Isle of Wight Parks and Gardens

(Isle of Wight, England, UK)

An island of sandy beaches, striking cliffs and busy towns, the Isle of Wight also features a number of large parks and pretty landscaped gardens. The Ventnor Botanic Garden is without a shadow of a doubt one of the finest on the entire island and is owned by the Isle of Wight council.

Most tourists holidaying on the island pencil in a visit to Queen Victoria's favourite holiday retreat, Osborne House, where the formal landscaping, topiary and fountains truly create something with a regal character. Elsewhere, the Robin Hill Adventure Park promises a great day out for all of the family, with countryside views, attractions and activities. This is both a place to relax and chill out, and somewhere to run around and let off steam. For thrills, the swinging pirate ship and the toboggan run are real highlights, while there are also train rides, falconry displays, tractor rides and an adventure playground.

Rookley Country Park

Address: Main Road, Rookley, Isle of Wight, England
Tel: +44 (0)1983 721606
The Rookley Country Park is situated on the Shanklin Road, being found within the central Rookley area. This popular 22-acre / 9-hectare parkland includes the Rookley Inn, which has access to a large fishing lake, a pitch and putt golf course, a children's play area and also an outdoor swimming pool.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Ventnor Botanic Garden

Address: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, England
Tel: +44 (0)1983 855397
The island's Botanic Garden benefits from the subtropical climate of Ventnor, which is a sheltered area situated on the south-eastern side of the Isle of Wight. In total there are more than 10,000 plants and over 4,000 different species here, including numerous Mediterranean flowers and trees.

Formerly the site of the Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, which was founded in 1861, the garden covers some 22 acres / 9 hectares of landscaped, terraced grounds. Drivers will come here via the A3055 and be pleased to find an adjacent car park.
Open hours: March to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: Gardens and Visitor Centre - free, Green House - charge

Robin Hill Adventure Park

Address: Downend, Arreton, Isle of Wight, England
Tel: +44 (0)1983 527352
The Robin Hill Adventure Park is situated in the Downend area of the Isle of Wight, close to Arreton. Covering around 88 acres / 36 hectares, this large parkland offers spectacular views, nature trails, picnic areas and more than 20 theme-park attractions and rides, which make it particularly popular for children on their summer holiday. Other highlights include Roman villa excavations and woodland walks.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Osborne House Gardens

Address: East Cowes, Isle of Wight, England
Tel: +44 (0)1983 200022
The extremely beautiful gardens at Osborne House cover approximately 50 acres / 20 hectares and include a formal Italian garden and terraces to the rear of the house. There are also large Lebanon cedars, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, a walled-kitchen garden, fountains, statues and guided tours of the grounds.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00

Mottistone Manor Garden

Address: Mottistone, Isle of Wight, England
Tel: +44 (0)1983 740302
The charming landscaped Mottistone Manor Gardens surround the delightful manor house, which has been owned by the National Trust since 1963. Close by, you may also like to pay a visit to the 12th-century church and perhaps check out the remains of an ancient Neolithic long barrow.
Open hours: March to October, Sunday and Tuesday - 14:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children