Looking for things to do on the Isle of Wight when it rains? Even on the greyest days, the Island is full of indoor attractions, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities that turn wet weather into part of the adventure. From royal history and creativity to dinosaurs, shipwrecks, and Roman life, here’s our top rainy-day activities to enjoy during your Isle of Wight holiday.
Osborne House, East Cowes
One of the most popular rainy-day attractions on the Isle of Wight is Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former holiday home. The grand state rooms, children’s nursery, and beautifully preserved interiors offer hours of indoor exploring. If the rain clears up whilst you’re inside, you can delight in exploring the gardens afterwards.
Dinosaur Isle, Sandown
If you’re visiting with children, Dinosaur Isle is one of the best indoor things to do on a rainy day. This interactive museum is packed with life-sized dinosaur models, fossils, and hands-on exhibits that bring the Island’s prehistoric past to life. It has been described as “the most important collection of dinosaurs in the UK, second only to the Natural History Museum in London”.
Quay Arts, Newport
For a relaxed rainy day, Quay Arts offers contemporary exhibitions, live events, and workshops including life drawing and pottery. Located by the River Medina, it is situated in a converted 19th century brewery warehouse. With a café on-site, you can easily while away several hours here and stay out of the rain.
Butterfly World, Wootton Bridge
Forget the rain and be mesmerised by some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies under one roof. Butterfly World offers an interactive experience for all ages and also includes interactive koi feeding and minibeast handling sessions.
Dimbola Museum, Freshwater
Dimbola Museum were the home and workplace of the internationally acclaimed photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879). She didn’t follow the stereotype of a passive Victorian woman. Instead, she took on the challenges of handling large cameras and dangerous chemicals at a time when photography was known as ‘The Black Art’. Enjoy her work at this museum.
Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum, Brading
One of Britain’s finest collections of antique dolls and toys are showcased at the Lilliput Antique Doll & Toy Museum. There are over 2,000 exhibits dating from 2000 BC to 1945. The collections include German and French bisque dolls, teddy bears, model trains, tinplate vehicles, dolls’ houses, puzzles, games, and many rare treasures that have featured on TV including BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.
Shipwreck Centre, Arreton
The Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum is home to the UK’s largest collection of shipwreck artefacts. There’s plenty to see here as it is packed with thousands of treasures from the deep. These include Pieces of Eight and Spanish gold, to relics recovered from galleons, steamships and wartime submarines.
Museum of Island History, Newport
If you’re already in town and need an indoor attraction to escape the rain, head to Newport’s Guildhall. This is where you’ll find the Museum of Island History which offers a bite-sized look at the Isle of Wight’s past, from the Ice Age to modern life.
Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum, Ryde
Based at a former 1930’s bus depot (one of only two remaining depots on the Island), the Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum displays around 20 historic vehicles. Beyond the vehicles, you’ll find memorabilia, photographs, transport artefacts, and displays charting the Island’s transport history across the decades.
Island CraftWorks, Ryde
Island CraftWorks offers friendly craft workshops for all ages, using natural, recycled and beachcombed materials - perfect for anyone, whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter. If the upcoming weather forecast shows rain, look at their website to book onto a workshop and return from your holiday with something handmade and truly special.
Brading Roman Villa, Brading
Another top indoor attraction on a rainy day is Brading Roman Villa. It’s one of the finest Roman sites in the UK featuring impressive mosaics, archaeology, and interactive exhibits. Since its re-discovery the villa and surrounding land have been excavated many times, and the museum takes you on a tour from prehistory up to the modern day.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ryde
Even if the rain pours, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway still offers nostalgic rides through the countryside in immaculately restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages. The round-trip passes through 10 miles of countryside from Smallbrook Junction to Wootton station, including through the small village of Havenstreet, where the line has a station, headquarters and a depot.
Canopy Skatepark, Ventnor
Built to the highest of standards in wood, Canopy Skatepark is housed inside an ex-agricultural barn. Regardless of the weather and no matter your ability, you can focus on developing and landing tricks on this mega smooth surface, with instruction available from experienced coaches. Your companions can join in or watch from the mezzanine viewing platform.
Isle of Wight Pearl, Brighstone
Enjoy a unique experience at Isle of Wight Pearl. You can pick your own oyster, and the experienced staff will value the pearl inside for you, detailing what makes it so unique. You can browse lots of pearls in the flagship showroom – from contemporary designs to elegant classics. Plus, you can enjoy the pitter patter sounds of the rain outside whilst sitting in the Pearl Café, a great spot for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.
Lost World Adventure Golf, Sandown
Get yourself out the rain and into a different type of thunderstorm on Sandown Pier. Enter the Lost World Adventure Golf and experience a tropical rainforest storm whilst trying to tackle 11 holes of crazy golf surrounded by ancient Aztec ruins.
Classic Boat Museum, Cowes
With sites in both Cowes and East Cowes, the Classic Boat Museum celebrates local craftsmanship and the Island’s maritime heritage. It showcases the many technological innovations that took place on the Isle of Wight, and exhibits restored boats and associated artefacts. It’s a brilliant stop for boat enthusiasts, or anyone interested in the Island’s seafaring past.
When the clouds gather, the Isle of Wight’s museums and indoor attractions offer plenty to keep your holiday exciting. Just make sure you check the websites of the attractions you plan to visit before setting off, as some places on the Island operate seasonal opening hours.
