Activities around Ryde and the Isle of Wight, Roebeck Country Park

Islandwide Activities

Here are just some of the activities you can do when staying on the Isle of Wight

Good Leaf Tree Climbing

Climbing trees with us is a personal experience; we generally climb in small groups and we make sure you ‘learn the ropes’ individually and in a hands on way before you ascend into the canopy. There’s always a drink and piece of climbers flapjack waiting for you in the picnic basket so you can celebrate your climb!

Appley Beach

Appley Beach is home to Puckpool Park, the Victorian landmark Appley Tower and miles of sandy shores. It’s a place for young children to wear themselves out whilst you soak in the sun and the wonderful views across Ryde to the mainland of Portsmouth.

Steam Railway

The Isle of Wight once boasted 54 miles of railway, most of which was closed between 1952 and 1966. However its unique atmosphere has been perfectly preserved by the largely volunteer-run Isle of Wight Steam Railway, which began operating trains in 1971.

Amazon World Zoo Park

Amazon World Zoo Park is a special kind of attraction. Here you can learn about conservation and rainforests and come face to face with some of the worlds most unusual, beautiful and endangered creatures. Some you won’t be able to see anywhere else in the UK or even Europe!

Rosemary Vineyard

One of the largest English vineyards, covering 30 acres, Rosemary Vineyard is ideally placed to make the most of the mild Island climate. Admission to the vineyard is free and we also offer free guided tours.

Isle of Wight Distillery

The only Isle of Wight distillery and home of Mermaid Gin, which has been hand-crafted using ten ethically sourced botanicals – three of which are grown locally on the Island. Situated on the outskirts of Ryde in picturesque countryside, you can enjoy a Mermaid and Tonic on the terrace or relax in comfort by the log fire.

Butterfly World

A visit provides the opportunity to see hundreds of butterflies flying freely in a natural environment. Visitors have the unique opportunity to study the egg-caterpillar-chrysalis-imago life cycle first hand.

Brading Roman Villa

Brading Roman Villa is one of the finest Romano-British archaeological sites in the UK. The award-winning Exhibition and Visitor Centre offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain, from our beautifully preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman archaeology.

Isle of Wight Zoo

Home to Britain’s largest collection of tigers, this award winning zoo has been a dedicated ally to the tiger for over a quarter of a century. The Zoo also cares for a wide range of other animals including lions, leopards, jaguars, lemurs, monkeys, snakes, spiders and lizards. All the animals are housed in a wide variety of naturalistic enclosures that encourage them to display their natural behaviours.

Robin Hill

Robin Hill offers something for everyone, whether it is the thrill of the Island’s three biggest rides to the challenge of Squirrel Tower or the peace of the woodland walks where the Red Squirrels live.

Blackgang Chine

40 acres of Victorian cliff top gardens hold surprises around every corner. Developed over many years eccentric attractions include: Giant Hedge Maze, Water Gardens, Hall of Funny Mirrors and viewpoint picnic areas.

The Needles

The Needles Park is the Isle of Wight’s premier visitor attraction and is situated at Alum Bay overlooking the Island’s most famous landmark, The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. Every year, nearly half a million people visit to view these jagged chalk stacks and lighthouse, the unique multi coloured sand cliffs and enjoy the Park’s facilities, including the spectacular chairlift.

Osbourne House

In 1845 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osborne House and its 1000 acres. Osborne House was a retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. They greatly enjoyed the Isle of Wight, far from the pressures court life at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke has been an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king’s prison and a royal summer residence. Here you can meet the loveable donkeys and see them work, visit a fascinating museum and see the Castle’s Edwardian style garden. Experience far reaching panoramic views from high castle walls and place yourself at the very heart of the Isle of Wight’s History.

Tapnell Farm Park

Tapnell Farm is a former dairy farm, turned all-weather attraction, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Isle of Wight. It is one of most popular things to do on the Isle of Wight, and a great family day out whatever the weather! Meet the Animals in our Farmyard Barn, and get up close and personal with some of Tapnell’s cutest and smallest residents.