20 Attractions to Explore Near Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Butterfly World is a butterfly zoo located on the Isle of Wight. It opened on 1 May 1983 as part of the Medina Garden Centre tourist attraction. It includes an indoor sub-tropical garden with free-flying butterflies.

A beautiful 88 acres of natural parkland with stunning woodland, open rolling countryside and curated water gardens for endless exploration. The park has four main rides: A quarter-mile downhill toboggan, 4D Motion Cinema, 'Cows Express' Junior train ride and the 'Colossus' a swinging galleon boat ride. On the site of Robin Hill is the buried farmstead of Combley Roman Villa. This is explained in the 'Romans at Robin Hill' exhibition when at the park.

Quarr Abbey Situated just off the south coast of England, which is home to a small group of Benedictine monks who dedicate their lives to the glory of God. Visit this beautiful church and wander around the grounds to experience the tranquil atmosphere. There was a art gallery where local artists display their artwork or browse the bookshop, where you can buy published works by a member of the community of monks along with other Quarr Abbey souvenirs.

This Gold award-winning sanctuary is home to a diverse collection of rescued primates and birds of prey. Whooping gibbons, cheeky macaques, cute capuchins and curious owls are just some of the fantastic animals here.

Rosemary’s Vineyard has become One of the most iconic vineyard and has produced some of the most highly regarded Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in California. ll English wine, liqueurs, juices and ciders are made on the estate from grapes/apples grown on the estate. Relax and enjoy a taste of the good life in this peaceful setting.

One of the Isle of Wight’s stunning historic houses, set in five acres of tranquil gardens with a stunning historic view overlooking Natural Parkland, Brading Haven, Bembridge Harbour and across the Solent. The house contains family militaria. It was occupied by the Oglander family from Norman times until 1980. Nunwell House is a Grade II* listed building.

An impressive collection of Island buses and coaches dating from 1927 to more recent examples are housed here. There are over 20 vehicles on display. These include a 20 seater Dennis Ace bus, beautifully restored to as new 1934 condition, which worked the Ryde - Alum Bay Coastal Route pre-war. The museum hosts two bus rallies of its own. There is one event in May, running day.

Ryde's pier is the second-longest seaside pier in the country. Only Southend's is longer. The original wooden structure at Ryde opened in 1814. At 1,740 feet, it allowed ferries to berth even at low tide, when the sea retreats half-a-mile from the shore. It was extended in 1824, and reached its present length of nearly 1/2 mile by 1842.

Adgestone Vineyard is at the eastern end of the Isle of Wight. While seemingly in remote countryside with extended views across land and sea, it’s easily accessible from Bembridge, Ryde and Seaview. Take an audio-guided tour of the vines and our subterranean cellars, followed by a fun and informative personal wine tasting lesson. Enjoy a cold food platter and a bottle of English Wine in Its secluded 10-acre vineyard with sea views.

A beautiful flat sandy beach that was stretching from Ryde pier where the ferry and hovercraft dock, all the way to Puckpool and Seaview. Ryde’s pier splits the beach in two, with a wide variety of activities and entertainments occupying both the pier itself and the beaches beside it. Ryde beaches are perfect to visit all day long. If you're searching for a relaxing beach experience, with cafes and amenities.

The Quay Arts Centre is the Isle of Wight’s leading art gallery and venue for live arts events. It is situated in a converted 19th Century brewery warehouse complex located at the head of the River Medina in the centre of Newport. The complex features three art galleries, a crafts shop, a 134 capacity theatre, conferencing facilities and a cafe and was fully refurbished in 1997 by architect Tony Fretton. The Quay Arts owns and operates Jubilee Stores, also located on Newport Quay.

Amazon World Zoo Park is the Isle of Wight's largest exotic animal attraction and a beautiful park in this area. You can walk through the rainforests with colourful rare birds flying above you and crocodiles watching you from the pond. It features a variety of exotic animals from South America, including Giant Anteaters, Ocelots, Armadillos, Sloths, Capybara and Tapirs.

Newport Minster is a parish church serving at the heart of Newport and the Isle of Wight, where anyone and everyone is welcome. It’s fascinating history has links to Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House and the Royals. Follow it from the Middle Ages, through Elizabethan times, the Civil War and Queen Victoria right up to the present day.

Brading Roman Villa is one of the finest Roman sites in the UK. The award winning Visitor Centre and Museum offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain from beautifully preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman archaeology. Behind the site is a small amphitheatre made from grassy banks. This was recently made from spoil from the building work.

A beautiful and huge public park is a great place for a family day out playing traditional outdoor games and enjoying the wonderful views across Ryde to the mainland of Portsmouth, where you can sometimes see Spinnaker Tower. Hanging out in Appley Park is a fantastic family day out and, as well as an assortment of pleasing eateries just minutes away from the Goodleaf tree, you can go swimming, build sandcastles, try orienteering, explore the park.

This is the church used by Queen Victoria when she was in residence at Osborne House. YOu can experience victorian architecture on a free guided tour. The church also has a memorial to the Hessian soldiers who fought under the British flag in the 1790s and were invalided to the Isle of Wight. One of the iconic attractions in this area which paves light to the history of this area.

Sandown Beach is one of the Isle of Wight's finest and most recognized beaches, with miles of soft golden sands crowned by Sandown's pleasure pier. Due to the bay being relatively sheltered from offshore winds it is often used as a temporary anchorage point for boats, including large cargo ships, before continuing east towards Continental Europe, or north towards The Solent.

A beautiful former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, located on the Isle of Wight. Relax in the open air as you wander rolling acres of the magnificent Osborne estate. The island palace has seen royal weddings, romances and parties grace its rooms and gardens over the last 160 years and now you can write the next chapter in the story of this unique home, and begin your new life together where one of greatest love stories played out.

Seagrove Bay sits between Seaview beach and Priory Bay on the north east coast and boasts some of the largest and most imposing seaside properties on the Isle of Wight. The beach is a gently sloping expanse of golden sands and has clear waters making it popular for a whole range of beach activities and water sports. The bay has both the Seaside Award Flag and the Water Quality Award.

The Wight Military and Heritage Museum is located in Cowes. The museum holds an interesting mix of tanks, artifacts, other vehicles, small arms and a range of uniforms from the 1940's to the present day. One of the iconic attractions in this area and attracts a lot of tourists.