Top 15 Activities in Newport, Isle of Wight | Must-See Attractions

The Isle of Wight’s county town serves as its cultural heart, featuring museums, an active performing arts center, and notable attractions.

Carisbrooke Castle is historically significant, having been the place where Charles I was imprisoned for 14 months before his execution. Additionally, a local resident discovered a Roman villa while constructing a garage in 1926.

Newport boasts charming streets lined with Georgian and Victorian brick houses, alongside a distinguished guildhall designed by John Nash, who also contributed to Buckingham Palace.

The town becomes vibrant with music enthusiasts during June for the renowned Isle of Wight Festival, and its central location provides easy access to beaches and esteemed outings such as the Godshill Model Village, an RHS partner garden.

Let us explore the top attractions in Newport:

1. Carisbrooke Castle

This impressive castle dominates the landscape from a ridge to the southwest of Newport.

Originally built in the 12th century during Henry I’s reign, the motte-and-bailey design was fortified with outer defenses adapted for artillery in anticipation of the Spanish Armada in the 16th century.

An Italian military engineer, Federigo Giambelli, further enhanced these defenses at the dawn of the 17th century.

Charles I underwent imprisonment at Carisbrooke Castle prior to his trial and execution in 1649. Visitors today can immerse themselves in this historic English Heritage site, including a climb of 76 steps to the Norman keep for a breathtaking view, as well as an exploration of the Great Hall, Great Chamber, and Edwardian chapel.

The castle is also home to a herd of donkeys, historically utilized to draw water from the well-house, and opportunities to observe them working the 16th-century tread wheel are available.

2. Newport Roman Villa

This Roman farmhouse was uncovered in 1926 when the owners of a property in the southern area of the town began laying foundations for a garage.

The remnant ground floor of a significant residence, dating back to the late 3rd century, has since been protected by a modern structure, accompanied by interpretation boards elucidating the various rooms.

This building was part of a prosperous estate, featuring a hypocaust, bath suite, and stunning mosaic floors.

Based on archaeological findings from the site, sections of the villa have been reconstructed alongside its original remains.

Visitors can view walls embellished with frescoes, a Roman kitchen, and an herbal garden typical of the era.

3. Compton Beach

Recognized as one of the most picturesque locations on the island, Compton Beach stretches for two miles and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, showcasing minimal human development.

The beach is bordered by grass-covered sandstone cliffs of varying colors and textures, while to the west, gleaming chalk cliffs lead to the distinctive Needles stacks.

Due to its westward orientation, the beach receives vigorous waves, making it the ideal spot on the island for surfing enthusiasts.

On the sandy shore, one can engage in sandcastle building or embark on beachcombing excursions that may yield fossil discoveries.

When the tide recedes, guided tours are available to the sandstone ledge at Hanover Point, where preserved dinosaur footprints can be seen.

4. Quay Arts

Situated within a series of repurposed 19th-century brewery warehouses, Quay Arts is the leading performing arts venue and gallery on the Isle of Wight.

The facility is located right at the head of the River Medina and includes three galleries, a 134-seat theatre, and a popular café/bar.

The auditorium honors Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella, a native of the Isle of Wight, and features performances of live music, comedy, drama, and film screenings.

In addition, visitors can explore a crafts shop that serves as a regional platform for the island’s distinguished artisans, many of whom create jewelry, textiles, printmaking, pottery, and metalworks.

5. Monkey Haven

Located just five minutes from the town center, Monkey Haven functions as a rescue center dedicated to primates, alongside a range of other animal species, including snakes, meerkats, owls, and tortoises.

The majority of these animals have been saved from illegal pet trade situations or deemed unsuitable for zoo breeding programs.

The primates take center stage, featuring marmosets, Rhesus macaques, white-throated capuchins, Lar gibbons, Siamang gibbons, and Muller’s gibbons.

Keeper Talks and feeding sessions occur throughout the day, allowing visitors to learn about each species’ diet and behaviors.

6. Museum of Island History

On the High Street, the impressive Guildhall building (1816) attracts attention with its arcade and Ionic portico, designed by the renowned John Nash, who is also known for The Mall, Buckingham Palace, and Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.

The museum inside chronicles the Isle of Wight’s history from the Jurassic period up to the 21st century.

In 2018, the Hidden Heroes of the Isle of Wight exhibition highlighted some lesser-known figures from the island’s past, including John Ackroyd, who contributed to designing the first electric car and constructed Thrust 2, notable for breaking the land speed record in 1983. Art pieces include a portrait of the Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi, who visited the island in 1864, along with a collection of watercolor sketches by the Georgian artist Thomas Rowlandson.

Interactive exhibits engage younger visitors with hands-on activities, touch-screen displays, microscope stations, and various quizzes and puzzles.

7. Robin Hill Country Park

Set in 88 acres of lush countryside on the eastern fringes of Newport, Robin Hill Country Park offers family-friendly adventures with various rides, activities, and tranquil gardens.

The park features four primary rides, including a galleon, a miniature train, a quarter-mile toboggan, and a 4D motion cinema.

Extensive landscaped and natural areas are available for walks, and the park is located on the site of a Roman villa, which includes an exhibition detailing the Isle of Wight during Roman times.

A recent addition, Jungle Heights, showcases an exciting adventure playground situated above the forest floor, featuring raised net mazes, a large net trampoline, and tunnels for children to explore.

The park hosts the “Electric Woods” event, where the forest is illuminated according to thematic concepts, celebrating occasions like the Chinese New Year or Diwali in autumn.

8. Godshill Model Village

Located just 15 minutes south, the Godshill Model Village offers a nostalgic experience dating back to 1952. This charming destination is set in two acres of meticulously maintained ornamental gardens at the Old Vicarage of Godshill, featuring a model railway.

Among the carpet-like lawns and over 3,000 intricately trimmed topiaries, bonsai trees, and shrubs, are minutely crafted models illustrating Godshill and nearby Shanklin as they appeared in the 1920s.

Produced on a 1:10 scale, the village showcases thatched cottages, pubs, and churches, with some crafted in the 1960s by technicians from Pinewood Studios, the very place where the James Bond films continue to be created.

9. Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Located less than ten minutes east of Newport, the heritage railway traverses 5.5 miles of the Isle of Wight’s countryside between Smallbrook Junction and Wootton Station.

The main station, positioned just after Wootton, is at Haverstreet, conveniently near Newport.

This railway features a beautifully preserved station from 1926, along with a water tower and the Gas Retort House (1886), which now includes a souvenir shop and a small museum showcasing historic signage and number plates.

During the spring and summer months, as well as in December, visitors can enjoy the enchanting sights, sounds, and aromas of steam travel while witnessing the idyllic landscape pass by from authentic Victorian or Edwardian carriages.

Notably, the oldest carriages date back to 1864, while the railway’s most venerable locomotive was constructed in 1876.

10. Isle of Wight Festival

For four days in June, Seaclose Park along the River Medina hosts one of the earliest and most cherished music festivals of the summer season.

Originating in the late 1960s, the Isle of Wight Festival’s early years have entered the realm of pop culture legends.

The 1970 festival, which marked a 32-year hiatus, saw attendance from 600,000 individuals, with an impressive lineup of over 50 artists, including Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Miles Davis, and the Doors.

Modern headliners feature classic rock acts like Fleetwood Mac (2015) and Van Morrison (2018), alongside alternative bands such as Blur and Arcade Fire, as well as pop stars like Pharrell Williams and Calvin Harris.

11. Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum

Approximately ten minutes by car from Newport, the Arreton Barns Craft Village hosts a fascinating museum filled with artifacts salvaged from the numerous ships that have sunk off the Isle of Wight’s coast over the centuries.

The exhibits span several hundred years, featuring items from Spanish galleons to modern steamships and submarines.

Artifacts include cannonballs, ship’s bells, pipes, weights, various containers, weapons, Dutch 17th-century Lion Daalders (coins), and Spanish pieces of eight.

The museum also features RNLI artifacts, antique diving equipment, and engaging displays for children concerning smugglers and pirates.

Younger visitors can participate in treasure hunts, brass rubbings, and complete a free pirate trail worksheet.

12. Newport Minster

The principal Anglican church on the Isle of Wight, Newport Minster, was rebuilt in the 1850s, though its roots trace back to the end of the 1100s.

Noteworthy burials include that of Sir Edward Horsey, who conspired against Queen Mary and later became a courtier under Elizabeth I in the 16th century, memorialized with an exquisite alabaster recumbent monument.

A Victorian memorial from 1856 honors Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Charles I and Henrietta Maria, buried here at the age of 15, two centuries prior, following her death at Carisbrooke Castle.

In addition, visitors can admire a remarkable pulpit from 1637, carved with 14 allegorical panels, as well as a 16th-century parish chest.

Such boxes became commonplace in churches after Thomas Cromwell mandated the recording of baptisms, marriages, and burials.

13. Parkhurst Forest

Located between Newport and the Hamstead Heritage Coast, Parkhurst Forest comprises the second-largest expanse of woodland on the Isle of Wight.

The forest is characterized by remnants of ancient woodland that have persisted for centuries, alongside plantation woodland and relict heathland.

Historical records indicate that James I hunted in this forest during the early 17th century.

This woodland is a haven for the red squirrel, a species rarely seen in the UK, alongside various birds including woodcocks, great spotted woodpeckers, long-eared owls, and garden warblers.

14. The Garlic Farm

The Isle of Wight’s warm climate and extended growing season facilitate the cultivation of certain crops not found on the English mainland.

Among these is garlic, which has thrived in Newchurch for centuries.

At the Garlic Farm, guests can learn extensively about this bulb, including how to grow it at home and utilize it in cooking.

Visitors have the freedom to explore the farm, observing the diverse garlic crops in the fields, while younger attendees will enjoy encountering pigs, horses, peacocks, and highland cattle.

Weekend and holiday tractor rides offer additional adventure, alongside opportunities to sample some unique culinary creations like garlic beer and garlic ice cream available at the restaurant and café, which features a menu highlighting savory garlic-based dishes.

15. Wight Military and Heritage Museum

Located along the main route between Newport and Cowes, the Wight Military and Heritage Museum presents an informative experience for those with an interest in military artifacts.

Managed by knowledgeable volunteers from the armed forces, the museum boasts an impressive assortment of tanks, armored vehicles, jeeps, buggies, and various other vehicles spanning from the post-war years to present day.

A historical collection of small arms, military equipment, and uniforms dating back to the 19th century is also on exhibit, complemented by an array of tableaux depicting battle scenes.

For an extra experience, advance arrangements permit guests to enjoy a ride in a genuine armored vehicle on a specialized track.