List of museums on the Isle of Wight facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Isle of Wight in England is a fantastic place with lots of history and exciting things to see! If you love learning about the past, exploring old buildings, or discovering amazing creatures, then you'll enjoy the many museums here.

A museum is a special place where people collect and look after interesting objects. These objects can be anything from ancient tools and beautiful art to old vehicles and dinosaur bones. Museums show these collections to everyone, helping us learn about history, science, and different cultures. On the Isle of Wight, you'll find all sorts of museums, each with its own unique story to tell.

Explore Museums on the Isle of Wight
Past Museums
See also

Explore Museums on the Isle of Wight

Bembridge Heritage Centre

This centre shares the local history and culture of Bembridge. You can see a model railway and even a restored pump from a special World War II project called Operation Pluto.

Bembridge Windmill

The historic Bembridge Windmill.

Managed by the National Trust, this is an 18th-century tower windmill. It's a great example of how people used wind power long ago.

Blackgang Chine

A sawmill at Blackgang Chine.

More than just an amusement park, Blackgang Chine has exhibits about coastal erosion and a recreated Victorian water-powered sawmill. You can see how people worked with wood and other materials in the past.

Brading Roman Villa

Ancient mosaic floors at Brading Roman Villa.

Step back in time at this excavated Roman villa. You can see amazing preserved mosaic floors, old coins, pottery, and tools that Romans used thousands of years ago.

Brighstone Village Museum

This museum shows what village life was like in the 19th century in Brighstone. It's a peek into the past of a local community.

Calbourne Water Mill

This is a working water mill from the 17th century. It also has small displays showing what rural life was like, including an old kitchen, dairy, and bakery.

Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle, a historic fortress.

Run by English Heritage, this historic motte-and-bailey castle is famous for being where Charles I of England was imprisoned. You can learn about the castle's history and Charles I.

Classic Boat Museum

The entrance to the Classic Boat Museum.

Discover the exciting history of boat building, sailing, yachting, and racing. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the sea!

Conflict, History and Remembrance Museum (C.H.A.R.M)

Also known as C.H.A.R.M, this museum displays military vehicles, equipment, uniforms, and weapons. It helps you understand conflicts and history.

Cowes Maritime Museum

The Cowes Library and Maritime Museum building.

Located inside Cowes Library, this museum features model boats and tells stories of the sea.

Dimbola Lodge

Dimbola Lodge, a historic photography museum.

This beautiful lodge was once the home of the famous Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. You can see her works and other photography exhibits here.

Dinosaur Expeditions, Conservation and Palaeoart Centre

Located in Brighstone, this centre is all about fossils and ancient life. It even has fun activities for children to learn about dinosaurs and palaeoart.

Dinosaur Isle

Life-sized dinosaur models at Dinosaur Isle.

Get up close with fossils and life-sized models of the dinosaurs that once roamed the Isle of Wight! It's an amazing journey back to prehistoric times.

East Cowes Heritage Centre

This centre, run by the Isle of Wight Society, focuses on the local history of East Cowes.

Ferguson Family Museum

This museum is dedicated to the inventor and engineer Harry Ferguson, known for his work in agriculture, aviation, and motor racing. You can visit by making an appointment.

Fort Victoria Model Railway

Located in Fort Victoria, this museum features an impressive model railroad layout. Train enthusiasts will love it!

Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum

Inside the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum.

See a collection of old buses and memorabilia, showing the history of public transport on the island.

Isle of Wight Natural History Centre

This centre, which may not always be open, has collections of shells, minerals, local fossils, and even dinosaur bones. It also features stuffed birds and animals, butterflies, and a small aquarium.

Isle of Wight Postal Museum

Explore the history of mail on the island with displays of old post boxes and postal equipment.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

A shop at Havenstreet railway station.

Enjoy a ride on a heritage railroad and visit the railway museum to see historic trains and learn about steam power.

Lilliput Antique Doll and Toy Museum

This charming museum in Brading is filled with dolls, toys, dolls' houses, rocking horses, tin plate toys, trains, and teddy bears from the past.

Museum of Island History

Learn all about the history and culture of the Isle of Wight, from ancient fossils to more recent times.

Needles Battery

The historic Needles Battery.

Run by the National Trust, this is a mid-19th-century military battery. You can explore its history and enjoy amazing views.

National Poo Museum

This unique mobile museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of faeces. It offers a surprising look at the natural world.

Newport Roman Villa

Newport Roman Villa with its preserved bath suite.

Explore a reconstructed Roman villa with a kitchen, garden, and a preserved bath suite that includes hypocaust underfloor heating.

Newtown Old Town Hall

Newtown Old Town Hall.

Managed by the National Trust, this 17th-century building was once the town hall. It has exhibits about local and island political history, plus changing art and photography displays.

Nunwell House

This Jacobean house is famous for being where Charles I of England spent his last night of freedom. It also has military collections and beautiful gardens.

Osborne House

Osborne House, a former royal residence.

Run by English Heritage, this was the former royal home built for Queen Victoria and designed by Prince Albert. Explore its grand interiors, gardens, and even a Swiss cottage.

Quay Arts Centre

The Quay Arts Centre.

This arts centre in Newport features exhibit galleries where you can see different types of art.

Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum

Discover diving equipment and amazing artifacts recovered from shipwrecks. The museum also has displays about lifeboats, smuggling, and fishing.

Sir Max Aitken Museum

Located in an 18th-century sail maker's loft, this museum houses nautical artifacts, marine paintings, and models.

St. Catherine's Lighthouse

St. Catherine's Lighthouse.

This 19th-century lighthouse is open for tours, offering a chance to learn about its important role in guiding ships.

Ventnor Heritage Museum

This museum shares the local history, culture, and antiques of Ventnor.

Wight Military and Heritage Museum

See tanks, artifacts, other vehicles, small arms, and uniforms from the 1940s to today at this military museum.

Yarmouth Castle

Yarmouth Castle.

Operated by English Heritage, this is one of Henry VIII of England's Device Forts. It has exhibits showing its use in the 16th century and stories of shipwrecks.

Past Museums

Some museums on the Isle of Wight have closed over time. These include:

Arreton Manor, which is no longer open to the public.
The Brading Experience, also known as the Isle of Wight Waxworks.
Dinosaur Farm Museum, which was in Brighstone.
Isle of Wight Coastal Visitors Centre, in Ventnor.
Sunken Secrets, which is now part of the Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum at Arreton.
Albany Steam Museum.