Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do I need a passport?

We are part of the United Kingdom therefore a passport is not required for travelling over to the Isle of Wight.

Q2. How many visitors does the Isle of Wight receive each year?

2.6 million a year.

Q3. What is the population of the Island?

Approx 132,000 resident population.

Q4. How big is the Isle of Wight?

Approximately - 23 miles x 13 miles, 37 kilometres x 21 kilometres.

Q5. Can I fly to the Isle of Wight?

Yes you can with a private plane, the Isle of Wight has two small airfields, Bembridge and Sandown.
Bembridge 01983 873331
Sandown 01983 408374

Q6. Do I need foreign currency?

We use Pounds Sterling, some establishments also accept Euros.

Q7. Does the Isle of Wight have a Hospital or medical centres?

Yes, St Mary's Hospital is located in Newport (the centre of the Island). There are medical centres serving all main towns and surrounding areas.

Q8. What side of the road do I drive on?

Left

Q9. Do you have a Wheelchair hire service?

Yes we do, Island Mobility Dodnor Lane, Newport. Tel: 01983 530000

Coastal Mobility South 3 Carter Road, Shanklin. Tel: 01983 866431

British Red Cross Hunnycross Way, Newport. Tel: 01983 522718

Q10. Where can I obtain a Radar key (Royal Society for Disability and Rehabilitation) on the Isle of Wight?

Radar Keys are on sale at any of the six Tourist Information Centres, price approx £2.50. There is 64 toilet facilities with easy access throughout the Island, a list of the areas can be obtained at any tourist information centre.

Q11. What can I do?

The Isle of Wight has over 80 attractions and activities with plenty to do come rain or shine! To find out what you can do, pick up a free copy of the Official Pocket Guide, which contains places to visit, town guides, eating out and travel. This publication is available to pick up at any ferry terminal, ferries, supermarkets and any of the six Tourist Information Centres.

Q12. Can I bring my pet?

Yes, during the summer, dogs are not permitted on certain areas of the main resort beaches most frequented by the public. Pick up a copy of Dogs on Beach from the local Tourist Information Centre.

Q13. Where are the Cinemas?

Cineworld, Newport 01983 537560/0871 2002000
Commodore, Ryde 0845 1662387
Medina Theatre, Newport 01983 527020

Q14. What Theatres do you have?

Apollo, Newport - 01983 527267
Medina Theatre - 01983 527020
Anthony Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts Centre, Newport - 01983 528825
Ryde Theatre - 01983 568099
Shanklin Theatre - 01983 868000
Trinity Theatre, Cowes - 01983 295229
Winter Gardens, Ventnor - 01983 855215

Q15. Do you have any nightclubs on the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight hosts many celebrity's including DJ's appearing at a selection of the nightclubs below, see local press for details.

Chicago Rock, Newport - 01983 537111
Colonel Bogey's, Sandown - 01983 405320
The Balcony, Ryde - 01983 617070

Blacksheep Bar, Ryde - 01983 564062
Holliers, Shanklin - 01983 862764

Q16. What is the name of your local newspaper?

The Isle of Wight County Press which is issued every Friday contact 01983 521333.

Q17. Do you have any Supermarkets on the Isle of Wight and are any open 24-hours a day?

Most major supermarkets have stores on the Isle of Wight, listed below are supermarkets that are open 24hr.
Tesco, Ryde (Mon-Fri inc.)
Sainsbury's Garage, Newport.

Q18. Do you have car/coach parking permits for holiday use?

Yes, you can get tickets that can be issued for 2,3,4,7 & 14 days, coach/HGV tickets can be issued for 4 & 7 days. Tickets can be obtained through any of the Tourist Information Centres.

Q19. What is the highest point on the Isle of Wight?

The highest point is St. Boniface Down, at 233 meters, or 764 feet above sea level.