Southland

Quiet country lanes and scenic off - road cycling routes make the Isle of Wight an ideal destination for a UK cycling holiday or short break. There are plenty of places that offer bike hire across the island, so you have the freedom to explore.

Locally known as the Red Squirrel Trail, this National Cycling route starts to the West of Cowes and runs alongside the River Medina. The route runs through beautiful countryside through to the outskirts of Sandown.

Start at Bembridge Fort and take the two mile route down to Sandown Bay. Take the National Trust Fine Fortifications trail down to Sandown Bay. This two mile route starts at Bembridge Fort and heads towards the coast to Culver Down.

Take a short but exhilarating cliff top walk along the Circumnavigate Culver trail. Bembridge and Culver Downs offer spectacular views over Sandown and Whitecliff Bays. There’s the chance of seeing peregrines, ravens, cowslips and butterflies at different times of year, and it’s equally enjoyable if you just want to take in the views from the cliff tops.

Just a short distance away from our campsite, Amazon World Zoo Park is the Isle of Wight’s largest exotic animal attraction and is a great day out whatever your age! Discover the exotic animals, ranging from big cats to reptiles and birds.

If animal adventure is what you fancy, make sure to also stop in at Monkey Haven - a rescue centre and sanctuary for primates and birds of prey – and of course, Isle of Wight Zoo, offering wildlife experiences, ‘meet the meerkats’ and daily walking safaris.

Visit Dinosaur Isle, a spectacular pterosaur shaped building on Sandown Blue Flag Beach. As Britain’s first purpose built dinosaur museum Dinosaur Isle offers life sized models, interactive stations and fossils to explore.

Satisfy the adrenaline junkie within you at Wight Karting. Zoom around the 500m purpose built track and race your family and friends to the finish line.

Make new four-legged friends at the West Wight Alpacas and Llamas – explore the farm, learn about llama life and take your new furry companions on a stroll around the farmland.

Enjoy a squirrel’s eye view of Appley Park with Goodleaf Tree Climbing where qualified and experienced instructors will harness you up and help you climb to the top of a 20 metre high mature oak tree! For another sky high experience, try out tandem paragliding in the Yarmouth hills.

For great pub grub and outstanding seafood, there are many great places to eat on the island. Stop in at The Steamer Inn in Shanklin for great views of the coast and live music performances, or fill your boots at The Fighting Cocks with their sumptuous chargrilled steaks and burgers.

Explore Sundown’s Garlic Farm then stop in at the café which serves homemade garlic treats and hand reared meat from the farm grounds.

Enjoy fresh produce in the beautiful pub garden at the Pointer Inn in Newchurch. This pub has a unique bartering system with local growers, who exchange a meal at the pub for the best of Isle of Wight’s fresh produce.