Spring on the Isle of Wight

The iconic chairlift from The Needles Landmark Attraction down to Alum Bay typically reopens at Easter, an unmissable and authentic Island experience. First opened in April 1973, the chairlift is a totally unique way to travel, journeying down the famous multi-coloured cliffs at Alum Bay with views of The Needles, the Island’s most recognisable landmark. To date the chairlift has taken over 14 million visitors from the top of the cliff to the pebble beach below, carrying as many as 500 passengers an hour in both directions. Famous faces to have already taken a ride on the chairlift include Jude Law, Shane Ritchie, Freddie Flintoff, Michael Portillo, and Ainsley Harriott. The chairlift even transported the Olympic Torch on part of its journey to light the flame in 2012. An Isle of Wight must-visit attraction, add the Needles Chairlift to your spring itinerary. 

No trip to the Isle of Wight is complete without hitting the beach, and with over 25 to discover, you’re really spoiled for choice. Whether you’re seeking out a calm bay for an exhilarating spring dip, or you look forward to beautiful sunset walks with the dog, there are 57 miles of unique coastline surrounding the Island waiting to be explored. For those brave enough to take a dip, the waters at Yaverland, St Helens, Appley and Gurnard are calm enough for swimming at this time of year – just be careful of the tides. March and April are the best time to visit the Island for dog owners, when the weather is warm but not too hot for your furry friend, and restrictions (1st May – 30th September) are not yet in place - meaning you and your doggo have free run of the Island coastline. On the southwest coast you’ll find Brook Bay, a favourite with kiteboarders and fossil hunters, and Compton Bay, the Island’s surfing hub. At the most southerly point of the Island, you’ll find Blackgang Beach or “Rocken End”, the Isle of Wight’s own unofficial nudist beach. Steephill Cove and Bembridge Beach are spectacular places to start your day with the sun, and for stunning sunsets, Colwell Bay will see you basking in a warm evening glow. A huge plus for visiting the beach in spring is that you’ll benefit from all the beauty without the summer crowds. 

Another iconic Isle of Wight experience, Blackgang Chine opens for the season in spring. A popular attraction since 1843, Blackgang is the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun, whether you remember visiting yourself as a child or are now bringing your own family for the first time. Dubbed as “The Land of Imagination”, you’ll find Cowboy Town, Pirate Cove, Fairy Land, Underwater Kingdom, a giant game of Snakes and Ladders and Restricted Area 5 – the Island’s own corner of Jurassic Park. For older kids you’ll find exciting rides such as ‘Extinction’, ‘Evolution’ and ‘Waterforce’, and for those returning to the park as adults, you’ll still find the giant smuggler at the entrance to the park, the burping bins, the Hedge Maze and those attractions that still live in your mind rent free… The Mouth of Hell, Rumpus Mansion and the Crooked House… 

Because the Isle of Wight benefits from more hours of sunlight than the rest of the UK, the produce grown and reared locally is packed full of flavour. From colourful sweet tomatoes and smoky garlic bulbs grown from rich soils, to delicious dairy and a homebrewed gin flavoured with locally foraged seaweed and salt – Island produce is some of the best around. The Garlic Farm, Briddlesford Farm and Harvey Browns are three great places to shop local, all under one roof and open year-round. You’ll find ranges from most Island producers to buy at the farm shops, a tasty café on site with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of walking trails nearby – ideal places to visit when the sun is shining, and when it’s not. Find more information on the Island’s Local Produce, and see Food & Drink for inspiration and recommendations. 

The Isle of Wight is a wonderfully different destination whatever the weather, so definitely don’t be put off by a little rain. Pack up your wellies and cagoule and sail on over for a wonderful spring adventure come rain or shine. A drizzly walk on the beach is a lovely thing, paddling in the shallows and hunting for sea glass or fossils. You’ll often find yourself with the entire stretch of sand to yourself at this time of year and the sea feels warmer when it rains – you’ll be wet anyway, so why not brave a dip! A meander through the woods at Brighstone, Firestone Copse or Borthwood will ignite your senses with the earthy smell of damp peat, the drip of cool rain through the canopy and the humid temperatures of spring as you wander through carpets of bluebells and snowdrops. Warm up with fish and chips in the car watching the white horses on the waves, or retreat to one of the Island’s many cosy pubs for a tipple by a crackling fire – The Buddle Inn at Niton, The Kings Head at Yarmouth and The Red Lion at Freshwater all have open fires and are in stunning locations. There are plenty of indoor rainy day activities to enjoy too, like the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Isle of Wight Pearl, Tapnell Farm, Dinosaur Isle, Sandown Pier, Osborne House, Westridge Driving Range and more. 

Is there any better way to spend a spring weekend than eating your way around the Island? From cosy cafes to fine dining experiences, the Isle of Wight offers a smorgasbord of foodie offerings to satisfy any craving. Head out for a brisk stroll through the country and pitstop for a hearty roast and a pint at one of the many fine country pubs along the way. Settle in for sunset with a crisp glass of white and a refined fish supper at a beautiful waterfront restaurant overlooking the sea. Natter and nibble over a light lunch at a friendly café in the village, famous for their homemade bakes washed down with a pot of tea. For something a little special and a full afternoon of eating, check in for High Tea at a grand hotel or historic home. And for something completely authentic, wander down for an Isle of Wight crab pasty on the beach or tuck into proper fish and chips sat on the seawall. Feeling inspired (and hungry)? See our Food & Drink pages for more information.