Best Museums in Isle of Wight

"At the Art Deco Civic Centre complex, the Southampton City Art Gallery was established in 1939. The gallery holds a ” Designated Collection”, considered one of the strongest in the South of England, made up of 5,000 works spanning eight centuries. The bulk of these pieces are by luminaries of 20th-century and contemporary British painting, sculpture and photography, like members of the Camden Town Group and the London Group, as well as Richard Long, Tony Cragg and Richard Deacon."

"A short distance north of the landing stage for ferries to the Isle of Wight, in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, visitors can find the gateway to the old docks and the site of Lord Nelson's famous flagship. Built in 1765, the magnificent 197-foot-long HMS Victory - along with its five decks and 104 cannons - has been beautifully restored to its former glory. In his hour of victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, barely 20 minutes after he'd penetrated the French lines, Nelson was fatally wounded and died aboard his legendary ship."

"As resplendent as she is venerable, HMS Victory was Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) and the site of his famous dying words 'Kiss me, Hardy', after victory over the French had been secured. This remarkable ship is topped by a forest of ropes and masts, and weighted by a swollen belly filled with cannons and paraphernalia for an 850-strong crew. Clambering through the low-beamed decks and crew's quarters is an evocative experience."

"HMS Victory is located right next to the Mary Rose Museum, towards the back of the dockyard. These are two things you definitely won’t want to miss on your visit here. If, however, you choose to prioritise other sights, I’d still advise you to pop along to take a look at Victory from the outside."

"This vessel was the first armour-plated, iron hulled warship to be constructed in this country, and was launched in 1860. A visit is recommended, as it gives an interesting comparison to HMS Victory, constructed totally from timber. It is also possible to see how conditions for the crew had changed since the time of Nelson."

"The pride of Queen Victoria’s naval fleet, the Warrior is the first iron hulled, armored warship that takes a place of pride at the Portsmouth dockyard. HMS Warrior was said to be the fastest and sleekest ship running on steam and sail. It is truly fascinating to see this huge vessel restored in all its glory."

"A second warship that you can discover more about is HMS Warrior 1860. You can see this impressive ship moored at the dockyard’s entrance. As its name suggests, the ship was launched in 1860 during the reign of Queen Victoria."

"Enjoy some free time in Cowes then head south to Carisbrooke Castle returning south via the idyllic villages of Brighstone and Mottistone with arrival back at the hotel in plenty of time for dinner at the hotel. DAY 5 (BB) - Breakfast followed by a morning departure from the hotel. Our routing back to Cowes takes you across country through Newchurch. Your drive takes you past Osbourne House, former home to Queen Victoria."

"We’re going to head to the centre of the Island now, and visit the impressive 12th century Carisbrooke Castle. This was the primary defensive fortification on the islands for hundreds of years, fending off the French in the 14th century and being the prison of King Charles I for fourteen months prior to his execution in 1649."

"From Portsmouth, you can reach both Fishbourne and Ryde and the reality is that either is a viable option depending on the location of your accommodation on the island. Either way, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes and ferries depart every half hour. If you would rather get across to the Isle of Wight in the shortest amount of time possible, Lymington will likely be your port of call given that you can make the crossing in under 35 minutes. Wightlink also services this port and although it may not have the same glamour as Southampton or Portsmouth, it is certainly a viable choice given that it offers the shortest ferry route."

"On the southwestern edge of Chichester sits the largest Roman residence unearthed in Britain. The Fishbourne Roman Palace is also remarkable for its age, dating to AD 75, just three decades after the Roman Conquest of Britain. The palace was excavated in the 1960s, and was revealed to be about the same size as Nero’s Golden House in Rome."

"The only fortress of its kind, Fort Nelson is a beautifully restored monument that provides visitors with an authentic experience of the English Military from World War 2 times. This Victorian fortress has been restored to its original form and offers a number of things to see and do. Spread across 19 acres, there are tunnels, ramparts and artillery on display that transport you to times when t...Read more"

"A flagship reserve of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, you can walk the 2.5-mile path around the marshes to see many different birds – including dark–bellied brent geese, redshanks, short–eared owls, warblers and wheatears. Visit the Trust's website for more information on the wildlife and to download an illustrated map."

"Location: Approximately 3 miles west of Lyndhurst at the northern end of the Bolderwood Ornamental Drive.Remarks: About the most popular of the free New Forest attractions. A very pleasant area with graded walks through the giant Redwood trees. Viewing platforms overlook the fenced areas where a number of fallow deer are kept."

"What people have said: “We spent a couple of hours walking around the forest here. It’s stunning and beautifully kept. Sadly we didn’t see any deer, but there were plenty of horses!"

"A viewing area deep in the new Forest, where these incredible creatures are known to gather. For opening dates and further information, please visit the attraction's website."

"This large park is built on the grounds of a former lake and has 3 small freshwater lakes. The Solent Way, a 60-mile walk, crosses the park. Milton Common is a great place to spot wildlife."

"The only attraction in the country devoted to this crucial event in the Second World War, the D-Day Story charts the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Portsmouth was a key embarkation point for the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 and Southwick House a little way north of the city was the HQ for Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower. At the heart of the museum is the Overlord Embroidery, an 83-metre hand-stitched embroidery depicting the invasion, as well as a film presentation with archive footage from the day."

"D-Day was the largest invasion ever assembled by allied troops and the D-Day Story is home to over 10,000 items of significance from the Normandy Landings and the people that were part of it. The museum also hosts the Overlord Embroidery, an 83-metre long embroidery piece commissioned by Lord Dulverton in 1968. It took 5 years to stitch."

"Opened by no less than the Queen Mother in 1984, this museum was purposely built to house the Overlord Embroidery which was finished in a course of five years and is 272 feet. This site also narrates the story of World War II, particularly the D-Day Landings. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!"

"Enjoy some free time in Cowes then head south to Carisbrooke Castle returning south via the idyllic villages of Brighstone and Mottistone with arrival back at the hotel in plenty of time for dinner at the hotel. DAY 5 (BB) - Breakfast followed by a morning departure from the hotel. Our routing back to Cowes takes you across country through Newchurch. Your drive takes you past Osbourne House, former home to Queen Victoria."

"We’re going to head to the centre of the Island now, and visit the impressive 12th century Carisbrooke Castle. This was the primary defensive fortification on the islands for hundreds of years, fending off the French in the 14th century and being the prison of King Charles I for fourteen months prior to his execution in 1649."

"Right on the beach in Southsea, just to the east of South Parade Pier, Southsea Beach Cafe goes from strength to strength. Breakfast is served until 11.45am and includes the following Granola Bowl, Mushroom Baked Hash, Belgian Waffles, Scallop and Bacon Bap as well as all of your traditional favourites. Great food and great sea views."

"The big one - and the one many people think of when Portsmouth's beaches come to mind. The stretch along Southsea Seafront is a perennial favourite, with wonderful views out to sea and plenty of space to spread out. Broadly speaking, Southsea Beach runs from Clarence Pier to just beyond South Parade Pier."

"Southsea beach is pebble/stoney beach that stretches along the whole southern end of Portsea Island from Old Portsmouth beach to Eastney beach. Adjacent to the beach and seafront promenade, Southsea Common is a large open space. Facilities include parking, toilets, promenade, and food outlets."

"An amazing deli in the heart of Southsea, where you can buy – and eat – fresh, healthy, seasonal food from small local and regional producers. Great for breakfast, lunch, and coffee > thesouthseadeli.com"