BLACKGANG SAWMILL AND ST CATHERIN'S QUAY

Chale, located inside Blackgang Located inside Blackgang Chine Fantasy Park, this awardwinning heritage exhibition includes original oil and steam engines, as well as domestic scenes of the 19th century. Displays include the wheelwright, the cooper, the blacksmith, a famous whale skeleton and a full-sized lifeboat. A fascinating commentary completes the rich history of the local coastline. New for 2008 is ‘The Wight Experience’ and amazing 70- seat cinema showing a helicopter’s view of the Island (opens May 08).
Tel. 01983 730052, www.blackgangchine.com
17 Mar - 2 Nov: 10am - 4.30pm. Entrance to the museum is included in the price of admission to Blackgang Chine Fantasy Park.

BRIGHSTONE NATIONAL TRUST SHOP AND VILLAGE MUSEUM

Brighstone In a row of pretty thatched cottages you will find the Island's National Trust gift shop and the adjoining Village Museum run by the Brighstone Museum Trust. Evocative tableaux and interesting exhibition on 19th century village life.
Tel. 01983 740689, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight
2 Jan - 20 Mar: Mon - Sat, 10am - 1pm; 21 Mar - 23 May: Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm; 24 May - 28 Sep: Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm & Sun, 12 noon - 5pm; 29 Sep - 21 Dec: Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm; 22 Dec - 31 Jan 2009: Mon - Sat, 10am - 1pm; closed 25-28 Dec inclusive and 1 Jan. Free admission.

CARISBROOKE CASTLE MUSEUM

Newport Managed by the Carisbrooke Museum Trust, this museum, situated in the Great Hall of Carisbrooke Castle, focuses on social and Island history. There’s a gift shop and tea room onsite. Entrance is included in the price of admission to the castle.
Tel. 01983 522107, www.english-heritage.org.uk
21 Mar - 30 Sep: daily, 10am - 5pm; 1 Oct - 31 Mar: daily, 10am - 4pm; closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan. Adults: £6.50; concessions: £5.20; children: £3.30; family tickets: £16.30.

DIMBOLA LODGE MUSEUM JULIA MARGARET CAMERON PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Freshwater
Tel. 01983 756814, www.dimbola.co.uk

CLASSIC BOAT MUSEUM

Seaclose Wharf, Newport Harbour
Tel. 01983 533493

COWES MARITIME MUSEUM

Beckford Road, Cowes
Exhibition in library, with pictures and models depicting local maritime history.
Tel. 01983 823433 www.iow.gov.uk/council/departments/museums
Mon, Tue & Fri, 9.30am - 5.30pm; Wed, 11am - 7pm & Sat, 9.30am - 4.30pm. Free admission.

TREASURES OF THE EARTH AT DINOSAUR FARM

nr Brighstone Entirely new exhibition for 2008, featuring dinosaur fossils, ammonites, many other fossils, plus crystals and shells. The Farm also organises regular two-hour fossil hunts in search of dinosaur footprints and petrified tree – book in person or by phone. Dinosaur Days every Thursday in August.
Tel. 01983 740844 and 07776 278728 www.dinosaur-farm.co.uk
Open daily, Mar - Nov, 10am - 5pm. Adults: £3; children & senior citizens: £2.50; family tickets (2 adults, 2 children): £9.50.

DINOSAUR ISLE

Sandown In a spectacular Pterosaurshaped building, just over the sea wall in Sandown, is Britain’s first purpose-built dinosaur attraction. Walk back through a fossilised time tunnel to the period of the dinosaurs, 120 million years ago. In this allweather attraction you’ll find lifesized models of the Island’s famous five dinosaurs, including an animatronic Neovenator. There is a large collection of fossils and, for the summer holidays only, the summer exhibition is ‘Hypsilophodon... Britain’s best known dinosaur?’ Field trips and other activities run throughout the summer – please call for details.
Tel. 01983 404344, www.dinosaurisle.com
Apr - Sep: 10am - 6pm; Oct: 10am - 5pm; Nov - Mar: 10am - 4pm. Adults: £4.95; children: £2.95; concessions: £3.90; family tickets (2 adults, 2 children): £13.95.

Isle of wight bus museum

Newport
Tel. 01983 533352 www.iowbusmuseum.org.uk

 

LILLIPUT MUSEUM OF ANTIQUE DOLLS AND TOYS

Brading
Tel. 01983 407231

MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM

nr Cowes The Military History Museum stands in a 15-acre setting, originally a WWII military base. The museum houses a good collection of tanks, armoured cars and guns. There's also a workshop with an opportunity to view restoration in progress, a military diorama and gift shop. The tearooms, with peaceful gardens and a spacious car park, make this an excellent all-weather attraction.
Tel. 01983 527411, www.iowmhm.co.uk

MUSEUM OF ISLAND HISTORY

Newport A modern, hands-on museum housed in the old Guildhall in Newport’s High Street. It traces the Island’s history from the time of the dinosaurs to the present. Exciting new acquisitions now on display.
Tel. 01983 823366, www.iwight.com or www.iow.gov.uk/council/departments/museums
All year: Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm; Sun, 11am - 3.30pm. Adults: £2; children & senior citizens: £1.20; family tickets: £5.

NATURAL HISTORY CENTRE, SHELL MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP

Godshill
Tel. 01983 840333

SIR MAX AITKEN MUSEUM

West Cowes Tel. 01983 295144

UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY CENTRE

Fort Victoria, Yarmouth Tel. 01983 761214