Looking for something a little different on your next island escape? Then look no further than the variety of activities and experiences available on the Isle of Wight.
Whilst there are also a healthy selection of attractions, which can be found in our attractions guide, there are also plenty more to do – nearly 100 of them – from exploring the island by foot, bicycle, horse, boat or even plane, doing a spot of fishing or enjoying a game of golf, take in a performance or exhibition at one of the arts venues and theatres, enjoying the island’s sports and leisure facilities or taking a course in cookery, jewellery or arts and much more.
We’ve pulled together a guide with all of the options available – take a look and see what takes your fancy! We’ve also added all of the major multi day festivals covering literature, walking, music and more.
We’d recommend checking on the provided links for updates on hours, booking and other arrangements, as well as regular winter closures.
| 1leisure Leisure Centres | Web: 1leisure.co.uk Tel: 01983 823880 |
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A choice of three leisure centres from 1leisure, part of Isle of Wight Council:
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| Adgestone Vineyard | Web: adgestonevineyard.co.uk Tel: 01983 402882 |
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Explore the 10 acres to see the vines growing, taking in a tour and then visit the shop to pick your wines and eat a cream tea or meal in the cafe. |
| Apollo Theatre | Web: apollo-theatre.org.uk Tel: 01983 210010 |
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Little theatre set in a former Methodist church. |
| Bembridge Marine | Web: bembridgemarine.com Tel: 01983 872817 |
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Ribs for hire from Bembridge, Seaview and Cowes Yacht Haven. |
| Beryl | Web: beryl.cc/scheme/isle-wight |
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E-bicycle and e-scooters available for hire at various locations across the island. |
| Black Rock Fishing and Charters | Web: blackrockcharters.co.uk Tel: 07865 593155 |
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2 hour, half day and full day fishing trips and cruises around the Needles and the surrounding area. |
| Butterfly Paragliding | Web: paraglide.uk.com Tel: 07840 491981 |
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Experience tandem paragliding from Chale on the south west coast of the island with BHPA instructors including Four In A Bed’s Butterfly Dave. |
| Cachalot Charters | Web: cachalot-charters.co.uk Tel: 01983 874100 |
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Charter fishing boat for experienced and beginner anglers in groups of up to 10. |
| Cineworld | Web: cineworld.co.uk |
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11 screen cinema with 3D available. |
| Commodore Cinema + Leo Leisure Bingo | Web: leoleisurecommodore.co.uk + leoleisure.com/ryde
Tel: 01983 564064 + 01983 562616 |
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Independent 3 screen cinema with bingo hall. |
| Cowes Golf Club | Web: cowesgolfclub.co.uk Tel: 01983 292303 |
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18 hole golf course with clubhouse in the heart of Cowes. |
| Cowes Ribs | Web: cowesribs.com Tel: 07979 495537 |
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Rib charter from one hour to full day, based in Cows. |
| Dinosaur Expeditions | Web: dinosaurexpeditions.co.uk Tel: 01983 740844 |
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Small museum with fossils, palaeoart, activities and gift shop alongside public and private fossil hunting tours with experienced expert guides. |
| Elizabeth Hodgson Sculpture | Web: elizabethhodgsonsculpture.uk Tel: 07889 633460 |
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Based just outside Newport, learn sculpture with aluminium and hammering techniques to create indoor and outdoor pieces as well as jewellery in workshop classes. |
| Fired Art Ceramic Studio | Web: facebook.com/firedartceramicstudio Tel: 01983 614455 |
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Ceramic art studio and cafe based in Ryde. |
| Freshwater Bay Golf Club | Web: freshwaterbaygolfclub.co.uk Tel: 01983 752955 |
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Seaside links style 18 hole golf course at the top of the cliffs in Freshwater with fantastic views over the bay and clubhouse. |
| Glory Art Glass | Web: gloryartglass.net Tel: 01983 402515 |
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Learn how to work with 1,150°C hot molten glass and create your own paperweight in a lesson with the studio’s experts. |
| Goodleaf Tree Climbing | Web: goodleaf.co.uk Tel: 0333 800 1188 |
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Climb up a 15 metre oak tree with experienced instructors. |
| Harriet Hue | Web: harriethue.co.uk |
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Based in Cowes, beginners lessons in oil painting. |
| High Adventure Paragliding | Web: highadventureparagliding.co.uk Tel: 07811 700410 |
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Variety of paragliding courses from BHPA licensed instructors at private teaching sites in West Wight |
| Hill Farm Stables | Web: facebook.com Tel: 01983 752502 |
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Stables with horses and ponies in the West Wight for private and group lessons as well as parties |
| Island Gems | Web: islandgems.co.uk Tel: 01983 740493 |
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Explore the coastline in Brook and Compton on a fossil hunting trip and see if you can find a dinosaur! |
| Island Riding Centre | Web: islandriding.com Tel: 01983 214000 |
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Individual and group horse riding lessons at their Newport base. |
| Isle of Flight Microlights | Web: isle-of-flight.co.uk Tel: 07762 268505 |
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Based in Sandown, soar across the island with experience flights to take in the sights or learn to fly with lessons. |
| Isle of Wight Freshwater Angling Company | Web: iwfac.co.uk |
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Selection of fishing sites across the island with day tickets available. |
| Isle of Wight Ghost Tour Experience | Web: isleofwightghostexperience.co.uk Tel: 07985 710857 |
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Find out about the spooky past to a selection of locations on the island with guided ghost walks. |
| Isle of Wight Guided Tours | Web: isleofwightguidedtours.co.uk Tel: 01983 754444 |
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A variety of guided tours taking in the sights of the Isle of Wight – including town tours, historic sites and coastline. |
| Isle of Wight Literary Festival | Web: isleofwightliteraryfestival.com |
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Programme from a wide range of authors from across literature talking their latest works. |
| Isle of Wight Pearl | Web: iowpearl.co.uk Tel: 01983 740352 |
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Shop showcasing selection of pearl jewellery, cafe, design and repairs, as well as pearl masterclass to learn all about how the pearls are cultured and turned into jewellery. |
| Isle of Wight Studio Glass | Web: isleofwightstudioglass.com Tel: 01983 522339 |
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Glass studio with shop showcasing their range, glass museum and also offering group glassmaking sessions. |
| Isle of Wight Walking Festival | Web: isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk |
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Now offering both spring and autumn editions, the festival offers a wide selection of led walks across the island. |
| JR Zone | Web: jrzone.co.uk Tel: 01983 559272 |
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Soft play and laser storm venue located in Newport. |
| Julie Sajous | Web: juliesajous.com Tel: 07753 102482 |
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Based in Wellow, studio classes, workshops and sketch walks covering acrylic, pen and wash, drawing and more. |
| Lake Farm Equestrian Centre | Web: lakefarmiow.com Tel: 01983 840251 |
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Riding school for individual and group lessons located in Rookley. |
| Magic Island | Web: sandownpier.co.uk Tel: 01983 404122 |
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Soft play set in the old Sandown Pavilion on Sandown Pier. |
| Meadow Lakes | Web: meadowlakescl.co.uk/fishing-lakes Tel: 01983 740941 |
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Fishing for trout, carp, roach and rudd based in Limerstone. |
| Medina Theatre | Web: medinatheatre.co.uk Tel: 01983 823884 |
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430 seater theatre in Newport offering a selection of performances including local and national comedian, comedians, dancers and more. |
| Monkton Arts | Web: monktonarts.co.uk Tel: 07515 284460 |
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Community cafe and arts centre with two art galleries, artists in residence, music venue and regular groups and courses. |
| National Garden Scheme | Web: ngs.org.uk |
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Selection of private gardens across the island that open up to the public for a day or two in aid of charity. |
| Nettlecombe Farm | Web: nettlecombefarm.co.uk Tel: 01983 730783 |
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Fishing over three lakes covering one and half acres in Whitwell. |
| Monkey Madness Soft Play | Web: amazonworld.co.uk Tel: 01983 867122 |
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Soft play open all year based at Amazon World. |
| Needles Pleasure Cruises | Web: needlespleasurecruises.co.uk Tel: 01983 761587 |
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Regular pleasure cruises around the west of the island including The Needles and Alum Bay. |
| Newclose County Cricket Ground | Web: newclose.org Tel: 01983 824570 |
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County cricket ground with matches throughout the summer and clubhouse. |
| Newport Golf Club | Web: newportiwgc.co.uk Tel: 01983 525076 |
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9 hole golf club with views across the centre of the island and beyond and clubhouse. |
| New Forest Cycling Tours – Isle of Wight Adventure | Web: newforestcyclingtours.com Tel: 07976 688437 |
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Enjoy a guided cycling tour starting in Yarmouth and travelling through Freshwater, Brighstone and Shorwell on a 22 mile route. |
| Ocean Blue Quay | Web: oceanbluequay.co.uk Tel: 07980 986232 |
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Private charters and cruises out of Ventnor Haven. |
| Osborne Golf Club | Web: osbornegolfclub.co.uk Tel: 01983 295421 |
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Set in the grounds of Queen Victoria’s Osborne House, the island’s oldest club, a 9 hole course with views across the Solent and clubhouse. |
| Parkrun Medina | Web: parkrun.org.uk |
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Weekly 5km run (and 2km for juniors) set at Medina in Newport. |
| Pot Black | Web: facebook.com Tel: 01983 861113 |
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Pool and snooker hall in Shanklin. |
| Quay Arts | Web: quayarts.org Tel: 01983 76067 |
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Set in a converted 12th century brewery, home to three art galleries, theatre for live performances and artist studios and workshop sessions in Jubilee Stores including pottery and drawing. |
| Random-Rooms | Web: random-rooms.co.uk |
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Selection of escape rooms including a prison cell, headteacher’s office and old hospital room. |
| Rebel Marine | Web: rebelmarine.co.uk Tel: 07495 234444 |
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Rib charters starting from 2 hours as well as RYA training. |
| Rocket Ronnies Pool Hall | Web: rocketronniesiow.co.uk Tel: 01983 520230 + 01983 722715 |
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Pool halls and bars located in Newport (11 tables) and Ryde (14 tables). |
| Routefifty7 | Web: routefifty7.com Tel: 07491 000057 |
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Bicycle (and e-bicycle) hire from two locations in Shanklin. |
| Ryde Cricket Club | Web: rydecc.play-cricket.com Tel: 07990 584422 |
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Cricket club with matches throughout the summer and clubhouse. |
| Ryde Golf Club | Web: rydegolfclub.co.uk Tel: 01983 614809 |
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9 hole golf course including secondary positions for a further 9 holes with clubhouse set in Ryde. |
| Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club | Web: rydelawn.co.uk Tel: 01983 562095 |
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Located in Ryde, 8 tennis courts (6 astro turf, 2 grass), as well as 4 croquet lawns available for hire as well as group and private coaching sessions available. |
| Ryde Mead Lawn Tennis | Web: lta.org.uk Tel: 07593 148662 |
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Located in Ryde, 5 hard tennis courts (3 flood lit) available for hire as well as group and private coaching sessions available. |
| Sally’s Riding School | Web: sallysridingschool.com Tel: 01983 872260 |
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Riding school based at Nodes Point during the summer and Bembridge during the winter offering horse riding including beach rides. |
| Salty Sailing | Web: saltysailing.co.uk Tel: 01983 282867 |
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Learn to sail with sailing and powerboat courses, as well as book a charter and cruise. |
| Shanklin and Godshill Cricket Club | Web: shanklin.play-cricket.com Tel: 01983 868436 |
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Cricket club with matches throughout the summer and clubhouse. |
| Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club | Web: ssgolfclub.com Tel: 01983 403217 |
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18 hole golf course set on the edge of Sandown located between the airport and a collection of nature reserves with a clubhouse. |
| Shanklin Theatre | Web: shanklintheatre.com Tel: 01983 868000 |
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A community theatre that punches above it weight with a selection of local shows including Spotlight’s Best Of The West End and Christmas panto plus a wide number of celebrity performances from comedy, dance, music and much more. |
| Skydive Isle of Wight | Web: skydiveiow.co.uk Tel: 07548 324910 |
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See the island from above with tandem skydiving with British Skydiving accredited instructors. |
| Solent Cruises | Web: solentcruises.co.uk Tel: 01983 564602 |
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Cruises of Cowes and Portsmouth Harbour as well as shopping trips to Portsmouth. |
| Sophia Flowers | Web: sophiaflowers.com |
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Acrylic and oil painting classes, workshops and private tuition. |
| Strings Bar and Venue | Web: stringsbarandvenue.com Tel: 01983 537378 |
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300 capacity live music and performing arts venue located in Newport. |
| The Imaginarium | Web: theimaginarium.one Tel: 01983 760 500 |
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Studios for a selection of local artisans with events, exhibitions and workshops. |
| The Sewing Studio Isle of Wight | Web: thesewingstudioiow.co.uk Tel: 07972 819854 |
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One day workshops in various areas of sewing and design, based at Isle of Wight Pearl. |
| Tackt-Isle Adventures | Web: tackt-isle.co.uk Tel: 01983 875542 |
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Based in St Helens, tuition and hire for a variety of water sporting including dingy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing. |
| Tapnell Farm | Web: tapnellfarm.com Tel: 01983 758722 |
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In addition to the farm itself, a selection of activities including aqua park, archery, axe throwing, football golf and clay pigeon shooting |
| Tav Cycles | Web: tavcycles.co.uk/cycle-hire Tel: 01983 812989 |
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Bicycle (and e-bicycle) hire based in Ryde with Tav’s bicycle and repair shop. |
| The Depozitory | Web: depozitory.co.uk Tel:01983 242165 |
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A converted old wesleyan chapel, which now hosts exhibitions, performances and events across the arts. |
| The Little Gloster | Web: thelittlegloster.com |
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Cookery classes for all abilities taught by professional chef Ben Cooke, as featured on Four In A Bed, with a focus on local produce with a Danish influence. |
| The Lost Crypt | Web: thelostcrypt.co.uk Tel: 07871 635751 |
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Located in a real church crypt, try to solve the mystery of the death of Naval Surgeon, Dr James Lind, in this escape room. |
| TJ’s Gym and Fitness Studio | Web: tjsgymisleofwight.com Tel: 01983 406123 |
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Local independent gym equipped with weights, treadmill, spin bikes and more along with exercise and kickboxing classes. |
| Tom’s Jewellery Workshop | Web: tomsjewelleryworkshop.com Tel: 07943 576505 |
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Based in the workshop of Thomas P Cochran at Arreton Barns,
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| Tregear Pottery | Web: tregearpottery.co.uk Tel: 01983 731523 |
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Learn to throw on the wheel with potter Neil Tregear and explore the showroom of Neil’s creations. |
| Trinity Theatre | Web: caods.org.uk Tel: 01983 295229 |
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199 seat theatre in Cowes offering a selection of performances |
| Trotters Riding School | Web: trottersriding.co.uk Tel: 07501 094087 |
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Based in Ryde, lessons in horse riding including beach rides. |
| UKSA | Web: uksa.org Tel: 01983 294941 |
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Day courses in yachting and dingy sailing. |
| Ventnor Arts Club | Web: ventnorartsclub.com Tel: 01983 760678 |
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Set in the old NatWest bank, the club offers live music, comedy and other performances, as well as film screening. |
| Ventnor Cricket Club | Web: ventnor.play-cricket.com Tel: 01983 852506 |
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Cricket club with matches throughout the summer and clubhouse. |
| Ventnor Exchange | Web: ventnorexchange.co.uk Tel: 01983 716767 |
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Set in the old Post Office and run by the team behind Ventnor Fringe, the exchange offers a craft beer bar, record store and theatre with live performances and regular workshops for arts, craft, music, comedy, writing and more. |
| Ventnor Fringe | Web: vfringe.co.uk |
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Eclectic programme of performances from comedy, drama, music and more popping up in venues across Ventnor over 10 days. |
| Ventnor Golf Club | Web: ventnorgolfclub.co.uk Tel: 01983 853326 |
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12 hole downland course set at the top of Ventnor with views across the town and coast and clubhouse. |
| Ventnor Tennis Club | Web: ventnortennisclub.net |
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Tennis courts at the foot of St Boniface Down with 4 hard courts available for hire and floodlights on 3 of them. Coaching also available. |
| Waterside Pool | Web: watersidepool.co.uk Tel: 01983 563656 |
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Community run swimming pool with retractable roof. |
| Westridge Golf Centre | Web: westridgegolfcentre.com Tel: 01983 613131 |
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9 hole course with floodlit range on the outskirts of Ryde near Tesco with clubhouse. |
| West Wight Arts Association | Web: westwightarts.co.uk Tel: 01983 752956 |
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Programme of professional chamber music concerts throughout the year. |
| West Wight Sports and Community Centre | Web: westwight.org.uk Tel: 01983 752168 |
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Community run sports centre offering swimming, sports hall including badminton, pickleball, tennis and classes such as yoga, gym and an indoor climbing wall (with tuition available). |
| Wight Bike | Web: wightbike.com Tel: 01983 303322 |
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Bicycle (and e-bicycle) hire located between Merstone and Arreton. |
| Wight Coast Fossils | Web: wightcoastfossils.co.uk |
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Explore the island’s coastline in public and private fossil hunting tours with popular locations including Compton Bay, Grange Chine, Shanklin Chine and Thorness Bay. |
| Wight Cycle Hire | Web: wightcyclehire.co.uk Tel: 01983 760678 |
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Bicycle (and e-bicycle) hire for all ages for half and full days as well as longer periods. |
| Wight Proms Festival | Web: wightproms.co.uk |
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Week long festival featuring proms along with comedy, musicals, drag, dance, country and more. |
| Wight Wanders | Web: wightwalks.co.uk Tel: 01983 281662 |
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Guided walks around the Isle of Wight. |
| Wight Water | Web: wightwaters.com Tel: 01983 404987 |
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Based on the revetment between Shanklin and Sandown, hire and tuition available for a range of water sports including surfing, paddleboarding, kayaks and more.
If you want to purchase any equipment, visit their sister shop, Earth Wind and Water, near Shanklin station. |
| Wightlink Warriors Speedway | Web: warriors-speedway.com Tel: 03335 774458 |
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Speedway racing from Wightlink Warriors and their other teams at Smallbrook Stadium. |
Last Updated: 22/04/2024