The Island has plenty of golf courses for visitors to enjoy, without the need to be a member.



Whether you want to practice your swing, putting or get straight to the 19th hole there will be a course on the Island for you.






For the real professionals, Sandown & Shanklin course and Freshwater Bay have 18 holes, while others have 9 or 12.

Some offer training sessions with the Explanar training system, such as Westridge Golf Centre which is a 9 hole 'Pay as you Play' course.

Map with Contact Info of Golf Courses on the Isle of Wight

Puckpool Tea Gardens and Park in Seaview near Ryde, was once a Victorian Fortification Battery guarding the Solent. It is situated in a sheltered bay with a very sandy and gently sloping beach making it great for the little ones.


Now an historic monument with amazing sea views, sandy beaches, and beautiful gardens, it has a children’s play park, tennis courts, mini golf, petanque, putting.

A fourth generation baker cooks up speciality ‘Pucka Pizzas’ to order in a stone based oven, and there is a full menu of daily specials, homemade burgers and snacks and cream teas.

There is also a licensed bar serving wines, beers and cocktails to help you with your crazy golf! There is also a putting green, two tennis courts and kids park.

Isle of Wight Pearl showcases the largest collection of pearl jewellery in the UK with pearls originating from around the world.

‘In Greek mythology Pearls were created when Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, rose from the foam of the sea and cried tears of joy which fell as Pearls. Since that time Pearls have been associated with love and beauty. Pearls are the only truly organic gem, produced by a living creature.’



We are delighted to announce that Isle of Wight Pearl are now offering Wight Locations guests an Exclusive Offer of a voucher entitling you to £5 off when you spend £40.

Click here for your £5 Discount Voucher ~ coming soon!

And our friends at Isle of Wight Pearl are also offering Wight Locations guests a special discount at The Pearl Cafe when you book The Pearl Academy!

In a 30 to 40 minute interactive talk at the Pearl Academy you will hear all about the history of pearls, culturing and farming them and how to tell the difference between real and synthetic pearls.

Remember to book! ~ 01983 740 352

Isle of Wight Pearl

All Zumba addicts relax!

When staying with Wight Locations, there is no need to miss out on your regular Zumba session while here. You can find a session in the vicinity of your self catering accommodation across the Island and you do not need to be a member.

For those who do not know ~ Zumba is basically high energy dancing to music ~ great fun for anyone who is (like myself) allergic to gyms!

'Zumba was created by Beto Perez from Columbia who one day forgot the music for his aerobics class. The only music he had was a selection of CD's from his car. With that mixed bag of music, the class he taught proved to be very popular & the rest is history'.

Zumba uses the principles of resistance training and fitness interval training to enhance a calorie output.  It is a method of combining easy dance steps with movements that sculpt the body.

This is a great fun filled hour for all the family on a rainy day...

A 1 hour session cost £4. Top Tip ~ Take water!

Zumba on the Isle of Wight

Guests of Wight Locations can now enjoy a Special Temporary Membership rate to The Isle of Wight Sports Club in Seaview.

So while staying in our self catering holiday homes, there is no need to miss out on your fitness regime!

Facilities include an Olympus all weather tennis court, badminton, squash, air conditioned gymnasium. There is a lovely indoor swimming pool with poolside steam room and Male and Female saunas.

Adults pay just £8 per day, Juniors £4 and Children £3.  Juniors and children must be supervised by an adult. The club is open Monday to Friday 8am to 9.30pm and weekends 9am to 7pm.

Isle of Wight Sports Club, Seaview ~ 01983 613 108

Rib Charter is a fantastic and exhilarating way to enjoy the sea and view the spectacular coastline of the Isle of Wight.

Like a big dinghy with a massive engine on the back, the Rib is very safe and stable. Described as the 4x4 of the sea, as used by the Coastguard, Army, etc.



The boats are lightweight and powerful, so they can reach very high speeds on the water and tend to bounce across waves giving a thrilling ride at sea.

Available for 1/2 hour, 1 hour and 1/2 day or 1 day charter.

If you do not fancy the rib why not try the 42ft Gentlemens motor yacht for a more leisurely, smoother and more comfortable ride.

High speed rib trips from Yarmouth Harbour to the Needles start from £15 per person.

First Contact Boat Charters

Top tip ~ Enjoy your lunch and refreshments after your thrilling ride! The Bugle Coaching Inn in Yarmouth is a member of the Good Pub Guide and a great place to get your breath back.

Built around 1700 this is the only surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight and and has most of its original machinery intact. It last operated in 1913 and this year celebrates 50 years of ownership by the National Trust.

You can climb the four floors and take in the fantastic views from the top, then follow the milling process back down.



There is an I Spy trail to keep the children entertained and National Trust members get FREE entry. Refreshments are available, but please note there is no toilet there.

The Windmill marks the start of the Culver Trail, which takes you on a 3 km stroll round Whitecliff Bay and Culver Down.

Relax back in Bembridge with a nice pub lunch at The Windmill Inn or a lovely meal at the renowned Crab and Lobster Inn.

For those preferring a nice tea and cake must try Lottie's in Bembridge for home made cakes to die for.

Like something out of myth and legend, Carisbrooke Castle is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned. You can see the room from which he twice tried to escape, before eventually losing his head at the Tower of London.

The castle is wonderfully preserved considering it has lived through more than 800 years of service, including resisting a siege by the French and seeing off the Spanish Armada.

Whilst staying on the Isle of Wight there are plenty of things to indulge in whatever the weather. If you are self catering in one of our fabulous holiday, why not treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience at the newly refurbished Utopia Spa in Sandown.

They have a whole range of treatments from massages and de-toxifying wraps to holistic therapies and

Utopia Spa

Once the Islands capital, Newtown is in the north west of the Isle of Wight. It is on a spider shaped inlet on the River estuary, Newtown Creek, and the area is a National Trust Nature Reserve.

The 17th century quay began life with boats delivering coal and taking corn and developed into a major seaport trading local salt and oysters. It is now popular with yachts and sailing dinghies.

Today, Newtown is a tranquil place where you can wander along the footpaths through the old streets and visit the beautifully restored Victorian church, and the town hall.

The combination of salt marshes and mudflats, woodland, hedgerow and meadow means that it supports an abundance of rare wildlife and it is a paradise for both birds and birdwatchers.

After soaking up the views and wildlife relax and refresh in the nearby UK Good Pub Guide Award winning dining pub, the New Inn at Shalfleet.

The Old Smithy in Godshill is a real surprise, stocking an extensive range of stylish boutique clothes and accessories from fashion houses around Europe.


Stroll through the beautiful gardens and browse the shops. There is a huge range of gifts from cards to collectable's, books, pictures, candles, pens, pottery, glassware and much more.

You can find a perfect unusual gift for someone or just treat yourself!

There is a also cafe on site which serves hot food, lovely cakes and cream teas.

The Old Smithy

Godshill Park Farm in Godshill is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Enjoy a 2 hour trek with these beautiful creatures through the 270 acres of undulating farmland and unspoiled woodland and ponds. Enjoy the peace and fresh air, and being at one with nature for while...!



After your leisurely trek enjoy the best cream tea in Godshill at The Hollies Tea Garden, served warm and complete with fresh strawberries.

Walking with Llamas & Alpacas

The Owl & Monkey Haven is the Isle of Wight's newest award winning attraction.

It provides a safe, happy environment for homeless primates & birds of prey. The Haven is not a zoo or animal collection, but a sanctuary built to the highest standards with large bespoke enclosures to suit the inhabitants needs.

Visitors of all ages are welcome to visit this exceptional sanctuary, where many rare and endangered species that have never been seen on the Island before are cared for.

Owl & Monkey Haven

When the surf's up the Isle of Wight has quite a few spots on the Island to ride the waves.

So whether you are a hotdogger or a sponger or just want to spectate, you can enjoy the best of the Island's beaches!



Compton Bay and Freshwater are both popular watersport beaches.

Isle of Wight Surf Club

Surf Report

Surf Report

The Indian summer may be over but the Island takes on a wild and rugged feel in the winter and holds a different kind of beauty.

Whether you are a nature lover, a keen walker or you just want to get out and enjoy the magnificent views of landscapes and seascapes, there are plenty of walks and even guided walks on the Isle of Wight for you to enjoy.

And after a bracing wander through national trust countryside or over stunning cliff tops you usually find yourself in a warm, welcoming and cosy pub to refresh and relax in!

Check out these sites for more information:

Wight walks

Walking Routes

Gift to Nature

Pub Walks

IOW Ramblers

Built by Thomas Cubitt in the mid 1800s, Osborne House became Queen Victorias beloved country getaway on the Isle of Wight and is an English Heritage site.

Enjoy a guided tour of the house which is filled with original furnishings and priceless artworks, and get a real insight into royal family life 200 years ago.Wander through the beautiful gardens which have stunning views over the Solent.

The Swiss Cottage has child size furniture for the little ones to play in, and was built to encourage children to learn domestic skills. There is also a play area, or they can take a horse and carriage ride.

Osborne House

Being fortunate enough to have a sea view here on the Isle of Wight, I love to gaze out of my window and spot the cruise ships go by.

Everything that leaves Southampton and Portsmouth sails past my window through the channel to somewhere exciting.

When I spot a cruise ship in the distance I jump on my computer and go to this website which tracks them live, so I can see which ship it is and which wonderful destination it is heading off to.

Live Ship Spotting round the Isle of Wight

Cruise Routes and Timetables

Sometimes its the one off experiences or activities that make our holidays so memorable.

While planning your trip to the island, why waste your precious holiday time when here? Why not plan some special activities in advance?

Particip8 is a one stop shop designed to take all the work out of booking and arranging special things to do or see, and may even inspire you with ideas to try something different.

Take a ride in a luxury fast charter or indulge in a photography experience. Join in a pamper party or try your hand at wine tasting. Take part in a home cooking course and provide some great fayre for your stay whilst in our self catering properties.

Particip8 Events & Activities

For those early planners amongst you who are already getting organised for next year;

whether you want to join in the excitement of the London Olympics or escape to island instead, the Olympics event is taking place from 27th July through to 12th August.

For this reason, Cowes Week here on the Isle of Wight has shifted to week commencing 10th to 18th August, so remember this when you decide to pay us a visit!

2012 London Olympics

2012 Cowes Week

Wight Locations has a fair percentage of pet friendly self catering properties here on the island and so guests often ask us which beaches they are permitted to walk their dogs on and when.

Between 1st October 30th April each year, dogs are permitted on the Island beaches. During the summer period, dogs (with the exception of guide dogs) are banned from a number of Island beaches that are owned by the Isle of Wight Council. But there are still plenty of beaches that will allow your beloved pet! Check out the link below.

Dog Friendly Beaches

As part of the lead up to the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival on the 17th-25th September, Wight Locations are publishing a few of their favourite cycle routes around the Island. Here's our first!

Newport to Cowes

The off-road Medina cycleway between Cowes and Newport is ideal for a short there-and-back ride. Part of National Route 23, this picturesque cycle track is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the Isle of Wight life. Starting at a super little pub in Newport called The Bargemans Rest and bringing you into Cowes to finish at a similarly fine establishment in the heart of Cowes - The Pier View Hotel.




Newport to Cowes with WightLocations

Situated in stunning parkland in Seaview, just down from Wight Locations, is this multi award winning wildlife attraction.

The interactive park encourages visitors to join in with daily hands on wildlife events that are fun, educational and interactive.

Come and enjoy the amazing array of birds and animals, from Penguins to Parrots, Wallabies to Meerkats. Observe the playful Otters, exotic Alpacas, Pelicans and over 100 beautiful flamingos.

Seaview Wildlife Park

When staying with Wight Locations, why not hire an electric bike? There are many cycle routes on the island and these are great for exploring and enjoying the fantastic views of sea and countryside. A great percentage of the island is National Trust land and areas of outstanding natural beauty so well worth the outdoor adventure. And you can do as much or as little of the hard work as you like!

Axcess Electric Bikes