Quarr Abbey Ruins (No Public Access)

Standing on private land near Ryde, these medieval abbey remains are tantalisingly out of reach for ordinary visitors. The ruins date back to the 12th century when Cistercian monks established their monastery here, but don't plan your day around seeing them up close - access is strictly prohibited.

What makes this particularly frustrating is that glimpses of the crumbling walls and arches are visible from public footpaths that skirt the estate boundary. History enthusiasts might catch sight of the old stonework through gaps in the hedgerow, but that's about as good as it gets. The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536, leaving behind fragments that have since become a private curiosity rather than a public attraction.

Families staying at nearby parks like Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat or Springfield Oaks Camping would be better off exploring the island's more accessible heritage sites. The ruins serve as little more than a historical footnote for walkers who happen to pass by on coastal paths.

If medieval ruins are what you're after, head to Carisbrooke Castle instead where you can actually walk among the remains and climb the ramparts. These Quarr Abbey ruins are essentially a no-go zone that will leave you peering through foliage feeling rather short-changed.