West Wight and Local Attractions 

The West Wight area of the Island has many areas of outstanding natural beauty with its rolling countryside, picturesque villages, farms and forests. There is a spectacular coastline that includes rugged cliffs and bays, the famous Needles rocks, attractive coves and the multicoloured sandstone cliffs of Alum Bay.

From Freshwater Bay you can enjoy a splendid walk westwards over Tennyson Down, past Alfred Lord Tennyson's monument to the Needles or, alternatively, you can walk eastwards over Afton Down to Brook. From the top of both these downs you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside with the English Channel on one side and the Solent on the other.

The north/south coast to coast circular walk is much less strenuous than the walk over the downs. You can start at Yarmouth and go along the east side of the Yar estuary to Freshwater Bay and back along the west side of the Yar River taking in Freshwater Church and the Red Lion pub along the way. You may be fortunate enough to see a red squirrel during your leisurely walk. This small graceful bushy-tailed tree animal is very rare these days but the Island supports about 3,000 of them. 

Going inland from Freshwater Bay there are a number of interesting walks, including marshes, where you can observe an abundance of nature and wildlife.

For the more adventurous there is an all-weather cycle way from Freshwater Bay to Yarmouth. The Island has a huge network of unspoilt, well-kept cycle routes, mountain bike trails and a signposted “Round the Island Cycle Route” following country lanes and bridleways. Hiring bikes is easy and convenient.

FORT VICTORIA COUNTRY PARK

There are 50 acres of woodland to explore centred around a Victorian Fort. It is open all year round and admission is free. Here there is a model railway layout comprising continental as well as British trains that is the biggest and most sophisticated in Britain. Guided Ranger tours around the country park can be arranged.

FORT VICTORIA MARINE AQUARIUM

This aquarium is comprised mainly with local sea tanks where you can discover some of the many strange inhabitants that live in the sea around and on the shores. You can also be amazed by the life from tropical reefs.

FORT VICTORIA SUNKEN HISTORY EXHIBITION

Here you can discover shipwrecks and archaeology through the many displays, artefacts and underwater videos. There is fun and education for all ages here.

ISLAND PLANETARIUM & ASTRONOMY CENTRE

The Island Planetarium and Astronomy Centre is located in the Fort Victoria Country Park where visitors are able to visit the planetarium theatre and astronomy centre and see the fascinating exhibition and multimedia shows.

YARMOUTH CASTLE

This castle is situated on the waterfront at Yarmouth overlooking the Solent is one of Henry VIII’s coastal defences that was completed in 1547. It is now an English Heritage site and houses a coastal defences exhibition.

NEEDLES OLD BATTERY

The Needles Old Battery is a coastal fort that was built on the western tip of the Island in 1862 some 250ft above the sea to help prevent a French invasion. This is now a National Trust property and here you can see some of the original gun barrels along with a comprehensive exhibition. There is also a 200ft long tunnel which has spectacular views over the Needles rocks.

NEEDLES PARK

The Needles Park is set in heritage coastline and offers the visitor many attractions including Alum Bay Glass, Sweet Manufactory, Junior Driver rides and the spectacular chairlift between the beach and the cliff top. Here you can view Island’s most dramatic landmark, the Needles rocks.

DIMBOLA LODGE MUSEUM

This museum and photographic galleries are housed in the former home of Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron just outside of Freshwater on the edge of Tennyson Down. Here there is a permanent exhibition of Cameron’s work as well as running contemporary photographic courses.

AFTON PARK

Afton Park, Freshwater, is a six acre meadow with walks, orchard, gardens, farm shop, children's puzzle path and plant nursery. This park is ideal for walkers, gardeners and fresh food enthusiasts. Lovely refreshments can be purchased from their Apple Tree Cafe.