Car Hire Brading

Brading, home to 1,906 residents, sits perfectly positioned on the Isle of Wight’s eastern edge, accessible via the A3055 from Sandown and the B3330 from Ryde. You’ll find the climate remains mild year-round, with warm summers averaging 20°C and gentle winters rarely dropping below 5°C, making any season ideal for exploration. We recommend layering clothing throughout the year – lightweight breathable fabrics during summer months prove essential for outdoor activities, while waterproof jackets become invaluable during unpredictable island showers. Sturdy walking boots serve you well across Brading’s diverse terrain, from ancient cobbled streets to challenging downland paths, ensuring comfortable exploration whatever the weather brings.

Attractions In Brading

From Roman archaeological treasures to breathtaking downland vistas, Brading offers you an exceptional blend of historical significance and natural beauty.

Brading Roman Villa

Morton Old Road hosts one of Britain’s finest Roman archaeological sites, where you can step back nearly 2,000 years. The villa operates from 10 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon Tuesday through Saturday, showcasing remarkable mosaics and fascinating artefacts. With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,100 visitors, this attraction consistently delivers exceptional experiences alongside its delightful tea rooms and gift shop.

Brading Down Local Nature Reserve

Open around the clock, this expansive downland sanctuary on Brading Down Road offers you unparalleled 360-degree views across the island. We particularly recommend the sunrise visits when morning mist creates ethereal landscapes below. The reserve attracts countless walkers and nature enthusiasts, with ice cream vans often positioned at the summit during warmer months providing welcome refreshments.

Brading Marsh

The RSPB’s first Isle of Wight nature reserve welcomes visitors from 6 AM to 8 PM during summer months. Located on reclaimed harbour land, you’ll discover diverse wildlife including reed warblers and water voles amongst lagoons and meadows. We suggest bringing binoculars for optimal bird watching, especially during spring migration when rare species frequently appear.

The Lilliput Doll & Toy Museum

High Street’s charming museum houses an extraordinary collection spanning centuries of childhood treasures. You’ll encounter Victorian dolls, antique teddies and fascinating toys that captivate visitors of all ages. The quality exhibits trace toy-making evolution from the early 19th century, creating nostalgic journeys that surprise many visitors expecting simple doll displays.

Nunwell House

Nunwell House is a magnificent historic country house near Brading, which has been the seat of the Oglander family for over 450 years. Parts of this impressive residence date back to the 16th century and it holds deep connections to the Isle of Wight’s history, notably its Royalist stance during the Civil War. While remaining a private home, the property and its beautiful gardens are opened on select occasions, offering visitors a privileged glimpse into this enduring local dynasty.

Nearby destinations easily accessible by car include

• Sandown
• Shanklin
• Newport
• Yarmouth

Brading Down Lookout Point

The Brading Down Lookout Point offers arguably the most spectacular panoramic views on the eastern side of the Isle of Wight. Located on the scenic chalk downland above the town, the vantage point commands sweeping vistas across Sandown Bay, the Solent and the surrounding fields. It is a highly popular, accessible destination for walkers and photographers, providing a quiet spot to appreciate the island’s unique and varied landscape.

Rectory Mansion

The historic 13th-century building at 46-48 High Street operates daily from 10 AM to 5 PM except Sundays. You can explore multiple small businesses housed within this architectural gem, discovering unusual gifts and retro treasures. We recommend allowing extra time to appreciate the building’s medieval features while browsing the eclectic shops that call this landmark home.

Brading Bull Ring

The Brading Bull Ring marks the sombre historic site in the High Street where the cruel practice of bull-baiting was once a public spectacle. Though the practice was outlawed in 1835, the location is still marked by an original iron ring set into the ground near the old town hall. Also, there is a statue of a giant bull you surely won’t miss. It serves as a rare, tangible and slightly chilling reminder of the harsh public customs and historical governance that once defined village life.

The Sea Mark

The Sea Mark is a prominent, historic stone obelisk located atop Ashey Down along Brading Down Road, serving as a key navigational aid for centuries. This distinctive Grade II listed structure was erected to function as a fixed daymark for vessels sailing in the eastern Solent, helping them safely navigate into local ports. It stands as a unique cultural landmark, linking the island’s highest ground directly to its maritime history.

Brading Station

Station Road hosts this delightfully preserved railway station where enthusiasts can explore authentic Victorian railway heritage. George’s expertly restored signal box demonstrates traditional signalling procedures that once controlled train movements. Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday visits from 10 AM to 4 PM reveal fascinating insights into island transportation history.

Ye Olde Pound

Ye Olde Pound is a delightful and perfectly preserved example of a traditional village lock-up, situated in the heart of historic Brading. This small, walled enclosure was historically used by the parish constable to detain stray livestock, such as cattle or sheep, until the owner could pay a fine for their release. It remains a fascinating and rare piece of physical heritage, illustrating the specific methods of local governance in agricultural communities.