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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall

Spend a day at the Isle of Wight’s only nature reserve and discover wildflower meadows, a network of secluded creeks and waterways, and a town hall without a town.

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

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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.

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

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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.