a picturesque row of old and thatched buildings, which include cottages, the Post Office and Brighstone Museum. Brighstone Community Library has taken over the National Trust premises, giving access to the museum, with information available about the National Trust, as well as other local places of interest. The library is run entirely by volunteers, with help from the Community Council.

Open all year. Tue, 9am – 12.30pm; Thu, 1.30-4pm; Sat, 10am – 4pm. Free admission. 

and Island history.

There’s a gift shop and tea room on-site.  

Saved from the bulldozers literally at the last minute, Dimbola has since been described as an ‘unexpected delight’ and the ‘best kept secret on the Isle of Wight’. Now known as Dimbola Museum and Galleries, there is a lot to see and do, from a permanent exhibition of Julia Margaret Cameron’s life and work, to a changing programme of contemporary photography from around the world, not forgetting an exhibition showcasing the history of the Isle of Wight music festival. There is also the delightful ‘Mad Hatter at Julia’s Tearoom’, and a new museum shop.

Open: Apr – Oct, 7 days a week, 10am-5pm; Nov – Mar, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. Adults: £4; NUS card-holders: £3.50; children under 16, friends of the JMCT and holders of National Art Passes: free.

purpose-built dinosaur attraction. It’s a unique destination, where you walk back through a fossilised time tunnel to the period of the dinosaurs, 120 million years ago. In this all-weather attraction you’ll find life-sized models of the Island’s famous five dinosaurs, including an animatronic Neovenator. There is a large collection of fossils, a fossil-identification service and the chance to speak to experienced paleontologists. Guided fossil hunts (which need to be pre-booked) run throughout the summer, and have proved an extremely popular addition to a visit.

Open Apr – Aug, 10am-6pm; Sep – Oct, 10am-5pm; Nov - Mar, 10am-4pm. Adults: £5; children: £3.70; concessions: £4; family tickets (two adults, two children): £16. Last admission is one hour before close.

fascinating artefacts from around the Solent, wreck dive video footage and interactive games all situated at Fort Victoria Country Park – the perfect location for a day out, come rain or shine. Hear about the ships that have been claimed by the treacherous seas around the Island; learn how maritime archaeologists do their job; find out about a recently uncovered lost land beneath the Solent; and discover the intriguing history of Fort Victoria and the soldiers who served there.

Please see website for opening times and prices.