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The best castles on the Isle of Wight and more
The Isle of Wight, England's largest island, is located in the English Channel, just two to five miles off Hampshire's coast. It’s been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times, demonstrating just how historic it is, so it would only be right to visit the castles on the Isle of Wight!
Not only the castles, but visitors should also visit historic houses and Botanical Gardens in the Isle Wight, like Ventnor Botanical Garden. Many of these historic locations have links to the monarchy, and you can tour Queen Victoria’s beloved Osborne House. These are some of the most beautiful places around, so it would be rude not to have a look at some of these amazing sites that are not far from where you might be staying in the Isle of Wight Away Resorts Holiday Parks!
The best castles
First up, let’s take a look at some of the best castles on the Isle of Wight. These are definitely some of the most beautiful places to visit on the Island, so you definitely don’t want to miss out!
1. Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle is in the heart of the Isle of Wight and has served as an artillery fortress, king's prison, and royal summer residence. Today, it's a quintessential romantic castle with plenty to explore. Enjoy panoramic views from the castle walls, wander the moat, and relax in the serene Princess Beatrice Garden and St Nicholas' Chapel. Don't miss meeting the charming Carisbrooke donkeys. Book your visit for the best price and an unforgettable day at the Island's historic castle!
Top highlights:
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Watch the famous Carisbrooke donkeys operate the 16th-century treadwheel.
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Visit the room where King Charles I was imprisoned and tried to escape.
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Climb the Norman keep for the best panoramic views of the island.
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Under a 15-minute drive from The Lakes Rookley Holiday Park.
Location: Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1XY
2. Norris Castle
Designed by James Wyatt for Lord Henry Seymour in the late 18th century, Norris Castle features a galleted façade with crenellations but no defensive fortifications. The estate, adjacent to Osborne House, was purchased in 1880 by Francis Russell, Duke of Bedford, whose wife Elizabeth was appointed Mistress of the Robes to Queen Elizabeth. The surrounding landscapes, believed to be designed by Humphry Repton, include a castellated walled garden and other unique features. In other words, this is one of the most beautiful castles on the Isle of Wight to visit, but check to see if restorations are still ongoing before visiting!
Top highlights:
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The parks and gardens here are the Isle of Wight's only Grade I listed landscape.
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Parkland and woodland for some stunning walks and photo opportunities.
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Beautiful views of the coast
Location: New Barn Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6AZ
3. Yarmouth Castle
Yarmouth Castle, built by King Henry VIII to protect Yarmouth Harbour from French attacks, features a unique Italianate “arrow head” bastion. Used until 1885 and again during both World Wars, the castle is now a tourist attraction managed by English Heritage, so you can come by one of the best castles on the Isle of Wight and enjoy picnics with views of the Solent. Alongside this, you can explore exhibitions on the castle's 16th-century use and local shipwrecks – a fun-filled day out!
Top highlights:
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Atmospheric recreations of how the castle was used in the 16th century.
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Decked out castle interior, perfect for learning what life was like for the Tudor defenders.
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Amazing views across the Solent from the gunners platform, which is also one of the best picnic locations on the island – perfect for a date!
Location: Quay St, Yarmouth, PO41 0PB
4. West Cowes Castle
Another amazing Isle of Wight castle is West Cowes Castle, a device fort built by Henry VIII to defend against invasions from France and the Holy Roman Empire, which overlooks the River Medina. Used until 1854, it was then purchased by the Royal Yacht Squadron and largely rebuilt in the 19th century. During World War II, it served as a headquarters for part of the D-Day invasion force, so you can see just how much history is behind this location, but why not see it for yourself in person?
Top highlights:
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A vital landmark in yachting and powerboat events.
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Grade II* listed building.
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Stunning views of the coast.
Location: West Cowes Castle, The Parade
The best historic houses
Now let’s take a look at the best historic houses on the Isle of Wight, and there are plenty to marvel at. So, where should you go?
Appuldurcombe House
5. Osborne House
Osborne House, a former royal residence built between 1845 and 1851, was designed by Prince Albert in the Italian Renaissance palazzo style as a summer retreat for Queen Victoria. She found the Royal Pavilion in Brighton too public and sought a new seaside escape. Now open to the public, discover a glimpse into royal life, and pretend you’re royalty for the day! The estate features flower-filled gardens, a museum, and even a beach. With family trails and play areas, a visit to Osborne House is enjoyable for the whole family!
Top highlights:
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Explore objects on loan from the Royal Collection Trust.
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Witness Queen Victoria's very own bathing machine on her private beach.
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Victoria and Albert's collection of art and furniture.
Location: Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1XY
6. Arreton Manor
This 16th-century Jacobean manor house, Arreton Manor is nestled below Arreton Down Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight. The manor boasts a storied history, having been owned by British monarchs such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. With a stunning location and stunning views, you’re in for a historical treat!
Top highlights:
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Ornamental gardens with parterres.
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Knot gardens.
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A maze.
Location: Main Rd, Arreton, Newport PO30 3AA
7. Appuldurcombe House
Once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight, Appuldurcombe House is now a shell of its former glory. Designed by architect John James, the house was significantly expanded in the 1770s under Sir Richard Worsley (7th Baronet Worsley of Appuldurcombe). During both World Wars, the house served as military quarters, and in 1943, a German bomber dropped a mine near the estate, causing significant damage to the structure, which is now partly restored, so you can come and visit – for free as well! The whole family can join too, as dogs can come and explore (on leads).
Top highlights:
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The perfect picnic location.
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A haven for seeing lots of wildlife.
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A unique wedding location (on Saturdays).
Location: Appuldurcombe Rd, Wroxall PO38 3EW
8. Appley Tower
Appley Tower was a country house of the Hutt family who bought it in the 1870s. While most of the house has been demolished, some elements remain such as a folly tower with battlements, a turret, and more. What makes this location even better is that it overlooks a beach, so there’s somewhere you go after you’ve finished exploring, just check whether the Tower is open or not beforehand!
Top highlights:
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One of the most iconic Isle of Wight buildings, and a symbol of Ryde.
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Climb to the top for stunning views of the Solent.
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Tudor and Gothic Revival in style.
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About a 15-minute drive from St Helens Coastal Resort.
Location: Garden Walk, Ryde, PO33 1NS
9. Dimbola Lodge
Another one of the best historic houses on the Isle of Wight is Dimbola Lodge, which was once the residence of renowned Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. The name Dimbola comes from Julia's family's coffee plantation in Dimbula. Today, the house is a museum and gallery showcasing her life and photography, alongside exhibitions of contemporary photographers from around the globe – perfect for all you art enthusiasts out there!
Top highlights:
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Plenty of events and exhibitions.
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Victorian dressing up room.
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Dimbola tea room.
Location: The Julia Margaret Cameron Trust, Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight, PO40 9QE
What about a botanical garden?
If you love nature, then this is the perfect place for you – trust us, it’s truly breathtaking and the best of the best Botanical Gardens on the Isle of Wight! *Drum roll please*…
Ventnor Botanic Garden
9. Ventnor Botanic Garden
Ventnor Botanic Garden is in the unique microclimate of the Ventnor Undercliff on the Isle of Wight and showcases a remarkable collection of rare and exotic plants and trees. The garden's historical significance includes its past as the site of The Royal Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, explored through the Heritage Centre and daily guided tours. Visitors can also venture through a Victorian tunnel to the sea, learn about local history, and enjoy views of the English Channel and Ventnor's coastline. For a family fun day out, explore themed trails and an outdoor play area to keep everyone entertained. You can discover well-being classes and therapies promoting relaxation in their tranquil setting, plus so much more to discover, so come and find out more (the drum roll was worth it) …
Top highlights:
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Synthetic ecosystem.
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Gift shop with a variety of products made by local Isle of Wight producers.
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Art gallery featuring several local artists’ work.
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Under a 20-minute drive from The Lakes Rookley Holiday Park.
Location: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1UL
Appley Tower
Castles on the Isle of Wight FAQs
Now that you have a selection of castles on the Isle of Wight, historic houses, and Ventnor Botanical Garden, all that’s left to do is to answer the most frequently answered questions to help prepare you even more for your visits!
How many castles are on the Isle of Wight?
There are many castles on the Isle of Wight – some that are open to the public and some that aren’t, so the number varies, however, this list is a good indication of some of the best ones that you can visit, and includes:
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West Cowes Castle
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Norris Castle
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Carisbrooke Castle
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Yarmouth Castle
Why is Carisbrooke Castle famous?
Carisbrooke Castle is famous for many reasons, but it particularly gained fame for its role inas Charles I's prison shortly before his execution during the Civil War. Since then, it has continued to serve as a symbolic hub for the island, notably housing its governor – more reason to come and visit!
Is Yarmouth Castle worth visiting?
Yes, of course, Yarmouth Castle is worth visiting – it’s one of the best castles on the Isle of Wight! Once a pinnacle of Henry VIII's coastal fortifications, Yarmouth Castle now offers one of the finest spots on the island, especially for picnics. Book your Isle of Wight holiday today to take in the stunning views over the clear waters of the Solent!