rosemary Vineyard
Rosemary Vineyard is a family-run vineyard producing English wines and hosting guided tours and tastings in a relaxed rural setting.
Amazon World
Amazon World Zoo Park is an exotic animal attraction featuring tropical birds, reptiles, and rare species from around the globe.
Brading Roman Villa
Brading Roman Villa is an award-winning Roman site showcasing beautifully preserved mosaics and fascinating insights into Roman Britain.
Isle of Wight Pearl
Isle of Wight Pearl is a jewellery attraction where visitors can learn about pearl jewellery, browse collections, and enjoy coastal views.
Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle is a historic medieval fortress famous for imprisoning King Charles I and offering panoramic views from its battlements.
The Garlic Farm
The Garlic Farm is a unique working farm dedicated to garlic, featuring a farm shop, restaurant, and seasonal events.
Calbourne Water Mill and Rural Museum
Calbourne Water Mill is a historic working water mill with traditional milling demonstrations, rural exhibits, and scenic grounds.
Calbourne Water Mill and Rural Museum >
Ventnor Botanic Gardens
Ventnor Botanic Garden is a subtropical garden thriving in the island’s mild climate, home to rare and exotic plants from around the world.
Arreton Craft Barns
Arreton Craft Barns is a collection of traditional barns housing local artisans, craft workshops, and a popular farm shop.
Butterfly World
Butterfly World Isle of Wight is an indoor tropical house where visitors can walk among free-flying butterflies and exotic insects.
West Wight Alpacas
West Wight Alpacas offers guided alpaca walking experiences across scenic countryside, providing a fun and unique outdoor activity.
Tapnell Farm Park
Tapnell Farm Park is a family farm attraction with animal encounters, indoor and outdoor play areas, and all-weather activities.
Ryde Superbowl
Ryde Superbowl is an indoor entertainment venue offering ten-pin bowling, arcade games, and family-friendly fun in the heart of Ryde.
Fort Victoria
Fort Victoria is a historic coastal fort offering woodland walks, sea views across the Solent, and small on-site attractions and exhibitions.
Isle of Wight Deer Farm
Isle of Wight Deer Farm is a family-run farm where visitors can see and feed deer, along with other friendly farm animals.
Harvey Browns
Harvey Browns is a popular farm shop and café serving fresh local produce, homemade food, and seasonal treats.
Goddards Brewery
Goddards Brewery is a traditional brewery producing award-winning island ales, with tours and a taproom for visitors to enjoy tastings.
Briddlesford Lodge Farm
Situated just outside off Newport, this popular farm boats a cosy cafe and filled farm-shop stocked with multiple IOW-based goods and products.
Quarr Abbey
A monastery on the Isle of Wight. Situated just off the south coast of England, Quarr is home to a small group of Benedictine monks who dedicate their lives to the glory of God. There are wonderful woodland walks on the grounds.
