Carisbrooke Castle Museum - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Carisbrooke Castle has been an artillery fortress, king's prison and a royal summer residence. Today it’s the quintessential romantic castle, with lots to see and enjoy. Most famously, Charles I was held prisoner here during the Civil War, shortly before his execution. Since then Carisbrooke Castle has remained a symbolic centre for the island, not least as the residence of its governor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.