Leisure Activities

We are the only sailing charity on the Island that actively coaches, mentors and encourages people with disabilities.

Arreton Barn Craft Village The Island’s largest centre for Arts and Crafts Enjoy watching local skilled artisans at work in their studios open 7 days a week, browse local shops and take in the numerous displays of times gone by. Visit our ‘local’ The Dairyman’s Daughter and enjoy the locally sourced food as well as exploring the historic church of St George with its medieval fish pond and our Shipwreck centre and Maritime Museum.

Update 06/02/2021 The downs There is easy access to the top of the downs on the road with plenty of car parks to choose from. There is good level walking on paths with short turf, particularly on Culver Down at the east end or you can wander further on the coast path and open down land. Bembridge Down has a lot of military history. You can still see the remains of 19th-century and First World War fortifications and gun emplacements which took advantage of the high and prominent position of the headland. The fort A Victorian fort gradually being restored and dramatic chalk cliffs, open downland and coastal views. Resembling from the distance a grassy mound, Bembridge Fort on the Isle of Wight has long been a subject of interest to both local people and holidaymakers. In a commanding position on top of Bembridge Down, Isle of Wight, this unrestored Victorian fort is now open for volunteer-run guided tours. Guided tours are available every Tuesday from April to October. Additional weekday tours for groups of 10 plus may be possible on request. Tours are not suitable for children under 10. Please call 01983 741020 to book or email us as booking […]

Updated 06/02/2021 Borthwood Copse is a delightful spot to wander amongst ancient oak and beech trees, sunny glades and chestnut and hazel coppice. The wood features traditional coppice management of hazel and sweet chestnut and the produce is used at various locations on the island. Traditional woodland management helps to keep a variety of wildlife such as bluebells, red squirrels, dormice, woodland bats. Borthwood Copse is noted for its many rare beetles and other insects which depend on the decaying wood in the older trees. Why not try our red squirrel walk? This 1¼-mile walk takes you through the beautiful ancient woodland of Borthwood Copse, an excellent place to spot red squirrels throughout the year. In spring the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells. Red squirrels are most active and visible in autumn.