Art history

The Isle of Wight has many places of historical interest and National Heritage for you to visit and things to do during your stay with us.

A favourite haunt of Alfred Lord Tennyson, this stunning cliff top headland with famous rock pinnacles over chalk downs and heath land forms part of the Tennyson Trail 15 mile walk and makes for an exhilarating and breathtaking walk in more ways than one.
The Tennyson Downs are home to a multitude of butterflies, cliff dwelling birds and wild downland flowers. Lord Tennyson was a famous poet who became great friends with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who also had a rather nice self catering holiday home here on the Island, Osborne House.
The Tennyson Monument was erected in 1897 in his memory high up on the downs offering fabulous views for visitors, leading down to the famous Needles.

Fort Victoria is along the coastline in the other direction and The Fort Victoria Country Park offers a variety of attractions including a model railway.

Why not finish the day with a fantastic meal in the Home of Lord Tennyson himself, Farringford, described in The Times as "It's Hip, it's Cool! Farringford is the place to be seen on the IOW!"

For the best of historical house on the Island, see -

OSBORNE HOUSE
Visit Queen Victoria’s seaside home, designed by her husband Prince Albert, set in beautiful grounds. On site facilities also include various restaurants, gift shop and children's play area.
Location: East Cowes PO32 6JX
BRADING ROMAN VILLA
Visit one of the finest Romano-British archaeological sites in the UK. With beautifully preserved mosaic floors plus a collection of artefacts. Shop & cafe.
Location: Brading PO36 0NE
QUARR ABBEY
A historic working monastery situated in beautiful grounds, home to a small community of monks. Tea rooms, book shop & art gallery on site, Guided tours available. Visitors welcome to attend services.
Location: Ryde PO43 4ES
CARISBROOKE CASTLE
Once the prison of Charles I, the castle is a fascinating place to visit. Interactive displays plus a virtual tour guides visitors through the castle’s history. With gardens, gift shop, cafe & museum on site.
Location: Newport PO30 1XY
CALBOURNE WATER MILL & MUSEUM
Visit a 17th century working mill, milling every day at 3pm. Many other attractions on site including a putting green, croquet lawn, woodland walks, canoes & pedallos on the stream, a war museum, cafe & gift shop to name a few.
Location: Calbourne PO30 4JN
APPULDURCOMBE HOUSE
Visit the elegant remains of this 18th century house, partly restored by English Heritage. Standing in impressive gardens, well worth a visit.
Location: Wroxall PO38 3EW