Sunday 22 February 2009

Some Isle of Wight Attractions

Amazon World

Amazon World Zoo Park combines an educational experience with the enjoyment of seeing some of the world's most beautiful, unusual and endangered creatures. Learn about conservation and the rainforests whilst observing crocodiles, lemurs, tropical birds and a whole lot more. Watery Lane, Nr. Arreton, Isle of Wight, PO36, 0LX. Tel 01983 867122, Email info@amazonworld.co.uk.

Appuldurcombe House

Striking 18th century house with Owl & Falconry Centre, shop and holiday cottages. Stroll through Capability Brown's idyllic 11 acres of ornamental grounds. Appuldurcombe Farm, Wroxall, Isle of Wight, PO38 3EW. Tel 01983 852484, Email enquiries@appuldurcombe.co.uk.

Arreton Barns

Traditional working craft village with over a dozen craft shops offering the widest range of local produce on the Island. Gifts for all seasons, local farm produces, wines, beers, ciders and liquers. Main Road, Arreton, Isle of Wight, PO30 3AA. Tel 01983 528353, Email info@arretonbarns.co.uk.

Blackgang Chine

Every year hundreds of school parties from around the UK enjoy the many themed areas which comprise Blackgang Chine. Overlooking the South-West "Heritage Coast" of the Island, Blackgang Chine is an exciting mix of rides, cowboys and indians, goblins and fairies and nursery rhyme characters all set in large Victorian gardens. Chale, Nr. Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 2HN. Tel 01983 730052, Email info@blackgangchine.com.

Brading - The Experience

Waxworks Museum with a number of exciting ongoing developments, including the World of Wheels, a discount factory outlet store and a gift shop. A3055, Brading, Isle of Wight, PO36 0DQ. Tel 01983 407286, Email info@bradingtheexperience.co.uk.

Butterfly World

See hundreds of butterlies from all around the world flying free in a natural environment and learn about their life-cycle and development. The exotic gardens are all attractively laid out. Staplers Road, Wootton, Isle of Wight, PO33 4RW. Tel 01983 883430, Email info@butterfly-world-iow.co.uk.

Carisbrooke Castle and Carisbrooke Castle Museum

Over 800 years of history at the Castle at which Charles I was imprisoned. Visit and explore a fascinating mounment to the Island's history and take part in some of the many events that are available for all the family. Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1XY. Tel 01983 522107 (Castle) 01983 523112 (Museum), Email carismus@lineone.net (Museum).

Coleman's Farm Park

See and interact with a wide range range of farm animals. Play area, café, tractor trailer rides - a great day of indoor and outdoor fun for the children and for their families. Coleman's Lane, Porchfield, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 4LX. Tel 01983 522831, Email info@colemansfarmpark.co.uk.

Dinosaur Isle

The UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum and visitor attraction, displaying fossils and life-sized reconstructions of the dinosaurs which once roamed the Island. The Isle of Wight is recognised as the most important site for dinosaur remains in Europe. Culver Parade, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QA. Tel 01983 404344, Email dinosaur@iow.gov.uk.

Fort Victoria Country Park

The remains of Fort Victoria now play host to a Marine Aquarium, a Planetarium, a Sea Bed Archaeology Expedition and a Model Railway. An excellent educational resource. Fort Victoria, Nr. Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0RR.

The Garlic Farm

Farm and shop producing and selling different varieties of garlic and garlic products, from relishes to beer. The Isle of Wight even exports garlic to France. This wonderful farm shop is well worth a visit. Mersley Farm, Newchurch, Isle of Wight, PO3 6 0NR. Tel 01983 865378, Email web@thegarlicfarm.co.uk.

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Established in 1987 to provide a hope for distressed or endangered donkeys, the sanctuary is open to the public and stages a number of events. Sustained entirely by donations and fundraising, the IOW Donkey Sanctuary offers an adoption scheme. St. John's Road, Wroxall, Isle of Wight, PO38 3AA. Tel 01983 852693, Email info@iwdonkey-sanctuary.com.

Isle of Wight Pearl

The largest range of genuine and costume pearl jewellery under one roof in the United Kingdom. Choose your own pearl - pick an oyster from IOW Pearl's tanks and open it. Gold and silver shop, cafe and spectacular cliff-top views. Military Road, Brighstone, Isle of Wight, PO30 4DD. Tel 01983 740352, Email info@iowpearl.co.uk.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

The largely volunteer-run Isle of Wight Steam Railway began operating trains in 1971 and captured the unique atmosphere of the 54 miles of railway once operated on the Island, most of which has since been closed. All are restored, formerly Island-based locomotives. The Railway Station, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight, PO33 4DS. Tel 01983 882204, Email havenstreet@iwsteamrailway.co.uk.

Isle of Wight Zoo

Home to the largest collection of tigers in the UK, IOW Zoo also plays host to lions, jaguars, leopards, lemurs, monkeys, snakes, lizards and spiders. An educational resource as well as a popular family attraction. Yaverland Seafront, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QB. Tel 01983 403883, Email enquiries@isleofwightzoo.com.

Needles Park

Pay-as-you-go rides and attractions amid world famous views and multi-coloured sand cliffs. Witness glass blowing at Alum Bay Glass, play junior golf and enjoy a thrilling ride on the chairlift as well as a whole lot more. Alum Bay, Isle of Wight, PO39 0JD. Tel 0871 720 0022.

Osborne House

Queen Victoria's famed palace by the sea. Acres of grounds, play area, horse and carriage rides as well as breathtaking decor. A must-visit for anybody who is serious about our heritage. East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JX.

Quarr Abbey

Home of Benedictine monks on the Island. Witness the monks celebrating Holy Mass and praying the psalms or even join them in silent prayer. Shop and café on site. Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 4ES. Tel 01983 884850, Email guestmaster@quarrabbey.org.uk.

Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park

Set in 88 acres of beautiful countryside and woodland on the Arreton Downs, Robin Hill offers a range of attractions in scenic and relaxing surroundings. Toboggan Run, Time Machine, Squirrel Tower, Colossus swinging galleon, falconry and a whole lot more. Downend, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2NU.

Seaview Wildlife Encounter

Formerly known as Flamingo Park, this popular attraction plays hosts to a diversity of birds and mammals. One of the largest tropical aviaries ever built in the United Kingdom, with Tropical House featuring amazing water displays. Oakhill Road, Seaview, Isle of Wight, PO34 5AP. Tel 01983 612261, Email fp@iowight.com.

Shanklin Chine

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this historic gorge surrounded by woodland, rare plants and wildlife. With gift shop, tea rooms and nature trail, Shanklin Chine is conveniently located at the end of Shanklin Esplanade. Chine Hill, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6BW. Tel 01983 866432, Email iowchine@msn.com.

Waltzing Waters

The world's most elaborate light, water and music production. Thousands of thrilling patterns of moving water synchronised with music. Gift shop, café and free parking. Brading Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1QS. Tel 01983 811333, Email iow-info@waltzingwaters.co.uk.

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