Isle of Wight Tourist Attractions

All information contained within this page has been gathered from publicity material and / or the internet. All information is published in good faith. We strongly advise you to contact the official web sites and / or phone the companies before travelling. If any information is in error please contact me and I’ll correct the mistake.

Visitor Attractions near Colwell Bay

The Needles Pleasure Park 01983 752401
The Needles Pleasure Park home of the famous rock(s) and lighthouse.
Open Daily (1st April – 31st October) 10am – 5pm – hours extended in high season

Tapnell Farm 01983 758722
Tapnell Farm is a Farm Park attraction, featuring a restaurant, accommodation and the Isle of Wight’s only Aqua Park.

BlackGang Chine 01983 730330
Over 40 acres of spectacular cliff-top gardens with attractions and activities for the child in us all!

Isle of Wight Pearl Centre 01983 740 352
Isle of Wight Pearl is the island’s top tourist attraction with over 300,000 visitors each year. Open all year, free entrance and free parking.

Isle of Wight Zoo 01983 403 883
Home of the Tiger Sanctuary and Lemurland

Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park 01983 527352
“Robin Hill offers something for eyeryone, whether it is the thrill of the Island’s 3 biggest rides to the challenge of Squirrel Tower or the peace of the woodland walks where the Red Squirrels live…”

Chessell Pottery Barns 01983 531248
Working Pottery, Decorating Studio, Courtyard Cafe and Gift Shop
No entrance fee, open all year (except Jan)

Historical Places of Interest

Yarmouth Castle
The last and most sophisticated addition to Henry VIII’s coastal defences; the castle was completed after his death in 1547.

Hurst Castle 01590 642344
This is the impressive castle you can see across the solent from Colwell Bay. The castle was built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses and was completed in 1544. Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to London to his trial and execution. Trips to the Castle depart from Yarmouth Pier.

The Needles Old Battery 01983 754772
Operated by the National Trust, the Needles Old Battery is a spectacularly sited fort with the best views on the island.

Fort Victoria Country Park 01983 823893
The remains of Fort Victoria now house a Marine Aquarium, a Underwater Archaeology Centre, a Planetarium and a Model Railway.

Festivals and Events

For details on all the events please see the official site. Here are a selection of some of the well known events.

Cowes Week
Held annually at the beginning of August Cowes Week is one of the longest-running regular sailing regattas in the world.

Isle of Wight Festival
Originally held annually from 1968 to 1970 the festival was revived in 2002

Walking Festival
Taking place over a fortnight the annual festival is held in May.

Boat Trips from Yarmouth

Puffin Cruises operate cruises to Lymington and the Needles throughout the week. Full details are available at the start of Yarmouth Pier.

Nearby Beaches

Totland Bay
Literally just round the corner from Colwell enjoy the the prom walk between the two beaches with views across the Solent

Freshwater Bay
Famous for the Mermaid, Stag and (until 1992) the arch rock.

Compton
Popular with windsurfers. Great to visit during stormy days watching the waves roll in!