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Visitor leaning on the rail of the boardwalk looking out over the marsh at sunset at Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle of Wight
Visitor looking out over the marsh at Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle of Wight | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Countryside and woodland on the Isle of Wight

From rolling downland to Newtown’s meadows and Borthwood’s woods, exploring the countryside of the Isle of Wight is a wonderful way to discover this special place.

Countryside and woodland on the Isle of Wight

Bembridge and Culver Downs 

Whether you're a cyclist, a stroller, a wildlife-spotter, a kite-flyer or a picnic person, there’s plenty to see and do at the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight.

Winter sunshine over still waters in Sandown Bay seen from just above the beach at Yaverland

Borthwood Copse 

Stroll through Borthwood Copse’s dappled woodland and look out for a host of wildlife – including butterflies and the rare native red squirrel.

Red squirrel sitting on a tree branch on Brownsea Island, Dorset

Chillerton Down 

From picnicking to paragliding there's so much to see and do at Chillerton Down, in the rural heart of the Isle of Wight. Explore some of the highlights here.

Low winter sunlight catches the slumped sections of the grassy edge to Chillerton Down

Compton Bay and Downs 

Discover one of the Isle of Wight’s favourite spots with plenty of space to explore, search for fossils, spot local wildlife, surf, cycle and ride your horse.

Looking west from the sandy beach at Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight, with white cliffs, Tennyson Down and Afton Down, divided by Freshwater Bay, in the distance

Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall 

Explore the Isle of Wight's nature reserve with wildflower meadows, creeks, and a unique town hall. Visit the visitor centre for an explorer pack to help kids connect with nature. This summer check out the Medieval Randy-O Fayre.

Family walking together by the harbour at Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle of Wight

St Catherine's Down and Knowles Farm 

With such a varied landscape in a relatively small area, St Catherine's Down and Knowles Farm is perfect to explore by foot, bicycle or with your four-legged friend.

The rocky shoreline, with grassy headland beyond and big white clouds in a blue sky, at Watershoot Bay, St Catherine's Down and Knowles Farm, Isle of Wight

Ventnor Downs 

Explore the chalk hills above the Victorian seaside town of Ventnor for dramatic views, picturesque walks, a chance to spot the local goats, and some historic memorials.

Two walkers on Ventnor Downs pointing to the coast in the distance.

All countryside and woodland in Isle of Wight

    Sunset over the Needles headland coast, Isle of Wight. The Needles lighthouse and rocks can be seen in the shade, leading up to the coastline.

    Discover more on the Isle of Wight

    Gardens, forts, a windmill, a National Nature Reserve, and 17 miles of coastline and over 5000 acres of countryside on this treasure island.

    Explore the Isle of Wight

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