9 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Isle of Wight

A majestic and beautiful manor that sits in lovely gardens designed by Capability Brown. It was built in the 18th century as the seat of the Worsley family, Appuldurcombe was once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight. Admire the delightful east front and stroll peacefully through Lancelot 'Capability Brown's 11 acres of grounds. It is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public.

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.

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.

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.

This town hall in the former medieval borough of Newtown was built in c.1699 and has late 18th-century alterations. After many years of neglect the building was repaired in 1933 under the supervision of John Eric Miers Macgregor OBE, a specialist conservation architect who managed to save the derelict structure.

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.

Osborne is the palatial 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. Step inside to explore the sumptuous ground floor staterooms that were used to entertain heads of states, princes, and princesses. Admire the ornate architecture, furnishings, and fine art collection and discover Victoria and Albert’s personal taste, style, and passions.

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.

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