Isle of Gigha Hotels

Historic and Cultural Attractions:

Visit Osborne House in East Cowes, the former home to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This Victorian mansion is crammed full of beautiful oil paintings and antiques, with easy access to the Queen's private beach. Alternatively visit the crumbling splendour of Carisbrooke Castle, where Charles I was imprisoned. Explore the battlements, fuss the resident donkeys and stroll around the museum that outlines 800 years of the castle's history.

For train lovers, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, near Wootton Bridge, will take you on a trip down memory lane. Then there's the Needles Battery, a coastal fort that was built in 1862. It now houses an exhibition area, including the original guns.

Just outside Brading, you can find the Brading Roman Villa, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK. It offers an award winning Visitor Centre and Museum, providing an outstanding collection of Roman archaeology.

For music lovers, time your trip to coincide with the Isle of Wight Festival, normally held in June. With some major headline acts, this annual event is not to be missed.

Things to do:

Drive to the Garlic Farm in Newchurch where you can taste the different varieties of garlic grown from around the world over lunch in the restaurant or via the farm shop.

For some interesting architecture and a tranquil setting, visit Quarr Abbey, located near Ryde. Home to a small group of Benedictine Monks, you can take a stroll in the grounds, explore the church and enjoy a spot of lunch in the tearoom. Have a browse in the bookshop; purchase some traditional Abbey Ale in the farm shop or wonder through the art gallery, which displays works from local artists.

If you fancy the idea of giving golf a go for the first time or you simply want to improve your technique, then Westridge Golf Centre is the place to be. With qualified professionals on hand to offer tuition and advice, it's a great place to perfect that swing.

Ride a dinosaur or board a pirate ship at the Blackgang Chine, a magical theme park for all the family. Alternatively, watch the 40 minute show of Waltzing Waters, where water explodes in a myriad of colours in time to music.