Free Museums in Isle of Wight

"At the Art Deco Civic Centre complex, the Southampton City Art Gallery was established in 1939. The gallery holds a ” Designated Collection”, considered one of the strongest in the South of England, made up of 5,000 works spanning eight centuries. The bulk of these pieces are by luminaries of 20th-century and contemporary British painting, sculpture and photography, like members of the Camden Town Group and the London Group, as well as Richard Long, Tony Cragg and Richard Deacon."

"A short distance north of the landing stage for ferries to the Isle of Wight, in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, visitors can find the gateway to the old docks and the site of Lord Nelson's famous flagship. Built in 1765, the magnificent 197-foot-long HMS Victory - along with its five decks and 104 cannons - has been beautifully restored to its former glory. In his hour of victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, barely 20 minutes after he'd penetrated the French lines, Nelson was fatally wounded and died aboard his legendary ship."

"As resplendent as she is venerable, HMS Victory was Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) and the site of his famous dying words 'Kiss me, Hardy', after victory over the French had been secured. This remarkable ship is topped by a forest of ropes and masts, and weighted by a swollen belly filled with cannons and paraphernalia for an 850-strong crew. Clambering through the low-beamed decks and crew's quarters is an evocative experience."

"HMS Victory is located right next to the Mary Rose Museum, towards the back of the dockyard. These are two things you definitely won’t want to miss on your visit here. If, however, you choose to prioritise other sights, I’d still advise you to pop along to take a look at Victory from the outside."

"This vessel was the first armour-plated, iron hulled warship to be constructed in this country, and was launched in 1860. A visit is recommended, as it gives an interesting comparison to HMS Victory, constructed totally from timber. It is also possible to see how conditions for the crew had changed since the time of Nelson."

"The pride of Queen Victoria’s naval fleet, the Warrior is the first iron hulled, armored warship that takes a place of pride at the Portsmouth dockyard. HMS Warrior was said to be the fastest and sleekest ship running on steam and sail. It is truly fascinating to see this huge vessel restored in all its glory."

"A second warship that you can discover more about is HMS Warrior 1860. You can see this impressive ship moored at the dockyard’s entrance. As its name suggests, the ship was launched in 1860 during the reign of Queen Victoria."

"Enjoy some free time in Cowes then head south to Carisbrooke Castle returning south via the idyllic villages of Brighstone and Mottistone with arrival back at the hotel in plenty of time for dinner at the hotel. DAY 5 (BB) - Breakfast followed by a morning departure from the hotel. Our routing back to Cowes takes you across country through Newchurch. Your drive takes you past Osbourne House, former home to Queen Victoria."

"We’re going to head to the centre of the Island now, and visit the impressive 12th century Carisbrooke Castle. This was the primary defensive fortification on the islands for hundreds of years, fending off the French in the 14th century and being the prison of King Charles I for fourteen months prior to his execution in 1649."