Wight Water

Rushing down from the downs above Shanklin, this natural spring has been drawing visitors for centuries - though these days it's more about the bottles than the blessings. Wight Water operates from this source, tapping into the island's pure chalk-filtered aquifer that's been naturally filtered for decades underground.

The spring itself sits in a lovely wooded setting just outside Shanklin, where you can see the crystal-clear water bubbling up from the chalk bedrock. It's a proper working operation rather than a tourist attraction, so don't expect guided tours or gift shops. What you get is a glimpse into how the island's famous spring water makes its way from source to bottle.

Families staying at nearby Parkdean Resorts Landguard or Lower Hyde Holiday Parks will find it makes a nice short detour if you're already exploring the area around Shanklin. The kids might be fascinated for ten minutes watching the bubbling springs, though it's hardly an all-day affair.

Best combined with a walk through the surrounding countryside or a trip into Shanklin itself. The spring runs year-round, but spring and summer obviously offer better conditions for a countryside ramble. It's free to look at from the public footpath, and you'll have done the full experience in about twenty minutes unless you're particularly keen on geology.