The Isle of Wight has many attractions to offer visitors – many of which are free!

Walking

With a spectacular coastline, rolling hills, green countryside, historic buildings and welcoming pubs, the island makes a great location to explore on foot.

See the  Isle of Wight Walking Festival for information on the spring and autumn walking festivals. The website also contains lots of downloadable walks (between 5 and 14 miles all around the island). A programme of winter walks is available on http://www.iwight.com/just_visiting/walking/default.asp.

Cycling

Visit the IOW Tourism site for downloadable cycle routes and cycle hire information.

Other “green activities” on the island include:-

The Donkey sanctuary provides any donkey in distress or otherwise in need of care and attention, a safe and permanent home.

The Gift to Nature website lists lots of ideas for a free or cheap “green” day out.

Catch the bus!
The Southern Vectis No.12 bus stop is directly outside the cottage so jump on board and have a car-free day out. Places which are easy to get to include Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, Yarmouth, Freshwater, Dimbola Lodge / Freshwater Bay, Compton Bay, Colwell Bay and Totland Bay. Visit the Southern Vectis website for more information and timetables - Wightbus also connects Shorwell with Newport and Yarmouth.

Visit the Official website of Isle of Wight Tourism for a wide variety of places to visit including the IOW Steam Railway, Brading Roman Villa, Theme parks for the children (including Robin Hill, Blackgang and the Needles at Alum Bay) wildlife parks, craft centres, fishing trips, Island pleasure flights, plus much much more.

National Trust:- The Needles Old Battery, Newtown Old town Hall, Mottistone Manor Garden, Bembridge Windmill, Bembridge Fort and the 18th Century Post Office and Shop in Brighstone.

English Heritage:- Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, Yarmouth Castle, Appludurcombe House, St Catherine’s Oratory.

The Island has many nice pubs serving local beer and good reasonably priced food.  Many of these also have live entertainment. We can thoroughly recommend our local, ‘The Crown Inn’, directly opposite. The White Mouse Inn at Chale, The Sun Inn at Hulverstone, The Waterfront restaurant in Totland, The New Inn at Shalfleet, The Three Bishops in Brighstone (plus many more!) are also recommended.