Out and About on the Isle of Wight There are a whole host of activities catered for on the island for all ages. Here are just a few of our favourites.....
Carisbrooke Castle Crowning a hilltop south of Newport, this castle was the dominant defensive position on the Isle of Wight for more than 600 years. With its keep, battlements and working well house Carisbrooke Castle is an exciting site for the whole family to explore. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Dimbola Lodge A museum and art gallery devoted to photography in the former home of Victorian photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron. It also has a delightful vegetarian restaurant. www.dimbola.co.uk
Fort Victoria Country Park This contains a marine aquarium, a maritime museum, planetarium and model railway. There are also stunning views of the Solent. www.fortvictoria.co.uk
Osborne House Osborne was a refuge for Queen Victoria and the royal family, who took great delight in seeking sanctuary here from London life during the summer months. In her last years, the Queen spent a great deal of time on the Isle of Wight at Osborne and it was in the Pavilion that she died in the company of her family. Today, visitors to Osborne House enjoy an interactive display of Indian gifts and there is a children’s play area and horse-and-carriage rides. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Amazon World Zoo Park Voted "top attraction" by Isle of Wight Tourism and "top family attraction" by the Good Britain Guide. Here you can learn about conservation and rainforests and come face to face with some of the worlds most unusual, beautiful and endangered creatures. Some you won't be able to see anywhere else in the UK or even Europe. www.amazonworld.co.uk
Chessell Pottery Paint your own unique piece of pottery and watch hand-made porcelain being made.
Blackgang Chine 40 acres of Victorian cliff top gardens hold surprises around every corner. There are many attractions, animated indoor shows, themed areas to stimulate your child's imagination and Water Force, a 100 metre high speed boat slide. www.blackgangchine.com
Calbourne Water Mill This was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book. www.calbournewatermill.co.uk
Brading Roman Villa Brading Roman Villa is a Grade 1 listed building and a fine example of a Roman courtyard villa. This is the largest of the villa designs and the type owned by the wealthiest Roman Britons. www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk
Cowes Maritime Museum This museum tells the Island's history in models, paintings and images. Telephone 01983 293394.
Isle of Wight Pearl A massive collection of pearls, all under one roof. www.isle-of-wight-pearl.com
The Needles Park This is at a fantastic Alum Bay where you can watch craftsmen at work in the glass studio, visit the world famous sand shop and take a spectacular chair lift ride to the beach below. www.theneedles.co.uk
Cowes week So famous that it needs no introduction. In 2005 it runs between 30th July to 6th August. www.cowesweek.co.uk
Other popular attractions include: Godshill, Appledurcombe House, Shanklin Chine, Smuggling Museum, The Rare Breeds & Waterfowl Park, Flamingo Park, Dinasaur, Morton Manor & Vineyard, Bembridge Windmill, IOW Steam Railway, Robin Hill Adventure Park,  Roman Villa, Waxworks at Brading, Bembridge Shipwreck & Maritime Museum, Brickfields Horse Country.