Explore the Isle of Wight

Beaches & coast ·On the doorstep

Whitecliff Bay beach

A sheltered sandy bay tucked beneath the white chalk cliffs of Culver Down. Perfect for rock pooling, paddling and sunrise strolls.

Beaches & coast ·Approx. 10 min drive

St Helens Duver

A National Trust sand and shingle spit at the mouth of Bembridge Harbour, with colourful beach huts and wide views across the Solent.

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Beaches & coast ·Approx. 15 min drive

Sandown beach & pier

A long stretch of golden sand with a classic seaside pier, promenade cafés and plenty of space for building sandcastles.

Beaches & coast ·Approx. 20 min drive

Shanklin Old Village & beach

Thatched cottages, tea rooms and the wooded Shanklin Chine leading down to a gentle sandy beach.

Walks & views ·Walk from the caravan

Culver Down

Climb up from the bay for sweeping views over Sandown Bay, the Solent and the whole east of the island. Look out for the Yarborough Monument and the old Culver Battery.

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Walks & views ·Approx. 5 min drive

Bembridge Lifeboat Station

Walk out along the pier at Lane End to the RNLI lifeboat station, then follow the coast path past the rocky Bembridge Ledges.

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History & heritage ·Approx. 10 min drive

Bembridge Windmill

The last surviving windmill on the island, dating from the early 1700s and cared for by the National Trust. Lovely countryside walks start nearby.

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History & heritage ·Approx. 10 min drive

Brading Roman Villa

Remarkable Roman mosaics under cover, plus a café and walks on the downs above Brading.

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History & heritage ·Approx. 30 min drive

Osborne

Queen Victoria's seaside home at East Cowes, with grand state rooms, gardens and her private beach. Run by English Heritage.

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History & heritage ·Approx. 30 min drive

Carisbrooke Castle

Explore the walls and keep of this medieval castle near Newport – and meet the donkeys that work the well wheel.

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Family days out ·Approx. 15 min drive

Isle of Wight Zoo

A much-loved small zoo on Sandown seafront, known for its big cats and lemurs. Great for younger children.

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Family days out ·Approx. 15 min drive

Dinosaur Isle

The island is one of the best places in Europe for dinosaur fossils – find out why at this purpose-built museum in Sandown.

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Family days out ·Approx. 25 min drive

Robin Hill

Woodland adventure park in the middle of the island with play areas, rides and seasonal events.

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Food & drink ·Approx. 20 min drive

The Garlic Farm

Farm shop, restaurant and garlic-themed treats in the countryside near Newchurch.

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Food & drink ·Approx. 10 min drive

Bembridge Harbour

Watch the boats come and go and pick up fresh local seafood around the harbour between Bembridge and St Helens.

Getting here ·Fishbourne approx. 25 min drive

Car ferry: Wightlink

Portsmouth to Fishbourne (around 45 minutes) or Lymington to Yarmouth. Fishbourne is the closest car ferry port to Whitecliff Bay.

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Getting here ·East Cowes approx. 35 min drive

Car ferry: Red Funnel

Southampton to East Cowes car ferry (around an hour), plus the Red Jet foot-passenger service to West Cowes.

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Getting here ·Ryde approx. 20 min drive

Hovercraft: Hovertravel

The fastest crossing – Southsea to Ryde in around 10 minutes for foot passengers. Ryde is a short taxi or bus ride away.

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