All Isle of Wight Tours & Excursions in 2026

Carisbrooke Castle is a great fortress which began life as an Anglo-Saxon earthwork defence against Viking raids. The Normans raised the shell keep on its towering mound, which you can climb up for amazing views. The castle’s most famous resident was Charles I, who was imprisoned here after his Civil War defeat. You’ll find Charles I memorabilia and changing exhibitions in the Carisbrooke Castle Museum. Later, Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s daughter, made Carisbrooke Castle her summer home. Admire the award-winning Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden, inspired by the princess. The castle’s best-known modern residents are the much-loved Carisbrooke donkeys. They still demonstrate the treadwheel, which once raised water from the castle well. Meet them in their stables and hear their story in a film hosted by Jupiter the cartoon donkey.

See a side of the Isle of Wight that’s usually only reserved for locals on a self-guided tour and treasure hunt that reveals the island’s hidden gems. Exploring independently lets you enjoy more than 100 challenges and attractions at your own pace, so you can take breaks and photos whenever you like. Plus, you can choose to explore on foot or by car with GPS technology.