Moorlands CottageThings to do · Isle of Wight
Brighstone Forest
The island’s largest forest, stretched along the chalk ridge above the village, with ancient barrows and views to the sea.
Brighstone Forest is the largest forest on the Isle of Wight. It spreads along the hilly ridges that form the island’s backbone, from Chessell Down in the west to Idlecombe Down in the east, and is managed by Forestry England.
It is a short walk up from the village. Shady forest tracks open out onto the downs, and from the southern edge you look west along the coast and the Military Road. Ancient burial barrows lie on the outskirts of the forest, and part of the Tennyson Trail runs right through it.
The forest is popular with walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers, and is a good place to look out for wildlife at quieter times of day.
Places & routes
- 01
The Tennyson Trail
Follow the trail west across Brighstone and Mottistone Downs towards Freshwater, or east towards Carisbrooke.
Read more - 02
Mottistone Gardens & Estate
Gardens around a historic manor house just west of Brighstone, with paths up onto the downs.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk - 03
The Longstone
A Neolithic standing stone on the down above Mottistone, and one of the island’s recommended stargazing spots.
Visit visitisleofwight.co.uk