How To Spend Three Days On The Isle Of Wight
Situated just off England’s south coast, the Isle of Wight has 57 miles of different coastlines that are full of beautiful beaches.
It’s known as the Dinosaur Capital of Great Britain due to its fossil and dinosaur discoveries, including previously unknown species.
Thinking about taking a break to the Isle of Wight? We’ve got a three-day itinerary all planned out for you!
Isle of Wight 3-day Itinerary
Day 1
Head to Ryde to see its excellent beach and pier. It has an interesting past with Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian influences.
The Ryde District Heritage Centre is one to visit where you can see many artefacts documenting bygone eras. Nearby is the Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum which houses an interesting collection of vintage public transport vehicles.
Lunch
If you are looking for something a little different then try the ADA Restaurant where you will find the perfect blend of Turkish and Mediterranean style food sourced locally.
Afternoon
Make your way to Quarr Abbey which is home to a group of Benedictine monks. Guided tours are available at certain times and there is an art gallery, visitor centre and tea garden.
Here you will also find the ruins of the old Quarr Abbey, a national treasure to the Isle of Wight.
The abbey is set in 200 acres of woodland, pastures, coastline and formal gardens for you to explore, perfect for a sunny day.
Evening
Our selected hotels for the Isle of Wight include a delicious evening meal and breakfast the following morning.
Day 2
Start the day in Shanklin, a traditional seaside town with something for everyone to do.
The Esplanade has all the typical seaside attractions including amusement arcades, three miniature golf courses, bowling, go-carting and an indoor play area.
Visit Shanklin Chine, an historic gorge with dramatic waterfalls and a nature trail. It first opened back in 1817 making it the longest established attraction on the island.
It was used as a spa briefly during the Victorian times and later on was used by smugglers. During certain times of the year, Shanklin Chine is open in the evenings and transformed into a place of enchantment and magic as hundreds of lights illuminate this hidden gem.
Lunch
The Pencil Cottage in Shanklin Old Village is a place where you can relax and enjoy homemade food. Its delicious fresh crab sandwiches are a firm favourite along with the cream teas.
If the weather is good, then enjoy your meal in the outside courtyard. The cottage also has its own gift shop, ideal for buying presents for family and friends back home.
Afternoon
Take a walk around Rylstone Gardens which are free to enter and have amazing displays of hanging baskets and flowers.
It has a tea room, pitch and put and a bandstand where afternoon and evening concerts run throughout the summer.
Day 3
Sandown sits on the southern coast on the island sheltered in a beautiful bay and is famed for its golden sandy beach which won ‘Beach of the Year’ in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2019.
Located on the beach is the Isle of Wight Zoo, housed within the ruins of a Victorian Fort and home to an interesting variety of animals. Once upon a time tiger cubs were walked on the beach by the zoo owners, now the zoo focuses on looking after older tigers.
Lunch
The beautifully refurbished Bandstand is now a restaurant and open for brunch, lunch and dinner, or you can stop by for a freshly ground coffee and home-made cake.
It’s in a fabulous location overlooking the sea and offers a unique dining experience.
Afternoon
No visit to the Isle of Wight is complete without seeing the famous Needles. These three white chalk stacks leading up to The Needles Lighthouse are some of the most photographed group of rocks in the world.
There is much to do on your visit to The Needles from the Chairlift which offers incredible views of this famous landmark, to the Isle of Wight Sweet Factory where you can watch sweet making demonstrations.
We have three, four and seven night stays available on the Isle of Wight with free car ferry included. Browse our Isle of Wight Hotels available now.