Carisbrooke Priory

Standing stones and crumbling walls are all that remain of this 12th-century Augustinian priory, just a short walk from Newport's centre. What's left isn't much to look at - a few foundation stones and part of the old gatehouse - but it's the sort of place that makes history buffs go a bit misty-eyed.

Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming. There's not much to actually see beyond some weathered masonry, and the site lacks the drama of nearby Carisbrooke Castle. That said, it's free to wander around and makes for a pleasant ten-minute diversion if you're already exploring the area.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the connection to the island's medieval past, when this was home to a small community of canons. The priory was dissolved by Henry VIII, like so many others, and the stones were carted off for other building projects. What remains gives you a sense of the original layout, though you'll need a good imagination to picture it in its heyday.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay or camping at Springfield Oaks, it's worth combining with a trip into Newport for supplies. Don't make a special journey just for this, but it's a nice enough spot for a brief historical pause.