The Isle of Wight
The definitive guide to the Isle of Wight. Discover the island's towns, beaches, walking routes, cycling trails, dinosaur fossils, history, camping, annual festivals, sailing culture, gardens, wildlife, and practical visitor information. England's largest island, 23 miles across and home to 140,000 people.
Towns
Explore the 12 towns of Isle of Wight, each with its own character and history.
Ryde
The island's largest town, a Victorian seaside resort with a half-mile pier and sandy beaches that remains the principal gateway from the mainland.
Newport
The county town and administrative capital of the Isle of Wight, sitting at the centre of the island where the River Medina meets the head of navigation.
Cowes
The world sailing capital, home to Cowes Week and the Royal Yacht Squadron, with a narrow high street that slopes down to a busy waterfront.
Ventnor
A Victorian resort built dramatically on steep terraces facing due south, with a renowned microclimate, botanic garden, and the hidden gem of Steephill Cove.
Shanklin
A genteel seaside resort built around a dramatic coastal ravine, with thatched cottages in the Old Village and a sweeping sandy beach below the cliffs.
Yarmouth
A tiny but historically important harbour town with a Tudor castle and the Wightlink car ferry from Lymington, the smallest town on the Isle of Wight.
Explore
Beaches
15 beaches to explore
Walking Routes
12 routes across the region
Attractions
25 landmarks and attractions to visit
History
25 key moments in history
Dinosaurs
10 species and fossil sites to explore
Getting Here
4 ferry routes
Quick Facts
Regions
East Wight
Classic seaside resorts and sandy beaches.
South Wight
Dramatic Undercliff, Victorian resort, rural charm.
West Wight
Wild chalk downs, The Needles, Tennyson country.
North Wight
Quiet creeks, nature reserves, Solent views.
Central
Administrative heart, castle, river valley, countryside.
Cowes and Medina
Sailing capital, maritime heritage, River Medina.