Isle of Wight Historic Buildings
Osborne House (English Heritage)
Osborne House was the seaside retreat of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, Britain's longest reigning monarch. A beautiful location, superb gardens & stunning interiors; Osborne House and Swiss Cottage give an intimate glimpse of royal life in Victorian times. Café, restaurant, shop.
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Carisbrooke Castle (English Heritage)
Rich in intrigue, power and tragedy, it was said that whoever controlled Carisbrooke Castle controlled the Isle of Wight. A royal fortress and later prison to King Charles 1, Carisbrooke's famous donkeys can still be found powering the water wheel in the medieval well-house. Café, shop. More on Carisbrooke Castle...
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Brading Roman Villa
Brading Roman Villa brings the Romans and their lives back to life. Award winning design, interactive displays, stunning mosaics and loads for kids to do. Gift shop, cafeteria, outside terrace, amphitheatre and roman garden all set in An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Brading Roman Villa website...
Needles Old Battery (National Trust)
Built against the threat of a French invasion on a spectacular cliff top location, there are fine views over to Dorset and Hampshire. Fascinating military history with original guns on display. A tunnel leads through the cliffs to a unique panorama of The Needles.
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Bembridge Windmill (National Trust)
Built circa 1700, this stone-built tower with its wooden cap and machinery is the Isle of Wight's only surviving windmill. An inspiration for many artists including Turner, visitors can explore its four floors and enjoy wonderful views across the unspoilt Bembridge countryside. Refreshments, shop.
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Appuldurcombe House
Home of the Worsley family for 300 years, it was once the grandest house on the Island. Admire Appuldurcombe's 18th century baroque elegance in the partly restored east front and stroll through 'Capability' Brown's idyllic 11 acres of grounds. Nature trail and Owl & Falconry Centre. Appuldurcombe website...
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Calbourne Water Mill
Mentioned in the Domesday Book & set in 10 acres of oak woodland, the Mill is still grinding flour for its café & bakehouse. Museum of agricultural implements, blacksmith shop & renewable energy centre. Try punting on the mill stream, woodland walks, croquet & putting green. Calbourne Water Mill website...
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Newtown Old Town Hall (National Trust)
A fascinating 17th-century town hall without a town! The tiny village of Newtown once had 2 members of Parliament & the Town Hall was used for often turbulent elections. Exhibition includes the 'Ferguson's Gang' – a mysterious group of benefactors. Regular art & photography exhibitions. Newtown Old Town Hall website...
Yarmouth Castle (English Heritage)
The last of Henry VIII's coastal defence forts, Yarmouth was the most sophisticated with a new-style ‘arrowhead’ artillery bastion. Completed after his death in 1547, its now a magnificent museum and tells the story of a 16th century ship wrecked nearby. A great spot for picnics with views over the Solent. Yarmouth Castle website...
Morton Manor
Built originally in 1249 for the de Aula family, Morton Manor was significantly rebuilt in 1680. The award winning gardens, nestled beneath Brading Downs feature Japanese Acers, Elizabethan sunken rose & terraced gardens, pagoda, turf maze and ponds. An area has also been set aside for growing vines. Morton Manor website...
Arreton Manor
Arreton Manor is an early Jacobean Manor House dating back to 872. Once owned by Edward the Confessor as noted in the Domesday Book, it appears in the Will of King Alfred the Great in 885. Before the dissolution of the monasteries, it was farmed by the abbots of Quarr Abbey. Arreton Manor website...
Newport Roman Villa
Newport Roman Villa is a 1,700 year old country pile! Discovered in 1926, excavations revealed extensive remains of a late Romano-British farmhouse built around 280 AD. The Villa has a superb bath suite with, under floor heating and remnants of mosaic floors.
Newport Roman Villa website...
Quarr Abbey
Quarr Abbey is home to a small group of Benedictine monks who strive to dedicate their lives to the glory of God, and whose day is characterised by prayer, work and community life. Tours of the Abbey can be booked on their website - they include full visits to the pilgrim chapel and the church, and tell you about Saint Benedict, the history of the community, the architecture of the church and the daily life of the monks. Booking is essential. Group visits are also possible. Quarr Abbey website...
