Things to do on the Isle of Wight in April

Welcome to April on the Isle of Wight, a time when nature’s beauty takes center stage, and the island bursts to life with a symphony of sights, scents, and sounds. We invite you to join us as we explore the magic of April on the Island, from blooming countryside and coastal adventures to the best tea spots and family Easter activities. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, excitement, or simply a moment of serenity, the Isle of Wight offers the perfect backdrop for your springtime escape.

Earth Day (22 April) throws a spotlight on sustainable living, so if you’re feeling more inclined to choose eco-friendly breaks, the Island is the perfect place to go. Start your trip with a ferry crossing on Wightlink’s Victoria of Wight – the greenest to serve the Isle of Wight. Her hybrid energy system, which works much like a hybrid energy car, allows her to run partly on electricity when required. Book a stay at a boutique retreat in one of four off grid Tiny Homes. Each aspect of the site has been designed to tread lightly on the planet and the homes use solar panels, eco toilets and log burners.

April 21 2024 is National Tea Day, celebrating all things tea, snacks and glorious about British culture. So, make this April the month to try some delicious tea on the Island.

Caffè Isola in Newport offers a wide selection of their own teas, blended right here on the Isle of Wight. Quality leaf teas and tisanes give you a flavourful brew – whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast brew, a refined afternoon earl grey, a health-conscious green tea or a herbal and fruit infusion. There’s also a wide range of cakes, loaves and cookies to accompany your choice.

Try The Piano Café in Freshwater, once owned by Queen Victoria’s piano tuner and supplier. Loose leaf teas on offer include English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Spring Garden, Orange Blossom and Rooibos.  If cream teas are calling, then Chessell Cafe should be on your ‘must-visit’ list. Their homemade scones topped with lashings of jam and cream are so amazing the only choice you’ll have to make is whether it’s jam or cream first

The Isle of Wight’s downs and woodland are bursting with bluebells from the end of April to the beginning of May – so don’t miss your chance see this beautiful sprinkling of blue.  Just make sure you stick to the paths and protect this fragile flower.

The best locations include the woodland floor of Borthwood Copse, on the downs above Ventnor, on St Catherine’s Down and at Mottistone Gardens.

We really do embrace food metres over food miles here on the Island. With acres of countryside set aside for crops and grazing herds alongside miles of coastline offering fruit de mer, there’s a bountiful choice of local produce all year round. A visit here would not be complete without popping to the Garlic Farm. Dine in the onsite restaurant to tuck in to dishes dedicated to this pungent bulb, from their renowned breakfast to the quirky (but tasty) black garlic ice cream. Once you’ve eaten your fill wander around the countryside walk and take in the surroundings of Newchurch village.

The Mermaid Bar in Pondwell (not far from our port in Ryde) is the ideal place to enjoy a Mermaid Vodka, Gin or Spiced Rum cocktail while watching the stills at work and overlooking the surrounding fields. Pick up a bottle while there and extend your Island experience when you get back home.

During the Easter school holidays the Isle of Wight is full of family fun – including Easter Egg Hunts, theatre shows, baby animals and falconry experiences. And what’s more, Kids Go Free with Wightlink in school holidays. Take a look at our Easter blog to see all the events taking place in April.

Learn to sail in one of the world’s most famous sailing areas, experiencing a wide range of conditions out on the Solent. Tuition is available for everyone from absolute beginners to those who need a refresher before getting back on the ocean wave.

Try UKSA, a leading maritime training provider based in Cowes that takes full advantage of having one of the world’s most challenging stretches of water right on its doorstep. At one end of the spectrum they run courses for the casual sailor brushing up on their skills and children trying watersports for the first time. At the other they offer dinghy and keelboat sailing, to yachting in which you can take skippering, yachtmaster and cruising qualifications.

ℹ️ Visiting at a different time of year? Find out what else you can do during your time on the Isle of Wight on our Things to Do web pages.