The Isle of Wight is known for its mild weather, particularly locations such as Ventnor which even has its own microclimate, allowing subtropical plants to flourish. However, you may not be feeling the exotic vibes when you wake up and draw back the curtains to find rain pouring down in sheets on your long-awaited holiday!
When you discover the abundance of things to do on the Isle of Wight when it’s raining though, even inclement weather won’t dampen your spirits. In fact, a few drops of rain could be the perfect excuse to make your way to some of these fantastic attractions which you may otherwise never have visited had the sun been shining.
Stately homes, animal attractions, fun for families and ideas for couples – choose from our list of rainy day activities in the Isle of Wight, pop the umbrella in the car and buckle up for an undercover adventure at one of the Isle of Wight’s indoor attractions! Stay at one of our self-catering holiday properties on the Isle of Wight so that you have time to discover all of these great rainy day attractions; discover the Isle of Wight today. For even more inspiration across the UK for rainy day excursions, we have compiled a whole series of blogs.
Isle of Wight cottages
Image credit Instagram @beckysheard7Osborne House is one of the best indoor places to visit on the Isle of Wight. Indeed, you’ll probably want to visit even if it's sunny as there are extensive gardens to explore.
The opulent mansion was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Isle of Wight holiday home and wandering through the lavish rooms dripping with gold and ornate furnishings, you’ll see that no expense was spared by this couple. Ogle the opulent décor of the staterooms and enjoy a glimpse of the family rooms of Victoria and Albert and their nine children, including the Queen’s personal bathtub.
Away from the main house is another hidden gem, the Swiss Cottage, an Alpine-style chalet that nestles in the woods. It was built for the royal children and today houses a museum with interactive exhibitions appealing to children and adults alike. It is set up like a miniature house, everything built at a three-quarter scale for the use of children. The royals would have learnt their life skills here, and today’s youngsters will love exploring all the curiosities on show (and if the sun comes out, the adventure play area is sure to go down well too!). For more breathtaking attractions owned and cared for by National Trust or English Heritage, head over to our blog detailing a wonderful selection of National Trust and English Heritage sites to visit on the Isle of Wight. Also visit,: Brading Roman Villa, Newport Roman Villa, Appuldurcombe House and Farringford,
East Cowes cottages
Amazon World: Image credit Instagram @mufftarkin
This is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight when it’s raining and you’re an animal lover. The zoo has the largest collection of exotic animals on the island and is dedicated to the conservation of animals and habitats, which you can learn about during your trip to the zoo.
There are over 200 animals to see, so best to dedicate a day to this one! There are plenty of indoor enclosures, with greenhouses where you’ll be able to spot animals such as tortoises, birds and insects. Exotic birds flit around you, flying free within the jungle walk through and there are a variety of resident mammals, including monkeys, lemurs and ever-popular meerkats.
If you have children with you, the epic indoor jungle-themed soft play area, Monkey Madness, is a sure-fire way to tire them out. Open every day for 1 – 14-year-olds, it gives you the chance to have a rest and a drink or bite to eat in the café while you watch them play. Monkey Madness is separate from the zoo and at an additional charge.. Also visit Isle of Wight Zoo if you love animals.
For more wonderful things to do during your holiday, take a look through our selection of the best attractions on the Isle of Wight and check them out for yourself.
Shanklin cottages
Tapnell Farm Park: Image credit Instagram @tapnellfarmpark
A former dairy farm, Tapnell Farm is a self-proclaimed all-weather attraction, full of farm animals and more exotic critters which you can watch and even meet. The Farmyard Barn is where you’ll find the cuddliest of the farm’s residents, while your own little animals can let off steam in one of the many on-site play areas.
Sheep, highland cows, goats, wallabies, alpacas, pigs, donkeys and small rodents are just some of the animals you’ll meet, and there’s even an axolotl (Mexican Walking Fish) bringing a taste of the exotic!
The Straw Bale Adventure Zone is bursting with activities for children, including zip wires, slides, a straw bale pyramid and a pedal Go Kart track. Outside (if the rain eases) there are full-size pedal go-karts for bigger kids! There are also jumping pillows outside, so wear old clothes and prepare to come home a bit wet! The Play Barn houses a three-storey play zone for yet more indoor fun.
Freshwater cottages
Waterside Pool, Ryde: Image credit Instagram @rydewatersidepoolSwimming on the Isle of Wight
When it’s tipping down outside, you may as well just embrace it and get wet! The Isle of Wight has a number of fantastic indoor swimming pools to choose from.
The Heights in Broadway and Medina Leisure Centre in Newport are run by fitness group 1leisure. Both have a main pool and small pool and offer different sessions, including fun sessions which are ideal for children. Waterside Pool in Ryde is next to the boating lake and the Ryde Esplanade Beach and is open seven days a week. It even has a retractable roof which is a bonus if the sun decides to show its face!
West Wight Sports Centre in Freshwater is a 25-metre pool, up to 3 metres deep with two diving boards. There is also a small pool which is ideal for younger swimmers and beginners and there are fun hours to keep little ones entertained in the water.
Butterfly World: Image credit @butterflyworldisleofwight
Prepare yourself to be dazzled by some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies in this fantastic indoor attraction on the Isle of Wight. Flying freely around in a wonderful natural environment, the butterflies can be observed up close and you can learn about their life cycle and habits.
Besides the draw of the butterflies, there is also Fountain World, the Italian and Japanese Gardens, Koi ponds and more, to there’s plenty to see, come rain or shine.
Butterfly World has a lovely café, The Hungry Caterpillar, where you can enjoy hot and cold light lunches, drinks, and a selection of fresh cakes. Also visit iThe Isle of Wight Reptilarium and Terrapin Sanctuary.
Ryde cottages
Dinosaur Isle: Image credit Instagram @emirenex90
So-named due to the Isle of Wight’s nickname, Dinosaur Isle, this interesting visitor attraction tells the story of the island’s diverse geology and the fossils which have been found here. The island’s rocks date back to about 126 million years ago, providing an amazing record of dinosaurs and other animals that were living on the land, in rivers and the sea.
Scientists have also been able to document plants, which have shown that for a long period of time in distant history the Isle of Wight was actually a lot warmer and further from the sea.
The museum also runs fossil walks for those interested in learning more about fossil hunting and the creatures which once inhabited the area.
The spectacular and inspirational displays include life-sized dinosaurs, fossils and interactive exhibits. The highlight of the experience is the animatronic Neovenator which gives you an idea of just how scary it would be to come face to face with one of the world’s former fearsome inhabitants.
Don’t forget to pick up a dino-related souvenir in the gift shop! Also visit: Dinosaur Expeditions Centre
Sandown cottages
Shanklin Theatre: Image credit Instagram Nicholas Devlin @nick86dev
See a film or show
For a small island, the Isle of Wight has a remarkable array of entertainment centres, whether you want to watch the latest film or looking to catch a live show. When the rain keeps falling outside, there are few better indoor activities on the Isle of Wight than cosying up in a darkened room, popcorn in hand as a spectacle unfolds before you.
Cineworld Newport and Commodore Cinema in Ryde air the latest films, while you can watch live performances at Shanklin Theatre which hosts a range of events from pantomimes at Christmas to professional plays in the summer. It also welcomes local amateur dramatic groups, a children’s stage school and the Isle of Wight Dance Festival, so you’ll always find something inspiring and different to watch.
Medina Theatre, run by 1leisure, promotes a variety of live acts, from comedians and bands to ballet. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially for more popular shows.
The not for profit charity, Quay Arts is a leading art gallery and venue for live arts events. It is scenically situated in an industrial 19th-century brewery warehouse alongside the River Medina in Newport. Throughout the year it hosts a wealth of exciting arts performances, workshops and exhibitions – definitely worth checking out on a rainy day or otherwise!
Isle of Wight Reptilarium: Image credit Instagram @isle_of_wight_reptilarium
Fort Victoria was built on the north shore of the Isle of Wight to guard the Solent. The remains of the fort are now the location of an Archaeology Discovery Centre, Planetarium, Model Railway, Reptilarium and café, so more than enough to keep you busy on a rainy day in the Isle of Wight.
The Fort Victoria Country park was awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site Status, making it the perfect place to stargaze (but that’s best saved for a fine night!). When it’s raining, a fantastic alternative is the Island Planetarium which takes you on an amazing journey through time and space with numerous fascinating displays and the unique Astrodome 360 Star Theatre.
The Model Railway is captivating, with British and Continental trains which glide through tiny villages, past miniature mountains and through micro-tunnels and alongside replica factories. Some are continuously running, others require the push of a button which is sure to delight children, as well as the circus and fairground.
The Archaeology Discovery Centre is a veritable treasure trove, housing military inventions, documenting stone age settlements, fatal shipwrecks and military history.
Nature lovers should head straight for the Isle of Wight Reptilarium which is home to a range of amphibians and invertebrates who live in natural-looking enclosures.Also visit: Bembridge Lifeboat Station.
Yarmouth cottages
Isle of Wight Military and Heritage Museum: Image credit Instagram @melinda_trendy10
When you’re thinking about what to do on the Isle of Wight when it’s raining, for war and vehicle enthusiasts there’s not much more enticing than the thought of warehouse full of military vehicles and artefacts.
The Wight Military and Heritage Museum holds an impressive collection, including tanks, war vehicles, small arms and uniforms from the 19th century to the present day. It not only tells the story of these powerful machines, but also the tales of the people who lived through the war – their contribution and their lives.
The replica street scene houses a range of memorabilia from the war years and gives you an insight into the lives of those living through the war.
Rides in some of the vehicles are available, and there’s also a 40ft air rifle shooting range (extra charges apply). Also visit: Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum, Museum of Island History, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Isle of Wight Museum of Glass and Dimbola Museum
Cowes cottages
National Poo Museum: Image credit Instagram @poomuseum
We’re not pulling your leg – such a place does exist and it’s fascinating! Through interactive exhibits (which aren’t as smelly as they sound!) the museum delves into a topic which we rarely talk about – the astonishing secret world of poo!
You’ll discover that wombats do square poos, some animals eat poos and if you feel the call of nature, you can even try the museum’s Super Loo!
When you’re looking for indoor things to do on the Isle of Wight there’s no place like the Poo Museum. To find out about other places to visit on the island, take a look at our blog The best attractions on the Isle of Wight. The National Poo Museum is not the only weird and wonderful museum in the UK. Read our blog to find even more crazy museums like this one.
Newport cottages
Map
FInd all these places Isle of Wight rainy day attractions on our handy map below.
Planning a holiday on the Isle of Wight?
It may only be a short hop across the Solent, but the Isle of Wight is worlds away from the mainland, with its own microclimate, breathtaking coastline, unique attractions and charming Victorian towns. It has all the ingredients for a holiday to remember, and if you’re planning a visit, we have an equally impressive range of holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight for you to choose from. However, if the sun fails to show up every day, you needn't feel sad; as you can see there is quite a range of indoor attractions on the Isle of Wight. Romantic breaks, family getaways or group celebrations: we’ve got something for you. Browse our collection today and you could be visiting these fabulous attractions and things to do on a rainy day on the Isle of Wight sooner than you think!
Browse cottages