Ventnor Rugby Club

Grass stains and muddy boots tell the story at this proper community rugby club on the edge of the south coast. Ventnor Rugby Club sits just inland from the Victorian seaside town, where local lads and weekend warriors gather to bash about on Saturday afternoons during the season. The clubhouse has that authentic feel you only get at grassroots level - think post-match pints and tales that get taller with each telling.

Rugby families will appreciate watching from the sidelines while kids run about safely nearby. The atmosphere's particularly good during local derbies when half the town seems to turn up. Outside the playing season, the club sometimes hosts other community events, though you'd need to check locally what's on.

It's not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, but if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Appuldurcombe Gardens or Lower Hyde, catching a match gives you a proper slice of island life. The club's just a short drive from central Ventnor, making it easy to combine with a day exploring the town's Victorian terraces and coastal walks. Timing matters though - turn up midweek and you'll likely find empty pitches and locked gates.