20 Attractions to Explore Near National Trust - Newtown Old Town Hall

Thorness Bay is an 86.2 hectare Site of special scientific interest which is located on the north-west coast of the Isle of Wight, England, in the western arm of the Solent. The site was notified in 1966 for both its biological and geological features. The bay stretches about 3 km from Salt Mead Ledge in the west to Gurnard Head to the east.

The only working Water Mill on the Isle of Wight Set in 35 acres of stunning rural landscape, Calbourne Water Mill contains one of the oldest working water mills in the country, dating back to the Domesday Book. The mill is still working and has supplied flour and animal feeds to the people of the Isle of Wight over many years. You will also find museums on site, including Grandmas kitchen containing kitchen equipment through the ages. Granfers shed with tools from the past.

The Longstone is a beautiful megalithic monument near the village of Mottistone. It consists of two pieces of local greensand sandstone probably from a vein 100 metres away. The larger stands at 3.9 metres and the smaller lies at its foot. It has now been shown that the stones are what remains of a 6,000-year-old Neolithic communal long barrow for burying the dead.

Carisbrooke Castle Museum is the only public museum in the UK founded by a member of the Royal family and is an accredited local history museum run by an independent Charitable Trust. It was founded as a memorial to Princess Beatrice’s husband, Prince Henry of Battenberg, who had died during the Ashanti campaign in 1896 and it holds many important collections that is connected with the history of the Isle of Wight, including social history, medieval history and so more.

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.

Yarmouth Castle is an artillery fort built by Henry VIII in 1547 to protect Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight from the threat of French attack. Just under 100 feet across, the square castle was initially equipped with 15 artillery guns and a garrison of 20 men. It featured an Italianate "arrow-head" bastion on its landward side; this was very different in style from the earlier circular bastions used in the Device Forts built by Henry and was the first of its kind to be constructed in Englan

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.

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.

A beautiful sandy beach which was located beside the coast road between Freshwater Bay and Brook. It offers a two-mile stretch of contrasting golden and dark sands snuggled between rolling surf and multi-coloured sandstone cliffs. The bay is popular with wave and kite surfers due to the waves that form when the prevailing south-westerly wind is blowing onshore.

A prime location for surfing and watersports, but its sandy beach and fine views over to Tennyson Down and The Needles make it ideal for just a day on the beach. Compton is a great place to pick up fossils, including those of dinosaurs, and you can book tours on the beach to see the dinosaur footprints in the sandstone ledge and also there are opportunities for so many other leisure activities too.

Fort Victoria was built between 1852 and 1855 as one of a series of defences built to protect the western end of the Solent. It was a brick-built triangular fort with two seaward batteries meeting at a right angle. It remained in use until 1962. Parts of the fort were subsequently demolished. The Fort’s brick casemates currently host a series of indoor family attractions including a cafe, reptilarium and planetarium.

Red Squirrel Trail is a 32 mile long mostly traffic-free cycling route through the heart of the Isle of Wight’s beautiful countryside. The trail takes in estuaries, woodland, farmland, downland, and a stretch of the Island’s fantastic coastline.

One of the ideal locations for birdwatchers and natural enthusiasts. The long stretch of shingle beach is popular with kite surfers and wind surfers, families, and holidaymakers. From the shoreline, you can look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Watch yachts, ferries and cargo ships on their way to and from the harbors and marinas dotted along the south coast

Dimbola was the home of the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. It is now a museum and galleries dedicated to her life and work, which also showcases contemporary exhibitions from photographers around the globe. The gallery hosts an annual programme of exhibitions on contemporary photography and art, as well as a permanent display on the history of the Isle of Wight music festival including original memorabilia.

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.

The Classic Boat Museum has been telling visitors and Islanders its wonderful maritime story since 1996. It has an extensive collection of artifacts, models, photographs, and uniforms. It is located on the Isle of Wight at two separate sites on either side of the River Medina; The Boat Collection in Cowes, and The Gallery in East Cowes.

Buckler’s Hard was once a hive of shipbuilding activity, providing ships for Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar. It now comprises a beautiful.l museum, where you can discover the fascinating story of the village and the ships it built. Listen in on conversations between villagers of the past in the 18th century New Inn and follow the stories of the 19th and 20th-century residents in an exhibition about village life.

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 Lymington Sea Water Baths in Bath Road, is the oldest open air natural swimming pool in the UK. Dating back to 1833 the baths have historically gained national interest for their health giving waters and natural mud minerals. Today, young and old still swim in the waters and enjoy the stunning location with views over to the Isle of Wight. Come rain or shine, the Lymington Sea Water Baths provide fabulous fun - now with 200m of inflatables to challenge you and hot tubs for relaxing!